New in Spain? We’ll walk you through every procedure
Legalisation, residence, health, work and support — explained simply, step by step, always with a link to the official rule.
Legalization & residence
- Agreement between the Ministerio del Interior and ACNUR on the asylum procedure in Spain Agreement between Spain's Interior Ministry and UNHCR supporting the asylum procedure (interpretation, technical assistance). Institutional cooperation, not an individual service.
- Resolution 3-06-2026 SEM — instructions to authorize temporary residence of Sahrawi minors (Programme «Vacaciones en Paz 2026») The 3-06-2026 SEM Resolution publishes the Council of Ministers Agreement (2-06-2026) setting the procedure to authorize temporary residence of Sahrawi minors and monitors under the Vacaciones en Paz 2026 programme.
- Arraigo familiar in Spain: who qualifies after RD 1155/2024 (Hoja 31) Arraigo familiar 2026: only for parents/guardians of an EU/EEA/Swiss minor and carers of an EU person with a disability. No minimum stay. Requirements and documents.
- Arraigo de segunda oportunidad: if you had papers and could not renew them (Hoja 27) Arraigo de segunda oportunidad 2026: for people who held (non-exceptional) residence in the previous 2 years and could not renew it. Requirements, documents (EX-10), deadlines.
- Arraigo social in Spain: requirements, integration report and documents (Hoja 28) Arraigo social 2026: 2 years in Spain + family ties with 200% IPREM or a social-integration report. Requirements, documents (EX-10, fee 790-052) and deadlines.
- Arraigo socioformativo in Spain: regularising through study (Hoja 30) Arraigo socioformativo 2026: 2 years in Spain + enrolment in regulated training or a SEPE training commitment + integration report. Requirements, documents and deadlines.
- Arraigo sociolaboral in Spain: requirements, work contract and documents (Hoja 29) Arraigo sociolaboral 2026: 2 years in Spain + work contract(s) of ≥20 h/week at minimum wage. Requirements, documents (EX-10, fee 790-052), deadlines and renewal.
- Arraigo in Spain: types and requirements under the new Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024) Arraigo in Spain after RD 1155/2024: the five types (social, socio-labour, socio-training, family, second-chance) and the requirements of each. Common requirement: 2 years in Spain.
- How to apply for international protection (asylum) in Spain (Ley 12/2009) How to apply for asylum or subsidiary protection in Spain: where to apply (border, police, immigration office), the red card, protection from expulsion and healthcare. Law 12/2009.
- New asylum procedures in Spain under the EU Pact: timelines, rights and how applications are processed from 12 June 2026 From 12 June 2026 new asylum procedures apply in Spain (EU Regulations 2024/1348 and 2024/1351): border procedure timelines (4 days / 12 weeks), accelerated and ordinary procedures, free legal aid guaranteed.
- Appealing an asylum refusal: what changes under the EU Pact from 12 June 2026 (administrative review no longer interrupts the judicial deadline) From 12 June 2026, an administrative review in international protection does not interrupt the European judicial deadline. You have direct access to courts without exhausting the administrative route. Instruction BOE-A-2026-12856.
- International teleworker (digital nomad) residence permit / visa — requirements Requirements for Spain's international teleworker (digital nomad) visa and residence permit under Ley 14/2013: economic means of 200% of the SMI (≈€2,850/month holder, +75% for the first family member), health insurance, criminal record, online filing with the UGE-CE and a 3-year permit.
- Temporary protection for people displaced from Ukraine extended until 4 March 2028 (EU Decision 2026/1912) EU Decision 2026/1912 extends temporary protection for people displaced from Ukraine until 4 March 2028. New condition on military obligations applies to new applicants only.
- Does your document count as an official 'residence permit' for travel in Europe? The updated official list The EU Official Journal updated (10.07.2026) the list of Spanish documents recognised as a 'residence permit' for Schengen travel: TIE, EU family card, student card, Ukraine temporary protection and Gibraltar documents.
- Correction of Decision 2026/1912 — Temporary Protection Extension for Ukrainians Technical correction in the extension of temporary protection for Ukrainians through March 2027. Dates adjusted for administrative error. Protection validity unchanged.
- Student stay in Spain (RD 1155/2024): requirements and student work Student stay authorisation in Spain (RD 1155/2024): admission to an official centre, financial means and health insurance. Allows working up to 30 h/week in higher studies.
