Moving to Spain will give you the opportunity to live in a sunny southern country on the Iberian Peninsula, which, according to Numbeo, is one of the top 20 countries in the world with a high quality of life. The country has an excellent health care and education system, the prospect of finding a high-paying job or taking your business to an international level. The country is a member of the European Union and NATO, attracts foreigners with its strong economic potential and affordable prices for living.

The Kingdom of Spain has a loyal immigration policy, including allowing self-supporting people, digital nomads, investors and real estate buyers to move to its territory. As an exception, residence permit is granted here even to illegal migrants, provided that they are sustainably integrated into society. The state is also famous for its excellent climatic conditions, abundance of places for recreation and entertainment, clean ecology and developed infrastructure.

Reasons to choose Spain for relocation

It is worth moving to Spain to improve your standard of living – the country’s personal rating, according to Numbeo, is 184 points, which corresponds to a rating of “very high”. The kingdom also received a large number of points in the criteria of “Health”, “Climate” and “Safety”. In the world index of quality of life Spain is ahead of, for example, the UAE, Canada, Great Britain, Israel, its nearest neighbors – Portugal and France. The main advantages of immigrating here include the following:

• High purchasing power of the population.
  With an average salary of 1800 EUR (after tax), a person needs about 700 EUR per month to live in Spain. This amount includes the purchase of food and clothing, payment of utilities, transportation and household expenses, and periodic entertainment. Even taking into account the rent, an average resident has enough income to live comfortably without applying for loans or social assistance.
• Comfortable living conditions.
  In the world rating Legatum Prosperity Index Spain ranks 13th out of 167 in terms of infrastructure development. Even small towns have everything necessary for life – supermarkets, clinics, pharmacies, veterinary hospitals. Public transportation is well developed, there are international and domestic lines. The southern part of Spain is a popular world resorts with long beach lines, direct access to the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.
• Prospects for improved prosperity.
  Spain is one of the countries with a high level of labor remuneration, ahead of most of the countries of Eastern and Central Europe. The tourism, retail, service, and light industry sectors are particularly developed here, making it easy for small and medium-sized businesses to find their niche. Entrepreneurs can count on participation in European Union grant programs, including support for start-ups.
• Social component.
  Moving to Spain gives you the opportunity to use the services of developed and modern medicine at no extra cost (due to insurance policy). As a legal resident of the country, you can apply to the state authorities for financial support, expect to receive prestigious higher education, protection of personal rights and freedoms, service in reliable banks throughout the kingdom.
• Adaptation is easy enough.
  The Spanish are a very friendly and hospitable people, so natives and foreigners are treated equally well here. The national language is peculiar, however, according to the feedback of people who have moved here, you can master it in just 2-3 years of active learning and use. Even living in the country as a resident, you get most of the rights of local citizens, which makes it easy to get a job or develop a business without any difficulties.

Our international law specialists will help you to understand the peculiarities of moving to Spain. They will explain in detail the pros and cons of different immigration programs, make a personal action plan and help you stay in the kingdom for permanent residence without large investments. Learn more by signing up for a free legal consultation.

Main stages of moving to Spain

To emigrate from other countries to Spain, you need to find a reason that gives you the right to stay in the kingdom for a long time and get a local residence permit. Then you gather the necessary dossier, open a national visa, move and apply for a residence card. The procedure requires careful preparation, patience, and funds to pay government fees and other expenses.

Choosing the grounds for relocation

Spain is one of the few European countries that provides sample opportunities for immigrants. For example, here you can get a residence permit for the purchase of real estate for the amount of 500 000 EUR or more. You have the right to purchase a residential house or apartment (including for rent), as well as a commercial object such as an office or hotel.

The right to reside in the kingdom is granted to those who can support themselves without working or doing business in the territory. You must receive per month from 400% of the local subsistence minimum, that is 2400 EUR as of 2025 – the funds may come in the form of pensions, dividends or income from remote work outside of Spain. Residence permit is also granted to investors who are ready to invest in the state economy from a million euros or place the required amount on deposit in a local bank.

It is also possible to move to Spain on any of the following grounds:

• being employed by a local company or self-employed;
• receiving education at a university, college or institute;
• starting a business that is useful to the national economy;
• reuniting with family, such as a spouse, parent or child;
• obtaining humanitarian status, including refugee status;
• having Spanish roots and documenting them;
• completion of an internship or advanced training course;
• internal transfer or extended business trip;
• professional activities, such as participation in scientific research.

