People who want to immigrate to Spain from India have several options depending on the duration of their stay. However, residence permits are divided into temporary and permanent ones. However, if one decides to remain here, the permanent resident (PR) card can be a good solution. Our immigration lawyers in Spain are at your service with specialized support.
Below, our specialists invite you to discover how you can relocate to Spain from India based on various types of visas.
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Spain’s PR for Indian citizens – options
Before one decides to move to Spain from India, it is important to note that, as a non-EU citizen, a visa is required for entering the country. Only after that can the person decide on the type of residence permit he or she can apply for, based on specific criteria.
Generally speaking, here are the main types of residence permits available for immigration to Spain:
- short-term visas, also known as Schengen or C-type visas, allow stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business travel;
- long-term national visas are required for non-EU/EEA citizens who want to stay longer than 90 days, which is also the case for those who immigrate to Spain from India;
- residence-only or non-lucrative visas issued to those who want to stay long-term in Spain without working or studying.
The last types of visas are usually issued to people who want to live in Spain for family reunification or retirement purposes.
No matter the way you decide to immigrate to Spain from India, you can rely on our local lawyers who will explain in detail and will help you apply for the necessary visas.
The conditions for acquiring a work visa can be thoroughly explained by our Spanish immigration lawyers. We can answer any of your inquiries if you intend to apply for a residency in Spain. Whatever technique you decide to employ to look into this prospect, our professionals will offer personalized solutions that satisfy your requirements.
If you want to travel temporarily, you might choose to apply for a nomad visa in Spain, which was created in accordance with the Startup Law. The visa aims to provide remote workers with the possibility to relocate here without the need to submit an application for a normal residence permit. They are obligated in return.
How to relocate to Spain from India based on employment
Foreign citizens who are non-EU nationals can immigrate to Spain based on employment in accordance with Law 4/2000 on Rights and Freedoms of Foreigners in Spain. The same act applies to Indian citizens who can apply for various types of work visas. Specifically, they can file for:
- seasonal work permits issued for a maximum period of 90 days;
- temporary work permits which allow stays of more than 90 days.
The latter type also implies the issuance of a Spanish residence permit.
The documents to prepare for both types of permits are approximately the same and imply:
- a valid passport which must cover the duration of stay in Spain;
- the application form (separate for each type of permit);
- the employment contract, which is a must for people who move to Spain from India for work;
- recent photographs;
- criminal record certificate;
- medical certificate;
- visa fee payment receipt.
Depending on the position occupied, the Spanish authorities may also ask for proof of qualifications, educational diplomas, or other accreditations. As such, we invite you to discuss all requirements with our immigration lawyers in Spain, who can help you prepare a complete application file.
Please note that you will also be required to leave your Indian passport with the Spanish Embassy or Consulate during the visa authorization procedure.
Immigrate to Spain from India based on the non-lucrative visa
Entrepreneurs are attracted to the great business conditions in Spain; however, the government abolished the golden visa scheme. However, if you want to relocate to Spain from India by making an investment, you can apply for the non-lucrative visa. The main benefit of this immigration permit is that you can also use it to retire to Spain.
Here are the conditions to meet to obtain it:
- you must have sufficient funds to sustain your stay in Spain;
- the funds can come from investments, pensions, annuities, and remote work;
- additional financial requirements apply if you want to move to Spain from India with family, as this is possible.
Please note that employment is not allowed with this type of visa.
With respect to the minimum income requirement, it is:
- approx. EUR 26,000 per year for a single applicant;
- around EUR 6,500 for each family member joining you.
The visa has a 3-month validity period when first issued, and it enables multiple entries in Spain. After that, you will be issued a 2-year residence permit, and it can be renewed, as long as you have lived in Spain for at least 183 days in a calendar year. You will become eligible for permanent residency in Spain after 5 years.
Our Spanish immigration lawyers can assist with the application for a non-lucrative visa.
Relocate to Spain from India and obtain a long-term visa
Immigration under Spain’s PR for Indian citizens is possible by first acquiring a long-term visa or a national D-visa.
One can stay in the country for more than 3 months with a D-type visa. These visas typically have a one- to five-year validity period, are renewable, and have fewer restrictions. As a result, with this kind of residence permit, an Indian citizen is allowed to work, study, or conduct research in Spain.
Please mind that it could take up to 8 weeks or longer for this type of visa to be approved. Therefore, if you want to immigrate to Spain from India by applying for it, do not hesitate to ask for professional services, such as ours.
We are also at the service of other foreign nationals, so if you want to immigrate to Spain from the USA, for instance, we offer tailored solutions.
How to move to Spain from India and get permanent residency
Applying for an EU Blue Card is one of the biggest advantages of living in Spain. Indian citizens who fit the following description can obtain it:
- they are skilled professionals with tertiary education;
- they have at least 5 years of professional experience;
- their employment contracts stipulate that they will receive a salary that is at least 50% higher than the national average.
The EU Blue Card can be renewed after its initial year of validity. More information on how to obtain an EU Blue Card is available from our immigration lawyer in Spain.
No matter the way you decide to immigrate to Spain from India, our specialists will guide you.
How many Indians live in Spain?
According to data here, Indians represent the largest diaspora in the world. Moreover:
- until now, 32 million Indians have left their home country;
- 70,000 of them live in Spain;
- out of these 70,000, 20,904 meet Spain’s PR for Indian rules and have Indian origins, while 49,084 are non-residents.
If you decide to immigrate to Spain from India, contact us. Our immigration lawyers in Spain are at your disposal with customized services, including those related to citizenship. Spanish citizenship refers to the legal standing that Spanish citizens and foreigners who satisfy the requirements possess, which is translated into a number of rights. Voting rights and full access to the labor market are a couple of these. Contact us to find out if you are eligible for a Spanish passport and apply for citizenship.

