Residency in Spain: Your Options
Spain offers several pathways to legal residency, depending on your nationality, financial situation, and whether you plan to work. Understanding which route applies to you is the first step in a smooth relocation. This guide covers the main options for both EU and non-EU citizens.
EU Citizens: Registration and the Green Certificate
As an EU citizen (including Dutch nationals), you have the right to live and work in Spain without a visa. However, if you stay longer than 90 days, you must register. The process is straightforward:
- Obtain your NIE number at the police station or foreigners' office
- Register on the padron (municipal census) at your local town hall
- Apply for the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Union at the foreigners' office
The green certificate (certificado verde) is your proof of legal residency. You need it for everything: opening bank accounts, signing contracts, accessing public healthcare, and more.
Requirements for EU Registration
You must prove one of the following:
- Employment in Spain (work contract)
- Self-employment (registration as autonomo)
- Sufficient financial resources and health insurance (for non-workers)
- Enrollment in a recognized educational institution
The financial threshold for non-workers is modest, roughly €600 per month plus valid health insurance.
Non-EU Citizens: Visa Options
Non-EU nationals need a visa and residence permit. The main categories are:
- Non-lucrative visa: for financially independent individuals who will not work in Spain
- Work visa: sponsored by a Spanish employer
- Digital nomad visa: for remote workers employed outside Spain
- Golden Visa: for investors purchasing property worth €500,000+
- Student visa: for enrolled students, with limited work rights
- Family reunification: joining a family member legally resident in Spain
The TIE Card
All non-EU residents must obtain a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days of arrival. This credit-card-sized document is your residence permit. You apply at the immigration office (Oficina de Extranjeria) with your visa, padron certificate, passport photos, and the fee form (Tasa 790).
Permanent Residency
After five years of continuous legal residency, both EU and non-EU citizens can apply for permanent residency. This removes most restrictions and gives you the right to stay indefinitely. You must not have been absent from Spain for more than six months in any single year, or ten months total during the five-year period.
Costs Overview
- NIE application: approximately €12
- EU registration certificate: approximately €12
- TIE card (non-EU): approximately €16
- Padron registration: free
- Legal assistance (optional but recommended): €500-2,000
Use our free calculator to estimate your total costs for your move to Spain, including all administrative fees.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not assume you can handle everything without an NIE. Get it first. Do not forget to register on the padron. Many services require it. Do not let your documents expire. Renewal applications must be submitted before the current permit expires, ideally 60 days in advance.