Spain remains the only EU country where you can arrive on a tourist visa and submit residence permit documents directly on-site. In 2026, the process has become even simpler thanks to a new migration policy and a plan to issue over one million residence permits in three years.
Why Spain Simplified Residence Permit Obtaining
Europe critically lacks population. According to Eurostat data, from 2019 to 2023, foreign workers filled two-thirds of new jobs in the European Union. In Spain in 2024, non-citizen migrants filled approximately 40% of vacancies.
The country ranks high in population decline speed, and the government faced a political paradox. On one hand, urgent workforce attraction is needed to compensate for aging population and declining birth rates. On the other hand, voters demand immigration restrictions.
The Spanish government chose a balanced approach: tighten conditions for unskilled migrants from Africa and the Middle East, while simultaneously simplifying paths for specialists, entrepreneurs, and people with financial resources. As a result, over one million residence permits are planned to be issued for the 2025–2027 period.
Spain — The Only EU Country with This Possibility
Spain holds an exceptional position in the European Union: it is the only country where you can arrive on a tourist Schengen visa and submit residence permit documents without leaving or changing your status.
This is impossible in other EU countries. This means you can obtain an initial residence permit in just 2 months — the minimum timeframe in Europe. Moreover, if you fail to submit documents or receive a rejection, you can always choose to stay in the country illegally and after 3 years (under a new draft law — 2 years) submit documents for a residence permit based on actual residence.
Digital Nomad Program: Maximum Broad Criteria
Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa program is among the most accessible in Europe. Contrary to common misconception, there is no requirement to register a business and pay monthly social insurance contributions — this requirement only arises if you initially declare your intention to subsequently create a business and provide services through it.
The criteria for obtaining a digital nomad residence permit are maximally broad. Any source of financial base will work: remote or local income, assets, securities, savings — it doesn’t matter whether they are in Russia or abroad. With proper document preparation, you can qualify for a residence permit with any of these sources.
What to Expect When Submitting Documents
Recently, there has been an increase in additional requests from Spain’s immigration service. They may request income confirmation or commitment letters — for example, people with legal backgrounds are often asked to provide a letter stating that the applicant will not provide legal services within the country.
Processing time depends on the season. In summer, in tourist centers like Barcelona or Málaga, there may be queues that delay the process. In this case, it makes sense to submit documents in Madrid and complete biometrics and receive your card there. In autumn, spring, and winter, there are usually no queues.
The main legislative change taking place in 2026 is the reduction of the illegal residence period from 3 years to 2 years, after which you can apply for legalization. Requirements are also simplified for those taking employment.
Why Spain Is Not the Best Choice for Citizenship
If you are thinking about obtaining a European passport, neighboring France may be more attractive. In Spain, you need to live 10 years on a residence permit before submitting citizenship documents, while in France — only 5 years.
Additionally, Spain prohibits dual citizenship: you will have to give up your native passport. In France, there are no obstacles, and you will retain both passports. An additional bonus: initial French residence permit is issued for 4 years immediately (the maximum in the EU), and you only need to renew it once before applying for citizenship.
Comments
Reader experience is useful, but it is not advice: check the rules on the official site.
No account needed: click Sign in, type any name, and you are done.