- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Legal residencies for foreigners in Spain
There are various ways to obtain or maintain your residence permit in Spain.
Each procedure has specific requirements, deadlines, and documentation.
In this section, you will find clear information on some of the main residence permits and immigration procedures in Spain, such as:
- Study stay.
- Non-lucrative residence.
- Family reunion.
- Residence and employment or self-employment.
- Residence permit for family members of Spanish nationals.
- Roots.
- Long-term residence.
- Change of status from student to work
The legal team of INMIGRITY is specialised in every regularisation process. If you are interested in any of these procedures and have doubts about which one to choose, you can request personalised information.
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Stay for studies, training or volunteering
What is the student residency in Spain?
The stay for studies is an authorisation that allows foreign citizens to remain in Spain for more than 90 days with the main objective of undertaking training activities.
This permission may be granted for:
- University studies
- Training courses
- Research programmes
- Unpaid work experience
- Volunteer programmes
It is important to bear in mind that this authorisation is considered a stay and not a residency, therefore the time spent in Spain under this permit may not count in the same way for certain subsequent migratory procedures.
Main requirements
To get a student residence permit you will normally need:
Admission to an educational institution
You must have been accepted by an authorised educational institution in Spain to undertake full-time studies.
Sufficient economic resources
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your maintenance and accommodation costs for the entire duration of your stay.
Health insurance
It is compulsory to have public or private health insurance with full coverage in Spain.
No criminal record
You must not present a threat to public order or safety.
Standard documentation
Among the documents usually required are:
- Official Application Form
- Full and valid passport
- Admission letter from the educational centre
- Proof of funds
- Health insurance policy
- Criminal record certificate
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Do you wish to apply for a study visa?
Currently, this process is not automated within the INMIGRITY platform.
If you would like to receive personalised information on how to apply for this permit with our legal team, you can write to us at:
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Modification of stay for studies to residency and work
What does the modification of a stay for studies to a work permit entail?
It is the procedure that allows a foreign national who is in Spain as a student change their status to a residence and work permit, being able to continue their professional project in Spain.
What does it allow?
- Obtain a residence and work permit.
- Working as an employee or being self-employed.
- Continuing to reside legally in Spain after studies.
- Start a new professional chapter.
Main requirements
Depending on the type of modification requested, requirements may vary. Among the most common are:
To be in Spain on a study stay or within the legal period to apply for the modification.
Having passed or completed the corresponding studies, training or research activity, when required.
Meet the specific requirements of the requested authorisation (employed or self-employed work).
To have, where applicable, a job offer or to provide proof of a viable economic activity project.
Not having a criminal record when required by regulations.
Not being subject to the non-return undertaking, if applicable.
Standard documentation
The documentation may vary depending on each case, although the following is usually requested:
- Full valid passport.
- Foreigner Identity Card (TIE), if held.
- Certificate or qualification accrediting the completion or passing of studies, where applicable.
- Employment contract and company documentation (for employed work) or business project documentation (for self-employed work).
- Official forms and proof of payment of the corresponding fees.
- Any other documentation that the Immigration Office may require depending on the applicant's circumstances.
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Do you want to apply for the transition from a student stay to a residence and work permit?
Currently, this process is not automated within the INMIGRITY platform.
If you would like to receive personalised information on how to apply for this permit with our legal team, you can write to us at:
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Residence of family members of a Spanish national
What is it?
It is a temporary residence authorisation intended for certain foreign family members of a person with Spanish nationality. It permits legal residence in Spain when the family tie provided for by regulations exists and the established requirements are met.
It can be requested by, among others:
- Spouse of a Spanish citizen.
- Registered civil partnership or duly accredited stable couple.
- Children of the Spanish citizen or of their partner, generally up to the age of 26, or older if they are dependents or have a disability.
- First-degree ascendants when the dependency requirements set out in the regulations are met.
- Other relatives and specific assumptions covered by the Immigration Regulations.
It is a common authorisation between:
- Reside legally in Spain.
- Working as an employee or being self-employed from the moment of the grant, without the need to apply for an additional authorisation.
- Obtain an initial authorisation with a duration of up to five years, provided that the requirements continue to be met.
Main requirements
Having a family tie with a Spanish citizen in any of the cases provided for by law (spouse, registered or stable partner, children, ascendants and other family members contemplated in the regulations).
Not to represent a threat to public policy, security or public health.
Have no criminal record when required.
Meet, where applicable, the specific requirements of the relevant family member (financial dependency, cohabitation, being a dependant, etc.).
Prove the family relationship with documents.
Standard documentation
- Official application form.
- Full and valid passport.
- Spanish citizen identity document (DNI or passport).
- Documentation proving the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, civil partnership registration, evidence of cohabitation or a stable relationship, as appropriate).
- Criminal record certificate when required.
- Additional documentation proving financial dependence, cohabitation or any other specific requirements, where applicable.
- Proof of payment of the corresponding fee.
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Do you want to apply for a residence permit for family members of a Spanish national?
Currently, this process is not automated within the INMIGRITY platform.
If you would like to receive personalised information on how to apply for this permit with our legal team, you can write to us at:
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Temporary non-lucrative residence
What is non-lucrative residency?
The non-lucrative residence allows foreign citizens to live in Spain for more than 90 days without carrying out work or professional activities.