- Joint instruction: expired Belarusian passports accepted for immigration procedures in Spain Joint instruction (19 Jan 2026) DG Migration and Immigration Police: Belarusian nationals in Spain may use expired passports for immigration procedures while extraordinary circumstances persist.
- Instructions SEM 1/2026: transition from humanitarian authorisation (Art.128.1.a) to residence and work permit Instructions SEM 1/2026: holders of humanitarian residence authorisation (Art.128.1.a RD 1155/2024) may request modification to a 4-year residence and work permit, without a visa requirement.
- SEM Instructions 2/2026: moving from temporary protection (Ukraine) to an ordinary residence authorisation SEM Instruction 2/2026 opens the transition from Ukraine temporary protection to ordinary authorisations (residence & work, arraigo, long-term). Time under temporary protection counts. It is not automatic: you must apply.
- Instructions SEM 4/2025: social integration report (informe de arraigo) under RD 1155/2024 — who issues it, what it contains, deadlines Instructions SEM 4/2025: the social integration report (informe de arraigo) for social and socio-educational rootedness under RD 1155/2024. Issued by regional/local authority in up to 1 month, free, valid 6 months.
- Legalisation in Spain 2026: how to regularise your status if you're undocumented Legalisation in Spain 2026: current routes to regularise your status if undocumented — arraigo (open year-round) and what happened to the RD 316/2026 deadline.
- Spanish nationality by residence: terms (10/5/2/1 years), exams and procedure Spanish nationality by residence: 10 years general, 2 for Ibero-Americans, 1 if married to a Spaniard, 5 for refugees. CCSE and DELE A2 exams. Filed with the Ministry of Justice.
- Order INT/846/2026 — Border Controls Restoration with Italy Spain reinstated border controls with Italy due to migration pressure. Valid 8 Aug–7 Sep 2026. Inspections at ports and airports.
- Orden INT/96/2026 — automatic extension of TIE cards for Temporary Protection beneficiaries from the Ukraine conflict (until 4 March 2027) Order INT/96/2026 automatically extends Foreigner Identity Cards (TIE) issued to beneficiaries of Temporary Protection from the Ukraine conflict until 4 March 2027. No card renewal required.
- Temporary Protection for people displaced from Ukraine: how to apply How to apply for Temporary Protection in Spain as a person displaced from Ukraine: where to go (CREADE and National Police), what documents to bring and what it grants.
- Real Decreto 316/2026 — extraordinary regularisation: APPLICATION WINDOW CLOSED on 30 June 2026 The RD 316/2026 extraordinary regularisation window CLOSED on 30 June 2026 and has not been extended. New applications are no longer accepted. Those who applied in time continue their procedure. Alternatives: ordinary arraigo under RD 1155/2024.
- Family reunification under RD 1155/2024: who can reunify and requirements Family reunification in Spain (RD 1155/2024): a resident may bring spouse/partner, children and parents over 65. Requires income (150% IPREM) and adequate housing.
- What to do after a denial or administrative silence in immigration matters (appeals, recursos) If your immigration application is denied or unanswered: silence is usually negative. You can file an appeal (recurso de reposición, 1 month) or go to court (2 months). Law 39/2015.
- Orden ISM/164/2026 — Electronic Registry of Immigration Collaborators (Colaboradores de Extranjería) Spain's Registry of Immigration Collaborators lets unions and NGOs file immigration procedures electronically on behalf of foreigners, often for free — an alternative to a private gestor.
- Corrigendum — Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2055 on asylum and migration management (Dublin system) Corrigendum to EU Implementing Regulation 2025/2055 on asylum and migration management: terminological corrections to Dublin transfer forms and readmission procedures. Published OJEU 11 June 2026.
- Renewal of residence permits: when to apply and positive administrative silence How to renew your residence permit in Spain: apply before expiry (a later window is also allowed). In renewals, administrative silence is usually positive. You can keep working while it is decided.
- Temporary residence of a family member of a Spanish citizen (RD 1155/2024, Ch. VII) Residence of a family member of a Spanish citizen (RD 1155/2024, Ch. VII, arts. 93-97): spouse, partner, children up to 26, dependent parents. Form EX-24. Not the same as reunification or EU-citizen family.
- Long-term residence (larga duración): 5 years of legal residence (RD 1155/2024, arts. 175-189) Long-term residence in Spain: after 5 years of continuous legal residence. Allows indefinite residence and work. Regulated by RD 1155/2024 (arts. 175-189).
