In short: Spain doesn't have a single "residence permit" — there are several different authorisations depending on your situation (work, studies, family, own means, arraigo, international protection), all regulated by the Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024). This guide helps you identify which one fits you and links to the full card for each.
Three terms people mix up:
- Visa: the prior permission you apply for at the Spanish Consulate in your country before travelling; for most routes (non-lucrative, work, studies) it's the first step.
- NIE: your foreigner identification number — it's a number, not a card.
- TIE: the physical card you apply for once already in Spain, after your authorisation is approved; it contains your NIE. This is what most people mean by "residency card". See the glossary, how to apply for the NIE and how to get the TIE.
The regime is the same regardless of your nationality (general regime, Ley Orgánica 4/2000 + RD 1155/2024); the more favourable "EU regime" only applies if your family member is an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen. Some nationalities (the Philippines included) do get an advantage — but for citizenship, not residency: 2 years of legal residence instead of 10 — see below.
Main routes — pick the one that fits your situation:
- Own income, not going to work (pension, rental income, savings) → Non-lucrative residence
- You have a job offer or employment contract → Residence and work
- You'll be self-employed / starting your own business → Residence and self-employment
- You work remotely for a foreign company → International telework authorisation (digital nomad)
- You're going to study → Student stay
- You have a legally resident family member in Spain (non-EU) → Family reunification
- You're family of a Spanish citizen → Family of a Spanish citizen
- You're family of an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen → EU citizen's family card (EU regime)
- You've been in Spain a while without papers but with ties here → Arraigo: all types
- You need international protection → How to apply for asylum
- You're Ukrainian, displaced by the war → Temporary Protection — how to apply
- You already have 5 years of continuous legal residence → Long-term residence
- You want the next step: citizenship → Spanish nationality by residence — reduced to 2 years for the Philippines, Ibero-American countries, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, Portugal and Sephardim (instead of 10).
- You were denied or got no answer → Appealing a denial
- You already have a permit and need to renew it → Renewing authorisations
- You're travelling around Europe with your Spanish residency → Residence documents recognised under Schengen
Official source: Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024); guidance by situation at information sheets — Ministry of Inclusion.
Informational only; this is a navigation guide, not a procedure itself — check the card for your specific route, the official source and a professional for your case.