Choosing the right Spanish visa, explained in plain English.
Retiring on the coast, working remotely from Valencia, studying in Barcelona, or joining family already here? Each route has its own criteria, paperwork and health insurance obligations. Here is how the main options compare.
Choosing the right visa is the most important first step of your move
Spain continues to be one of the world's most popular destinations for expats, retirees, students, remote workers and professionals seeking a new lifestyle. Each Spanish visa has its own eligibility criteria, documentation requirements and health insurance obligations. While regulations can change, understanding the main categories will help you work out which route may suit your circumstances.
The most common Spanish visa types
Seven routes cover the vast majority of expat moves to Spain. Find the one that matches your situation, then confirm the final detail with a legal professional.
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
For retirees and financially independent people who want to live in Spain without working. You must show sufficient financial resources to support yourself without taking employment or running a business here.
- No employment or self-employment permitted
- Usually one year initially, then renewable
- Permanent residency possible after five years
- Spouse and dependent children usually included
- Clean criminal record and private health insurance required
Digital Nomad (Telework) Visa
Introduced to attract remote professionals working for employers or clients outside Spain. It has quickly become one of the most popular routes for Americans, Canadians, British citizens and other non-EU nationals.
- Remote employees, freelancers, consultants, online business owners
- Work must be primarily outside Spain
- Initial authorization with renewal opportunities
- Family can usually accompany the main applicant
- Proof of employment, sufficient income and private health insurance
Student Visa
For stays of more than 90 days to undertake studies, professional training, research, internships or certain volunteer programmes.
- Acceptance from an approved educational institution
- Evidence of sufficient financial means
- Appropriate health insurance
- Extra documentation depending on the programme
Family Reunification
Several family based routes exist. Which one applies depends primarily on the immigration status of the family member already living in Spain.
- Family members of Spanish citizens
- Reunification with non-EU residents legally living in Spain
- Family of EU or EEA citizens exercising free movement rights
Employee Visa
For applicants who already hold a qualifying job offer from a Spanish employer. This differs significantly from the Digital Nomad Visa because the employment is with a Spanish company rather than a foreign one.
- Valid employment contract
- Employer authorization where applicable
- Medical certificate and criminal record certificate
Entrepreneur Visa
For individuals launching innovative business projects that provide significant economic value to Spain. Intended for founders creating businesses here, rather than remote workers serving overseas clients.
- Assessed on innovation and economic impact
- Job creation and investment considered
- Business viability must be demonstrated
Researcher Visa
For researchers, academics and innovation professionals participating in approved research, scientific or innovation activities with Spanish universities or research institutions.
- Requirements vary by sponsoring institution
- Depends on the nature of the research project
Three family situations, three different rulebooks
Because these routes are governed by different legislation, the documentation requirements differ considerably.
Family of a Spanish citizen
Applicants joining a Spanish citizen will generally need:
- Medical certificate
- Comprehensive health coverage
- Additional family relationship documentation
Reunification with a non-EU resident
Applicants joining a legally resident non-EU national will generally require:
- Medical certificate
- Comprehensive health coverage
- Approval of the family reunification process
Family of an EU or EEA citizen
This route falls under EU free movement legislation. In many cases:
- A medical certificate is not required
- Appropriate healthcare coverage is still necessary
| Visa route | Medical certificate | Health insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Family of Spanish citizen | Yes | Usually required |
| Family reunification (non-EU resident) | Yes | Usually required |
| Family of EU citizen | No | Health coverage required |
Health insurance is a key part of many visa applications
One of the most commonly overlooked aspects of applying for a Spanish visa. Several long stay visas, including the Non-Lucrative and Digital Nomad visas, normally require comprehensive private health insurance covering you throughout Spain.
What you may need to submit
- Proof of comprehensive private health insurance
- A medical certificate confirming you do not suffer from diseases that could have serious public health repercussions under the International Health Regulations (2005)
Because insurance requirements differ between visa categories, choose a policy that satisfies the specific requirements of your visa and the consulate where you apply.
See Our Spain Health Insurance GuideCan Non-Lucrative Visa holders use Spain's public healthcare?
Not automatically. If you move to Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa and have never worked or paid into the Spanish Social Security system, you generally will not be entitled to public healthcare simply because you have become a resident. This is one of the reasons Spain requires comprehensive private health insurance for many long stay applications.
You may be eligible for public healthcare if you:
- Work in Spain as an employee or become self-employed (autónomo) and contribute to Spanish Social Security
- Receive a state pension from an EU or EEA country, the United Kingdom or Switzerland, and register an S1 certificate in Spain
- Qualify through another legal entitlement under Spanish Social Security rules
A paid route into public healthcare after one year
Expats who have lived legally in Spain for at least one year, and who are not otherwise entitled to public healthcare, may be able to join the Convenio Especial. It is a voluntary agreement with the Spanish public system that grants access in exchange for a monthly fee.
Unlike many private policies, the Convenio Especial generally accepts applicants regardless of pre-existing medical conditions.
Should you keep private health insurance anyway?
Many expats do, even after becoming eligible for public healthcare. Private cover often provides:
- Faster access to specialists
- Shorter waiting times for consultations and diagnostic tests
- Access to a wide network of private hospitals and clinics
- English speaking doctors and customer support
- Coverage that satisfies immigration requirements at renewal
Every situation is different. Confirm the healthcare requirements that apply to your visa category and personal circumstances before making decisions about insurance or public healthcare eligibility.
Which visa is right for you?
The right route depends entirely on your circumstances. Find your situation on the left.
Finding a good Spain immigration lawyer is vital
Sound advice from a skilled Spanish immigration lawyer can mean the difference between a smooth process and a frustrating ordeal. Spain has plenty of immigration lawyers. The real challenge is finding one who understands the nuances of your specific case, whether that is a digital nomad visa or another need, and speaks fluent English.
Book a consultation with GuiriGuru and we will connect you with the Spanish immigration lawyer who best fits your case. We also assist with translation, from scheduling appointments and translating documents through to live in person or conference call interpreting.
The Expat's Guide to Spanish Visas & Immigration
Every visa route on this page in one downloadable PDF, with the health insurance rules and the healthcare options that follow your move. Keep it on your phone while you gather paperwork.
- All 7 visa routes with eligibility and documentation at a glance
- Family reunification compared across the three situations
- Health insurance and medical certificate requirements by route
- Plus public vs private healthcare and the Convenio Especial explained
Spain immigration articles
New articles in our Spain Immigration Tips series appear here automatically as soon as we publish them.
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