How to Settle in Spain from India?

To settle in Spain from India, first choose a legal route that matches your reason for moving. This could be a Student Visa, Work Visa, Digital Nomad Visa or Non-Lucrative Visa. Next, apply for the required National (D) Visa through the Spanish Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai, based on where you live. You must also arrange the health insurance required for your visa and complete local registration after reaching Spain. 

However, moving to Spain does not give you permanent residence straight away. Most people begin with a temporary permit and may qualify for long-term residence after five years of legal and continuous residence.  

The sections below explain the available routes, residence permits, application steps, documents, costs, post-arrival requirements, and citizenship rules in detail. 

Ways to Settle in Spain from India 

If you're planning to settle in Spain from India, you'll need to choose a residence pathway that matches the purpose of your stay. Spain does not offer a direct settlement visa.  

Instead, most Indian nationals move to the country through studies, employment, business activities, remote work, family reunification, or residence based on sufficient financial resources. 

Below are the most common ways to move to Spain and build a long-term future in the country:  

Study and Post-Study Route 

For many Indian students, to study in Spain is the first step toward living and working in the country long term. 

Who can choose this route? 

• Bachelor's students 
• Master's students (Check out: MS in Spain | MBA in Spain) 
• PhD candidates 
• Students planning to build a career in Spain after graduation 

How does it work? 

1. Secure admission to an eligible Spanish institution. 
2. Apply for a long-term study visa and study-stay authorization. 
3. Complete your course while maintaining your student status. 
4. After graduation, apply for a post-study residence authorization if eligible. 
5. Obtain the appropriate work authorization after securing employment or starting a business. 

Things to keep in mind 

• Students pursuing higher education can generally work up to 30 hours per week, provided the work remains compatible with their studies. 
• Eligible graduates may apply for a non-renewable residence authorization of up to 24 months to search for employment or develop a business project. 
• The post-study authorization itself does not allow employment. A separate work authorization is required once a job is secured. 

Employment Route 

The employment route is one of the most common pathways for skilled Indian professionals looking to move to Spain. 

Who can choose this route? 

• Skilled professionals 
• Engineers and IT specialists 
• Healthcare professionals 
• Researchers and academics 
• Highly qualified workers 

How does it work? 

1. Secure a job offer from a Spanish employer. 
2. The employer applies for the required work and residence authorization. 
3. Apply for the corresponding national visa. 
4. Move to Spain and begin employment. 

Self-Employment and Entrepreneur Route 

Spain offers dedicated pathways for individuals who want to start a business or work independently. 

Who can choose this route? 

• Business owners 
• Entrepreneurs 
• Freelancers 
• Self-employed professionals 

How does it work? 

1. Prepare a business plan. 
2. Demonstrate sufficient investment funds and relevant experience. 
3. Obtain any licences required for the business activity. 
4. Apply for the appropriate self-employment or entrepreneur authorization. 

Digital Nomad Route 

The Digital Nomad Route is designed for professionals who work remotely using digital technology. 

Who can choose this route? 

• Remote employees 
• Freelancers 
• Independent consultants 
• Online business owners 

How does it work? 

1. Prove that your work can be performed remotely. 
2. Meet the required qualification or professional experience criteria. 
3. Apply for the relevant Digital Nomad authorization. 
4. Continue working remotely while living in Spain. 

Family Reunification Route 

Family reunification allows eligible family members to join relatives who are already legally living in Spain. 

Who can choose this route? 

• Spouses 
• Registered partners 
• Dependent children 
• Certain dependent relatives 

How does it work? 

1. An eligible family member sponsors the application. 
2. Submit proof of the family relationship. 
3. Meet accommodation, income, and insurance requirements. 
4. Apply for the required residence authorization and visa. 

Non-Lucrative Residence Route 

This route is designed for people who want to live in Spain without working or carrying out professional activities. 

Who can choose this route? 

• Financially independent individuals 
• Retirees 
• Individuals living on passive income or savings 

How does it work? 

