Blogs • January 16, 2026 • 12 Min

How Can You Move to Spain in 2026? 3 Legal Residency Pathways

Are you planning to move to Spain? Today Spain offers several long-term residency options for people who want to live, study, or work remotely from one of Europe’s most livable countries. Since 2025, the Golden Visa route based on real estate is gone. That changed how many people plan their move. The focus shifted from “buy a flat and get a card” to residency paths that reflect how you actually live and earn: remote work, study, or fully funded retirement. In this guide, we’ll break down the long-term residency options that still work in 2026, how the financial side works, and what you should consider before choosing your route. What are the main ways to get Spanish residency in 2026? If you are a non-EU citizen, the main long-term residency options today are: the Non-Lucrative Visa the Digital Nomad Visa the Student Visa Each one exists for a different type of lifestyle. One suits you if you don’t need to work in Spain. One is built for remote workers. One is tied to study. Here is a simple overview before we break it down. Below is a clearer look at each option. Spain Non-Lucrative Visa The Non-Lucrative Visa works best if you want to live in Spain and do not need a Spanish employer. It suits people with pensions, rental income, dividends, business income from abroad or strong savings. You must show that you can cover your stay without working in Spain or using public funds. Who it is for: Retirees, investors, people taking a break from active work but who still have solid income. Work rules: You cannot work for a Spanish company. Many people still keep remote income from abroad, but this should stay in line with the rules and the original purpose of the visa. Validity and renewals: The first residence card is usually valid for one year. If you still meet the requirements, you can renew for longer periods and move step by step towards long-term residency after five years of legal stay. If your income is already stable and you want a quieter, slower setup, this is often the most natural route. Spain Digital Nomad Visa The Digital Nomad Visa is built for people who work online and earn mainly from outside Spain. You keep your employer or clients abroad, but your base of life is in Spain. This is why many freelancers, remote employees and founders with location-independent businesses use this route. Who it is for: Remote employees, freelancers, consultants and online business owners. Income rules: You must prove regular remote income above the legal monthly threshold. That amount is linked to the Spanish minimum wage, so it can go up when the wage goes up. Validity and renewals: The visa is normally issued for up to one year. After that, you can move into a residence permit for a longer period, as long as you keep meeting income, tax and insurance conditions. If you want to build a real life in Spain but keep your current work structure, this path is usually the most flexible. For more details, read Spain Digital Nomad Visa Requirements and How to Apply. Spain Student Visa The Student Visa lets you live in Spain while you study at a recognised institution. It covers university programmes, language courses and many professional or vocational courses. Who it is for: Students starting a degree, short-term courses, language study or specialised training. Core requirements: An acceptance letter from a recognised school, proof that you can pay for your stay, and valid health insurance that covers you in Spain. Validity and renewals: The residence is usually tied to the length of your course. You can renew as long as you stay enrolled and meet the conditions. Some people use this as a first entry point. They study, learn the language, and later change to another type of residency once they are settled. Financial Requirements for Spanish Visas Spain’s residency visas each require applicants to show they can support themselves financially. Below are the three main pathways in 2026 and what you should expect for minimum income, savings, and proof of funds. Non-Lucrative Visa How much income or savings do I need in 2026? To qualify, you must prove enough money to live in Spain without local employment. The standard benchmark is 400 % of Spain’s IPREM per year for the main applicant. In practical terms, this usually means around €28,800 per year (€2,400 per month) as a baseline. Each dependent you include adds roughly €7,200 per year (€600 per month) to that requirement. Can I use savings instead of monthly income? Yes. You can show a lump sum of savings that covers the full amount for at least one year, as long as those funds are in accessible accounts. Consulates accept savings, passive income (like rents or dividends), pensions, or a combination. What documents prove financial eligibility? Good proof includes: bank statements showing balances and history pension or retirement income statements rental income records investment statements Organized paperwork that clearly shows your finances helps speed up the process. Why does Spain check finances for this visa? This visa is meant for people who don’t need to work in Spain