How long can you stay in Spain without a visa? Find out how to extend your visit legally.
Spain remains one of the most popular destinations for tourists, expats, and digital nomads. In 2023, over 85 million visitors flocked to Spain, making it the second most visited country after France (World Tourism Organization). Whether planning a short holiday or considering an extended stay, understanding how long you can legally remain in Spain is crucial.
For most travellers, the limit of their stay depends on various factors, including their nationality, purpose of visit, and whether they require a visa. If you want to extend your time in sunny Spain, navigating the rules and regulations to avoid penalties or future travel restrictions is essential.
How Long Can Tourists visit?
The Schengen Area rules primarily determine the duration of your stay in Spain. Spain is part of this zone, which means visitors can travel freely between 27 European countries for short stays.
Key Points:
How long can you stay in Spain without a visa? Tourists from non-EU Countries (Including the U.S. and U.K.): If you hold a passport from a non-EU country, you can stay in Spain for up to 90 days within 180 days without a visa. This applies to tourists, business travellers, and those visiting family. More on Schengen Visa Rules
EU/EEA Nationals: Citizens of E.U. and EEA countries can stay in Spain for up to 90 days without any formality. For stays longer than three months, they need to register with local authorities and prove they have sufficient means and health insurance.
According to the Spanish Ministry of the Interior, more than 3.2 million British tourists visited Spain in 2023, many affected by the 90/180 rule, especially after Brexit limited their freedom of movement in the E.U.
Visiting from California to Madrid
Sarah, a digital nomad from California, planned to spend the summer exploring Madrid’s art scene and enjoying the local culture. As a U.S. citizen, Sarah could stay for 90 days without a visa. However, since she wanted to stay longer, she needed to apply for a Non-Lucrative Visa, which allows her to live in Spain for a year without engaging in work activities.
Steps Sarah Followed:
Applied for the Non-Lucrative Visa through the Spanish Consulate in Los Angeles.
She proved sufficient financial means, showing she could support herself without working in Spain.
She secured private health insurance to meet visa requirements.
Paid the necessary visa fees and submitted biometric data at the consulate.
Sarah’s visa allowed her to remain in Spain for a year, with the possibility of renewal. Check the requirements for Non-Lucrative Visas
Visiting from London to Marbella
John, a retiree from London, wanted to spend six months in Marbella to escape the British winter. Since Brexit, U.K. nationals can no longer stay in Spain for more than 90 days or 180 days without a visa. Therefore, John applied for a Golden Visa, which grants residency to non-EU citizens who invest at least €500,000 in Spanish property (pre-2024).
Steps John Followed:
Purchased a villa in Marbella valued at €600,000, meeting the investment threshold.
Applied for the Golden Visa at the Spanish Consulate in London, providing proof of property purchase, health insurance, and a clean criminal record (pre 2024).
Received a residency permit valid for two years, renewable, and with the possibility to apply for permanent residency after five years.
John can now enjoy extended stays in Spain without worrying about the 90-day limit. Learn more about Spain’s Golden Visa
Key Options for Staying Longer
Non-Lucrative Visa: Ideal for retirees and digital nomads, this visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain for up to a year without engaging in local work. Applicants must prove they have sufficient financial means to sustain themselves. The minimum amount is approximately €2,400 per month, which varies slightly depending on the region.
Golden Visa: For those who wish to make Spain their long-term home, the Golden Visa is a popular choice. It grants residency to non-EU nationals who invest at least €500,000 in Spanish property. This visa allows holders and their families to live, work, and study in Spain (pre 2024).
Student Visa: If you plan to study in Spain, you can apply for a Student Visa, which will allow you to stay for the duration of the course. This visa also permits limited work (up to 20 hours per week), making it a great choice for younger visitors looking to immerse themselves in Spanish culture.
Temporary Residency for Family Reunification: If you have family members residing legally in Spain, you may qualify for family reunification residency, allowing you to stay in the country for over 90 days.
Important Legal and Tax Implications
If you plan to stay in Spain for more than 183 days within a calendar year, you may be considered a tax resident. You must declare your global income to the Spanish tax authorities, which can lead to additional tax liabilities. Make sure to consult a tax advisor familiar with Spanish and international tax laws to ensure compliance. Spanish Tax Agency
5 Common Questions
Can I stay in Spain for more than 90 days without a visa? No, unless you are an EU/EEA citizen. Non-EU citizens must apply for an appropriate visa to extend their stay beyond 90 days.
What is the 90/180 rule in Spain? Non-EU visitors can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a rolling 180-day period. Once you’ve reached 90 days, you must leave the Schengen Area and wait until the 180-day period resets.
Can I work in Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa? No, this visa does not allow you to engage in work activities within Spain. However, it does permit remote work for non-Spanish companies.
Is it easy to get a Golden Visa? If you meet the investment threshold and other requirements (e.g., clean criminal record, health insurance), obtaining a Golden Visa is relatively straightforward.
How can I become a permanent resident of Spain? After holding a temporary residency permit for five continuous years, you can apply for permanent residency in Spain. This grants you the right to live and work in Spain indefinitely.
Understanding the intricacies of Spanish immigration laws and residency options can help you plan your stay effectively. Whether you are looking for a short holiday or considering a permanent move, knowing how long you can legally stay in Spain is key to avoiding fines and legal issues. Always consult with professionals if you plan to extend your stay or apply for residency.