Type D — National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

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Type D — National Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

4 weeks – 3 months

Estimated Cost

EUR €90

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in Spain

Cost of Living

26% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€22,000

Quality of Life

183/200

Full Country Guide

Overview

Long-stay visa for work, investment, family reunification, or other purposes in a specific EU member state.

The Spanish National Type D visa lets non-EU/EEA nationals reside in Spain for more than 90 days — covering work, study, family reunification, and non-lucrative residence. Issued as a short entry visa, it requires holders to obtain a TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) within 30 days of arrival.

The TIE grants a 1-year initial residence authorisation, renewable for 2-year periods. Dependents may join under family reunification; spouse work rights vary by sub-category. Five years of continuous legal residence opens a pathway to permanent residency.

This visa is ideal for non-EU nationals with a specific long-term commitment in Spain — employment, study, investment, or family — who need a legal gateway to obtain a residence permit.

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Stay & Extensions

Initial grant

1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Spain

EU Blue Card

Validity3 years

Processing3 weeks

View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.

Intention to stay in Spain for more than 90 days.

Proof of purpose (e.g., employment contract, university enrollment, family reunification documents).

Proof of sufficient financial means to support oneself during the stay.

Valid health insurance with full coverage in Spain.

Clean criminal record certificate from countries of residence in the last 5 years.

Medical certificate confirming absence of dangerous diseases (if required by the specific category).

Must be over 18 years old (or have legal guardian consent for minors).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

National visa application form.

Valid passport (with at least 1 year of validity).

Recent passport-sized photographs.

Proof of financial means (bank statements, employment contracts, or sponsorship letters).

Criminal record certificate (apostilled/legalized).

Medical certificate.

Proof of health insurance.

Specific documents for the purpose of stay (e.g., admission letter for students, work authorization for employees).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows long-term legal residence in Spain (over 90 days).
Provides a pathway to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Enables free movement within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Access to Spanish public services (depending on the visa type).
Can be used as a bridge to obtain a residence permit (TIE).

Worth Knowing

The visa is category-specific; changing the purpose of stay often requires a new application.
Financial requirements are strictly enforced based on the IPREM index.
Processing times can vary significantly by consulate.
Must be applied for from the country of origin in most cases.
Failure to obtain the TIE card after arrival can lead to irregular status.

Application Process

Determine the specific category of the D visa (work, study, family, etc.).

Gather all required documents, ensuring they are apostilled and translated into Spanish if necessary.

Schedule an appointment at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the country of residence.

Submit the application in person and pay the visa fee (approx. EUR 90).

Attend an interview if requested by the consulate.

Wait for the decision (standard processing is typically 15-30 days).

Collect the visa and enter Spain within the validity period.

Apply for the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) upon arrival in Spain.

Application Forms

National visa application form

National Visa Application Form

Fill online

Verified Claims (22)

Last verified May 31, 2026

Application Steps

Determine the specific category of the D visa (work, study, family, etc.).; Gather all required docu…

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Dependent Visa

Family reunification

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Fee Breakdown

Application fee: 90 EUR

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Fees

EUR 90

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Forms

National visa application form

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Forms · National visa application form · description

National Visa Application Form

exteriores.gob.es

Included Nationalities

—

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Job Offer Required

false

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Official Information

Living in Spain

Cost of Living

26% cheaper than United States

Avg Salary€22,000

Quality of Life

183/200

Full Country Guide

Ready to see if the Type D — National Long-Stay Visa (Type D) is your visa path?

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Overview

Long-stay visa for work, investment, family reunification, or other purposes in a specific EU member state.

This visa is ideal for non-EU nationals with a specific long-term commitment in Spain — employment, study, investment, or family — who need a legal gateway to obtain a residence permit.

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.

Intention to stay in Spain for more than 90 days.

Proof of purpose (e.g., employment contract, university enrollment, family reunification documents).

Proof of sufficient financial means to support oneself during the stay.

Valid health insurance with full coverage in Spain.

Clean criminal record certificate from countries of residence in the last 5 years.

Medical certificate confirming absence of dangerous diseases (if required by the specific category).

Must be over 18 years old (or have legal guardian consent for minors).

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

National visa application form.

Valid passport (with at least 1 year of validity).

Recent passport-sized photographs.

Proof of financial means (bank statements, employment contracts, or sponsorship letters).

Criminal record certificate (apostilled/legalized).

Medical certificate.

Proof of health insurance.

Specific documents for the purpose of stay (e.g., admission letter for students, work authorization for employees).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows long-term legal residence in Spain (over 90 days).
Provides a pathway to permanent residency and eventual citizenship.
Enables free movement within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
Access to Spanish public services (depending on the visa type).
Can be used as a bridge to obtain a residence permit (TIE).

Worth Knowing

The visa is category-specific; changing the purpose of stay often requires a new application.
Financial requirements are strictly enforced based on the IPREM index.
Processing times can vary significantly by consulate.
Must be applied for from the country of origin in most cases.
Failure to obtain the TIE card after arrival can lead to irregular status.

Application Process