- Non-lucrative temporary residence (without working) — RD 1155/2024 Non-lucrative temporary residence in Spain (RD 1155/2024): living without working by proving financial means (400% IPREM) and health insurance. Visa at the consulate, TIE within 1 month.
- Temporary residence and self-employment (autónomo) in Spain (RD 1155/2024) Initial residence-and-work permit as self-employed (autónomo) in Spain (RD 1155/2024, arts. 82-87): requirements, business project, investment, form EX-07, 3-month decision.
- Residence and work as an employee (cuenta ajena) and self-employed (cuenta propia) (RD 1155/2024) Initial work-and-residence permit in Spain (RD 1155/2024): employed (with a contract) or self-employed (viable project). Decision within 3 months.
- Residence card for a family member of an EU citizen (régimen comunitario, RD 240/2007) EU regime (RD 240/2007): family of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens get the EU family member residence card, on more favourable terms. Issued within 3 months.
- Types of Spanish residency: guide to every route (visa, TIE, and which one fits you) Types of Spanish residency: non-lucrative, work, study, family, arraigo, asylum. Difference between visa, NIE and TIE (residency card), with a guide to each route.
- Spain's Supreme Court strikes down several parts of the Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024), but upholds its overall structure Spain's Supreme Court annuls parts of the Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024): child protection, criminal-record rules, temp work agencies and mandatory online filing. The regulation's general structure stays in force (CGPJ notice, 13 July 2026).
- Spain's Supreme Court weighs asking the EU Court of Justice about Royal Decree 316/2026 on regularisation Spain's Supreme Court gives parties 5 days to weigh in on a possible EU Court referral over Royal Decree 316/2026. The decree remains in force; nothing changes yet for applicants.
- Spain's Supreme Court refuses to suspend Royal Decree 316/2026 and declines an EU Court referral for now Spain's Supreme Court refuses to suspend Royal Decree 316/2026 on regularisation and declines an EU Court referral for now; the decree remains in force (8 July 2026).
Procedures
- Customs: how to clear a vehicle imported from outside the EU (DUA → H1) How to clear customs for a vehicle imported from a non-EU country in Spain: DUA submission, documents, payments (VAT 21% + ~10% duty) or traslado de residencia exemption. Output: H1 certificate.
- IVTM self-assessment in Valencia: pay the vehicle tax before registering (step by step) How to self-assess and pay the IVTM in Valencia province before registering your car at the DGT: the Diputació's Oficina Virtual del Contribuyente with Cl@ve, technical-sheet data, calculation and payment receipt.
- Change of residence to Spain from a non-EU country: how to prove it and what it's used for Change of residence (traslado de residencia) to Spain: legal concept, importance for customs and tax exemptions, supporting documents, standard route (consulate, visa) and TP/refugee route (TIE + padrón + de facto proof).
- Exchanging a Moroccan driving licence for a Spanish one (canje) How to exchange a Moroccan driving licence for a Spanish one: there is an agreement, cars and motorbikes without an exam, a 6-month window from residency, the fee and the online DGT procedure.
- Cita previa for immigration: how to get it (official and free) How to get a cita previa for immigration in Spain: official, free service on the electronic headquarters. Avoid paid intermediaries; many renewals are done online.
- How to get Cl@ve and the Electronic Certificate (FNMT) in Spain with TIE/NIE How to get Cl@ve (PIN, Permanente, Móvil) and the FNMT Electronic Certificate in Spain as a foreigner with TIE/NIE: registration paths (video ID, invitation letter, in-person), differences, what each unlocks.
- Empadronamiento: how to register on the municipal padrón as a foreigner What padrón registration is and how to register as a foreigner in Spain: an obligation for every resident, independent of status, possible without a rental contract.
- Spanish immigration EX forms explained in English: EX-00, EX-01, EX-10, EX-11, EX-15, EX-17, EX-19 Spanish immigration EX forms (EX-00, EX-01, EX-10, EX-11, EX-15, EX-17, EX-19) explained in English: what each one is for, plus free official PDF download links.
- Instrucción SEM 1/2024 — legitimated subjects, personal appearance and representation in immigration applications Instrucción SEM 1/2024 sets out who may file Spanish immigration applications, when personal appearance is mandatory and when a representative (notarial, apud acta, standard form or accredited professional) may act.
- First-registration ITV: how to pass technical inspection for a vehicle imported from outside the EU How to pass the first-registration ITV for a vehicle imported from outside the EU: documents (H1, original registration, CoC), individual homologation if no CoC, ITV stations in Valencia, result Spanish reduced technical sheet.
