Spain offers 15 visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals. This page compares all available routes side by side with current requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Visa Programme | Min. Income | Savings | Processing | Difficulty | Family |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Visa | N/A | €500,000 | 50-87d | 8/10 | Yes |
| Non-Lucrative Residency | €28,800/mo | N/A | 120-210d | 3/10 | Yes |
| Digital Nomad Visa | €28,416/mo | N/A | 50-87d | 4/10 | Yes |
| Employee Work Visa | N/A | N/A | 30-60d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Entrepreneur/Startup Visa | N/A | €31,752 | 30-60d | 6/10 | Yes |
| EU Blue Card | €3,333/mo | N/A | 30-60d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Family Reunification Visa | €7,200/mo | N/A | 30-60d | 4/10 | Yes |
| Intra-Company Transfer Visa (ICT) | N/A | N/A | 30-60d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Job Seeker Visa | N/A | N/A | 30-60d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Non-Lucrative Visa | €2,400/mo | N/A | 30-60d | 3/10 | Yes |
| Self-Employed Visa | N/A | N/A | 30-60d | 5/10 | Yes |
| Highly Qualified Professional Visa | N/A | N/A | 20-40d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| Employee Work Visa (Cuenta Ajena) | €1,184/mo | N/A | 30-90d | 5.0/10 | Yes |
| Self-Employment Visa (Cuenta Propia) | €7,200/mo | €20,000 | 60-120d | 6.5/10 | Yes |
| Student Visa | €600/mo | €10,800 | 30-90d | 5.5/10 | Yes |
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Get Deep Dive — €19Frequently Asked Questions
How many visa pathways does Spain offer?
Spain offers 15 distinct visa and residency pathways for foreign nationals, including skilled worker, family, investor, and other categories.
What is the easiest visa to get for Spain?
The easiest pathway depends on your profile. Working holiday visas (if available) have the lowest barriers. For professionals, employer-sponsored visas are the most common route.
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Spain?
The path to permanent residency in Spain typically takes 2-5 years depending on the visa category. Some skilled worker pathways offer faster PR routes.
Can I bring my family to Spain?
Most long-term visa categories in Spain allow family reunification for spouses and dependent children, though specific requirements vary by pathway.
Do I need a job offer to move to Spain?
Not all pathways require a job offer. Spain may offer self-employment, investment, digital nomad, or points-based pathways that don't require employer sponsorship.
Related: Spain Guide · Cost of Living · All Countries