and won’t seek public financial help. Showing consistent financial capacity shows you can live there independently. Digital Nomad Visa What income do I need for the Digital Nomad Visa in 2026? To get this visa, you generally need to show remote work income of around €2,700+ per month (around €33,000+ per year) for the main applicant. That number can vary slightly depending on annual adjustments. Does this income have to come from outside Spain? Yes. The income must be from foreign clients or a foreign employer. Local Spanish contracts do not qualify for this visa category. What counts as acceptable proof of remote work income? Typical documents include: employment contracts with foreign companies client agreements with regular payment terms monthly invoices or statements showing steady deposits bank or payment platform statements You want to show consistency and traceability over several months. Can my family be included under this visa? Yes, but you’ll need to prove higher income to cover dependents. This usually means adding a percentage of the base amount for a spouse and children. Student Visa How much money do I need to show for a Student Visa in 2026? Students must show funds to cover living costs during their studies. The baseline is at least 100 % of IPREM per month, usually around €600–€700 per month depending on location and program length. What kinds of financial proof work for students? Useful documents include: bank statements for at least six months scholarship or grant award letters parental sponsorship letters with proof of funds The goal is to show you can pay for rent, food, transport, and basic living costs while studying. Additional Financial Conditions to Be Aware Of Do currency exchange rates matter for financial requirements? They do. If your income or savings are in another currency, the consulate converts them to euros. Keeping a buffer above the minimum helps protect against rate changes. Do I need translations or legalization for financial documents? Some consulates require translations into Spanish and may request legalization or an apostille. Requirements vary, so always check the instructions for the consulate where you apply. Do Spain’s financial thresholds change every year? Yes. Financial thresholds change when Spain updates IPREM or adjusts wage levels. Applicants should confirm the current figures before submitting the application. Other Residency Requirements Spain’s long-term visas require more than financial capacity. You will need to provide specific documents and meet basic conditions related to identity, accommodation, health coverage and background checks. Below are the core requirements you should expect in 2026. What documents do I need to apply for Spanish residency in 2026? When applying for a long-term visa, Spanish consulates normally request the following: Valid Passport Your passport should be current and valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of arrival. Some consulates ask for 12 months of validity, so always check local instructions. Completed Visa Application Forms Each visa type has specific forms that must be filled out accurately and signed. Missing fields or inconsistent information can delay processing. Proof of Accommodation This can be a rental contract, a property deed, a confirmed hotel booking for arrival, or an invitation letter if someone is hosting you. The goal is to show that you have a place to live once in Spain. Proof of Funds Financial documentation must show you can support yourself (and dependents, if any) without relying on Spanish public funds. This may include bank statements, pension statements, investment income or savings balances. Medical Insurance Documentation Most long-term visas require comprehensive health insurance that covers you in Spain for the full duration of your stay. Some categories require private policies with no co-pays and no waiting periods. Passport-Sized Photos These must follow Spanish consulate photo specifications. Many applicants overlook this detail and get delayed for minor formatting errors. Visa Fee Payment You will need to pay the applicable consular fee. Payment methods vary (cash, card, money order, etc.) depending on the location of the consulate. Do I need a background check for Spanish residency? Yes, for long-term visas, consulates typically request a criminal record certificate showing that you do not have serious convictions. Requirements include: a background check from your country of nationality background checks from any country where you have recently lived (usually 3–5 years) Some consulates require: apostille or legalization for validity sworn translation into Spanish Do documents need to be translated or legalized? In most cases, yes. Documents issued abroad may need: apostille (if your country is part of the Hague Convention) consular legalization (if your country is not) official translations into Spanish by a sworn translator Translation and legalization rules vary by consulate and country, so checking local requirements in advance avoids expensive errors. What practical steps should I take before moving to Spain? There are a few tasks that make the transition