Why Apply for Temporary Residency
- Legal stay in the country for over 90 days, up to 5 years
- Obtain NIE, open a bank account, access health and social security systems
- Free movement within the Schengen Area
- Ability to sign long-term rental agreements and apply for a mortgage
- Transition to long-term residency after 5 years, and optionally to citizenship
Main Types of Temporary Residency Permits in Spain in 2025
1. Non-Lucrative Visa (No Work Allowed)
Suitable for those living on passive income or savings.
| Parameter | 2025 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Income | ≥ 400% IPREM (€600 × 4 × 12 months = €28,800/year) + 100% IPREM per dependent |
| Card Duration | 1 year → renewable for 2 + 2 years |
| Tip | After 1 year, status can be changed to work or self-employed |
2. Telework / Digital Nomad Visa
Based on the Startup Law (2023) and 2024/2025 regulations.
- Income: ≥ 200% SMI (€1,184 × 2 = €2,368/month) + 75%/25% SMI per family member
- Validity:
- Consular visa — up to 1 year
- Spanish residence permit — up to 3 years → renewable for 2 years
- Requirements: remote work for a foreign company, ≤ 20% income from Spanish clients, university degree or ≥ 3 years relevant experience
3. Residency and Employment (Cuenta Ajena)
- Requires a job offer from a Spanish employer.
- First authorization — up to 1 year, tied to region and job.
- From 2025, after the first renewal (4 years of work), job/region restrictions are lifted.
4. Highly Qualified Professionals, Freelancers, Entrepreneurs
- Cuenta Propia — own business or freelance work.
- Ley 14/2013 (UGE Fast Track):
- highly qualified professionals,
- intra-company transfers,
- innovative startups.
- Standard duration is 1 + 2 + 2 years, but with expedited processing.
5. Studies, Research, Internships
- Estancia por estudios allows residence > 90 days and up to 30 working hours per week.
- After graduation, can switch to work residency within 3 months.
- Time under student or other “estancia” regimes does not count toward naturalization residency requirements.
6. Arraigo (Legalization Based on Exceptional Circumstances)
| Type | Requirements | First Card |
|---|---|---|
| Arraigo social | 3 years in Spain + job contract or business plan | 1 year |
| Arraigo laboral | 2 years in Spain + ≥ 6 months official work | 1 year |
| Arraigo familiar / formaciĂłn | Established under 2022 reform | 1 year |
7. Family Reunification (ReagrupaciĂłn Familiar)
- Spouses, children under 18, and dependent parents.
- First card duration matches that of the sponsoring resident.
8. “Golden Visa”
- As of April 3, 2025, applications based on €500,000+ real estate investments are no longer accepted.
- Existing permits remain valid until expiration.
Application Procedure — Step by Step
- Consular stage (if applying from abroad)
- Obtain NIE and enter Spain
- Cita Previa at Oficina de ExtranjerĂa → biometrics → TIE card issued
- Renewal online 60 days before expiration
- After 5 years — apply for long-term residency and reach halfway to citizenship via naturalization