IberiGo

Where should we begin?

Move to Spain

NIE, TIE, padrón, EU registration, visas, and residency.

Explore

Vacation in Spain

Short visits, entry rules, transport, places to stay, and practical trip planning in Spain.

Live in Spain

Healthcare, banking, taxes, digital access, and the key admin steps for everyday life in Spain.

Not legal advice. Always verify with official sources before filing.

1. Status 2. Goal 3. Result
Are you?
What are you trying to do?
Who are you joining in Spain?
How long do you plan to stay?

EU vs non-EU visits

What this is for
The key split for Spain entry is EU/EEA/Swiss versus everyone else. EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens move freely within the EU and can stay in Spain as long as they like without any visa or time limit — though stays over three months trigger residence registration rules. Non-EU visitors from visa-free countries (such as the US, UK, Canada, and Australia) can enter without a visa but are subject to the 90-day Schengen limit across all Schengen countries combined. Visitors from countries that require a Schengen visa must apply at a Spanish consulate before travelling. Since April 2026, non-EU visitors also pass through the Entry/Exit System (EES), which registers fingerprints and a photo at the border; EU/EEA/Swiss citizens and holders of a residence permit or long-stay visa are exempt. ETIAS — a pre-travel authorisation similar to the US ESTA — is expected to apply to currently visa-free non-EU visitors later; check whether it is in force before your trip.
Next 3 steps
  1. If you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, review the short-stay guidance and travel with a valid document.
  2. If you are non-EU, check whether your nationality needs a Schengen visa or enters visa-free.
  3. Use the official calculator if you need to confirm the 90 days in any 180-day limit.
Official links
Spanish Government Spain: stays up to 3 months Official Spain government website European Union Check visa or ETIAS requirement Official European Union website European Union Entry/Exit System (EES) Official European Union website European Union Official EU 90/180 calculator Official European Union website

This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.

Documents that often slow people down

Identity and civil records

  • Valid passport or EU national ID.
  • Birth, marriage, or partnership records where relevant.
  • Legalization or Hague apostille for many foreign public documents.
  • Sworn Spanish translations when documents are not accepted as-is.

Spain-side basics

  • Address in Spain and, when requested, padrón certificate.
  • Immigration appointment confirmation.
  • Correct EX form for your procedure.
  • Paid tasa receipt, often Modelo 790 with the matching code.

Money, health, purpose

  • Proof of economic means for routes that require it.
  • Health insurance or public coverage proof where required.
  • School admission, remote-work evidence, family link, or permit approval.
  • Criminal record certificate for some visas and residence routes.

Not every document applies to every route. The guide should help you narrow this down.

Official sources

This app is a planning guide, not legal advice. Spanish immigration and administration rules, document lists, fees, and appointment labels can change. Always verify your procedure with official sources before filing.

Last reviewed: July 2026