1. Demonstrate sufficient financial resources. 
2. Obtain qualifying health insurance. 
3. Submit the required residence application. 
4. Move to Spain after approval. 

Spain Visa and Residence Permits for Indian Nationals 

A visa allows you to enter Spain, while your residence authorisation decides how long you can stay and what you can do there. Based on your permit, you may be allowed to study, work, run a business or live in Spain without working. 

If your stay is longer than six months, you will generally need to obtain a Foreigner Identity Card, also known as the TIE, after arriving in Spain. 

Here is a comparison of the main permits available to Indian nationals: 

Permit or Authorisation	Granted To?	Type of Stay
Study-Stay Authorisation	Students admitted to an eligible Spanish institution	Temporary stay for education
Employee Residence and Work Authorisation	Professionals with a qualifying job offer	Residence and employment
Self-Employment or Entrepreneur Authorisation	Self-employed professionals, business owners and eligible entrepreneurs	Residence through independent work or business
Digital Nomad Authorisation	Remote employees and eligible freelancers	Residence while working remotely
Family-Reunification Residence	Eligible relatives of lawful residents	Residence through an eligible family member
Non-Lucrative Residence Permit	Financially independent applicants who do not plan to work	Residence without employment
Long-Term Residence Permit	Applicants who complete the required period of qualifying residence	Long-term or permanent residence

How to Get PR in Spain from India? 

Indian citizens cannot get permanent residence immediately after moving to Spain. You must first live there on a valid residence permit and renew it on time.  

Permanent residency in Spain for non-EU citizens is officially called long-term residence. It normally allows you to live and work in Spain without a fixed end date. 

To qualify for long-term residence in Spain, you generally need to: 

• Complete five years of legal and continuous residence in Spain 
• Avoid being outside Spain for more than six consecutive months or ten months in total during the five-year period 
• Maintain a valid residence permit and renew it on time 
• Have a clean record and pose no threat to public order or security 
• Submit the required application form, passport, fee receipt, and supporting documents 

However, study stays may be counted differently from regular residence, so students should check how their time in Spain will be calculated. 

Step-by-Step Process to Settle in Spain from India 

To move from India to Spain, first choose a route that matches your reason for moving. Students need admission, workers need a job offer, while others may need a business plan, remote job, family sponsor or enough savings.  

You can then apply for the correct visa and complete the required steps after arrival. 

Here is a step-by-step breakdown of how to settle in Spain from India: 

1. Choose the Right Route 

Choose a route based on why you want to move: 

• Study and post-study route 
• Employment route 
• Self-employment or entrepreneur route 
• Digital nomad route 
• Family reunification route 
• Non-lucrative residence route 

Your route will decide which visa and documents you need. 

2. Meet the Main Requirement 

Before applying, you need proof that you qualify for your chosen route. This may include: 

• An admission letter from a Spanish university 
• A job offer from a Spanish employer 
• A business plan 
• Proof of remote work 
• Support from an eligible family member 
• Proof that you have enough money to live in Spain 

3. Gather Your Documents 

Prepare all the documents listed for your visa. These usually include: 

• A valid passport and photographs 
• Completed visa forms 
• Proof of funds 
• Accommodation details 
• Health insurance 
• Academic, work or family documents 
• Police clearance and medical certificates, if required 

Some Indian documents may need to be translated into Spanish or officially verified through an apostille or legalisation. 

4. Apply for the Visa or Residence Permit 

Submit your application to the Spanish office responsible for your area in India. 

For some routes, the process starts in Spain. A Spanish employer usually applies for a worker’s permit, while a family member living in Spain normally begins the family reunification process. 

5. Attend the Appointment and Wait for Approval 

Attend your visa appointment, submit your documents and pay the required fee. You may also need to provide fingerprints. 

The visa office may ask for more documents. Processing time can differ depending on the visa and the office handling your application. 

