How to Get a Spain Residence Permit in 2026: Updated Requirements and Rules

The question of how to get a Spain residence permit in 2026 is relevant for many who consider this country for living, working, or investing. Since May 2025, Spain has been operating under a new regulation on foreigners (RD 1155/2024), and in 2026, the Supreme Court made significant adjustments to its provisions. These changes affect both general document submission rules and specific requirements for various types of residence permits. In this article, we will thoroughly examine all key innovations and provide up-to-date information so you understand how to get a Spain residence permit for Russians in 2026, taking into account all specific details. Find out how to get permanent residence in Spain with the latest changes.

Key Changes in the Regulation on Foreigners and New Spain Residence Permit Rules 2026

As of May 20, 2025, a new regulation on foreigners (RD 1155/2024) came into force, replacing outdated norms. However, on September 22, 2026, the Spanish Supreme Court published a decision (STS 868/2026 of July 8, 2026) that annulled ten provisions of this regulation. This decision directly impacts the procedure for obtaining and renewing residence permits.

Abolition of Mandatory Online Submission for Residence Permits

One of the most significant changes was the abolition of Article 197.2, which mandated online submission for the renewal of non-lucrative residence permits (No Lucrativa), student stays, self-employed residence permits (autónomo), and initial work permits for employees. Now, applicants can choose whether to submit documents in person at Extranjería or use the online system. This provides greater flexibility and convenience, especially for those who prefer traditional methods of interaction with government agencies when applying for a Spain residence permit.

Changes Concerning Relatives of Spanish Citizens and Criminal Records

The Supreme Court also revised several provisions concerning relatives of Spanish citizens:

• Criminal Record: Previously, the regulation allowed automatic refusal of a residence permit to a relative of a Spanish citizen due to a criminal record without assessing the circumstances. Now, authorities must consider the severity and age of the criminal record, as well as the applicant’s family situation.
• Parental Dependency: The condition that a parent’s dependency on a Spanish citizen must have originated exclusively in the country of origin has been abolished. Dependency can now be proven even if the parent already resides in Spain.
• Child Custody: The Court overturned the automatic refusal to recognize custody arranged abroad if it did not comply with Spanish law. Now, custody arranged outside Spain will be considered individually.

Other Important Changes for Obtaining a Spain Residence Permit

• The condition that a child of a Spanish citizen must be unmarried (“solteros/solteras”) for some types of residence permits has been removed.
• A child born in Spain can no longer be automatically denied a residence permit due to trips abroad; justified absences will be evaluated based on circumstances.
• Hiring seasonal workers through temporary employment agencies is now permitted (abolition of Article 101.1).

Main Ways to Get a Spain Residence Permit in 2026

Despite the changes, the basic categories of residence permits remain the same, but with updated conditions. Let’s look at the key ones.

Digital Nomad Visa

This type of residence permit, which appeared relatively recently, continues to gain popularity. It is intended for those who work remotely for companies located outside Spain or are self-employed with foreign clients. If you plan to get Spain residence permit this way, consider the following requirements:

• Income Requirements: The applicant’s income must be at least 200% of the SMI (Salario Mínimo Interprofesional), which in 2026 is approximately 2,849 euros per month gross. Additional funds are required for each additional family member.
• Experience and Education: A higher specialized education or confirmed work experience of at least three years in the specialty is required.
• Work Relationship: Employment or contractual relationships with the company/clients must have lasted at least three months, and the company itself must have existed for more than one year.
• Tax Regime: One of the advantages is the possibility to use the Beckham Law tax regime, which allows paying a fixed tax of 24% on income up to 600,000 euros instead of a progressive scale.
• Application Procedure: Applications can be submitted through the consulate (obtaining a one-year visa, then a 3-year residence permit) or, if legally in Spain, directly to the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos), which immediately grants a 3-year residence permit. The processing time is 20 working days.

