How to Move to Spain
Spain is sunny, affordable and welcoming, and Spanish is widely spoken across Africa's diaspora. The newer Startups Law created an easy Digital Nomad visa for people who work online, plus a quick route for highly qualified professionals. You apply at the Spanish embassy/consulate in your country, then collect a residence card (TIE) after you arrive.
How to use this guide
Pick the visa type below that matches your plan (work, study, etc.).
Tap it to open and read the simple steps and the papers you need.
Apply yourself on the official website. It's free — no agent needed.
Stay safe: never pay anyone who promises a "guaranteed" visa. Real applications are made on official government sites. Rules can change, so always double-check on the official website before you apply.
Spain embassies in Africa — addresses & directions
Apply at the Spanish consulate or its BLS/visa centre in your country. Spain has embassies/consulates across Africa — e.g. Abuja & Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Pretoria, Cairo, several in Morocco (Rabat, Casablanca, Tangier), Dakar and Addis Ababa. Use the locator.
Tap “Open in Google Maps” to see the exact location, get directions, and confirm the current address & opening hours.
CBA Building, 3rd Floor, Mara & Ragati Roads, Upper Hill, Nairobi
+254 20 272 0222 Open in Google MapsLord Charles Building, 337 Brooklyn Road, Brooklyn, Pretoria
+27 12 460 0123 Open in Google MapsDrake Avenue Extension, Airport Residential Area, Accra
+233 302 774 004 Open in Google MapsDon’t see your country? Spain has more missions across Africa — find the nearest one on the official locator.
Often quick — around 20 working days for the work authorisation.
Visa + permit fees roughly €80–€200.
Up to 3 years, renewable; can lead to permanent residence after 5 years.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- A job offer from a Spanish employer for a skilled/managerial role.
- A university degree or strong professional experience.
- A salary that matches the qualified role.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get a job offer
A Spanish company offers you a skilled job and starts your work authorisation.
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2
Employer applies for the permit
The employer files the highly qualified worker authorisation with the Spanish authorities.
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3
Apply for the visa
Once approved, you apply for the work visa at the Spanish consulate in your country.
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4
Travel to Spain
Enter Spain with your visa.
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5
Get your TIE card
Register and collect your foreigner ID card (TIE) within 30 days of arriving.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Get your degree and police certificate apostilled early — this is the slowest step for many.
- Learning basic Spanish makes settling in much easier.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your UGE-CE / Plataforma ONE account (work) or consulate booking (study/family) first
Highly Qualified Professional and Digital Nomad visas are filed online by your employer (or by you, for the nomad visa) through the UGE-CE Plataforma ONE. Student and family visas instead require booking an appointment at your nearest Spanish visa centre (usually BLS International) — the centre depends on your country, so check the official consulate finder first.
Create accountStart your Highly Qualified Professional visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationAround 15–45 days.
Visa/permit fees roughly €80–€200.
1 year (visa) then a 3-year permit, renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- You work remotely for clients/employers based outside Spain.
- You have worked with them for at least 3 months and the company has existed 1+ year.
- You earn above the minimum income (around twice the Spanish minimum wage).
- A degree or 3+ years of relevant experience.
What to do, step by step
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1
Gather proof of remote work
Collect contracts/letters showing you work online for non-Spanish companies.
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2
Show your income
Prove you earn above the minimum required amount.
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3
Apply at the consulate (or in Spain)
Apply for the Digital Nomad visa at the Spanish consulate, or as a permit if already legally in Spain.
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4
Travel & register
Enter Spain and collect your TIE residence card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- This is perfect if you already earn online — you bring your job with you.
- There is a favourable tax rate for some nomads — check before you move.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your UGE-CE / Plataforma ONE account (work) or consulate booking (study/family) first
Highly Qualified Professional and Digital Nomad visas are filed online by your employer (or by you, for the nomad visa) through the UGE-CE Plataforma ONE. Student and family visas instead require booking an appointment at your nearest Spanish visa centre (usually BLS International) — the centre depends on your country, so check the official consulate finder first.
Create accountStart your Digital Nomad visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationAround 15–30 days.
Visa fee roughly €80 + tuition + proof of funds.
