Types of Long Duration Visas and Residence Permits in Spain

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Are you a non-EU national planning to come to Spain for a new adventure? Maybe to study? Or simply to enjoy the culture for an extended period? Or perhaps you’ve already fallen in love with Spain and now want to make it your new home?

If you’re planning to stay for more than 90 days, you’ll need a long-term visa or a residence permit—but which one is right for you? In this article, we’ll guide you through your options and help you find the best fit for your situation!

Student Visa (Visado de Estudiante)

A student visa is a stay permit (estancia), not a residence permit (residencia). If you’re planning

to study or conduct research at a public or private institution in Spain, this is the visa for you. Important: The institution must be officially recognized by the Spanish Government.

You can apply for a student visa at the Spanish consulate in your home country or directly from Spain while on a tourist visa. If you apply from Spain, you must do so between 90 and 30 days before your course starts.

There are two types of student visas:

  • Short-term student visa (91-180 days)
  • Long-term student visa (more than 180 days)

If your visa is for less than 180 days, you won’t need a TIE card. The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is only issued for stays longer than 180 days.

Student Family Visa (SLF Visa)

This is a stay permit for family members of students coming to Spain. It applies to:

  • Your spouse or registered partner
  • Your children (under 18 years old)

The application process is the same as the application process of the student visa.

Job-Seeking Visa (Visado de Búsqueda de Empleo)

If you’ve finished your studies in Spain but haven’t found a job yet, this visa allows you to stay for up to 2 years to look for work.

Key points:

  • This is a residence permit (residencia), not a stay permit.
  • If your family was with you under the SLF visa, they can also extend their stay.
  • You cannot work under this visa. Once you find a job, you’ll need to switch to a work permit.

How to apply:

  • Online, from Spain
  • Apply 60 days before or up to 90 days after your student TIE expires.

Work Permits (Permiso de Trabajo)

There are different types of work permits, depending on your situation:

  • Employment visa (trabajo por cuenta ajena)
  • Self-employment visa (trabajo por cuenta propia)
  • Digital Nomad Visa (for remote workers)
  • Highly Skilled Worker Visa (for qualified professionals)

Long-Term Residence Permit (Larga Duración)

This residence permit allows you to live and work in Spain indefinitely.

Requirements:

  • You must have legally lived in Spain for 5 consecutive years.
  • Student visas count for half the time. (e.g., 4 years as a student = 2 years of legal

residence).

Important: If you travel outside the Schengen Zone, make sure your passport is stamped both when you exit and when you re-enter. Missing an entry stamp can create legal headaches when proving your time in Spain.

Renewal: Every 5 years at the foreign office of the Policía Nacional. Just book a fingerprint appointment 60 days before your TIE expires—no need to submit extra documents.

Non-Lucrative Visa (Visado No Lucrativo)

This option is a residence permit for those who want to live in Spain without working.

Requirements:

  • Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.
  • Full private health insurance coverage.

Key facts:

  • Initially granted for 1 year, then renewable for 2 years at a time.
  • You cannot work in Spain under this visa.
  • Must be applied for from your home country.
  • Renewals can be done from Spain after the first year.

Family Member of an EU Citizen (Familiar de Comunitario)

This residence and work permit is for family members of Spanish or EU nationals.

Who qualifies?

  • Spouses or registered partners (pareja de hecho)
  • Children under 21
  • Parents (if financially dependent on the EU citizen)

Validity:

  • Initial permit: 5 years
  • Renewal: After 5 years, you can apply for permanent residency (valid for 10 years).

Navigating the visa and residence permit options for Spain may seem overwhelming at first, but once you understand the requirements, choosing the right one becomes much easier. Whether you’re coming to study, work, or start a new chapter in your life, there’s a visa or permit that fits your needs.

Make sure to prepare your documents carefully and start the process well in advance to avoid any last-minute stress. And if you ever feel lost, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance!

Spain is waiting for you—good luck on your journey!

If you need help with any of the above, please don’t hesitate to contact NIE Barcelona!