The Best Visas for Moving to Spain as a Family
Moving to Spain as a family from the US might feel like a big leap, but with the right visa, the process can be smoother and faster than you think.
Spain offers several visa options for families looking to settle in the country, and some of these can lead to rapid processing times, especially if you know which ones to prioritize. Whether you're planning on relocating for work, starting a business, or simply enjoying a life of adventure, we’ve rounded up the best family-friendly visa options for your Spanish journey.
The Spanish Work Visa (Residencia por Trabajo)
Best for: Families with a job offer or self-employed individuals.
If you or your spouse have a job offer from a Spanish company, the work visa is one of the most straightforward options to bring your entire family along. This visa is also applicable to self-employed entrepreneurs and business owners.
Eligibility: To qualify, one of the primary applicants (you or your spouse) must secure a job offer in Spain. The job must typically be one that cannot easily be filled by a local Spanish worker (which is often the case in specialized fields like technology, engineering, healthcare, and teaching English).
Family Members: The work visa allows you to include your spouse and dependent children (under 18 or financially dependent adult children) on your application. This means that once you secure your work visa, your family can be included, ensuring everyone gets the opportunity to live, work, and study in Spain.
Processing Time: Spain’s work visas typically take 2-3 months for approval, but processing times can vary based on the type of work and the specific consulate handling the application. Some companies offer relocation assistance, which could expedite the process, so it's worth checking if your future employer can support the application.
Benefits: Once approved, this visa is usually valid for one year, with the possibility of extending it for up to five years. After five years, you may be eligible for permanent residency, which offers long-term stability and the right to work freely in Spain.
2. The Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Nómada Digital)
Best for: Remote workers and freelancers seeking a legal and tax-efficient way to live in Spain.
If you work remotely for a non-Spanish company or are a freelancer with clients primarily outside Spain, the Digital Nomad Visa offers a straightforward pathway to residency. This visa is ideal for professionals in technology, creative industries, and other fields where remote work is standard.
Eligibility: To qualify, applicants must demonstrate the following:
Employment with a company outside Spain or proof of freelance contracts with clients outside Spain.
A minimum income of €2,334 per month (subject to annual updates).
Professional experience of at least three years, or advanced degrees/qualifications in their field.
Family Members: The Digital Nomad Visa allows you to bring immediate family members, such as your spouse and children. However, additional income requirements apply to include dependents in your application.
Processing Time: Once you meet the requirements, the visa application can typically be processed within 20–60 days. The process includes an application through the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country or while already in Spain on a tourist visa.
Benefits:
The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for up to five years.
Holders may apply for permanent residency after five years.
It includes a favorable tax regime under Spain's "Beckham Law," offering a flat income tax rate of 24% on earnings up to €600,000 for up to six years.
3. The Spanish Entrepreneur Visa (Visado de Emprendedor)
Best for: Families of entrepreneurs or investors starting a business.
If you or your spouse are entrepreneurial spirits and plan to open a business in Spain, the Entrepreneur Visa (also called the Self-Employed Visa) is an excellent option for relocating to Spain. Spain actively encourages foreign investment, and this visa can bring a host of opportunities for business owners.
Eligibility: The business or investment must meet specific criteria, such as being innovative, creating jobs, and contributing to the Spanish economy. You’ll need to provide a detailed business plan and demonstrate sufficient funds to support your venture.
Family Members: The Entrepreneur Visa allows you to bring your spouse and children (under 18) as dependents. This means that your whole family can live in Spain while you focus on growing your business.
Processing Time: Like the work visa, the Entrepreneur Visa can take a few months to process, depending on the specifics of your business proposal. However, Spain’s proactive stance on attracting entrepreneurs means this route can be one of the faster ways to get approved.
Benefits: This visa is typically valid for one year and can be renewed, provided you are successfully running your business. After five years, you may apply for permanent residency.
4. The Non-Lucrative Visa (Visa No Lucrativa)
Best for: Families looking to retire or live in Spain without working.
The Non-Lucrative Visa is a great option for families who have sufficient financial resources to support themselves without the need for employment. It’s particularly popular among retirees or families with passive income (from investments, savings, or rental properties) who want to live in Spain.
