Types of residence permits in Spain

Digital nomad visa.

Basic requirements:

Bank account statement on which the revenue received for the last 3 months amounts to no less than 2600 euros monthly (or its equivalent in a different currency).
The employer as a legal entity has been in operation for at least one year or more.
Proof of the applicant having at least 3 years of work experience in the field.

Advantages:

Quick and lenient consideration, especially when submitted in Spain; low probability of requiring to submit any additional documents.
There is no need to show bank account balances, it is sufficient to show the receipt of your wages.
This residence permit is issued directly for 3 years.

Disadvantages:

An immature legislative framework, as the first digital nomad residence permits were not issued until as late as the beginning of 2023.

No lucrativa (residence permit without the right to work).

Basic requirements:

Bank statement confirming the availability of funds of no less than 30000 euros per person.
Rental agreement in Spain for 1 year or more or proof of ownership of property in the country.
Spanish private health insurance with full coverage and international repatriation.

Advantages:

It is sufficient to show the availability of funds in an account (employment is not required).
You will not have to pay taxes for the next 5 years of your life in Spain, as you do not have the right to work.
A higher percentage of favourable resolutions when applying as a family.

Disadvantages:

This residence permit is not suitable for everyone, as a substantial amount of money is required both when you first apply and when you renew for the next 2 years. For example, for a family of 4 people will need to show the amount of at least 100 800 euros, and it is annually adjusted and increased.
Issued initially only for 1 year, and then you will need to extend it twice for 2 years.
It can only be applied for strictly at the Consulate General of Spain in your country of origin.

Visado de estudios (student visa).

Basic requirements:

A study programme with a duration of more than 7 months.
Contract with an accredited Spanish educational institution.
Availability of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of stay and return of the student and accompanying relatives (if any).
Private insurance.

Advantages:

Option of applying within the Spanish territory.
Possibility to work part-time.
After a three-year stay in the country under the conditions of a successful graduation and a pre-employment work contract, it will be possible to obtain a residence permit with the right to work.

Disadvantages:

The period of stay under the student visa does not count toward the time requirements for future permanent residence and citizenship.
Must be enrolled in a full-time study programme of at least 180 days.
It is not possible for parents to 'join'.

Pasaporte (passport).

According to passportindex.org, the Spanish passport is in the top 2 according to the 'total mobility score' and grants you the right to travel almost unhindered around the world. This includes the ability to reside in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Luxembourg.

To obtain Spanish citizenship you will be required to have lived legally in the country for at least ten years. You will also need to pass the following exams:

CCSE, which lasts 45 minutes and consists of 25 questions: the first part of the exam includes 10 questions on history, society, and culture, and the second part includes 15 questions on governance, legislation, and civic participation.
DELE, which serves to prove your proficiency in Spanish at least at the A2 level or above.

After passing these exams and receiving a favourable resolution on your application, you will have to take the oath of allegiance to the King, confirm your commitment to respect the Spanish Constitution and laws, and then wait until your Spanish documents are issued.