People from other countries who want to live temporarily or permanently in Spain need to get permission and a visa to enter Spain. Long-term residency allows foreign citizens to live and work in Spain indefinitely, just like Spanish citizens. To qualify, they must have lived in Spain continuously for five years and meet legal requirements. Importantly, to get long-term residency, past and ongoing stays in other EU countries as blue card holders will be counted.

Temporary residency allows someone to stay in Spain for more than 90 days but less than five years. If they want to stay longer, they can apply again if they meet the requirements. Also, foreigners can get a temporary residency without a work permit if they can prove they have enough money and, if needed, their family’s money.

Studying in Spain

Foreign citizens wishing to study or work in Spain must obtain a visa, which includes initial authorization. One of the most important requirements for obtaining a study visa is to have a letter of admission from the school or university where the education programme will be studied. If the study stay does not exceed 6 months, the visa will be valid for the entire stay and it will not be necessary to obtain a Foreigner Identity Card. If the study stay is for longer than 6 months, the visa will be valid for a 90-day stay. The student must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card within a period of 1 month from their entry into Spain, at the Foreign Nationals’ Office or the Police Station of the province in which the permit was processed.

Working in Spain

Foreign citizens that intend to carry on any remunerated, employment or professional activity must previously obtain the corresponding authorisation to reside and work in Spain. This authorisation must be applied for by the employer offering the work contract. Additionally, foreigners need to obtain a visa once the residency and work authorisation has been issued. If the contract is for one year, the visa will be valid for 90 days.

Once in Spain, the worker must register with the Social Security system before beginning their work activity and apply for a Foreigner Identity Card at the Foreign Nationals’ Office or the corresponding police station, within 1 month from their registration with the Social Security system.

If the work contract is for seasonal work, the visa will be valid for the entire period for which the applicant is authorized to reside and work in Spain, and it will not be necessary to apply for a Foreigner Identity Card upon arriving in Spain.