Moving to Spain as a Non-EU Citizen: Your Complete Visa Guide
Spain is one of the most desirable destinations in the world for international relocation — and for good reason. The climate, the culture, the food, the quality of life, and a property market that still offers extraordinary value compared to other major European destinations. For non-EU citizens, the question isn't whether to move to Spain. It's how.
The good news is that Spain offers a range of visa routes for non-EU citizens, each designed for different circumstances and lifestyles. The less good news is that Spanish bureaucracy is complex, the requirements are specific, and the paperwork is unforgiving. A single missing document or incorrectly formatted certificate can delay or derail an application entirely.
At Encantada World, we handle the entire visa process for our clients — from the initial assessment of which route is right for them, through every document, every appointment, and every stamp, all the way to their TIE residency card in hand.
Mark Sanders and his family moved from Vancouver with five people, multiple visas, school enrolments, a bank account, an apartment, and a Padrón registration all to coordinate simultaneously:
"The team at Encantada has been absolutely amazing to work with. From the moment we decided to move to Spain, they were right there with us, guiding us through every form, appointment, apostilled document, and translation we never knew we'd need. They handled everything — visas, schools for our kids, a bank account, an apartment, our Padrón, our NIE cards — you name it, they coordinated it. Their staff even joined us at appointments to translate and make sure nothing went off the rails. As a family of five moving across the world, this kind of support was priceless." — Mark Sanders, Vancouver
Here is an overview of the main visa routes we work with.
Which Visa is Right for You?
The right visa depends entirely on your situation — how you earn your income, whether you plan to work in Spain, why you're coming, and how long you intend to stay. Here is a summary of the main options for non-EU citizens.
1. The Non-Lucrative Visa — For Those Who Don't Need to Work
The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is one of the most popular routes for our clients, particularly early retirees, people with passive income, and those with savings or investment income who want to live in Spain without working there.
In simple terms: if you can demonstrate that you can support yourself financially without needing a job in Spain, this visa gives you the right to live here long-term.
Key requirements:
Proof of sufficient financial means — currently around €2,368 per month for the main applicant
Comprehensive private health insurance
Clean criminal record
The application must be made from your home country
The NLV is initially granted for one year and can be renewed for two-year periods. After five years you can apply for long-term residency, and after ten years for Spanish citizenship.
One important note: the NLV does not permit working in Spain — including remote work for foreign employers. If you work remotely, the Digital Nomad Visa may be a better fit.
Greg Porter and his wife came to us for their NLV renewals:
"They helped with the renewals of our non-lucrative visas. They were very professional and responsive to our questions and concerns. And they are very nice people. We would definitely use them again." — Greg Porter
We have written a dedicated guide to the Non-Lucrative Visa — including the TIE residency card process once you arrive — which you can read here: Non-Lucrative Visa Spain — Everything You Need to Know
2. The Digital Nomad Visa — For Remote Workers
Spain's Digital Nomad Visa is specifically designed for non-EU citizens who work remotely for foreign companies or international clients. It allows you to live legally in Spain while continuing to work for your existing employer or clients outside the country.
It's been transformative for many of our clients — particularly those from the US, Canada, the UK, Australia and New Zealand who want to base themselves in Spain without giving up their careers.
Key requirements:
Employment by a foreign company with confirmed remote working permission, OR self-employment working with foreign clients
Monthly income of at least €2,368 (we always advise demonstrating as much income as possible)
Comprehensive private health insurance
Clean criminal record
One thing worth knowing: there is a special tax regime available to qualifying employees relocating to Spain — known as the Beckham Law — that can make Spain significantly more financially attractive for the right applicant. We are not tax specialists, but we always flag this to relevant clients and can connect you with trusted tax advisors who can assess whether you qualify.
Jenn Scrabeck used our service for both her initial application and renewal:
"Encantada is amazing. The professionalism and knowledge of this team is outstanding. They processed our initial and renewal applications for the Digital Nomad Visa and it was flawless." — Jenn Scrabeck
We are proud to say we have never lost a Digital Nomad Visa case.
Read our full Digital Nomad Visa guide here: The Digital Nomad Visa Spain — Everything You Need to Know
3. The Student Visa — For Those Coming to Study
If you are a non-EU citizen coming to Spain to study — whether at a university, a language academy, or on a recognised master's programme of at least one year's duration — you will need a Student Visa.
