Comparative assessment
We set out the routes you qualify for side by side: requirements, work rights, family scope, duration and renewal conditions.
Immigration
Residency in Spain
"Residency" is not one thing. Spain offers distinct permits with different requirements, rights to work, renewal cycles and paths to permanent residence. Choosing the wrong one is expensive in time, not only in fees.
Who this is for
- Clients comparing several possible routes
- Non-EU nationals planning a long stay
- EU nationals registering their residence
- Clients changing from one permit to another
Long-term thinking
Some permits count better than others towards permanent residence and nationality. We plan the sequence, not just the first step.
Change of status
Moving from a study permit, a job or a family permit to another category has its own timing rules. We handle the transition.
Get legal guidance on your case.
A confidential consultation with a Spanish-qualified, English-speaking lawyer — in person in Madrid or by video.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between a visa and a residence permit?
- A visa authorises entry to Spain for a stated purpose; a residence permit (and the TIE card evidencing it) authorises the stay itself. Some routes begin with a consular visa, others are applied for directly in Spain.
- Does residency in Spain make me a tax resident?
- They are separate concepts. Tax residence depends mainly on days of presence and centre of economic interests, so it is possible to hold a permit and be taxed elsewhere, or the reverse. This should be analysed before you move.
- How many days can I spend outside Spain?
- Absence limits depend on the permit and on whether you are aiming for renewal, permanent residence or nationality. We quantify your allowance for your specific route.