Type D Visa for Spain - When You Need It and How to Apply

Temporary residency is often associated with obtaining a D visa for Spain. Discover below when you need such a visa and how to apply for it with the help of our immigration specialists.

Quick Facts
Applicability	The D-visa is required for non-EU/EEA, non-Swiss citizens moving to Spain.
Duration of stay based on the type-D visa	This visa is issued for long-term stays (more than 3 months).
Qualifying applicants	– students, – employees, – family members of Spanish residents
Special requirements for applicants (if any)	Applicants must ensure they have the means to sustain themselves during their stay in Spain.
Requirement to submit the application in person (YES/NO)	Yes
Required documents	– visa application form, – proof of payment for the visa application fee, – valid passport, – other documents depending on the reason of immigration to Spain, – proof of financial means, – clean criminal record, – valid health insurance
Authorities in charge of the application	Spanish Embassy/Consulate
Timeframe to obtain the visa (approx.)	1 – 2 months
Interview requirement (YES/NO)	Not always; the Spanish Embassy/Consulate may require a personal interview when it considers it necessary.
Requirement to obtain NIE number	Yes, considering this is a long-term visa
Validity of the visa	The validity depends on the reason for immigration.
Other requirements (if any)	Once entered Spain, the applicant must obtain a Foreigner Identity Card
Extension possibility (YES/NO)	Yes
Access to Spanish residency based on the D visa (YES/NO)	Yes, provided the visa is renewed until the holder meets the permanent residency requirements.
Support in applying for a Spanish type-D visa (YES/NO)	Yes, you can rely on our immigration lawyers in Spain for support in applying for this type of visa.

What is the Spanish D visa and when is it issued?

The D visa is an entry permit that covers the period of stay until a temporary residence permit is issued.

Who must apply for a type D visa in Spain?

This visa must be obtained by non-EU and non-EEA citizens.

What are the relocation options covered by the Spanish D visa?

The D visa is issued by the Spanish authorities for specific purposes, such as:

studentship;
business;
temporary work;
family reunion.

NOTE: The D visa is also granted to those applying for non-lucrative permits in Spain. Clients must also know that there are other cases in which this visa can be issued.

What are the conditions to obtain a Spanish D visa?

The most important condition to meet is having a valid passport.

Here is our infographic on this type of visa:

Are there any financial requirements to meet if I apply for a type D visa for Spain?

Yes. The type D visa is a long-term residence permit for Spain, as it enables its holder to live in the country for more than 3 months. This is why one of the most important requirements attached to obtaining it is having proof of self-sufficiency.

The amount is calculated based on the IPREM (Indicador Público de Rentas de Efectos Múltiples). For this purpose, you must have 400% of IPREM in your account in annual income. In 2026 (IPREM of EUR 600/month) this means about EUR 2,400 per month (EUR 28,800 per year) for the main applicant, plus 100% of IPREM (EUR 7,200 per year) for each family member.

Must I attend an interview when I apply for a Spanish D visa?

Not always; when the consulate requests it, the interview is one of the most important components of the application after filing the needed documentation. Since unannounced applications are not accepted at consulates, the interview should be scheduled in advance.

During this interview, you must also prepare the documents, which may need to be shown to the official conducting the meeting. Even if this is a formality, our Spanish immigration lawyers recommend you prepare adequately for it.

What is the validity of a type D visa for Spain?

Specifically, most initial residence authorizations are currently granted for one year, with renewals generally for four years (two years for non-lucrative residence). In order to allow candidates more time to find work in specific industries, the job-seeker visa was extended from 3 months to one year. For non-EU family members of Spanish citizens, a new 5-year residence permit was introduced.

IMPORTANT! Digital nomads and startup founders are also issued D visas; however, in these cases, the validity is one year.

Here is also a video on this visa:

Can I arrive in Spain before my D visa is issued?

No, you must wait for the visa to be issued to enter Spain.

How long does it take to obtain a type D visa for Spain?

It can take between 2 and 3 months, depending on the number of applications with Spanish Consulates.

What are the documents required to obtain a D visa in Spain?

The general documents are:

the valid passport;
proof of funds to sustain your stay;
valid health insurance;
proof of accommodation;
clean criminal record.

Apart from these, you must also supply the documents indicating the reason for relocation (employment, studentship, business, etc.)

For support in getting a D visa, please contact our immigration lawyers.