Eligibility: To qualify for this visa, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have enough income to support your family while living in Spain. The income threshold is typically around €27,000 per year for a single applicant, with additional amounts required for family members.
Family Members: The Non-Lucrative Visa can include your spouse and dependent children under the age of 18, or adult children who are financially dependent on you. This makes it an excellent choice for families with younger children or older dependents who don't have to work.
Processing Time: While the processing time is typically around 1-2 months, it can vary based on the consulate and the completeness of your documentation. The fact that you don’t need to secure employment beforehand can make this visa a bit simpler to apply for.
Benefits: The Non-Lucrative Visa is initially issued for one year but can be renewed for up to two years at a time. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency. This visa allows you to live in Spain without the pressure of a job, making it perfect for families looking to explore the Spanish lifestyle without financial worries.
5. The Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)
Best for: Families moving to Spain for education purposes.
If your family plans to study in Spain—whether for high school, university, or even language programs—the Student Visa is a great choice. Spain has world-class educational institutions, and this visa allows you to bring your children along if they’re under 18. This is how I first came to Spain legally, and I truly believe it is one of the easiest routes.
Eligibility: To qualify, you need to be accepted into a Spanish educational institution (whether public or private). You’ll need proof of enrollment, sufficient financial means, and health insurance for the duration of your stay.
Family Members: You can include your spouse and dependent children on the student visa application. While the main applicant (the student) will need to demonstrate their acceptance into an educational program, the family members can live and travel with them in Spain.
Processing Time: Student visas typically take 1-3 months to process, depending on the consulate and your application’s completeness. Starting early and making sure you have all necessary documents can speed up the process.
Benefits: This visa allows the entire family to live in Spain while the student pursues their studies. The family can also work part-time (for up to 20 hours a week) if needed, which can help supplement living costs.
5. The Golden Visa (Visa de Oro)
Best for: Families with significant financial means.
If you have the financial means to invest in Spain, the Golden Visa offers a fast-track route to residency. This visa is available for individuals who make significant investments in Spain, such as purchasing real estate, investing in businesses, or making large financial deposits in Spanish banks.
Eligibility: To qualify for the Golden Visa, you’ll need to make a qualifying investment—such as purchasing real estate worth at least €500,000, having public debt securities worth €2 million, investing €1 million in Spanish businesses (shares) or government bonds, or creating jobs through investment. This is one of the quickest visas to obtain if you have the financial capacity.
Family Members: The Golden Visa allows you to include your spouse, children under 18, and dependent adult children (up to 25) if they are studying or living with you. This makes it an ideal option for families looking to move to Spain quickly and with minimal bureaucratic hurdles.
Processing Time: The Golden Visa is often one of the quickest visas to process. Once you have made the investment, the visa can be issued in as little as two months.
Benefits: This visa is initially valid for one year, but it can be extended for two-year periods indefinitely. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency, and after 10 years, you may be eligible for citizenship.
NOTE: This visa is set to end in April of 2025, however, pplications remain open. Those approved before any changes take effect will retain their residency status.
Given the uncertainty, prospective applicants are encouraged to act promptly if they wish to utilize this route. Alternative options like Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa or Non-Lucrative Visa are also available for individuals without investment plans but with sufficient financial resources.
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Final Thoughts: Which Visa is Right for Your Family?
The best visa for your family depends on your unique circumstances—whether you’re moving for work, business, retirement, education, or investment. In all cases, Spain offers a welcoming and family-friendly immigration policy, and there are multiple pathways to make the move easier.
For families with financial resources or those who want to avoid employment restrictions, the Non-Lucrative Visa or Golden Visa are great options. For families with job offers, the Work Visa or Entrepreneur Visa can be the way to go. If education is your priority, the Student Visa offers a flexible and supportive route.
No matter which visa you choose, Spain is a wonderful place to call home, offering a perfect balance of work, life, and adventure for families. So, pack your bags, gather your paperwork, and get ready to embrace the Spanish sunshine and laid-back lifestyle with your loved ones!