6. Travel to Spain 

Once your visa is approved, check the travel dates written on it and enter Spain within that period. 

Carry your important documents with you, including your admission letter, work permit, accommodation proof and health insurance. 

7. Complete the Steps After Arrival 

After reaching Spain, you may need to: 

• Register your address with the local office 
• Apply for a Foreigner Identity Card or TIE 
• Open a bank account 
• Register for Social Security 
• Complete your university enrolment 

The steps you need to complete will depend on your visa and length of stay. 

8. Follow the Rules and Renew Your Permit 

Follow the rules of your permit and apply for renewal before it expires. Continue your studies, job, business or other approved activity, and keep your health insurance and address details updated. 

Tip: If you want long-term residence later, keep your stay legal and save your residence records. Time spent on a study permit may be counted differently from regular residence. 

Documents Required to Settle in Spain 

Your documents must clearly show who you are, why you are moving to Spain and how you will support yourself. Along with a passport and visa form, you will need proof linked to your route, such as a university admission letter, work authorisation, business plan, remote-work contract or family documents. 

Here is a checklist of the documents you may need: 

Document	What You Need
Valid passport	Your passport should be valid and have enough blank pages
Visa application form	A completed and signed form for your visa type
Passport-size photographs	Recent photographs that meet the stated requirements
Proof of your reason for moving	An admission letter, work authorisation, business plan, remote-work contract or family approval
Proof of funds	Bank statements, scholarship letters, salary slips or sponsorship documents
Accommodation proof	A rental agreement, university housing confirmation or host declaration
Health insurance	A policy that provides the coverage required for your visa
Police Clearance Certificate	A certificate showing your criminal record, if required
Medical certificate	Proof that you meet the health requirements for certain long-stay visas
Academic or professional records	Degrees, transcripts, licences or work-experience letters
Civil documents	Birth or marriage certificates for family applications
Proof of fee payment	A receipt showing that you paid the required visa or permit fee

You may also need extra documents based on your route: 

• Students: Admission letter, fee-payment proof and course details 
• Employees: Work authorisation and employment contract 
• Self-employed applicants: Business plan, proof of funds and required licences 
• Digital nomads: Remote-work contract and proof of qualifications or experience 
• Family applicants: Family-reunification approval and relationship documents 
• Non-lucrative applicants: Proof of sufficient funds and private health insurance 

Note: Indian public documents may need an apostille before Spain accepts them. Documents not issued in Spanish may also require an official Spanish translation. 

Cost of Settling in Spain from India 

Your total cost will depend on the city, housing and lifestyle you choose. A single person renting a one-bedroom apartment may need around EUR 15,600–26,400 (INR 17.2L–29L) per year for rent and regular cost of living in Spain. 

Here are the main costs to consider before moving: 

Expense in Spain	Estimated Cost (EUR/INR)
National visa fee	Around EUR 90 (INR 9.9K)
One-way flight from India	EUR 320–650 (INR 35.2K–71.5K)
Private health insurance	EUR 38–80 per month (INR 4.2K–8.8K)
Accommodation deposit	Usually one month’s rent
Single person excluding rent	EUR 719 per month (INR 79K)
Family of four excluding rent	EUR 2,600 per month (INR 2.86L)
One-bedroom apartment in the city centre	EUR 600–1,500 per month (INR 66K–1.65L)
One-bedroom apartment outside the city centre	EUR 450–1,117 per month (INR 49.5K–1.23L)
Monthly public transport pass	EUR 20–50 (INR 2.2K–5.5K)
Basic utilities	EUR 85–213 per month (INR 9.3K–23.4K)

Currency conversion used: EUR 1 = INR 109.97   

Actual costs may be higher or lower depending on where you live and how you spend. 

How Much Money Should You Keep Before Moving? 

Before leaving India, try to keep around EUR 3,000–5,500 (INR 3.3L–6.05L) for your visa, documents, flight, insurance, housing deposit, first month’s rent and other starting costs. 

