How to make Spain your permanent place of residence

For many people, getting a residence permit in Spain is a cherished dream. Once you obtain this status, you gain the right to live in the country and, at the same time, the ability to travel freely and discover other Schengen states.

However, there are a number of legal nuances that you should be aware of.

At Granfield Estate, we regularly work with clients who are combining a property purchase with their residency application. While we are a real estate agency — not an immigration firm — our in-house lawyer coordinates with immigration specialists to ensure the property side supports your visa application.

What is the difference between temporary and permanent residence?

“Permanent residence” is not, strictly speaking, a legal term and is usually understood as long-term residence in a country. To officially obtain the right to live in Spain, you must renew your residence permit according to a set schedule. As a rule, the first renewal takes place one year after the initial residence permit is granted, the second after two more years, the third after a further two years, and the fourth after a total of five years. In other words, the overall process takes about ten years, and only then does a person gain the right to apply for citizenship and permanent residence in Spain.

Some types of residence permit allow you to take up employment, while others do not. However, any residence status gives you the right to stay legally in the country and to travel abroad. To be able to renew your residence permit, you must live in Spain for at least 183 days a year. These rules do not apply if you have obtained a so-called Golden Visa.

Popular ways to obtain a residence permit in Spain

1. Purchasing property

As a licensed agency (RAICV1663) and member of Asivega — the largest estate agents association on the Costa Blanca — Granfield Estate helps buyers at every step of the property purchase process, from viewing to notary.

Buying residential property allows you to legalise your stay in the country. If the value of the property you acquire exceeds 500,000 euros, you can obtain a Golden Visa for investors. It is processed quickly, does not impose any minimum stay requirements, and allows you to work officially. If the purchase price is lower, or if you are renting, the applicant can obtain a non-lucrative residence permit. This type of permit does not allow you to work as an employee but does let you run your own business. At the same time, you must prove that you are financially self-sufficient (an annual income of around 28,000 euros plus about 7,000 euros for each family member). The processing time for this type of residence permit is usually from four to six months.

2. Family ties

You can obtain a residence permit, and even Spanish citizenship, if you have close relatives who are Spanish citizens, if a member of your family already holds a residence permit, or if Spain is your place of birth. In the latter case, there is a fast-track route to citizenship.

3. Enrolling in an educational institution

A student visa is issued on the basis of fee-paying studies. The educational institution must hold an officially recognised state-approved certificate. This type of residence permit is renewed annually.

4. Marriage

A legally registered marriage to a Spanish citizen allows you to obtain a residence permit relatively quickly and, after one year, to begin the process of applying for Spanish citizenship.

5. Refugee status

You can apply for refugee status either in Spain or in another country, after an interview and by providing solid arguments in support of your claim. Processing times vary and the procedure can take several years. However, this status grants you almost the same rights as Spanish citizens, with the notable exception of the right to vote.

6. Employment

Signing an employment contract with a Spanish company allows you to apply for a work visa and the corresponding residence permit. The initial authorisation must be validated by the Ministry of Labour (provided that no suitable resident candidates have been available for the position for a certain period of time). A key requirement is that you have the relevant qualifications and a strong command of Spanish.

7. Setting up your own company

This type of residence permit is intended for investors who are prepared to make a substantial contribution to the Spanish economy. This may involve investing from 1 million euros or more (bank deposits, a stake in a company), purchasing government bonds (from 2 million euros), or participating financially in a business project of strategic national interest. Timely payment of taxes, the creation of new jobs and proof of effective economic activity are assumed as standard.

8. Long-term stay in Spain (“arraigo” / settlement)

It is possible to obtain a residence permit on the basis of “arraigo social” (social ties) after three years of continuous residence in the country. However, during these three years your stay in Spain is irregular, with all the corresponding legal risks. There are no special privileges when applying for residence via “arraigo”: you still have to choose one of the legal visa options, and those three years of irregular stay are not counted towards the ten years of legal residence required to apply for citizenship.

9. Start-up visa

The main requirements for a start-up visa applicant are:

• a project based on innovation that can have a positive impact on the Spanish economy
• a detailed business plan
• clear potential to attract investment
• proof of your own financial solvency
• the necessary funds to launch and develop the project

Each of the options listed above offers a way to live legally in Spain. If you renew your residence permit the required number of times, after ten years of legal residence you can apply for citizenship and truly make Spain your permanent place of residence.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do you need to live in Spain to obtain permanent residency?

By the standard route: the first residency permit — 1 year, then an extension for 2 years, another for 2 years, and after 5 years of total legal residence, you can apply for long-term residency (residencia de larga duración). After 10 years, the path to citizenship opens up. For some categories (spouses of Spaniards, Latin Americans), the timeframes are shorter.

Do you need to live permanently in Spain to maintain residency?

Yes — for most types of residency, you must be in the country for at least 183 days a year. If you are absent for longer, your residency may be revoked upon the next renewal. An exception is for holders of the Golden Visa (the program is closed in 2025): for them, the requirements for actual residence were more lenient.

Can you work in Spain with a residence permit?

It depends on the type of residency. The non-lucrative resident visa does not allow you to work for a Spanish employer. The digital nomad visa allows remote work for foreign employers. Work residency and entrepreneur residency — allow it. After obtaining long-term residency (5 years), work restrictions are generally lifted.

Do you need to become a tax resident of Spain when obtaining residency?

Not automatically. You become a tax resident of Spain if you spend more than 183 days in the country per year — regardless of having residency. Tax residency entails the obligation to declare worldwide income in Spain. If you live less than 183 days — you only pay tax for non-residents (IRNR) on Spanish-source income.

How Granfield Estate Supports Your Move to Spain

Your property purchase is the foundation of your new life in Spain. We make sure it’s solid:

• Property that supports your visa: Our agents help you choose a property that strengthens your residency application — whether it’s a non-lucrative visa or another route.
• Legal coordination: Our in-house lawyer (10+ years) handles NIE, bank account, contracts, and works with immigration lawyers when needed. Free first consultation.
• Post-purchase settling in: Empadronamiento, utilities, SIP card — we guide you through every administrative step.

Granfield Estate
Av. Bélgica 1, C.C. Parquemar, La Mata, 03188 Torrevieja (Alicante)
Tel: +34 865 44 33 33
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