Ways to live in Spain
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Digital nomad visa Digital nomad visas →
International telework visa / residence permit (digital nomad)
For employees of non-Spanish companies and freelancers mostly working for foreign clients who want to live in Spain and work remotely.
- What you need
- Income of at least twice the Spanish minimum wage (about €2,849 a month in 2026), more with family; a degree or 3+ years of experience, and at least 3 months with your employer or clients, which must have operated for 1+ year. Also: health insurance without co-payments and a criminal record certificate.
- Income
- from about $3,300 a month
- How long
- Visa up to 1 year; residence permit issued in Spain up to 3 years
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- Consular visa fee plus a residence-permit fee
- Processing time
- Visa: about 10 days
- How to apply
- Visa at a Spanish consulate in your country of residence, or the residence permit online with the government's Large Companies Unit if already legally in Spain
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- Yes, long-term residence after 5 years
Work permit Work permits →
EU Blue Card (EU work permit for qualified specialists)
For highly qualified professionals with a job offer in Spain at a salary well above average.
- What you need
- Higher education or equivalent professional experience, and a contract or firm job offer with a gross salary of at least €41,356.36 a year (from June 2026). A reduced threshold of €33,085.09 applies to some groups, such as recent graduates.
- Income
- from about $3,960 a month
- Renewable
- Yes
- How to apply
- The employer applies to the Large Companies and Strategic Groups Unit (UGE) online; then a visa at the consulate
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Student visa Student visas →
Student visa and stay for studies
For people enrolled in a full-time course, degree or language programme in Spain lasting more than 90 days.
- What you need
- Enrolment at a recognised school, private health insurance with no co-payments or coverage limits, and monthly funds of at least 100% of IPREM (Spain's public income index) plus tuition and the return trip. Each accompanying family member adds 75% of IPREM for the first and 50% for each next one. Stays over six months also need a medical certificate and a criminal record certificate.
- How long
- Matches the length of the course
- Renewable
- Yes
- Processing time
- Up to one month once the file is complete
- How to apply
- At the Spanish consulate in your country of residence
- Family
- Family members can come with you
Passive income visa Passive income visas →
Non-lucrative residence visa
For people with enough savings or passive income to live in Spain without working. Work in Spain is not allowed.
- What you need
- Savings or passive income of at least €2,400 a month in 2026 (about €28,800 a year), plus €600 a month per dependant. Also: full private or public health insurance, a criminal record certificate and a medical certificate.
- Income
- from about $2,780 a month
- How long
- Visa for 1 year, then a renewable residence permit
- Renewable
- Yes
- Cost
- Consular visa fee plus a residence-permit fee
- Processing time
- Up to 3 months
- How to apply
- At a Spanish consulate in your country of residence; within 1 month of arrival, get your foreigner identity card
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- Yes, long-term residence after 5 years
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| Room in a shared flat | $450 |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat | $830 |
| Two-bedroom flat | $1,240 |
| Bills | $100 |
| Typical local salary | $2,400 |
| Budget for one person | $1,440 |
Cities to consider
- MadridLate nights, big parks≈ $912 a month for one person, before rent
- BarcelonaBeach, Gaudí and design≈ $918 a month for one person, before rent
- ValenciaPaella, bikes and beach≈ $815 a month for one person, before rent
- ZaragozaOn the Ebro, between capitals
- SevilleOrange trees and flamenco
- MalagaSunny hub of the Costa del Sol≈ $803 a month for one person, before rent
- PalmaMediterranean island capital
- Las Palmas de Gran CanariaEternal spring by the ocean
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Long sunny days, tapas culture and a strong sense of community make life sociable. Madrid and Barcelona lead for city life, Valencia and Málaga combine beaches with urban comforts, and the Canary Islands offer spring weather all year.
Day to day
High-speed trains connect major cities, and buses reach smaller towns. Public healthcare is solid, with private insurance as a faster option. Cards and contactless are standard, fibre internet is widespread, and Spanish matters outside expat bubbles.
Trade-offs
Bureaucracy is slow and appointment-driven. Summers inland get scorching, and rents in popular cities have climbed steeply. Local salaries are modest compared to northern Europe.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United States90 days
United Kingdom90 days
Australia90 days
Canada90 days
New Zealand90 days
SwitzerlandVisa-free
NorwayVisa-free
Singapore90 days
Japan90 days
South Korea90 days
Israel90 days
United Arab Emirates90 days
Hong Kong90 days
South AfricaVisa
Mexico90 days
Brazil90 days
Questions
Does Spain have a digital nomad visa?
Yes. Spain offers: International telework visa / residence permit (digital nomad).
How much money do I need to live in Spain?
A single person can live on from about $1,440 a month. A one-bedroom flat costs about $830 a month.
How can I move to Spain?
The routes we have checked are: Digital nomad visa, Work permit, Student visa, Passive income visa.
When was this information checked?
The residence routes for Spain were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.
Sources and last check
Residence routes for Spain were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.
- Embassy of Spain in Budapest: telework visa
- Embassy of Spain in Kingston: non-lucrative residence visa
- UGE (Ministry of Inclusion): investors
- https://www.exteriores.gob.es/
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