Not all methods of moving to Spain offer the possibility of obtaining a local residence permit and passport in the long term. Some residence permits, for example for domestic helpers or seasonal work, are granted for a short period of time and are not renewable. This should be taken into account if you want to stay in the kingdom permanently.

Preparing the necessary documents and applying

To move to Spain, you need to prepare a dossier for a visa and a residence permit. The general list of documents looks like this:

• passport for travel abroad (original and color photocopies);
• a recent passport-size photo (size 3.5 x 4.5 cm);
• civil status certificates (birth, marriage/divorce);
• criminal record certificate from your country of residence;
• EU medical insurance policy;
• a doctor’s certificate of satisfactory health condition;
• receipt for payment of the administrative fee;
• proof of a source of funds for self-support;
• information about the place of accommodation in the Kingdom;
• proof of the reason for immigration, such as proof of purchase of real estate or a bank statement.

In addition to the general dossier, additional documents may be required – it depends on the program of emigration from another country to Spain. For example, a work residence permit is granted to those who can prove their work experience and/or education in their specialty. Foreign investors are usually subject to a security check, which includes proof of the legality of the funds invested.

To immigrate to Spain, you first open a national visa by contacting a diplomatic mission. Upon arrival in the kingdom, you will need to register your residence and obtain a residence permit from the police or migration service.

Cost and terms of immigration

An application for a long-term visa to move to Spain is usually processed at the consulate/embassy for up to 1-2 months. This period may be extended if additional documents or new information is required from the immigrant. Upon arrival in the kingdom, it is necessary to apply for a resident card, which is produced within a few weeks (the exact time depends on the workload of the authorized body). It is also important to allocate time for collecting documents, organizing the move, sending personal belongings. In total, immigration usually takes at least 3-4 months.

Opening a national visa to Spain will cost you 90 EUR. Another 11 to 38 EUR is the consideration of a request for a residence permit. The resident card itself is paid at the rate of 3.27 EUR. In addition, you will need to allocate funds for the assistance of a notary, translator, lawyers. The final cost of moving depends on the reason for which you plan to legalize your stay in Spain. For example, in the case of investment, buying real estate or business immigration will have to part with a substantial amount.

Visa and migration peculiarities

Spain issues Schengen visas, but they are not suitable for those who want to immigrate for a long time. With such a document you can stay in the kingdom for a maximum of 90 days within six months, and in this period are counted days of stay in other territories of the Schengen zone. To legally move to Spain, you need to obtain a national visa category D. It is issued on the same basis as the subsequent residence permit, for example, for study, work, investment, business, self-employment and so on.

To go to Spain for a long period of time (more than three months), you apply for a D visa at the consulate/embassy of the kingdom in your country. You need to make an appointment in advance, submit a dossier, pay the state duty and leave your passport. In response, you will receive a receipt with a personalized number, by which you can track the progress of the case. If the request is approved, your passport with a visa sticker is returned to you personally within 1-2 months.

Moving and obtaining a residence card

Usually, a long-term Spanish visa is valid for 3 months if you plan to obtain a residence permit. During this period, you must move to the Kingdom and register at your place of residence (for example, in rented/purchased accommodation or with relatives in the case of family reunification).

You will have 30 days from the moment you cross the national border to apply for a Spanish temporary resident card. You collect the documents, pay the administrative fee, make an appointment at the immigration office or police station in your province and submit the application. When ready, you will be issued a residence permit for further residence in the country.

Conditions for obtaining a permanent residence

After five years of continuous residence in Spain, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. Some relocation programs allow you to immediately obtain permanent residency without opening and living in the kingdom with a residence permit. This applies to Spaniards by origin, recognized refugees and those who have significant merits to the state. There are no special requirements for obtaining a residence permit – it is enough to have no criminal records and not to pose a threat to local society. Permanent residency is granted without knowledge of the Spanish language and demonstration of income level.

Entry into Spanish citizenship

You can apply for a Spanish passport after 10 years of lawful permanent residence in Spain. Standard naturalization involves passing language and integration exams, providing income information and renouncing your previous citizenship. As a Spanish citizen, you receive rights and opportunities appropriate to your status, including visa-free travel to more than 160 countries around the world.

