Residence Permit in Spain — Application and Full Legal Support
Want to live in Spain legally, without bureaucratic mistakes and refusals?
We will help you choose the right route, prepare the documents, and support you until you receive your resident card.
📲 Contact us today — a lawyer’s consultation will provide you with a clear action plan.
Adiós y nos vemos en España!
Key issues when applying for a residence permit in Spain and how we solve them
We do not work from templates — we work based on your real situation: income, plans, and migration history
We match the residence permit to your actual situation
We do not recommend a “popular” permit type. We analyse your income, plans, country of application, and migration history and choose an option that can realistically be obtained with a low risk of refusal.
We prepare documents to minimise the risk of refusal
We review the entire document package before filing: the income logic, wording, compliance with requirements, and the administrative practice of the authorities. This helps avoid formal refusals and loss of time.
We provide a clear, easy-to-follow action plan
You receive a step-by-step roadmap: where and when to apply, what to do after the decision, and how to move to the next stage. No chaos, conflicting advice, or unnecessary steps.
We handle most of the process for you
We structure the process to minimise your personal involvement: remote support, document preparation, and coordination of each step. You do not waste time on queues and bureaucracy.
We provide full transparency on timeframes and costs
You know in advance how long the procedure takes and what the fees consist of. No hidden costs or unexpected payments along the way.
We build in renewal and further legalisation from the start
We do not work “for one permit only”. We consider renewals, changing grounds, and the path toward long-term residence. Your future in Spain is taken into account from the first step.
Residence Permit in Spain
Obtaining a residence permit in Spain is not only the opportunity to live legally in one of Europe’s most attractive countries, but also access to many social and economic benefits. Many foreign nationals consider how to follow this path correctly in order to avoid mistakes and unnecessary expenses. It is important not only to prepare a complete set of documents, but also to understand the key nuances of Spanish law. That is why the support of an immigration lawyer in Spain becomes a critical factor for a successful outcome.
Spain offers different residence options: for investors, students, entrepreneurs, employed workers, and those reuniting with family. Each type of permit has its own requirements and specific features. In practice, it is often difficult for applicants to navigate the rules on their own — especially as procedures are conducted in Spanish and through the Oficina de Extranjería or the police. Our specialists guide you through every stage, from the initial consultation to receiving the plastic resident card (tarjeta de residencia).
📌 Want to obtain a residence permit in Spain without mistakes and unnecessary refusals?
We will prepare a complete set of documents for you, file the application, and support you at every stage until you receive your resident card.
👉 Leave a request for a consultation right now!
Benefits of a Residence Permit in Spain
A residence permit opens many doors. With it, you can:
- live legally and travel freely within the Schengen Area;
- study at universities and schools as a resident;
- work or start a business;
- access Spain’s healthcare and social systems;
- over time, apply for long-term residence and citizenship.
Main stages of the process
- Consultation and selection of the residence permit type.
- Document preparation.
- Filing the application.
- Waiting for the decision.
- Obtaining the resident card.
Common mistakes when applying for a residence permit
Many people contact us after receiving a refusal. The most common mistakes when applying on your own include:
- submitting an incomplete set of documents;
- missing an apostille and a notarised translation;
- incorrectly completed application forms;
- financial documents that do not meet the requirements;
- attempting to apply under an unsuitable residence permit category.
Each of these mistakes can cost you not only time, but also money. Reapplying may take months, and in some cases the ability to obtain a residence permit may be blocked for years. That is why the support of an immigration lawyer in Spain is not an expense, but an investment in the result. We verify all documents in advance, remove risks, and build a strategy so that the likelihood of refusal is minimal.
Online residence permit services for Spain
We support most residence permit procedures in Spain remotely. Online consultations, preparation and review of documents, filing strategy, and support at every stage — regardless of the country you are in. We work with clients worldwide and structure the process to minimise in-person presence and unnecessary travel.
Why people choose Spain for living
Spain has long been considered one of the most attractive countries to relocate to. It is not only about a mild climate and a high standard of living, but also a stable legal system, well-developed healthcare, European-level education, and broad opportunities for business. For many foreign nationals, obtaining a residence permit in Spain becomes a strategic decision: some seek a calm life by the sea, others aim to develop their business in the EU, and families choose Spain for safety and their children’s future.
It is important to understand that a residence permit is not merely a formal document. It opens the path to full integration into European society. After several years of residence, you may become eligible for long-term residence and then citizenship, which provides access to the rights available to EU citizens.
Statistics and context of residence permits in Spain (data 2024–2025)
Population and migration inflows
According to INE estimates, as of 1 July 2025, Spain’s population is 49,315,949. Growth is driven primarily by immigration; key inflows include citizens of Colombia, Morocco, and Venezuela. This confirms sustained demand for resident status and a further increase in the workload of immigration offices.
New residence permits in the EU and in Spain
In 2024, EU countries issued ≈3.5 million first residence permits to non-EU nationals (–8.3% vs 2023). Spain remains among the leaders by the volume of first permits and its share of the overall European flow. In practical terms: competition for appointment slots remains, but Spain continues to be a “receiving” market.
Student residence permits — a growing entry channel
In 2024, education-related permits in the EU increased, and Spain ranked #1 in the EU by the number of student residence permits issued. This highlights the demand for university and language programmes as a comfortable “entry point” with the possibility of changing status later.
“Arraigo” and regularisation of residence
According to the Ministry of Inclusion and Migration, in 2024 around 223,396 permits were issued under arraigo routes (social ties, integration and other grounds). This indicates that regularisation pathways continue to operate systematically rather than exceptionally.
Regulatory changes and their impact
Late 2024 brought a reform of immigration regulation: simplifications for work, study, and family routes, updated arraigo regimes, and a reduction of the minimum period of actual stay for certain grounds. In practice, this means more predictable trajectories from “entry” to stable residence and work.
Broader protection context
Against the backdrop of a decrease in first-time asylum applications across the EU in 2024 (–13%), Spain remains one of the key countries of application. This affects institutional workload, but does not negate stable “classic” residence routes (study, work, family, entrepreneurship).
What this means for the applicant
The window of opportunity remains open
The high overall volume of first permits and steady population growth driven by migration indicate that Spain continues to accept new cases. Our advice: book appointments in advance.
Stay informed about reforms
The immigration and regularisation simplifications introduced in 2024 continue to facilitate residence permits in 2026, but requirements regarding income, insurance, accommodation, and timelines remain critically important.
Arraigo — a systematic mechanism
For those already in Spain, arraigo routes show a significant volume of approvals — with proper dossier preparation.
Study and family — reliable grounds
Student and family routes remain, according to the statistics, among the most attractive options in 2026, including for subsequent changes or renewals of permits.
🌍 A residence permit in Spain means a new life, freedom of movement across Europe, and European-level education and healthcare for your family.
Do not postpone your dream until tomorrow — contact a lawyer today and start your path to residency!
Types of residence permits in Spain and their features
| Permit type | Who it is for | Main requirements | Validity | Key features |
| Work (employed) | For those with an employment contract with a Spanish employer | Work authorisation, proof of qualifications | 1 year, renewable | The employer files documents with the Oficina de Extranjería |
| Student | For students and learners | Admission confirmation, sufficient funds, insurance | 1 year | Possibility to work part-time up to 20 hours per week |
| Self-employment (autónomo) | For freelancers and entrepreneurs | Business plan, proof of funds | 1–2 years | Economic viability must be demonstrated |
| Investment | For those investing from €500,000 in real estate or business | Financial documents, proof of investment | 2–3 years | Provides the right to family reunification |
| Family reunification | For spouses, children, and parents of residents | Proof of family relationship and income | 1–2 years | One of the most in-demand options |
| Regularisation (arraigo) | For those living in Spain irregularly for more than 3 years | Proof of residence, contract or family ties | 1 year | An opportunity to regularise status after long-term stay |
📲 Get a personal consultation today!
Message us on WhatsApp or Telegram — and we will provide you with a clear action plan for obtaining a residence permit in Spain.
(FAQ) Answers to frequently asked questions