Moving to Spain in 2026 — Spanish Visa Overview

Spain remains one of the most desirable countries in the world to live, work and retire. With its exceptional climate, high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and comparatively affordable living costs, it continues to attract buyers and long-term residents from across Europe, North America and beyond.

However, following the official closure of Spain’s Golden Visa programme in April 2025, the residency landscape has shifted. In 2026, moving to Spain requires a clearer understanding of which visas remain available, who they suit best, and how tax residency is affected.

This guide provides an up-to-date overview of the main Spanish visa options in 2026, helping you identify the most appropriate route based on your nationality, lifestyle and financial situation.

Who needs a visa or residency permit?

  • Non-EU / non-EEA nationals: If you intend to stay in Spain for more than 90 consecutive days, you must apply for a Spanish visa. Not all visas allow you to work.
  • EU / EEA nationals: You do not need a visa, but you must register for a Spanish residency certificate if staying longer than 90 days. This process is relatively quick and inexpensive.

All of the visas listed below allow you to live anywhere in Spain — from Barcelona and Madrid to Mallorca, Seville and the Costa del Sol.

General requirements for Spanish visas

Spain does not require applicants to demonstrate Spanish language proficiency as part of the visa process. Nevertheless, learning basic Spanish is strongly recommended and greatly improves day-to-day life and integration.

While each visa has its own criteria, the following requirements apply across almost all non-EU visa types:

  • Applicant must be a non-EU / non-EEA national
  • Private health insurance valid in Spain
  • Clean criminal record for the previous five years
  • Proof of financial self-sufficiency
  • No illegal residence in Spain at the time of application

Spanish visa options in 2026

As of 2026, Spain offers four primary residency visas for non-EU nationals, alongside a special tax regime for qualifying EU citizens.

1. Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

With the Golden Visa now closed, the Digital Nomad Visa has become the most sought-after residency option for non-EU nationals. It is designed for individuals who work remotely for foreign companies or run overseas businesses.

The DNV allows you to live in Spain while continuing to earn income from outside the country. Family members — including spouses and dependent children — may be included in the application.

Key advantages:

  • No taxation on foreign-sourced income and assets
  • Flat 24% tax rate on Spanish income up to €600,000
  • No Wealth Tax or Modelo 720 reporting
  • Three-year initial residence permit

This visa is particularly attractive to high-earning professionals, freelancers and internationally mobile entrepreneurs.

2. Family Reunification Visa

Often referred to informally as a “marriage visa,” this permit is more accurately a family reunification route. It allows non-EU family members to join a spouse or partner who already holds legal residency in Spain.

Eligible relationships include married couples, registered civil partnerships and, in some cases, long-term unmarried partners. This visa grants the right to live and work in Spain and is typically fast-tracked.

Initial residence is granted for up to five years, depending on the sponsor’s status.

3. Non-Lucrative Visa (Retirement Visa)

The Non-Lucrative Visa is Spain’s primary residency option for retirees and individuals who do not intend to work. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient passive income or savings to support themselves without employment.

This visa is popular with pensioners who wish to spend extended periods in Spain enjoying the lifestyle, healthcare and climate.

  • No right to work in Spain
  • One-year initial permit, renewable every two years
  • Lower application costs than other visas

4. Self-Employed / Business (Lucrative) Visa

This visa is intended for entrepreneurs and professionals who wish to establish and actively run a business in Spain. Applicants must present a viable business plan and demonstrate sufficient capital.

In practice, investment levels typically range from €80,000 to €100,000, alongside commitments to Spanish social security contributions and, in many cases, hiring staff.

While this route offers full working rights, it involves higher fees, longer processing times and ongoing compliance requirements.

5. Beckham Law (Special Tax Regime)

The Beckham Law is not a visa but a preferential tax regime available to qualifying EU/EEA nationals who relocate to Spain under an employment contract with a Spanish company.

It mirrors many of the tax advantages of the Digital Nomad Visa, including reduced taxation on Spanish income and exclusion of foreign assets from Spanish tax.

This regime continues to play a significant role in attracting senior executives and internationally mobile professionals to Spain.

What happened to the Spanish Golden Visa?

Spain officially closed its Golden Visa programme in April 2025. New applications are no longer accepted. However, individuals who obtained a Golden Visa before the deadline may continue to renew their residency under the existing rules.

As a result, property ownership alone no longer grants residency rights in Spain. Buyers should now plan their purchase and residency strategy separately.

Final thoughts

Moving to Spain in 2026 remains highly achievable, but choosing the right visa is now more important than ever. Each route carries different tax, lifestyle and residency implications.

If you’re considering buying property or relocating to Spain, it’s wise to understand both the legal framework and how your visa choice interacts with tax residency, long-term planning and family arrangements.