An important innovation for digital nomads is the abolition of the requirement to stay in Spain for 183 days for renewal, which significantly simplifies life for those with a mobile lifestyle. If you are considering relocation to Spain, this option can be very attractive to get Spain residence permit.

Non-Lucrative Residence Permit (No Lucrativa)

This permanent residence Spain option is suitable for those who can demonstrate sufficient passive income or savings to live in Spain without the right to work.

• Income Requirements: In 2026, the minimum income must be 400% of the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which is equivalent to approximately 2,400 euros per month or 28,800 euros for the first year. An additional 600 euros per month is required for each additional family member.
• Medical Insurance: Mandatory private medical insurance without a deductible, valid in Spain.
• Prohibition on Work: The applicant is not allowed to work, including remotely for a foreign company.
• Submission: Documents must be submitted only through the Spanish consulate in the applicant’s country of legal residence. It is not possible to process a No Lucrativa from within Spain.
• Validity Period: The first permit is issued for one year, subsequent renewals are for two years.

Thanks to the Supreme Court’s decision, renewing a No Lucrativa can now also be done in person, not just online.

Student Visa (Estancia por Estudios) – Spain Residence Permit for Study

A student visa is one of the most accessible paths to starting life in Spain, especially for young people.

• Income Requirements: Proof of funds equivalent to 100% IPREM is required, which is about 600 euros per month for the duration of the study program.
• Right to Work: As of 2025, university students automatically have the right to work up to 30 hours per week without needing a separate permit, provided that the work is compatible with their studies.
• Validity Period: The permit is now issued for the entire duration of the study program, not just for one year, which simplifies planning.
• Transition to Residence Permit: After completing their studies, students can change their status to a work or self-employed residence permit without leaving the country.

Residence Permit by Roots (Arraigo): New Spain Residence Permit Rules and Changes for 2026

The Residence Permit by Roots (Arraigo) category underwent the most significant changes in 2026. It is important to note that since May 20, 2025, the minimum period for Arraigo has been reduced from three to two years of continuous residence in Spain (Article 126.b RD 1155/2024). Royal Decree 316/2026 was also adopted, which came into force on April 16, 2026, and added a new point “h” to Article 126.

General Requirements for Arraigo to Get Spain Residence Permit

According to the new rules, an applicant for a residence permit by roots must not:

• Have a valid stay or residence permit in Spain.
• Be in the process of obtaining, extending, renewing, or changing such a permit.

This means that if you have a valid student card or another permanent residence Spain status, you cannot apply for Arraigo while this status is active or until its modification/renewal procedures are completed. However, this does not mean that you had to be in the country illegally for the entire two years required for Arraigo; the main thing is to meet these conditions at the time of application.

The total absence from Spain during the two-year period must not exceed 90 calendar days.

Types of Arraigo in 2026

There are now five main types of Arraigo:

1. Arraigo Social: Requires proof of funds from 100% IPREM, as well as family ties or a social integration report. An employment contract is no longer a mandatory condition.
2. Arraigo Sociolaboral: This type requires one or more employment contracts with a salary not lower than the SMI and a total employment of at least 20 hours per week.
3. Arraigo Socioformativo: This type of residence permit is related to education and requires a social integration report.
4. Arraigo de Segunda Oportunidad: A completely new type of residence permit, intended for those who previously had a residence permit but could not renew it.
5. Arraigo Familiar: Intended for parents of minor citizens of other EU countries and is issued for five years immediately.

What the Supreme Court Did Not Change Regarding Spain Residence Permit

In its press release of July 13, 2026, the Supreme Court confirmed two important rules of Article 126 regarding asylum seekers:

• While the asylum procedure is ongoing, it is not possible to apply for Arraigo.
• The time lived in Spain as an asylum seeker is not counted towards the two-year period for Arraigo.

These points are critically important for those planning to use asylum as a way to legalize their stay in Spain.