This amount does not include tuition fees, business costs or the funds you may need to show for your visa. 

What to Do After Moving to Spain? 

Your visa allows you to enter Spain, but you still need to complete a few steps after arrival. These steps give you proof of your address and legal stay, and help you study, work, use health services and manage your money. Try to complete them within the first few weeks. 

Here is what you need to do: 

1. Register Your Address 

Register your home address with the local council. This is called the padrón or empadronamiento, and you may need it for other official work. 

2. Apply for Your TIE 

The Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) proves your legal stay in Spain. People staying for more than six months generally need to apply in person, usually within one month of arrival or approval. 

3. Complete Your Study or Work Formalities 

Students should finish their university enrolment. Workers should check that their employer has completed the required work and Social Security registration. 

4. Get a Social Security Number 

You will need this number if you work or complete certain paid training. Your employer may arrange it, or you can apply through the Spanish Social Security office. 

5. Arrange Your Healthcare 

Keep your private health insurance active if your visa requires it. Workers registered with Social Security should check their public healthcare access and apply for a local health card. 

6. Open a Bank Account 

A Spanish bank account makes it easier to receive a salary and pay rent or bills. You may need your passport, NIE or TIE, address proof and study or work documents. 

7. Check Your Tax Duties 

If you work, run a business or become a tax resident, check whether you need to register or file a tax return. 

8. Learn Basic Spanish 

Basic Spanish will help you at government offices, banks, hospitals and workplaces. It can also make daily life and job searches easier. 

Note: Keep copies of your padrón, TIE, insurance, rental agreement and study or work records. You may need them when renewing your permit or applying for long-term residence. 

Can Indian Citizens Get Spanish Citizenship? 

Yes, Indian citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship. For most applicants from India, the general rule is 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain before applying. This period must come directly before the application. 

Long-term residence may be available after 5 years, but it is not the same as citizenship and does not reduce the usual 10-year period. 

If you want to know how to settle in Spain from India and later apply for citizenship, here is a quick overview of the main requirements: 

Requirement for Spain Citizenship	What It Means for Applicants?
Usual residence period	10 years
Type of residence	Legal and continuous residence
Language test	DELE A2 or a higher level
Knowledge test	CCSE test on Spanish culture, society and laws
Personal record	Good conduct and a clear criminal record
Dual citizenship	India does not allow it

Long-term residence may become available after five years, but it is different from citizenship. Getting permanent residence does not reduce the usual 10-year period for Indian nationals. 

How to Apply for Spanish Citizenship? 

1. Complete the Residence Period 

Live legally in Spain for the required 10 years and renew your residence permit on time. 

2. Pass the Required Tests 

Most Indian applicants need to pass the DELE A2 Spanish-language test and the CCSE test. Both are managed by the Instituto Cervantes. 

3. Prepare Your Documents 

Common documents include your passport, TIE, birth certificate, police clearance, residence records and test certificates. 

4. Submit Your Application 

You can apply online through the Spanish Ministry of Justice. If approved, you must complete the required oath or promise and register your citizenship with the Civil Registry. 

What Happens to Indian Citizenship? 

India does not allow dual citizenship. If you become a Spanish citizen, you cannot keep your Indian citizenship and must complete the required passport-surrender and citizenship formalities. 

You may later apply for an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card if eligible. However, OCI is not dual citizenship and does not provide voting or other political rights. 

Final Thoughts 

Knowing how to settle in Spain from India starts with choosing the right route. You may move for study, work, business, remote work or family reasons, but each option has its own rules. Spain does not offer a direct settlement visa, so you must first get an eligible permit and renew it on time. 

If you want to stay for the long term, keep your residence legal and save your visa, TIE, work and address records. These documents may be needed for permit renewals and future residence applications. 

If studying is your chosen route, start by comparing Spanish universities based on their courses, fees, entry rules and intakes. Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad experts to shortlist options that fit your academic background and budget.