This permit is specifically designed for individuals who have sufficient income or financial resources to support themselves without needing to work in Spain.
It is a common authorisation between:
- Pensioners
- People with passive income
- Investors
- People with sufficient wealth
Main requirements
It is a non-profit residence
Sufficient economic resources
The main requirement is to demonstrate that you have sufficient regular income to support yourself and your family.
Health insurance
Comprehensive health insurance must be taken out in Spain.
No criminal record
You must not have a criminal record in Spain or in any countries where you have previously resided.
Standard documentation
Among the documents usually required are:
- Official Application Form
- Full and valid passport
- Proof of financial means
- Health insurance
- Criminal record certificate
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Do you want to apply for a non-lucrative residence permit?
This procedure is not yet available on the INMIGRITY platform.
If you are interested in processing this permit with our legal team, you can write to us at:
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Residence permit for family reunification
What is family reunification?
Family reunification allows a foreign national legally residing in Spain to bring certain family members to live with her.
This procedure is one of the main routes for family reunification within the Spanish immigration system.
Family members who can reunite
- The spouse or civil partner
- Underage children
- Elderly children with disabilities
- Ascendants (parents) in certain cases
Main requirements
Previous residence in Spain
The applicant must have resided legally in Spain for at least one year and have authorisation to continue residing there.
Sufficient economic resources
It must be demonstrated that there are sufficient means to support the household.
Adequate housing
It must be proven that suitable accommodation is available to host relatives.
Standard documentation
Among the documents usually required are:
- Official form
- Reunification applicant's passport and family members'
- Residence card of the family reunifier
- Certificates proving family ties
- Economic media test
- Adequate Housing Report
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Would you like to reunite your family?
This procedure is not yet integrated into the INMIGRITY platform.
If you wish to receive information on how to carry out this procedure with our legal team, you can write to us at:
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Residence and paid employment
What is residency and employed work?
This permit allows a foreign citizen Reside and work in Spain when a company offers you a contract of employment.
Normally, it is the company that initiates the procedure with the Administration.
Family members who can reunite
Job offer
There must be a signed employment contract with a Spanish company.
Suitable working conditions
The contract must comply with current labour law.
Worker qualification
The worker must have the necessary training or experience.
Company solvency
The company must be up to date with HM Revenue and Customs and Social Security.
Main requirements
Among the necessary documents are:
- Official form
- Full passport
- Employment contract signed
- Documentation that proves experience or training
- Company documentation
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Do you want to work in Spain?
If you wish to process this permit with personalised legal advice, you can contact us at:
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Residence and self-employment
What is self-employment residency?
This permit is intended for individuals who wish to To start a business or professional activity in Spain.
Main requirements
Business plan
A project must be submitted demonstrating the economic viability of the activity.
Economic resources
It is necessary to provide evidence of the investment required to start the business.
Professional qualification
Experience or training in the sector must be demonstrated.
Regulatory compliance
The business must comply with legal and administrative requirements.
Standard documentation
Among the most common documents are:
- Official form
- Passport
- Business plan
- Investment documentation
- Qualifications or professional experience
- Required licences for the activity
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Would you like to start a business in Spain?
You can request personalised information by writing to:
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Residence permit for established presence
What is a strong sense of belonging?
residen en España de forma irregular. They have lived in Spain for 2 years
There are different types of rooting:
- Social roots
- Socio-labour roots
- Socio-formative roots
- Family ties
- Other modalities provided for in the regulations
General requirements
Continued stay
You usually have to have lived in Spain for at least two years.
Links with Spain
These may be:
- Relatives
- Socials
- Employment
No criminal record
The absence of a criminal record must be substantiated.
Standard documentation
Among the most common documents are:
- Official form
- Full passport
- Permanence tests in Spain
- Criminal record certificate
- Specific documentation according to the type of residency
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Do you want to regularise your situation through residency?
You can request personalised information by writing to:
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Long-term residence
What is long-term residency?
Long-term residency permits foreign citizens to live and work in Spain indefinitely under similar conditions to those of Spanish citizens.
Main requirements
Five-year legal residency
You must have been legally resident in Spain for five continuous years.
Continuity
Absences from Spanish territory must be within the permitted limits.
No criminal record
There should be no criminal record in Spain.
Standard documentation
Among the required documents are
- Official form
- Valid passport
- Temporary residence card
- Residence period checks
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Would you like to obtain long-term residency?
You can request personalised information by writing to:
- INMIGRITY, YOUR FUTURE IN ORDER
Spanish nationality by residence
Spanish nationality by residence
Spanish nationality by residence is the procedure by which a foreign citizen You can become a Spanish citizen after legally residing in Spain for a certain period of time.
General deadlines
The most common deadlines are:
- 10 years of legal residence (general period)
- 5 years for refugees
- 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal
- 1 year in certain special cases.
Other requirements
Good civic behaviour
To have no criminal or police record.
Integration into Spanish society
Normally accredited by means of:
- DELE A2 Exam
- CCSE Exam
Standard documentation
Among the necessary documents are:
- Application form
- Residence card
- Full passport
- Birth certificate
- Criminal record certificates
- Proof of payment of fees
- DELE and CCSE exam certificates
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Do you want to get your Spanish nationality?
If you are interested in applying for citizenship with our legal team, you can email us at:
