Assessment
10 Ways to Move to Spain in 2026
Find out which visa fits your situation, and why 2026 is the year to start
Six years ago, I recorded a video titled “10 Ways to Move to Spain.” And now I’m watching it again with a smile, because Spain’s immigration system has changed a lot since then.

Some visas have disappeared. Some have become more complicated. Others, on the contrary, have become super popular. And if I were recording this video today, my list would look like this 👇
Alina Kaba
Dreamlife CEO

  • 10. Residence Permit for Love

Marriage or civil partnership with a Spanish or EU citizen. One of the most emotional and meaningful ways to move. Usually, the first permit is issued for 5 years right away, with the right to work.

  • 9. Political Asylum / Temporary Protection

A path for those who truly need protection. It grants the right to live in Spain and, over time, obtain a work permit. Currently, there is also a mass regularization process for some people who were in the asylum process.

  • 8. Arraigo / Legalization

The Spanish system of legalization through integration. It currently includes both traditional types of arraigo and the new 2026 mass regularization. A one-year residence permit is issued initially. Applications can be submitted until June 30, and the Supreme Court wants to process them, so hurry

  • 7. Family Reunification

If your relatives already live in Spain, you can obtain a residence permit through them. Spain is quite accommodating toward family migration, especially regarding spouses and children. Reunification with parents is also possible

  • 6. Highly Skilled Professional Residence Permit / EU Blue Card

Suitable for professionals in IT, business, engineering, finance, and other in-demand fields. It is usually issued immediately for 3 years and processed through the UGE fast-track system.

  • 5. European citizenship or EU permanent residency

If you already have an EU passport or long-term EU permanent residency, moving becomes much easier. You can live and work in Spain with virtually no need for the standard visa process.

  • 4. Startup Visa / Business Visa - self-employment

Spain actively attracts entrepreneurs and startups. If you have an innovative project or an international business, this can be an excellent way to obtain a residence permit valid for 3 years for yourself and your family.

  • 3. Student Visa

One of the most underrated routes. Language courses, vocational training (FP), universities, business schools—all of these can be your gateway to Spain. You can work while studying and then switch your status to a work residence permit. We partner with schools that allow you to obtain work authorization

  • 2. Non-Lucrative Visa

The ideal option for those with savings or passive income. You gain the right to live in Spain without needing to work here officially. It is usually issued initially for 1 year, then renewed.

  • 1. Digital Nomad Visa 👑

The star of recent years. If you have a remote job or your own business outside of Spain, you can get a residence permit for 3 years right away. Fast. Online. With the option to bring your family. It is this program that has now become the main gateway to Spain for a huge number of people.

Summary

Visas come and go like gold. They get stricter. And new ones appear. And they’re fully tailored to politics, the labor market, and taxes. Usually, the rules get more complicated, the requirements increase, and the processing times get longer. And immigration programs almost never get easier.

So if the idea of moving has been on your mind for a long time, perhaps it’s a sign to get started.

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