Visa, Residency and Citizenship Changes in Spain in 2026

Spain remains one of Europe’s most appealing destinations for relocation — whether you’re seeking a better lifestyle, a base in the EU, or a long-term property plan on the Costa del Sol.

Heading into 2026, several updates to visas, residency documents and citizenship processes are coming into focus. Some are administrative, others affect budgets and timelines — and a few may influence how you enter Spain for the first time.

This guide focuses on what’s most relevant for US, Canadian and British citizens considering a move to Spain (and especially those planning to live in or around Benahavís, Marbella and the wider Costa del Sol).

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV): financial requirements likely to remain stable

For many British, American and Canadian citizens planning early retirement or a lifestyle-led move, the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) continues to be one of the most common routes to Spanish residency. The encouraging news for 2026 is that the financial threshold is expected to remain unchanged.

The NLV requirement is linked to Spain’s IPREM index. At present, applicants must show savings or passive income equivalent to 400% of IPREM for the main applicant — commonly cited as €28,800 per year — with additional amounts for dependants. Spain’s General State Budget (which influences IPREM updates) has faced repeated delays, so the IPREM figure is widely expected to remain frozen into 2026.

If the NLV is on your shortlist, it’s still worth planning early — not because the thresholds are changing, but because consular timelines, document gathering and appointment availability can be the real bottleneck.

Related reading: Visa options for moving to Spain

Digital Nomad Visa (DNV): income threshold likely to increase

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa has become a popular route for remote workers and location-independent professionals, particularly from the US and Canada. Unlike the NLV, the DNV income threshold isn’t linked to IPREM — it’s connected to Spain’s minimum wage (SMI).

The Spanish government has indicated that the minimum wage may rise again early in 2026. If a proposed increase to €1,446.66 gross per month is approved, and applicants must show 200% of that figure, the threshold would move to roughly €2,893 per month (up from about €2,763).

The increase is not dramatic, but it matters if you’re close to the margin — especially for freelancers, contractors or founders whose income fluctuates. If you’re planning to apply, build in a buffer and keep your documentation tidy: clear contracts, consistent invoices and bank statements can make the process far smoother.

Related reading: Visa options for moving to Spain

Citizenship: a surge of new Spaniards via the “Grandchildren’s Law”

One of the biggest under-the-radar shifts going into 2026 is the impact of Spain’s so-called “Grandchildren’s Law”.

This pathway allows children and grandchildren of Spaniards who lost or renounced nationality (often due to political exile) to reclaim Spanish citizenship.

Although the application deadline ended in October 2025, many successful applicants are expected to complete processing and relocate in 2026. This doesn’t directly apply to most US, Canadian or British citizens, but it can still affect you indirectly: increased volume puts pressure on administrative systems, potentially influencing wait times for appointments, civil registries and immigration processing in high-demand provinces.

British citizens: more permanent TIE renewals in 2026

For UK nationals living in Spain under the Withdrawal Agreement, 2026 will be another busy year for upgrading residency documents. Those who were issued temporary WA TIE cards in 2021 will become eligible to switch to permanent WA TIE cards during 2026.

The most common challenge remains the cita previa (appointment), especially in locations with high foreign populations. In practice, the “rule change” isn’t the issue — it’s access to appointments and getting everything lined up correctly.

It’s also worth noting that a significant number of British residents still rely on the old green EU certificates. Both British and Spanish authorities have repeatedly advised switching to a biometric TIE to avoid friction with banks, notaries and public offices.

Related reading: Legal & Residency resources

More foreign residents in Spain — and more applications

Spain’s appeal to international residents shows no signs of slowing.

Recent migration data indicates that the number of foreign residents with permits grew in 2025, and applications for work and residency permits rose sharply following immigration reforms.

The bigger picture is simple: Spain has an ageing population and a low birth rate, so inward migration supports the workforce and the pension system. That reality continues to influence policy, even while immigration becomes a more polarising topic across Europe.

ETIAS: the visa-waiver system expected towards the end of 2026

The long-discussed ETIAS travel authorisation is now expected to be introduced towards the end of 2026. ETIAS will apply to visa-free visitors from countries including the UK, US and Canada.

In practical terms, travellers will complete an online form before visiting Spain (or other Schengen countries) and pay a fee (commonly cited at €20). Once approved, ETIAS is expected to be valid for three years (or until your passport expires), covering multiple short visits.

While ETIAS is aimed at tourists, it matters for future residents too. Many people “test” Spain first with a short stay before deciding on a longer move, and some visa routes are sensitive to entry/exit timing.

If you’re planning a 2026 move, keep ETIAS on your radar — especially for late-year travel.

Spanish citizenship exams: a small cost increase

If you’re planning to apply for Spanish citizenship after long-term legal residency — commonly 10 years for most nationalities — you’ll likely need to pass two exams: the CCSE (cultural/constitutional knowledge) and the DELE A2 language exam (where applicable).

In 2026, the DELE A2 registration fee is expected to rise slightly, from €134 to €138. It’s a small increase, but it reflects a wider pattern: administrative costs rarely go down, so it’s wise to budget conservatively for the full citizenship process.

Could Spain adopt tougher migration measures?

Across the EU there has been a visible shift towards tougher migration policies, including proposals for external “return hubs” and stricter enforcement for failed asylum claims. Spain has taken a more pragmatic stance so far, largely because the economy benefits from a steady inflow of workers.

However, migration is increasingly political across Europe, and Spain is not immune to that pressure. If the domestic political landscape changes, policy tone could shift too. For most readers considering legal routes like the NLV or DNV, the key takeaway is to plan early and keep your documentation robust — those two habits solve more problems than trying to predict political headlines.

Planning a move to Spain in 2026?

Visa rules are only one part of the relocation puzzle. Property selection, purchase costs, tax planning and lifestyle considerations also play a major role — particularly for overseas buyers.

If you’re relocating to the Costa del Sol, it’s helpful to understand the full sequence: research, budgeting, viewing trips, the offer process, and legal completion.

You may also find these guides helpful:

Looking for a home outside Benahavís?
Holiday Homes Spain
covers the whole Costa del Sol.