There are various visas that can be obtained to move to Spain. Knowing the right type of visa and how to get it will save you time and help you avoid legal trouble. By getting one of the visas below and following a few additional steps, you can move to Spain successfully. The article below is a guide on how to move to Spain.
Step
Step 1. Obtain a Residence Visa to retire in Spain
- Visit the Spanish Consulate serving your jurisdiction.
- Since each consulate has its own requirements document, find and download the requirements document for your jurisdiction. The requirements are more or less the same as the following list. It will also determine whether you have to apply for the visa in person, how to make an appointment, which forms to provide in Spanish, etc.
- Provide 2 National Visa Application forms.
- Provide 2 passport size photos.
- Each photo must have a white background.
- Provide a passport that still has a validity period of at least 1 year.
- Provide proof that you are legally in your current state.
- Provide documents that prove you have family ties.
- Provide a Police Record Certificate.
- Provide evidence that you do not have an infectious disease.
- Provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to care for yourself (and your family, if any) during your stay in Spain.
- Provide a bill (money order) to pay for the visa application.
Step 2. Get a Residence Visa to work in Spain as a worker
- Visit the Spanish Consulate serving your jurisdiction.
- Provide 2 National Visa Application forms. To apply, you must be at least 16 years old.
- Send an approval letter from Extranjeria (Spanish immigration office) addressed to your future employer.
- Provide a passport that still has a minimum validity period of 4 months.
- Provide 2 passport size photos.
- Provide proof that you are legally residing in your current state.
- Provide a Police Record Certificate.
- Provide evidence that you do not have an infectious disease.
- Provide a bill (money order) to pay for the visa application.
Step 3. Obtain a Resident Visa that does not require a work permit
This type of visa is for foreigners who wish to develop artistic, teaching, scientific, cultural or religious activities while living in Spain.
- Visit the Spanish Consulate serving your jurisdiction.
- Provide 2 National Visa Application forms.
- Provide a passport that still has a validity period of at least 1 year.
- Provide 2 passport size photos.
- Provide proof that you are legally residing in your current state.
- Provide a Police Record Certificate.
- Provide evidence that you do not have an infectious disease.
- Provide an invitation letter or document describing the activities you will be participating in.
- Provide documents that prove that the organization where you will work is accredited by the authorities in Spain.
- Provide a bill (money order) to pay for the visa application.
Step 4. Obtain a Resident Visa for investors or entrepreneurs
- Visit the Spanish Consulate serving your jurisdiction.
- Provide 2 National Visa Application forms.
- Provide a passport that still has a minimum validity period of 4 months.
- Provide 2 passport size photos.
- Provide proof that you are legally residing in your current country.
- Complete the official EX01 form.
- Request this form at the Spanish Consulate.
- Provide a Police Record Certificate.
- Provide evidence that you do not have an infectious disease.
- Provide an academic diploma, if relevant to your job.
- Provide a list of documents required to do your job as well as your status as these are interrelated.
- Provide evidence that your finances are stable.
- Provide invoices to pay for your visa application.
Step 5. Find a house in Spain
- A simple search on the internet will help you find a home.
- Call anyone you know in Spain and ask for their recommendations.
Step 6. Find an international moving agent
- A simple search on the internet will help you choose the best international moving agent.
- Contact anyone you know who has moved to another country and ask for a recommendation.
Method 1 of 1: Moving to Spain
Step 1. Make sure you close all bank accounts in your current country and transfer them to accounts in Spain as soon as possible
Step 2. Pay off any debts or obligations before you leave
Solve other problems that may be difficult to solve when you are in a different country.
Tips
- The rules regarding Police Record Certificates are very strict. Make sure you check the details at the nearest Spanish Consulate.
- The original and 2 copies must be sent for the majority of visa types. For other types of visa, please send original and 1 copy.
- Each photo must have a white background.
- After arriving in Spain, be sure to visit Oficina de Extranjeros (Office for Foreigners) to apply for an NIE number. This is the national ID number.
- If you wish to meet a family member who is a legal resident of Spain, you are eligible for a visa. Check for more information at your local Spanish Consulate.
- A written statement from your doctor that you do not have an infectious disease can be accepted as evidence of your medical condition.
- Usually, any documents you provide should be translated into Spanish.
- If you emigrated to Spain from the United States, you can get a police certificate online. Otherwise, check for further information at the nearest Spanish Consulate on how to obtain this certificate.
- The following URL provides application forms for all types of visas:
