Spain Residency Is Simpler Than Many People Think — And a Few Thoughts on Spain's Well-Known Okupa Issue

Hello everyone,

I'm writing this from Capri, Italy. After taking a walk near my hotel this morning, I thought it would be a good opportunity to share some thoughts about Spain—both its residency options and some personal experiences from my visits over the years.

(The pier and coastline of Capri, Italy)

Spain's Residency Options Are More Straightforward Than Many People Expect

Many people assume that obtaining residency in Spain is complicated. In reality, today's options are much simpler than they were a few years ago.

Spain previously offered a Golden Visa program based on real estate investment, but that program has now ended. As a result, the primary residency pathways have become much more straightforward.

For most international applicants, two options stand out:

●  The Non-Lucrative Visa

●  The Digital Nomad Visa

The Non-Lucrative Visa

The Non-Lucrative Visa is designed for individuals who can demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves without working in Spain.

As a general reference, applicants who can demonstrate savings of approximately RMB 1 million (roughly EUR 120,000, subject to exchange rates and official requirements) may meet the financial threshold for consideration. The exact amount depends on family size, as additional funds are required for accompanying dependents.

It's important to note that these funds are not an investment or government payment. They simply need to be demonstrated as available financial resources during the application process.

The Digital Nomad Visa

Another increasingly popular option is Spain's Digital Nomad Visa.

As a general guideline, applicants who earn approximately RMB 23,000 per month in after-tax employment income may be eligible to apply. The exact income threshold is linked to Spain's minimum wage and is updated periodically.

This pathway is primarily intended for remote employees or professionals working for companies located outside Spain.

A Third Option: Study in Spain

For those who do not currently meet either financial requirement, studying in Spain can be another practical pathway.

International students enrolled in eligible programs are generally allowed to work part-time during their studies, subject to Spanish immigration regulations. After graduation, those who secure qualified employment may be able to transition to a work-based residence permit.

For many younger applicants, this can be an accessible long-term route toward building a career and life in Spain.

In short, when people ask me about Spain, I usually suggest considering these three pathways first:

●  Non-Lucrative Visa

●  Digital Nomad Visa

●  Student Visa leading to employment

Of course, every application depends on individual circumstances, and requirements may vary between Spanish consulates and change over time. These examples are intended only as an initial reference rather than legal advice.

My Personal Impressions of Spain

I've visited Spain several times over the years. While I'm not an expert on every region, I've developed a good understanding of the country through both work and travel.

My First Visit Started Unexpectedly

Interestingly, my first visit to Spain wasn't carefully planned.

I was driving through Portugal's Algarve region with colleagues while visiting hospitality and investment projects. Before we realized it, we had reached the Spanish border.

We even joked about whether anyone would stop us.

The answer, at least on that route within the Schengen Area, was no. We simply crossed the bridge into Spain without a routine border inspection.

It was a memorable introduction to how seamlessly travel works between many European countries.

Barcelona — And the Conversation Everyone Wanted to Have About Okupa

When I first visited Barcelona, I certainly appreciated the city's coastline and atmosphere.

However, what I remember most wasn't the architecture or the famous landmarks.

Almost every property developer I met brought up the same topic: Okupa.

The term generally refers to people occupying vacant properties without the owner's permission. The issue has attracted significant public attention in Spain and has led to ongoing legal and political debate.

One common concern raised by property owners—particularly those who leave homes vacant for extended periods—is that recovering possession through the legal system can sometimes be lengthy and costly once unauthorized occupants have established themselves.

Although media reports often simplify the issue, the legal situation is considerably more complex than the popular claim that someone can legally "take over" a property after just two days. Spanish property law balances the protection of private property with legal safeguards for vulnerable individuals, and each case depends on its specific circumstances.

Whether or not someone plans to purchase property in Spain, it's an issue worth understanding rather than relying on headlines alone.

For me, that conversation became one of my strongest memories of Barcelona simply because nearly every developer mentioned it.

Why I Personally Prefer Madrid

After Barcelona, I traveled to Madrid by high-speed train, which was both efficient and comfortable.

Among Spain's major cities, Madrid has probably become my personal favorite.

One reason is simple: I enjoy running.

During one visit, I stayed near Retiro Park, and I found myself running there almost every day. Like Central Park in New York, it's one of those urban parks that gives a city its own rhythm and character.

That alone left a lasting impression.

Over time, I also worked closely with local partners in Madrid, which allowed me to gain a much deeper understanding of the city beyond its tourist attractions.

Another reason Madrid remains memorable is because of someone who later became an important part of our company.

Years ago, a colleague in Dubai introduced me to Alex, who was then completing his graduate studies in Madrid. I interviewed him there, and his international background immediately stood out. He spoke multiple languages and had studied in different countries.

After the interview, I invited him to join our Dubai office as CEO.

That proved to be an excellent decision.

His Spanish language skills later helped our Dubai team establish valuable partnerships in Mexico, expanding our business opportunities in Latin America.

Whenever I think about Madrid, I still remember that interview and how an unexpected meeting eventually shaped part of our international business.

Mallorca Last Year, Capri This Year

Last year, my son's graduation trip took us to Mallorca, the home island of tennis legend Rafael Nadal.

Mallorca is widely regarded as one of Spain's premier island destinations, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The hotels, the atmosphere, and the overall quality of the destination all left a very positive impression.

This year, however, my daughter's graduation trip brought us to Capri in Italy.

Walking through Capri last night felt very different.

The luxury shopping streets were filled with impeccably dressed visitors, many of whom looked as though they had stepped out of a fashion magazine.

Meanwhile, I was wearing a simple T-shirt.

I generally don't pay much attention to fashion, but for the first time in a long while I almost felt underdressed.

Even people waiting in line for gelato looked remarkably elegant.

It's an interesting atmosphere, and perhaps after spending a few more days here, I'll develop a slightly better sense of style.

One Place in Spain I Still Hope to Visit

There is one part of Spain that I haven't yet experienced but still look forward to.

Earlier this year, I had registered for the Val d'Aran by UTMB, one of the Major events in the UTMB World Series held in the Pyrenees.

Unfortunately, because I was already planning to compete in another ultramarathon in Chamonix later in the summer, I decided to change my race schedule rather than make three separate trips to Europe within two months.

I was disappointed to cancel, especially since several friends will be running there.

The Pyrenees remain one of the trail-running destinations I most want to experience, and I'm sure I'll return for that race in the future.

Final Thoughts

Those are some of my personal observations about Spain—from its relatively accessible residency pathways to the cities and experiences that have stayed with me over the years.

If you're considering living, working, studying, or obtaining residency in Spain, I hope these reflections provide a useful starting point.

Thank you for reading. If you'd like to learn more about Spanish residency options or discuss your own situation, feel free to get in touch with us.