Residence permit in Spain in 2024 with the D visa – digital nomad, research, employment and study visas
To apply for a residence permit in Spain from within the country, an immigrant must obtain a D visa – a national visa issued for periods ranging from 90 days to several years. Typically, investors, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs first reside in the country on a long-term visa and then apply for a residence permit.
In this article, we will discuss how foreign citizens can obtain a long-term visa in Spain in 2024 and whether it is possible to apply for permanent residence status and citizenship after obtaining a D visa.
Student Visa for Spain – Visado des estudios
A student visa is issued to foreign citizens studying at Spanish universities, language schools, or vocational courses. The student's spouse and minor children may also receive the visa.
A study visa is valid for one year and can be extended. A student residing in Spain with this visa is entitled to work up to 30 hours per week without a special work permit, as long as the work does not interfere with their studies.
After completing their studies, graduates can remain in the country for one year to find employment with a local company or start their own business.
Digital Nomad Visa – Visado de residencia para teletrabajo
A digital nomad visa is available to citizens of non-EU countries who work for a foreign company and earn at least twice the minimum wage in Spain. In 2024, the minimum wage in Spain is €1,323 per month. Therefore, a digital nomad must earn at least €2,646 (plus €993 for a spouse and €331 for each child).
To obtain this type of visa, the applicant must also purchase or rent real estate in Spain to indicate their place of residence.
This option is suitable for online professionals who don't require a physical presence in an office. Typically, the Digital Nomad visa is awarded to IT specialists, marketers, and designers. It's worth noting that in addition to income from a foreign company, the specialist can also receive income from Spanish organizations, but earnings from these organizations must not exceed 20% of their total income.
After five years of residence in Spain, a nomad can obtain permanent residency, and after 10 years, citizenship.
Residence permit in Spain for financially independent individuals
A distinctive feature of the D visa for financially independent individuals is that the immigrant does not have the right to work in the country. Financial independence requires the applicant to earn a stable passive income outside of Spain. The applicant must also be over 18 years old and have no criminal record.
The passive income of a financially independent individual must be at least 400% of the minimum wage in Spain. In 2024, the minimum wage in Spain is €7,200 per year. Therefore, a foreign citizen's minimum passive income must be €28,800 per year.
This type of visa is issued for 90 days. During this time, the applicant must come to Spain and apply for a residence permit.
After five years of residence in Spain, a financially independent foreigner can obtain permanent residency, and after 10 years, citizenship.
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Work Visas to Spain
Spain offers several work visa options for foreigners. We'll briefly discuss each one.
1. Visa for Official Employment. This visa is available to foreign citizens aged 16 and over who have been invited to work for a local company. This visa requires official employment under an employment contract.
2. Self-Employed Visa. To obtain this visa, applicants must prove financial independence by submitting a bank statement, employment record, and educational diploma. Income must be greater than or equal to the minimum wage in Spain.
3. Entrepreneur Visa. This business visa is issued to entrepreneurs whose project is of economic interest to Spain. To obtain the visa, the entrepreneur must create jobs in the Spanish market, provide a detailed business plan outlining all ideas and funding sources, demonstrate their professional experience, and demonstrate personal involvement in the project.
Residence Permit in Spain through a Research Visa – Visado de Investigación
A research visa is issued to scientists working in Spanish organizations, such as research centers and universities.
To obtain this type of visa, the applicant must prove their academic degree, provide an employment contract with a Spanish organization, and a real estate purchase or lease agreement for the duration of their stay in the country.
After five years of residence in Spain, a researcher can obtain permanent residency or extend their visa.
Unlike the visa for financially independent individuals, researchers are entitled to work at universities and devote themselves to teaching up to 20% of the working time. Once the research project is completed, the scientist will have the right to remain in Spain for another year and, during this time, find employment with a local company or start their own business.
To summarize
Spain allows foreign residents to enter the country with a D visa in a variety of ways, after which they are eligible to obtain permanent status and citizenship.
If you are considering Spain as a preferred country for relocation, we invite you to an online consultation with our company. We will thoroughly analyze your situation and select the most suitable and advantageous immigration option.