Services Our Approach About Client Portal FAQ Contact Client Portal Login
flight_land IMMIGRATION

Immigration & Residency in Spain

Legal assistance with residence permits, visas, and immigration matters in Spain. Expert guidance for non-EU nationals seeking to live in or regularly visit Menorca.

What Immigration and Residency Options Are Available?

Whether you are an EU citizen registering your right of residence, a British national navigating post-Brexit requirements, or a non-EU citizen seeking a residence permit, our immigration team provides expert legal guidance tailored to your circumstances.

Menorca attracts property owners and residents from across Europe and beyond. Each nationality faces different requirements, and immigration law changes frequently. Our team stays current with all regulatory developments to ensure your application succeeds.

What Do EU/EEA Citizens Need to Reside in Menorca?

EU and EEA nationals have the right to live and work in Spain, but administrative requirements apply:

  • NIE application — your tax identification number, required within 3 months
  • Registration on the Central Foreigners Register (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión)
  • Permanent residence certificate after 5 years of continuous residence
  • Family member residence cards for non-EU family members

What Visa Options Exist for Non-EU Citizens?

Non-EU nationals require a visa or residence permit:

Non-Lucrative Residence Visa

For those who wish to live in Spain without working:

  • Financial sufficiency requirements
  • Private health insurance
  • Clean criminal record certificate
  • Initial visa application at the Spanish consulate in your home country
  • Residence card (TIE) upon arrival

Golden Visa — Abolished (April 2025)

Spain’s Golden Visa for real estate investment was abolished by Ley 7/2025, effective 3 April 2025. New applications based on property purchase are no longer accepted. Existing Golden Visa holders may renew their permits while maintaining their investment, but no new visas are issued through this route.

If you previously planned to obtain residency through property investment, we can advise on alternative pathways such as the non-lucrative visa or the digital nomad visa.

Digital Nomad Visa

For remote workers employed by or contracting with companies outside Spain (Ley 28/2022):

  • Allows you to live in Spain while working remotely for a foreign employer or client
  • Initial visa for one year, renewable for up to five years
  • Favourable tax regime during the first years of residence
  • Includes spouse and dependent children

Work and Professional Visas

  • Empleado por cuenta ajena — employment visa
  • Autónomo — self-employment visa
  • Entrepreneur visa — for business founders
  • Intra-company transfer visa

How Does Brexit Affect British Nationals in Menorca?

British citizens who did not register as residents before 31 December 2020 now face the same requirements as non-EU nationals. We assist with:

  • Assessing the most appropriate visa category
  • Non-lucrative visa applications
  • Digital nomad visa applications
  • 90/180-day rule compliance for property owners who visit regularly
  • TIE card applications for existing residents

What Does the Immigration Process Look Like?

  1. Assessment — we evaluate your situation, objectives, and the most appropriate immigration route
  2. Documentation — we prepare and compile all required documents
  3. Application — we submit on your behalf and manage communications with the authorities
  4. Follow-up — we track your application and respond to any requests for additional information
  5. Arrival support — we assist with local registration, TIE card application, and settling-in formalities

Why Choose Palliser for Immigration Matters?

  • Deep expertise in Balearic Islands immigration procedures
  • Strong relationships with local government offices (Oficina de Extranjería)
  • Multilingual team — we communicate with you in your language
  • Coordination with tax planning — immigration and tax status are closely linked
  • Track record of successful applications since 1999

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your nationality and purpose. EU/EEA citizens have freedom of movement but must register after 3 months. Non-EU citizens typically need a non-lucrative residence visa, a work visa, or a digital nomad visa. We assess your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate route.

The non-lucrative visa allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain without working. You must demonstrate sufficient financial means (typically €28,800/year for the main applicant plus €7,200 per dependent, based on 400% of the IPREM — subject to annual updates) and have health insurance. The initial visa is for one year, renewable. You must reside in Spain at least six months per year.

No. Spain's Golden Visa programme, which previously granted residency through property investment of €500,000+, was abolished in April 2025 by Ley 7/2025. Purchasing property no longer provides a path to residency. Non-EU buyers who wish to reside in Spain should explore the non-lucrative visa or the digital nomad visa instead.

Ready to protect your investment in Menorca?

Get in touch for a free initial consultation. We respond within 24 hours — no commitment, just a friendly conversation about your property needs.

Schedule a Consultation arrow_forward

Get in touch

Whether you're buying, managing, or protecting a property in Menorca — we're here to help. Tell us about your situation and we'll respond within 24 hours with clear next steps.

By submitting this form, you consent to the processing of your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection regulations (GDPR).

check_circle

Thank you!

We have received your message and will respond to you as soon as possible. If you need immediate assistance, call us at +34 971 379 062.