The requirements most Spanish long-stay visas share — financial means, health insurance, certificates and legalised documents — plus how they differ by route. Always confirm current figures with the authorities.
Overview
While each route has its own rules, most Spanish long-stay visas share a core set of requirements: proof you can support yourself, comprehensive private health insurance (unless covered by social security), a clean criminal record, sometimes a medical certificate, and a complete set of legalised documents. The exact thresholds and document lists vary by route and consulate, and change over time — always verify the current figures.
Money
You usually need to show you can support yourself (and any dependants) without becoming a burden on Spanish public funds. Routes set this differently: the Non-Lucrative Visa is based on savings/passive income multiples of the IPREM index; work and nomad routes look at income or contracts. Accepted evidence typically includes bank statements, pension or income letters, and employment or client contracts.
Health insurance
Comprehensive private health insurance from an insurer authorised in Spain is one of the most common requirements, and one of the easiest to get wrong. Depending on the route, the policy usually needs full cover in Spain, no co-payments where the route expects it, and a certificate showing the right details. We make sure your policy and certificate match what your route requires.
See visa-compliant health insurance, comprehensive cover, copay vs no-copay, or get a quote.
Certificates
Most routes require a recent criminal-record certificate from your country (and any country you have lived in recently), usually apostilled and sworn-translated. Some require a medical certificate confirming you are free of diseases with public-health implications. Both have validity limits, so obtain them close to your application date. See our Tier-3 guides on the criminal-record certificate and medical certificate (built in a later tier).
Housing
Some routes — particularly family reunification — require proof of adequate accommodation, sometimes via an official housing-suitability report. Others simply ask for an address in Spain. Check what your route expects.
Documents
Legalisation takes time. See apostille and sworn translations (Tier-3 guides).
By route
| Route | Financial focus | Insurance | Notable extra |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Lucrative | Savings / passive income (IPREM multiples) | Private, full cover in Spain | No work in Spain |
| Digital Nomad | Remote income / contracts | Private or social-security route | Proof of remote activity |
| Work / HQP | Job offer / salary | Often via social security | Employer sponsorship |
| Student | Funds for the stay | Student or private cover | Enrolment proof |
| Family reunification | Sponsor income (IPREM-based) | Cover for each member | Housing report |
Full guides: NLV · DNV · work · student · family reunification requirements.
Important information
Tell us your route and we will confirm what the health-insurance requirement usually involves and prepare a suitable quote. We help with the health-insurance part of your application. Acceptance and exact policy terms depend on the insurer’s rules; visa decisions rest with the Spanish authorities.
English-speaking Sanitas specialists can help with the health-insurance part of your visa or residency application.
FAQs
Common questions about this Spanish visa route and the health-insurance requirement. Always confirm current rules with the official authorities or a qualified immigration specialist.