- Registering in Spain a vehicle imported from outside the EU How to register in Spain a vehicle imported from a non-EU country: steps at Customs (DUA, H1), ITV inspection, registration tax (modelo 576), municipal tax (IVTM) and DGT (modelo 9050). Official forms and links.
- Registering a non-EU vehicle in Spain: final steps when you already have DUA and ITV You've cleared Customs (DUA, H1) and ITV (reduced technical sheet): what's left to finish your Spanish registration — IEDMT (form 06 or 576), municipal IVTM and DGT (form 9050).
- Registering a Ukrainian vehicle for Temporary Protection holders: traslado de residencia regime If you hold Ukrainian Temporary Protection and brought your car, you can apply for the traslado de residencia regime (exemption from VAT, import duties and registration tax) via Form 05 at AEAT. Conditions, documents and steps.
- Reference amounts of financial means to cross the external border (entry into Spain) Funds a foreigner must prove to enter Spain from outside Schengen: EUR 122.10 per person per day and a minimum of EUR 1,098.90 per person.
- Mercurio: how to submit an immigration application online How to submit immigration authorisations (initial and renewals) online via Mercurio: digital certificate or DNIe, AutoFirma, steps and the valid receipt (resguardo).
- Form 06 (IEDMT exemption for transfer of residence): how to fill it in, field by field How to fill in Form 06 for the registration-tax (IEDMT) exemption due to transfer of residence: code ET4, form fields, documents and how it is filed (in person or by a registered gestor, NOT online by the individual).
- NIE (Foreigner Identity Number): what it is and how to apply What the NIE is and how to apply: it is only an identification number (not residence or a work permit). Three routes, form EX-15 and fee 790-012.
- Car insurance for foreigners in Spain: mandatory cover, types and how to get it Third-party liability insurance is mandatory for any car with Spanish plates. Types (third-party, extended, comprehensive), indicative prices, what you need as a foreigner (NIE/TIE, licence, plates) and how to get it.
- How to get the health card and access the SNS as a foreigner How to get a health card in Spain as a foreigner: through work (insured), without legal residence (RD 180/2026), or via the special agreement (€60/€157/month). Requires town registration.
- TIE card in Spain: requirements and how to apply for the Foreigner Identity Card How to obtain the TIE, the physical card proving your residence: you must apply in person within one month (art. 209 RD 1155/2024). Appointment, fingerprints and collection, with EX-17 and fee 790-012.
- Travelling in the Schengen area with your Spanish residence (TIE): rules and limits With a valid Spanish TIE and a valid passport you can travel across the rest of the Schengen area for up to 90 days in any 180 (art. 21 CISA). What to carry, what is allowed and the pitfalls (receipt, passport, 90/180).
Health
- Hearing aids for minors: SNS orthoprosthetic benefit (RD 1030/2006 anexo VI, RD 1506/2012) Spain's SNS funds hearing aids for minors with hearing loss under the orthoprosthetic benefit, with age cover progressively extended to 26. Managed by each region.
- Real Decreto-ley 11/2026 — pharmaceutical co-payment (copago, contribution by income bracket) How much you pay for SNS prescription drugs in 2026: 40-60% by income for active workers, 10% for pensioners with caps. Exempt groups (minimum income, unemployed without benefit).
- Voluntary termination of pregnancy (IVE): access in the SNS for everyone in Spain (Ley Orgánica 2/2010, reformed by Ley Orgánica 1/2023) Abortion (IVE) is free in the public health system up to 14 weeks on request, for everyone in Spain regardless of nationality or legal residence status.
- Real Decreto 902/2025 — Plan VEO (aid for glasses and contact lenses for minors under 16) Plan VEO: Spanish government direct grant of up to €100/year for glasses, prescription lenses or contact lenses for minors under 16 with public healthcare coverage. Valid until 31.12.2026.
- Real Decreto 180/2026 — access to public healthcare for foreign nationals without legal residence RD 180/2026 grants full public healthcare (SNS) access to foreign nationals without legal residence, asylum seekers and protected groups, by proving habitual residence. Provisional document issued immediately.
- Orden SND/606/2024 — expansion of the common dental care package (children's dental care 0-14 years) Spain's public health system expands free dental care for children aged 0-14: check-ups, fluoride, sealants, fillings for caries or trauma. Managed by each region.
