Key changes and evergreen reminders for foreigners in Spain
The property-investment residence route is no longer active.
As of April 2025, residence through real estate investment (the Golden Visa) has been abolished. Anyone who planned residency through buying a home must consider other routes. Active alternatives remain the Digital Nomad visa and non-lucrative residence. Confirm the current status with a licensed lawyer.
Official sourceRent regulation in certain zones can affect an investment.
The 2023 Housing Law introduces "stressed zones" (zonas tensionadas) where local authorities can cap rent increases. Rules differ by region and change, so check the current situation for the specific city before investing in rentals.
Official sourceResidence for remote workers and freelancers with foreign clients.
Since 2023 (Startups Law), Spain offers a remote-work residence: proof of work for a foreign company or clients, a minimum income, and private health insurance. This is suited to tech workers and freelancers. Exact conditions change, so verify with a professional.
Official sourceTourist rental licenses differ by region and city.
Vivienda de uso turÃstico (VUT) is regulated at the regional and municipal level; some zones are saturated and issue no new licenses. Before investing in tourist rentals, check the local rules and registry for your city.
Bringing family requires sufficient income and adequate housing.
Family reunification requires the sponsor to meet legal residence, sufficient and stable income, and adequate housing (informe de vivienda) conditions. Family documents need apostille and sworn translation. Legal review before filing is essential.
Official sourceAppointments at extranjerÃa and the police can be booked out for weeks.
Most procedures at extranjerÃa and the police require a cita previa, and free slots fill up weeks in advance. Book early and check the portal regularly; slots are released in waves during the day.
Official sourceA foreign license is valid only for a limited time; exchange has a deadline.
Non-EU residents usually must exchange (canje) a foreign driving license within six months of becoming a resident, if their country has an agreement; otherwise, they must take the test. Check whether your country has an agreement on the DGT portal.
Official sourceVAT (Modelo 303) and income tax prepayment (Modelo 130) are quarterly.
As an autónomo, you file quarterly returns: VAT (Modelo 303) and income tax prepayment (Modelo 130), plus annual summaries. Deadlines are fixed (April, July, October, January). A tax gestor usually handles this for you.
Official sourceAddress registration unlocks healthcare, school, NIE/TIE, and social services.
Empadronamiento (registering your address at the town hall) is the first step; without it, there is no health card, school enrollment, or many procedures. For non-EU citizens, it is renewed periodically (often every two years). The process and appointment vary by municipality; pick your city for the exact source.
Spending over 183 days a year usually makes you a Spanish tax resident.
If you spend more than 183 days in a calendar year in Spain (or your center of economic interests is here), you usually become a tax resident and declare worldwide income. This changes the entire tax picture; check with a tax adviser before moving.
Official sourceA non-resident who owns property in Spain has an annual return (IRNR).
If you own property in Spain but are not a tax resident, you usually file Modelo 210 (IRNR) once a year, on imputed income or rental income. Deadlines and amounts depend on the case; it is best handled with a gestor or tax adviser.
Official sourceA residence permit is renewed in advance, not on the expiry date.
A renewal application is usually filed around 60 days before expiry (up to 90 days earlier, or shortly after in some cases). Do not wait until the last day. Conditions depend on the permit type and are best handled with a lawyer.
Official sourceAfter entering with approved residence, biometrics and TIE have a deadline.
A non-EU resident must book the biometrics appointment (toma de huellas) and collect the TIE within 30 days of entering Spain with approved residence. Missing the deadline can cause problems. Book on the official extranjerÃa portal.
Official sourceHandling this via Key4Spain ensures 0% margin for error.