​How to achieve a Spanish residence permit “residencia”?

​This question is asked a lot and there is not an overwhelming answer, that could fit all the cases. Because, there are different kinds of residence permit processes depending on the aspects like, which nationality is the applier, why is the applicant aiming for a residence permit in Spain, what kind of past has the applier, etc?

In general, it depends if the applicant is an EU citizen or citizen of a third country.
However, from a general point of view, the processes to achieve a residence permit in Spain could be amongst others:
-through a working contract or entrepreneurship in Spain
-through a family member residing in Spain
-through studies in Spain or another non-lucrative purpose, like moving to Spain for retirement
-human right issues
-residing in Spain irregularly for a period of time and fulfilling the requirements for achieving a legal stay (the so-called “arraigo”), 

Every case is unique and has to be studied which is the right option for the applier.
An expressway to achieve a residence permit is by an investment. There are different kinds of investment possibilities of which the well-known is the investment in the property of a value of at least 500.000 euros, the so-called Golden Visa.

The applier also has to distinguish between temporary and permanent residence permits. Permanent residence permits are permits that could be achieved after residing legally in Spain for a minimum of five years.
Keep in mind that EU citizens could stay in Spain for three months without a residence permit. However, there are some important registrations to be done. The same principle also applies to people with a nationality from other countries, that have agreed about that practice with Spain. On the other hand citizens from third countries needs to apply for some kind of visa or residence permit straight away.

Another thing is the Spanish nationality, which has different requirements. In general, those with a nationality from Ibero American countries (including Portugal, etc.) could achieve the Spanish nationality, after residing legally in Spain for two years, depending on the circumstances like the nationality of the applicant or if their parents are Spanish by origin, in that case, the nationality could be achieved by residing one year in Spain.

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*This article is only informative; it is not suitable for any legal advice. We do not take responsibility for any actions taken by it. No actions should be taken before studying the situation case by case.