Immigration requirements explained

Here you will find, route by route, the requirements demanded by each residence, arraigo (roots-based residence) or nationality permit: length of stay, financial means, criminal record, family ties and other conditions of the Immigration Regulations. Explained in plain language so you can tell at a glance whether you qualify. Remember that this is informational: confirm it with a professional.

  • Asylum and protectionRequirements
    Residence on humanitarian grounds: cases and requirements

    Are you in an exceptional situation and don't fit arraigo or asylum? Residence on humanitarian grounds may be your route. We explain, in plain language, the cases that allow it, the requirements and how to apply under the new Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024).

  • Spanish nationalityRequirements
    Citizenship through marriage to a Spaniard: requirements

    Marrying a Spaniard does not give you the passport automatically, but it does shorten the road enormously: with just 1 year of legal residence you can already apply for citizenship. We explain the requirements, deadlines, exams and documents step by step.

  • Family reunificationRequirements
    Family reunification of a spouse (wife or husband): requirements and documents

    Do you want to bring your wife or husband to Spain? We explain, step by step and with no fine print, the requirements to reunite with a spouse or partner: what you need to prove, which papers to gather and how long it usually takes under the new Immigration Regulation.

  • Residence and workRequirements
    Renewing employed-work residence: requirements and deadlines (2025)

    Is your card's expiry date coming up? We explain clearly, updated to RD 1155/2024, what you need to renew your residence based on employed work (cuenta ajena): requirements depending on whether or not you kept paying social security, documents, fees and the new time limits (renewals can now last 4 years). An orientation-only step-by-step guide so you reach your appointment with everything ready.

  • Studies and trainingRequirements
    Working on a student visa in Spain: hours and requirements

    Studying in Spain and want a job? We explain whether you can work on a student visa, how many weekly hours the new Regulation (RD 1155/2024) allows and which requirements you must meet to combine work and study without putting your stay at risk.

  • Residence and workRequirements
    Non-lucrative residence: money and financial means required in 2025

    Non-lucrative residence lets you live in Spain without working, but you must prove sufficient savings or income. We explain the money required in 2025 based on the IPREM and RD 1155/2024, how much each dependent adds and how to prove it without being denied.

  • Family reunificationRequirements
    Family reunification requirements: financial means and housing

    How much money does the immigration office require to bring your family over? Find out the financial-means requirements for family reunification under RD 1155/2024: how much you need according to the IPREM, how to prove it and what the housing report demands, with clear examples based on the number of relatives.