Life in Spain: reviews and practical information

Move to Spain should only be familiarized in advance with the peculiarities of the mentality of locals and labor market offers. Take into account that the population of the country is reluctant to communicate in English. Before immigration for a comfortable stay it is worth learning Spanish at least to level A2.

Unemployment in Spain is quite high – its level reached 11.6% in 2025. Before moving, you should determine the sources of livelihood, if you do not work remotely or do not receive passive income. You can consider business immigration, for example, opening a company in trade or tourism, which are the most in demand in the kingdom.

Economically active foreigners usually choose large cities in Spain to move. Due to the variety of offers here it is easier to find a job, it is easier to rent or buy housing. For employment or business best suited for Madrid and Barcelona – the main cultural, industrial, commercial and educational centers of the country. If you want to live on the sea coast, you should pay attention to the southern cities – Marbella, Malaga, Seville. Take into account that the labor market here is poorly developed, and real estate prices are quite high.

On average, residents of Spain earn about 1800 EUR per month (after taxes). Salaries in different cities are approximately the same, and the minimum rate is about 1200 EUR gross throughout the country. One person’s expenses are equal to about 700-750 EUR per month. This amount may include:

• grocery – 10-12 EUR per day;
• payment for utilities, mobile and Internet services – 100-150 EUR per month;
• monthly transportation pass – 30 EUR;
• gasoline – 1.5 EUR per liter;
• gym membership – 40 EUR per month;
• jeans or a pair of sneakers – 30-50 EUR.  

Renting a studio apartment in Spain will cost about 750-950 EUR per month. The price of 1 m² of real estate starts from 2200-3000 EUR. Foreigners have free access to the housing market. Real estate here can bring passive income if you rent it out or use it as a private vacation home.

According to Legatum Prosperity Index, Spain ranks 30th among 167 countries of the world in terms of education. In the kingdom there are more than 50 universities, the most famous of them are the University of Barcelona, as well as the National University and Complutense in Madrid. On average, a year of study costs a foreigner 5 000-10 000 EUR, depending on the institution and specialty. Students can participate in scholarship and grant programs, and Spanish and EU citizens are also eligible to apply for budget places.

According to Numbeo, the health index in Spain is 77.26 points, which is high. Service in clinics is provided under the system of basic insurance, which covers citizens and residents of the country. Here you can get qualified medical care, but for visits to narrow specialists you often have to wait in line.

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Advantages and disadvantages of moving to Spain

In their reviews, immigrants highlight a number of pros and cons of living in Spain. The advantages include a high standard of living of the population in general – good salaries, prospects for businessmen, social support from the state. Many choose the kingdom because of the excellent environmental and climatic conditions, including – as a second home for the winter season. Foreigners like the friendliness of the indigenous population and an abundance of places for entertainment – from ski resorts in the north to popular beaches in the south.

The disadvantages of immigration to Spain include the high cost of utilities and the frequent lack of centralized heating. It is not uncommon to hear complaints about the limited labor market offers, the gradual increase in crime due to the influx of foreigners from Africa and Latin America. Despite the loyal laws, obtaining a local residence permit is sometimes complicated by bureaucratic moments. In order not to face problems with immigration, it is worth using legal assistance in moving.

You can conclude a contract with our international law specialists, which guarantees obtaining residency or citizenship in the European Union under a simplified procedure. Sign up for a free consultation to get personalized advice according to your situation.

How to simplify the process of immigration to Spain

It is possible to move to Spain with a passport from any European Union country, which is the fastest and easiest way to immigrate to Spain. Citizens of the EU are equal among themselves in the right to choose for permanent residence favorite cities throughout the territory of the association. In this case, immigration is available without searching for the basis for residence permit, providing information on income, education and/or work experience.

You can move immediately with your family members and without any additional requirements. Upon arrival, you are registered in your province and receive all the rights of local citizens, including free access to the labor market, business, medicine and education.

Our international law specialists offer comprehensive assistance in emigrating from other countries to Spain and the European Union. With legal support you can obtain a second passport to the EU in just 4-12 months. At the same time, you will not have to learn a foreign language, take an integration test, provide information about sources of livelihood. You apply for a second citizenship without prior residence in the country with a residence permit and renunciation of the current passport. You can start the immigration procedure now, for this purpose, make an appointment for a free consultation with our lawyer.