Visas, Residency, and Moving to Spain
Relocating to Spain requires planning the correct legal residency route. Depending on your nationality, employment status, and retirement plans, several visas are available for non-Spanish citizens wishing to make the Axarquía their home.
Published by Living Axarquía for international property buyers
This guide is part of our Axarquía buyer knowledge base, written to help overseas movers compare villages, buying costs, legal steps and local property options.
Official sources and references
1. The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
The Non-Lucrative Visa is the most popular route for retirees and individuals with passive income who do not intend to work in Spain.
You must demonstrate sufficient financial means (currently around €28,800 per year for the main applicant, plus approx. €7,200 for each additional family member). These funds can be in bank accounts, pensions, or investment portfolios.
You must also have comprehensive, private health insurance with a Spanish provider that offers no co-payments or deductibles.
2. The Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)
The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for non-EU citizens who wish to live in Spain while working remotely for companies based outside of Spain.
You must prove that you have been working for your employer or clients for at least 3 months prior to applying, and that your company allows you to work remotely from Spain.
There is a minimum monthly income requirement (currently around €2,400 per year) and you must provide a clean criminal record certificate.
3. EU Citizens (Belgians & Dutch) Registration
As EU citizens, Belgians and Dutch passport holders do not need a visa to move to Spain. However, if you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you must register in person at the Oficina de Extranjeros to receive your green residency certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión).
To register, you must prove that you have sufficient financial resources (bank balance or proof of pension) and healthcare coverage.
You must also register on the municipal register (Padrón municipal) at your local town hall (Ayuntamiento).
4. Healthcare for Relocating Pensioners (S1 Form)
EU state pensioners relocating to Spain can transfer their healthcare rights from their home country to the Spanish public healthcare system (Seguridad Social).
Before leaving your home country (Belgium or the Netherlands), request the S1 Form (formerly E121) from your mutual health fund (mutuelle/ziekenfonds).
Once in Spain, register the S1 Form at the local INSS office. This grants you and your dependents full access to the Spanish public healthcare system under the same conditions as Spanish citizens.
5. EU Buyers vs Non-EU Buyers
Belgian, Dutch, French and Irish citizens can buy property in Spain without needing a visa. Residency becomes relevant when you intend to stay for more than 90 days, spend most of the year in Spain, register for healthcare, buy a car, or become tax resident.
Non-EU buyers have a different planning path. They may need to compare the non-lucrative visa, digital nomad visa, student route, family route or other residence permissions before committing to a permanent move.
| Buyer type | Can buy property? | Residency issue |
|---|---|---|
| EU citizen | Yes | Register if staying more than 90 days |
| Irish citizen | Yes | Post-Brexit rules do not apply, but Spanish registration still matters |
| UK citizen | Yes | Schengen 90/180-day rule unless resident |
| Remote worker | Yes | Check digital nomad or EU registration depending on nationality |
| Retiree | Yes | Healthcare, pension tax and registration planning are key |
6. Practical Relocation Admin After Buying
After completion, your legal purchase is only one part of settling in. Most movers need to arrange padrón registration, healthcare access, utility direct debits, home insurance, internet, car registration questions, local tax payments and sometimes school enrolment.
If you will split time between Belgium and Spain, take advice before assuming you are not tax resident. Days in Spain, centre of economic interests, family situation and property use can all matter.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Golden Visa program still active in Spain?
The Spanish government has announced plans to phase out the Golden Visa (residency by investing €500,000 in real estate). If you are considering this route, consult an immigration specialist immediately, or look into the Digital Nomad or Non-Lucrative Visa options.
How is a Belgian pension taxed when living in Spain?
Under the double taxation treaty between Belgium and Spain, Belgian government/state pensions are generally taxed in Belgium. Private pensions and some professional pensions, however, are typically taxed in Spain once you become a Spanish tax resident.
What is the Padrón and is it mandatory?
The Padrón is the municipal register of residents at the town hall. Registering (empadronamiento) is mandatory by law for anyone living in Spain. It helps the town hall secure funding for public services (healthcare, roads, schools) and is needed for various administrative steps.
Can I buy in Spain before becoming resident?
Yes. You can buy Spanish property as a non-resident. You still need a NIE, a suitable payment route and legal representation, and you must respect Schengen or residency rules for how long you stay.
Does owning a home in Spain automatically give residency?
No. Property ownership and residency are separate. Owning a home may support your relocation plan, but you still need the correct registration or visa route.