Spain offers various residency visas catering to different needs, including work, study, family reunification, and investment. Understanding the types of visas available is crucial for anyone considering moving to Spain. Below is a detailed overview of the main categories of residency visas in Spain.

Work Visas

To work legally in Spain, foreign nationals typically require a work visa. There are several types of work visas:

1. General Work Visa: This visa is for individuals who have secured a job offer from a Spanish employer. The employer must demonstrate that no suitable candidates were found within the EU before hiring a non-EU citizen.
2. Highly Skilled Worker Visa: This is aimed at professionals with advanced qualifications or skills in high-demand sectors. Applicants must meet specific salary thresholds and possess relevant degrees or experience.
3. Intra-Company Transfer Visa: This allows employees of multinational companies to transfer to their Spanish branches. It requires proof of employment and the company’s status.
4. Seasonal Work Visa: For temporary jobs, particularly in agriculture or tourism, this visa allows foreign workers to stay for up to nine months.

Student Visas

Foreign students wishing to study in Spain for more than 90 days need a student visa:

1. Student Residence Visa: This visa permits students to reside in Spain while enrolled in an accredited educational institution. It can be renewed annually as long as the student remains enrolled.
2. Internship Visa: For students who wish to undertake internships as part of their studies, this visa allows them to gain practical experience while residing in Spain.

Family Reunification Visas

Family reunification visas allow non-EU citizens living in Spain to bring family members into the country:

Family Reunification Visa: This applies to spouses, children under 18, and dependent parents of legal residents or citizens of Spain. The applicant must prove sufficient financial means and adequate housing.

Golden Visa (Investor Visa)

The Golden Visa program is designed for non-EU nationals who invest significantly in Spain:

1. Real Estate Investment Visa: To qualify, applicants must invest at least €500,000 in real estate properties in Spain. This visa grants residency rights and can lead to permanent residency after five years.
2. Business Investment Visa: Individuals investing at least €1 million in Spanish businesses or creating jobs may also qualify for this type of visa.

Non-Lucrative Residence Visa

This visa is intended for individuals who wish to live in Spain without engaging in any professional activity:

Non-Lucrative Residence Permit: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources and private health insurance coverage. This permit is often sought by retirees or those with independent means.

Long-Term Residency

After residing legally in Spain for five years on any valid residence permit, individuals may apply for long-term residency:

Long-Term Residence Permit: This permit allows individuals to live and work indefinitely within Spain and provides similar rights as Spanish citizens regarding social security benefits.

Each type of residency visa has specific requirements regarding documentation, application processes, and validity periods that applicants must carefully follow.

In summary, obtaining a residency visa for Spain involves understanding the specific category that aligns with one’s purpose—be it work, study, family reunification, investment, or retirement—and meeting all necessary criteria set forth by Spanish immigration authorities.

For more enquiries on a Spain residency visa, book a consultation with a consultant with e-lhr