In recent years, Spain has attracted an increasing number of foreign citizens thanks to its climate, more affordable cost of living and quality of life. However, from 2021, with the UK’s exit from the EU, British citizens are considered “non-EU” citizens and must follow the same entry and residence rules as those from other non-European countries.
One of the main rules is the so-called 90/180-day rule:
Non-EU citizens can stay in Spain (and the entire Schengen area) for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa.
This guide is aimed at those who wish to move to Spain for longer periods, in particular:
retirees;
people with passive income;
professionals working remotely;
entrepreneurs or investors.
2. Who can legally live in Spain for more than 90 days?
Visa options: Non-EU citizens who wish to live in Spain for more than 90 days must apply for a long-term visa or residence permit. The most common options include:
Non-profit visa: Ideal for retirees or people with passive income. A minimum income of approximately €28,800 per year and private health insurance are required.
Digital nomad visa: Designed for remote workers, it requires a contract with a foreign company and a minimum income of approximately €30,240/year.
Entrepreneur visa: For those who wish to start an innovative business in Spain, a detailed business plan and sufficient funds to support the activity are required.
❌ Buying a house does NOT automatically give you the right to reside. As of 2025, the so-called “Golden Visa” (residence by investment) no longer exists.
Digital Nomad Visa: Perfect for freelancers, self-employed workers or employees of international companies who want to live in Spain while working remotely.
The following sections explain each option in detail.
3. Non-Employee Visa (ideal for retirees and people with passive income)
This visa is designed for those who want to live in Spain without working and can be supported by a pension or passive income (rent, investments, savings, etc.).
✅ Main requirements:
Minimum income: approximately €28,800/year for the main applicant, plus €7,200/year for each dependent family member.
Proof of income: bank statements, pension certificate, bank or notary documentation.
Private health insurance valid in Spain, without co-payments.
Medical and criminal record certificate from the country of origin.
Rental contract or proof of ownership in Spain.
Duration and renewal:
The visa is valid for 1 year, then renewable for 2 + 2 years.
After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residence.
It is necessary to stay in Spain for at least 183 days a year.
Restrictions:
Does not allow you to work in Spain either as an employee or as a self-employed person.
You must demonstrate solvency for the entire duration of your stay.
✅ Benefits:
Relatively simple and clear procedure.
Ideal for retirees or people with passive income.
Possibility of including spouse and children.
It is one of the most popular options for British and Americans who want to enjoy life in Spain without work obligations.
4. Digital Nomad Visa (ideal for remote workers)
This is a newly created visa to attract foreign professionals who work online for non-Spanish companies. It is perfect for freelancers, self-employed workers or employees of international companies who want to live in Spain while continuing their work remotely.
✅ Main requirements:
Remote work contract with a foreign company or independent work for international clients.
Minimum income: around €2,520/month (€30,240/year), increasing in the case of dependents.
Minimum 3 years of professional experience or university degree.
Valid health insurance in Spain.
No criminal record.
Duration and renewal:
Initial validity: up to 1 year (if requested from abroad) or 3 years (if requested from Spain).
Renewable for another 2 years.
After 5 years you can obtain a permanent residence permit.
✅ Benefits:
Allows foreign companies to legally live and work in Spain.
Possibility of involving family members.
Favorable tax regime for certain profiles (flat tax of 24%).
Restrictions:
The activity must be directed mainly to non-Spanish customers (maximum 20% of turnover in Spain).
It is a modern and flexible solution for those who want to live in Spain without abandoning their international career.
5. Entrepreneur or startup visa
It is intended for non-EU citizens who want to start an innovative business in Spain. Ideal for projects with a positive economic impact, technological innovation or potential to generate employment.
✅ Main requirements:
Detailed business plan demonstrating the innovative nature of the project.
Economic viability: availability of funds to support the project and cost of living.
Experience or training related to the business idea.
Medical insurance
No criminal record.
Process:
The project must be approved by ENISA (National Innovation Agency) or an accredited body.
Once approved, you can apply for a visa at the consulate or directly in Spain.
Duration and renewal:
Initial duration: 1 year.
Renewable for 2 years + 2 years.
After 5 years, the possibility of applying for permanent residence.
✅ Benefits:
Allows you to work legally as an entrepreneur.
Access to startup ecosystems and opportunities in Spain.
Possibility of family involvement.
Restrictions:
The project must be truly innovative: it is not enough to open a traditional business (bar, shop, etc.).
This visa is ideal for entrepreneurial individuals who want to develop an original and well-structured business in Spain.
6. Këshilla praktike për t’u zhvendosur ligjërisht në Spanjë
✅ Përpara udhëtimit:
- Zbuloni se cila vizë i përshtatet më mirë situatës suaj (organizatë jofitimprurëse, nomad dixhital, sipërmarrëse, etj.).
- Mblidhni të gjithë dokumentacionin e nevojshëm (regjistrin penal, të dhënat mjekësore, dokumentacionin e të ardhurave, sigurimin shëndetësor, etj.).
- Përgatitni një plan të qartë akomodimi (marrëveshje qiraje ose blerjeje).
- Kontaktoni konsullatën spanjolle në vendin tuaj për informacion dhe takime.
✅ Me mbërritjen në Spanjë:
- Kërkoni NIE (Numri i huaj i identifikimit): thelbësor për çdo procedurë ligjore, tatimore ose bankare.
- Regjistrohuni për regjistri komunal (regjistrimi).
- Hapni një llogari bankare spanjolle.
- Merrni sigurim shëndetësor privat nëse nuk mbuloheni nga Sigurimet Shoqërore.
- Nëse është e aplikueshme, kërkoni regjistrim në sistemin publik të shëndetit (SESPA ose ndonjë tjetër).
- Filloni procesin e rezidencës në Zyra e Imigracionit ose Stacion policie.
✅ Këshilli Tatimor:
- Mësoni rreth taksimit spanjoll për banorët (p.sh., taksimi i të ardhurave në mbarë botën).
- Konsideroni konsultimin me një këshilltar tatimor i cili është ekspert në taksimin ndërkombëtar.
- Për nomadët dixhitalë: Kontrolloni kërkesat për të përfituar nga regjimi i reduktuar i taksave.
✅ Në rast të familjes:
- Nëse keni persona në varësi, ju lutemi kontrolloni kushtet për përfshirjen e tyre në aplikimin tuaj.
- Mësoni rreth shkollave publike ose ndërkombëtare në zonën tuaj.
Vizë për Sipërmarrës ose Biznese të Reja: Kjo vizë u drejtohet qytetarëve jo-BE që dëshirojnë të fillojnë një biznes inovativ në Spanjë.