easier once you arrive. These steps help with housing, banking, healthcare, and official paperwork. How do I find accommodation? Most newcomers start with short-term rentals, then move to longer contracts once they know the city. You can search through: real estate portals local rental agencies expat platforms and community groups Landlords often ask for a security deposit and basic financial proof. Families may prioritize schools and transport links, while singles may choose central neighborhoods. How do I open a bank account? Opening a Spanish bank account simplifies rent, utilities, and daily purchases. There are two common account types: non-resident accounts (before residency is confirmed) resident accounts (after registration) Banks may request a passport, proof of address, and sometimes a visa or NIE depending on the account type. Compare fees, transfer costs, and online banking features before choosing a bank. How do I access healthcare in Spain? Your access depends on your category: workers and contributors can enter the public healthcare system everyone else usually relies on private insurance If you qualify for public healthcare, you’ll register at a local health center and receive a health card. This gives access to clinics and hospitals for standard care. What is an NIE and how do I get it? The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a foreigner identification number used for: banking renting or buying property taxes utilities contracts and employment You can request an NIE at a Spanish consulate abroad or at designated police or immigration offices in Spain. Appointments can take time, so planning ahead helps. Do I need to sort utilities and mobile services before arrival? You can set up utilities and telecom once you have housing and a bank account. Contracts may require your NIE, so some people use prepaid SIM cards as a temporary solution. Should I learn how public transport works? Spain has strong public transport in major cities. Metros, buses, trams, and commuter trains cover most areas. Learning routes early saves money and time, especially if you won’t drive immediately. How to plan your relocation to Spain Moving to Spain is easier when you approach it with a bit of planning and an open mindset. If you need structured support with residency or documentation, contact Savory & Partners, and we will assist you throughout the process. FAQs About Living in Spain in 2026 Can I work in Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa? No. The Non-Lucrative Visa does not allow local employment. Remote income from abroad may be acceptable as long as it does not conflict with the purpose of the visa. Can I work in Spain on a Digital Nomad Visa? Yes, but only for foreign employers or foreign clients. The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for remote work, not for Spanish labour contracts. How much money do I need to live comfortably in Spain? It depends on lifestyle and location. Major cities cost more, coastal and regional cities cost less. Many expats estimate €1,200–€1,800/month for a single person outside Madrid/Barcelona, and more inside major hubs. Is knowledge of Spanish required to live in Spain? Basic Spanish makes daily life easier, especially for paperwork, healthcare and local services. In big cities many people speak English, but language skills help with integration and employment. How long does it take to get permanent residency in Spain? Most long-term residents can apply after five years of legal residence. Some categories or circumstances may vary, so applicants should check specific rules for their situation. How can I access healthcare in Spain? If you work and contribute to social security, you can access the public system. Others use private insurance until they qualify for public coverage. Long-term residents often use a mix of both depending on their needs. Are taxes high in Spain for foreign residents? Tax obligations depend on residency status. If you spend more than 183 days in Spain, you may become a tax resident. Some newcomers may qualify for special regimes such as Beckham’s Law, which taxes Spanish income at a flat rate. Rules depend on your work and financial structure. Is Spain safe for expats? Yes. Spain consistently ranks as one of the safer countries in Europe. Petty theft exists in tourist areas, but violent crime rates are low and cities are generally secure. Do I need an NIE for daily life in Spain? Yes. The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is needed for banking, housing, utilities, contracts and taxes. You can apply for it before arrival or once in Spain. References Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation. Residency in Spain. Retrieved from https://www.exteriores.gob.es Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration. Information for Foreign Nationals. Retrieved from https://extranjeros.inclusion.gob.es Government of Spain. Public Administration Portal. Retrieved from https://administracion.gob.es Official State Gazette. Laws and Regulations. Retrieved from https://www.boe.es Ministry of Justice. Criminal Records and Legal Requirements. Retrieved from https://www.mjusticia.gob.es