Moving to Spain
Moving to Spain as a non-EU citizen
An overview of the visa and residency process for non-EU citizens, and where to find the details for your specific route.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15Visa processing times vary significantly by route and consulate, commonly ranging from a few weeks to a few months — apply as early as your specific route allows.
This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.
Overview
Non-EU citizens generally need a visa arranged before travelling to Spain, chosen from several routes depending on your purpose — work, study, retirement, or other grounds. This guide gives you the overall shape of the process; each route has its own detailed requirements.
Requirements
- Applies to citizens of countries outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland
Step-by-step process
- Identify which visa category matches your situation — common routes include the Work Visa, the Non-Lucrative Visa (for those with sufficient passive income who won't work in Spain), the Student Visa, the Digital Nomad Visa, the Entrepreneur Visa, and the Family Reunification Visa
- Apply at the Spanish consulate covering your place of residence, generally before travelling — most non-EU routes require the visa to be approved before entry, not after
- Once approved and in Spain, apply for your TIE (foreigner identity card) within the required window, generally the first month after entry
- Register your address (empadronamiento) and complete any category-specific steps (Social Security registration if working, healthcare registration, and so on)
Required documents
- Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
- Visa application form and category-specific supporting documents (proof of funds, employment contract, university enrolment, etc., depending on route)
- Criminal record certificate and medical certificate, for most routes
Common mistakes
- Travelling to Spain before your visa is approved, assuming you can sort it out on arrival — most non-EU routes require pre-approval
- Missing the TIE application window after entering Spain, which is generally required within the first month for most residency categories
Practical tips
- Requirements and processing times can vary meaningfully between Spanish consulates in different countries — always check your specific consulate's current requirements rather than a generic list
- Start gathering supporting documents (proof of funds, criminal record certificate, medical certificate) as early as possible, since some have limited validity windows
How Tuchati can help
Choosing the right visa category and preparing route-specific documentation can be confusing. Tuchati can help you understand which route fits your situation and what you'll specifically need.