Investor’s Residence Permit (“Golden Visa”) – Permanent Residence Spain for Investment

Although there are no fresh changes to the “Golden Visa” in the provided materials, it is worth remembering that it remains one of the ways to get Spain residence permit for wealthy individuals willing to invest in the Spanish economy (e.g., through real estate purchase, bonds, or company shares). The conditions and investment thresholds are subject to periodic reviews, so before applying, it is recommended to clarify the current requirements if you want to get a Spain residence permit this way. Real estate investments are traditionally a popular path to obtaining such a residence permit.

How to Get a Spain Residence Permit for Russians in 2026

For Russian citizens, there are no special restrictions on obtaining a residence permit in Spain. The restrictions of 2022 mainly concerned tourist visas, while national visas and residence permits are issued according to general rules. Documents from Russia must be apostilled and translated by a sworn translator. It is important to carefully check all requirements and be prepared for the process to take time. Consider all new Spain residence permit rules when submitting documents.

Conclusion

Spain continues to develop and adapt its migration policy. The 2026 changes, introduced by the new regulation and Supreme Court decisions, aim to clarify and sometimes simplify procedures but also introduce new restrictions, especially for the Arraigo category. Understanding these nuances will help you effectively plan the process of obtaining a residence permit. If you are looking for how to get a Spain residence permit 2026, it is important to stay informed about current news and, if necessary, seek professional legal assistance.

FAQ: Spain Residence Permit 2026

1. Can I apply for a residence permit by roots (Arraigo) if I have a valid student visa?

No, according to the 2026 changes (Article 126.h), you cannot apply for a residence permit by roots if you have a valid stay or residence permit, or if you are in the process of obtaining, extending, or changing it. You must first wait for the expiration of your current permit or the completion of relevant procedures to get Spain residence permit by roots.

2. What changes have occurred for digital nomads in 2026?

The main change for digital nomads is the abolition of the requirement to stay in Spain for 183 days for residence permit renewal. This significantly simplifies the process for those with a mobile lifestyle. Income requirements (200% SMI, about 2,849 euros/month gross) and experience requirements remain the same. This is an important point for those who want to get Spain residence permit as a digital nomad.

3. How much money is needed for a non-lucrative residence permit (No Lucrativa) in 2026?

For a non-lucrative residence permit in 2026, you must prove income of 400% of IPREM, which is about 2,400 euros per month or 28,800 euros for the first year. An additional 600 euros per month is required for each additional family member. This is a basic requirement to get Spain residence permit under this category.

4. Can Russians get a Spain residence permit in 2026?

Yes, there are no special restrictions for Russian citizens to get Spain residence permit in 2026. National visas and residence permits are issued according to general rules, as for other countries. It is important to comply with all requirements and prepare apostilled and sworn-translated documents to get Spain residence permit for Russians.

5. What has changed for students applying for a Spain residence permit?

Since 2025, university students are automatically allowed to work up to 30 hours per week without a separate permit. Additionally, the student visa is now issued for the entire duration of the study program, not just for one year, which simplifies planning and stay in the country. This makes it easier for students to get Spain residence permit and study.

6. Where can I find up-to-date information on new Spain residence permit rules?

Up-to-date information on new Spain residence permit rules can be found on the official websites of the Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration, as well as on the portals of the General Secretariat for Immigration and Emigration. It is also recommended to consult lawyers specializing in Spanish immigration law to find out how to get a Spain residence permit for Russians in 2026 and other citizens.

7. What documents are needed to apply for a Spain residence permit in 2026?

The package of documents for obtaining a Spain residence permit depends on the chosen type of residence permit (e.g., non-lucrative residence permit, digital nomad residence permit, student residence permit). Generally, the following are required: passport, criminal record certificate (apostilled and translated), medical certificate, proof of financial solvency, medical insurance, and documents confirming the basis for obtaining the residence permit (e.g., employment contract, certificate from an educational institution, investment documents).

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