Residence permits for living and working in Spain

Non-lucrative residence

For retirees and anyone who can live in Spain on savings, pensions or passive income without working here. The non-lucrative visa is applied for at the Spanish consulate that covers your state or province, and must be requested from outside Spain. I prepare the complete file: proof of means, health insurance, criminal record certificates, medical certificate, apostilles and sworn translations. I explain what you must do in person at the consulate, and after you arrive I handle the residence card steps and every renewal.

Digital nomad residence

For remote employees of companies outside Spain and for freelancers whose clients are mostly outside Spain (Ley 14/2013, international telework). You can apply for the visa at the consulate or, if you are lawfully in Spain, apply for the residence permit directly with the UGE-CE, the specialised unit that decides these permits. In that case I file electronically as your representative. I also review the employment or client documentation, the company's track record and Spanish or US social security coverage. Getting that coverage wrong is the most common reason for delays.

Entrepreneurs

For innovative business projects with a favourable report from ENISA. I review the business plan and handle the ENISA application and the UGE-CE filing; I do not write the business plan.

Permits sponsored by a company or institution

Highly qualified professional, researcher and intra-company transfer permits are applied for by the employer, university or research centre itself, not by the worker or the worker's lawyer. In these cases I help you prepare and check your side of the documentation (degrees, apostilles, translations, criminal record certificates and family documents) so that the institution can file without delays. If the institution prefers, I coordinate with its HR or international office.

Family members

Spouse or partner and children can usually apply together with the main applicant. If you are the family member of a Spanish citizen, a separate regime applies; see Spaniards in the US & Canada.

Renewals and long-term residence

Permits must be renewed within the legal window around their expiry date, with evidence that the conditions are still met. After five years of continuous legal residence you can apply for long-term residence, which no longer depends on the original permit.

Refusals and appeals

If an application is refused, you can ask the same authority to reconsider it (recurso de reposición) within one month, or go directly to the courts within two months. I review the refusal, fix what can be fixed and choose the fastest route for your case. Sometimes that is a new, stronger application rather than an appeal.

Plan your move to Spain

Request one coordinated quote for your chosen residence route, eligible family applications, document preparation and post-arrival guidance. Where needed, add a power of attorney, NIE assistance or coordination with your tax adviser. Personal consular appointments, biometrics and other attendance requirements are explained in advance.

Application fees: non-lucrative visa $1,950; digital nomad $2,250, plus $450 for each family member applying together. Wider relocation packages are quoted individually; family eligibility and the selected route determine the scope.

Request a relocation quote · Prepare your US documents · Buying a home in Spain

Fees

Fixed fees in US dollars, confirmed in writing before any work begins. Applicable taxes are confirmed in your written quote. Third-party costs such as notary, registry, taxes, translations and apostilles are charged at cost, unless expressly included. How fees work.

Common questions

Can I apply from inside Spain if I arrived as a visitor?

For the digital nomad and entrepreneur permits, yes, as long as your stay is still lawful on the day the application is filed. US and Canadian citizens can stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. The non-lucrative visa cannot be applied for from inside Spain.

How long does a decision take?

For permits filed with the UGE-CE, the law gives it 20 working days to decide. If it does not answer in time, the application is deemed granted. A request for further documents pauses that period until you reply.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

No. There is no language requirement for these permits. Everything you sign or submit will be explained to you in English.

Will I pay tax in Spain?

Probably, if you spend more than 183 days a year in Spain. Tax is a separate question from the permit; where needed I work with Spanish and US tax advisers so the two are planned together.