- Private health insurance for foreigners in Spain: when you need it (visas) and what it covers Public healthcare vs private insurance: when health insurance is mandatory for foreigners (non-lucrative residence, students), what it covers (network, copay, waiting periods) and how to get it.
Employment
- Courses and training to improve your employability in Spain: free SEPE, professional certificates and online courses Employment training in Spain as a foreigner: free SEPE and regional courses, professional certificates (official validity) and online platforms to add skills to your CV. What counts as regulated training and what doesn't.
- Theoretical-practical exams for the recognition of healthcare qualifications obtained outside the EU Theoretical-practical exams to recognise (homologate) non-EU healthcare specialist qualifications in Spain. A prior assessment report is required; up to 2 attempts.
- SARA programme (CONVIVE Fundación CEPAIM) — free employability training for migrant women SARA programme by CONVIVE Fundación CEPAIM: free employability training for migrant women and women in vulnerable situations, aged 16+, resident in Spain. 2026 centres: El Ejido, Molina de Segura, Olot, Zaragoza.
- Real Decreto 325/2026: minimum training requirements for the recognition of EU healthcare qualifications (nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, veterinary medicine) Spain updates the minimum training requirements for automatic recognition of EU qualifications in nursing, dentistry, pharmacy and veterinary medicine (RD 325/2026).
- Regulation (EU) 2026/1047 establishing an EU Talent Pool The EU creates the Talent Pool: a platform matching workers from outside the EU with shortage-occupation jobs. Each member state joins voluntarily.
Education
- University scholarships for students with international protection, statelessness or temporary protection (Ukraine conflict) — 2026/2027 call University scholarship call for students with international protection, statelessness or temporary protection (Ukraine conflict), academic year 2026/2027. BDNS 911958. Status: closed.
- Recognition of foreign university degrees in Spain — homologación and equivalencia How to get your foreign university degree recognised in Spain under Royal Decree 889/2022: documents, €166.50 fee, electronic application and timelines.
- Plan Refugio Internacional (Universitat de València) — grants for refugee students or those under international protection The University of Valencia runs an annual International Refuge Plan: grants for refugee students or those under international protection. The 2026 call is currently closed.
Info
- Spain-Ukraine agreement on technical and financial cooperation (March 2026) Spain and Ukraine signed a framework agreement on technical and financial cooperation in March 2026 for projects in Ukraine (reconstruction, EU integration). What it covers and what it does not mean for individuals.
- First Addendum to the Spain Interior Ministry-IOM Agreement on assisted voluntary return and integrated border management (2026) Spain and IOM signed a July 2026 addendum funding assisted voluntary return from Morocco and the GEFMES VI project informing migrants who arrive by sea. What it is and who it benefits.
- Want to return to your country? The voluntary return programme and where to go Orientation guide on the voluntary return programme in Spain: funded by the State with the EU AMIF fund and run by collaborating entities from the Ministry's «Directory of collaborating entities». You do not apply directly to the State: you access it through an entity or the official Ministry of Inclusion page. Here, where to go.
- Electricity and gas for foreigners in Spain: setting up supply, comparing tariffs and the social bonus How to set up or change the holder of electricity and gas when you move: what you need (NIE, CUPS, IBAN), free vs regulated market (PVPC), how to compare tariffs and the social bonus (discount for vulnerable households).
- Corrigendum to Directive 2004/38/EC: Art.35 on measures against abuse changed from mandatory to discretionary DOUE 2026 corrigendum: Art.35 of Directive 2004/38/EC on free movement of EU citizens changes from mandatory to discretionary — member states may (not must) take measures against abuse.
- Royal Decree 556/2026 — distribution of care-system capacity for unaccompanied foreign minors (MENA) across Spain's regions Royal Decree 556/2026 sets the ordinary capacity (17,081 places) of Spain's protection and guardianship system for unaccompanied foreign minors, by region. What it means and who it affects.
- Home insurance for foreigners in Spain: when it's required, what it covers and how to get it Home insurance is not generally required by law, but it is if you have a mortgage. What it covers (building, contents, liability), why it matters when renting and how to get it as a foreigner.
Glossary
- Immigration glossary: NIE, TIE, NIF, empadronamiento, arraigo, regimes Glossary of Spanish immigration terms: what NIE, TIE, NIF, padrón registration, arraigo, IPREM, long-term residence and the general/EU regimes mean.
General information, not individual legal advice. Check the official source and consult a professional for your case.