Key requirements:
Proof of enrolment at a recognised Spanish institution for a course of at least one year
Minimum of €6,000 in your bank account
Comprehensive private health insurance from a Spanish provider (no copayments)
Clean criminal record from your country of origin (apostilled and translated, valid within 3 months)
Medical certificate confirming no contagious diseases (valid within 3 months)
Valid passport with at least one year's validity
Proof of accommodation in Spain — a rental contract in your name
Two passport photographs
At Encantada World, Maria handles the full student visa application on your behalf — including all forms, document preparation, translations, and submission. We also help with finding accommodation and settling in once you arrive.
4. The Highly Skilled Worker Visa — For Qualified Professionals
The Highly Skilled Worker Visa is designed for non-EU professionals who have been offered a qualifying position with a Spanish company — a permanent, full-time role in a managerial or highly technical capacity, with a minimum salary depending on their role.
This visa is not for general employment — it is specifically for professionals with relevant university degrees or equivalent qualifications, and significant experience in their sector. The role itself must be sufficiently specialised that it requires genuine expertise.
Key requirements:
A permanent employment contract of 40 hours per week, signed by the employing company
A relevant university degree or higher qualification (apostilled) — or a minimum of 3 years' demonstrated experience in the same sector
A detailed job description prepared by the employing company
Clean criminal record (apostilled and translated, valid within 3 months)
Valid passport with at least one year's validity
We manage the entire application process on behalf of both the applicant and the employing company — including all document preparation, translations through our trusted sworn translators, and submission.
Sarah Van Dyk's experience shows how our relationship with clients extends well beyond the initial visa:
"From my very first email, Encantada have been superb. Maria has been exceptional in guiding me step by step through my visa process. Any time I needed assistance or further understanding she was always available giving her time and support. Encantada has made navigating new laws and procedures a much easier process which I could not have done without them. I will be back." — Sarah Van Dyk
5. The TIE Residency Card — Your Proof of Legal Residence
Whichever visa route you take, once you arrive in Spain you will need to obtain your TIE — your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, or Foreign Identity Card.
The TIE is your physical proof of legal residency in Spain, and without it you cannot function properly — opening a bank account, signing contracts, registering with a doctor, enrolling children in school. It is not optional.
The process involves registering on the Padrón (local municipal register), booking an appointment at your local Extranjería office or National Police station, attending in person with your full documentation, and biometric data collection.
In practice, appointments fill up weeks in advance, requirements vary by region, and a single missing document can send you back to square one. This is where our boots on the ground support makes all the difference — we are physically there with you, every step of the way.
Not Just for Individuals — We Support Companies Too
One aspect of our service that surprises many people is that we work not just with individuals and families, but with companies expanding into Spain and needing to navigate the local employment and immigration landscape on behalf of their team.
David Smith worked with us on both a personal and corporate level:
"On a personal level, they guided my wife and me through the entire Spanish visa application process — making what could have been a complex and stressful experience feel smooth and well-managed. Their hands-on approach, including accompanying us to government appointments and translating when needed, gave us a great sense of confidence and clarity at every step. From a corporate standpoint, Encantada has been instrumental in supporting our company's expansion into Spain. Their ability to anticipate next steps and provide proactive, end-to-end guidance has made them a trusted partner in our international growth. I would highly recommend Encantada to any individual or company needing expert, responsive, and comprehensive support with Spanish immigration and employment matters." — David Smith
If your company is expanding into Spain and needs support with employment compliance and immigration for your team, we'd love to talk.
The Encantada World Difference
Spanish immigration bureaucracy is complex, time-consuming, and unforgiving of mistakes. What sets Encantada World apart is not just our knowledge of the process — it's our presence.
We don't just advise. We do. We prepare your documents, check every detail, book your appointments, accompany you, and stay on top of your application from start to finish. When things get complicated — and occasionally they do — we have the local knowledge, the relationships, and the determination to find a solution.
Maria brings over 25 years of Spanish legal expertise and an intimate knowledge of the immigration system that simply cannot be replicated.
Stephanie brings the practical, on-the-ground support, the local network, and the English-speaking reassurance that makes the whole process feel manageable — even from thousands of miles away.
Whatever your situation, whatever your visa route, we would love to help you make Spain your home.
Get in touch with Encantada World to arrange your complimentary consultation.