Length of your course; you can switch to work afterwards.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Acceptance at a Spanish school or university.
- Proof you can pay fees and living costs.
- Health insurance.
What to do, step by step
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1
Get admitted
Receive an acceptance letter from a Spanish institution.
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2
Show funds & insurance
Prove you can support yourself and have health cover.
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3
Apply for the student visa
Apply at the Spanish consulate in your country.
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4
Travel & get your TIE
For courses over 6 months, collect your student residence card in Spain.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Students can work part-time during studies.
- Spanish-taught courses are cheaper; many master's are taught in English too.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your UGE-CE / Plataforma ONE account (work) or consulate booking (study/family) first
Highly Qualified Professional and Digital Nomad visas are filed online by your employer (or by you, for the nomad visa) through the UGE-CE Plataforma ONE. Student and family visas instead require booking an appointment at your nearest Spanish visa centre (usually BLS International) — the centre depends on your country, so check the official consulate finder first.
Create accountStart your Student visa application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationA few months.
Visa/permit fees roughly €80–€160.
Linked to your sponsor; renewable.
Can I apply?
You'll usually need to tick these boxes:
- Your family member has lived legally in Spain (usually 1+ year) and has a renewed permit.
- They have enough income and suitable housing.
- A genuine family relationship.
What to do, step by step
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1
Sponsor applies in Spain
Your relative requests family reunification from inside Spain.
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2
Approval issued
Once approved, you are told to apply for the visa.
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3
Apply for the visa
Apply at the Spanish consulate with your family documents.
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4
Travel & get your TIE
Enter Spain and collect your residence card.
Papers you need
Helpful tips
- Legalise/apostille and translate your civil documents early.
- Spouses can usually work once reunited.
Ready to apply? Do it yourself — free
Create your UGE-CE / Plataforma ONE account (work) or consulate booking (study/family) first
Highly Qualified Professional and Digital Nomad visas are filed online by your employer (or by you, for the nomad visa) through the UGE-CE Plataforma ONE. Student and family visas instead require booking an appointment at your nearest Spanish visa centre (usually BLS International) — the centre depends on your country, so check the official consulate finder first.
Create accountStart your Family reunification application
This opens the official online application form — fill it in and pay the fee directly. No agent needed.
Start applicationMost Spain work visas need a job offer first
Browse visa-sponsored and remote jobs open to Africans, then build a CV tailored to Spain — both completely free.
Explore other destinations
Questions about Spain visas
How much does the Spain Highly Qualified Professional visa cost?
The Spain Highly Qualified Professional visa costs: Visa + permit fees roughly €80–€200. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Spain Highly Qualified Professional visa take?
Processing for the Spain Highly Qualified Professional visa takes often quick — around 20 working days for the work authorisation. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Spain Highly Qualified Professional visa valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Spain Highly Qualified Professional visa is valid for up to 3 years, renewable; can lead to permanent residence after 5 years. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Spain Digital Nomad visa cost?
The Spain Digital Nomad visa costs: Visa/permit fees roughly €80–€200. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Spain Digital Nomad visa take?
Processing for the Spain Digital Nomad visa takes around 15–45 days. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Spain Digital Nomad visa valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Spain Digital Nomad visa is valid for 1 year (visa) then a 3-year permit, renewable. This route can lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Spain Student visa cost?
The Spain Student visa costs: Visa fee roughly €80 + tuition + proof of funds. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Spain Student visa take?
Processing for the Spain Student visa takes around 15–30 days. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Spain Student visa valid for?
The Spain Student visa is valid for length of your course; you can switch to work afterwards. This route does not by itself lead to permanent residence.
How much does the Spain Family reunification cost?
The Spain Family reunification costs: Visa/permit fees roughly €80–€160. These fees were checked against the official source on 1 June 2026, and governments change them regularly.
How long does the Spain Family reunification take?
Processing for the Spain Family reunification takes a few months. This is the official guide time and does not include the weeks you spend gathering documents beforehand.
How long is the Spain Family reunification valid for, and does it lead to permanent residence?
The Spain Family reunification is valid for linked to your sponsor; renewable. This route can lead to permanent residence.
Fees and processing times last checked against official government sources on 1 June 2026. Always confirm on the official portal before paying anything.