Residency routes in Spain

Spain abolished its golden visa on 3 April 2025. In 2026 the main residency routes are: non-lucrative residence (at least €2,400 a month, no right to work), the digital nomad visa (about €2,849 a month), work and the Blue Card, entrepreneurship, study, family, and arraigo for people who have been in Spain for 2 years. The new immigration regulation (in force since 20 May 2025) changed permit lengths, student work and the family rules.

Why Spain?

• EU and Schengen member with large, dynamic cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Málaga.
• Quality of life and healthcare among the best in Europe, and a sunny climate.
• A large job market and varied routes for professionals, students and entrepreneurs.
• Permanent residence after 5 years; citizenship after 10 years for most nationalities.

Spanish residency routes at a glance

Key changes in 2025 and 2026

• Golden visa abolished from 3 April 2025; existing holders can renew. Details
• New immigration regulation from 20 May 2025: 4-year work permit renewals, arraigo after 2 years (instead of 3), student work up to 30 hours, and a 5-year permit for families of Spanish citizens.
• The 2026 extraordinary regularisation for undocumented residents ran from 16 April to 30 June 2026 and is now closed. Summary of the changes

General steps

1. Case assessment and choosing the route that fits your income, work and family
2. Preparing financial documents, health insurance and a criminal record certificate with sworn translations
3. Applying at the Spanish embassy or consulate — where to apply from Iran, Türkiye or Georgia
4. Entering Spain, registering your address (empadronamiento) and getting the residence card (TIE) — first steps after arrival

Frequently asked questions

Does buying property in Spain still give residency?

No. Spain's golden visa ended on 3 April 2025, and buying property no longer leads to residency. Greece's golden visa still has a property option.

What is the simplest Spanish residency for someone who does not work?

Non-lucrative residence, with income or savings of at least €2,400 a month (€28,800 a year) plus €600 per family member; but it does not allow you to work.

After how many years can I get Spanish citizenship?

For most nationalities, including Iranians, 10 years of legal and continuous residence plus the DELE A2 and CCSE tests. Citizenship in detail

Amounts are based on Spain's 2026 IPREM and minimum wage and the rules as of October 2026. Have your case assessed by Imperial before you apply.