Residency

Residency in the Canary Islands

EU/EEA citizens have the right to reside in Spain. Non-EU citizens need an appropriate visa or residence permit. The Canary Islands follow the same immigration rules as mainland Spain.

For EU Citizens

If you plan to stay more than 3 months, you must apply for the Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión (EU Registration Certificate) at the Oficina de Extranjería or police station. Requirements: valid passport, proof of sufficient financial means, public or private health insurance, and empadronamiento (registration on the municipal census).

NIE (Foreigner's Identification Number)

The NIE is mandatory for any legal or financial transaction in Spain: buying property, opening a bank account, working, paying taxes. It is obtained at a police station or Oficina de Extranjería. The process requires a prior appointment (cita previa), EX-15 form, passport, and proof of the reason for the application. The NIE is a white A4 certificate with your NIE number — it is not a residence card.

TIE (Foreigner's Identity Card)

Non-EU citizens who obtain residency receive a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), a biometric card that serves as both ID and proof of residency. EU citizens receive the green A4 certificate instead of a TIE.

Non-Lucrative Residence Visa (Non-EU)

For non-EU citizens wishing to reside without working in Spain (retirees, financially independent individuals). Requirements: proof of stable income of at least 400% of IPREM (~€2,400/month) plus 100% additional per family member, comprehensive private health insurance, clean criminal record, and medical certificate. Initially valid for 1 year, renewable for 2+2 years, with permanent residency possible after 5 years.

Digital Nomad Visa

Spain introduced a digital nomad visa in 2023, allowing remote workers to reside in Spain for up to 5 years. Requirements: work for companies outside Spain (maximum 20% of income from Spanish companies), income of at least 200% of SMI (minimum wage), university degree or proven professional experience of at least 3 years, clean criminal record, and private health insurance. The tax rate for qualifying applicants is a flat 24% (instead of the progressive IRPF scale) for income up to €600,000.