How to Live in Spain in 2027: Complete Guide for Brazilians
Living in Spain is the dream of many Brazilians seeking quality of life, safety, professional opportunities, and the chance to build a new chapter in Europe. However, before organizing your move, it is important to understand the legal ways to enter, reside, and work in the country.
In 2027, there are several pathways for Brazilians who wish to live legally in Spain. The right authorization depends on your profile, goals, professional situation, and financial resources.
In this guide, you will learn about the main residence options, visa types, required documents, and the first steps to plan your relocation.
📄 Table of Contents
1. Do Brazilians need a visa to live in Spain?
Brazilians do not need a visa to enter Spain for short-term tourism trips, following Schengen Area rules. Generally, the allowed stay is up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
However, this waiver does not authorize Brazilians to live permanently or work in the country.
To stay in Spain for a longer period, you must obtain a visa or authorization compatible with the purpose of your stay, such as work, studies, non-lucrative residence, or international remote work.
⚠️ Attention: Entering as a tourist does not mean having work authorization. It is essential to plan your immigration status before starting any professional activity.
2. What are the main ways to live legally in Spain?
There are different types of residence and stay permits. Here are some of the main options:
💼 Work Visa as an Employee
Intended for foreign nationals who wish to work for a Spanish company under an employment relationship. Generally, you must have a job offer and meet legal requirements for hiring foreign workers. The procedure involves obtaining the corresponding authorization and, when applicable, applying for the visa at a Spanish consulate.
🏢 Self-Employed Work Authorization
An alternative for those who wish to start a professional activity or open a business in Spain. Applicants must submit a business project, demonstrate the capability to carry it out, and meet the applicable administrative, professional, and economic requirements.
🎓 Student Visa
Designed for individuals who want to pursue studies or training activities covered by Spanish legislation. Depending on the type of training and permit conditions, working during your studies may be allowed within legal limits. It is an excellent option for those looking to gain international experience and understand the Spanish market.
💻 Digital Nomad Visa
Allows foreign professionals to reside in Spain while working remotely for companies or clients located outside the country. It applies to remote employees of foreign companies and independent freelancers providing international services.
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Requirements involve professional experience or qualifications, company affiliation, and financial proof.
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For freelancers, legislation permits a limited percentage of work for Spanish-based companies.
💶 Non-Lucrative Residence
Geared toward individuals who want to reside in Spain without working or engaging in income-generating activities within the country. To apply, you must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself, alongside full health insurance coverage and complete documentation. Ideal for those with passive income or assets.
👨👩👧 Family Reunification Residence
Residence options exist for family members of Spanish citizens, EU citizens, or foreign nationals already residing legally in Spain. Conditions vary based on family ties (spouses, registered partners, children, and dependents).
3. Is it possible to regularize your status while already in Spain?
Yes. Certain procedures allow individuals to apply for specific residence permits directly from within Spain, provided they meet the legal requirements of the given category.
Among these options are authorizations based on exceptional circumstances, such as different types of arraigo.
Each arraigo category has specific requirements. In certain modalities, you must prove a minimum continuous period of physical presence in Spain alongside meeting administrative requirements. Therefore, individual analysis is crucial before choosing a regularization strategy.
4. What documents are required to live in Spain?
Required documentation varies according to the permit type. However, common documents include:
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Valid passport;
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Fully completed application form;
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Recent photographs (per guidelines);
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Proof of minimum financial resources;
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Public or private health insurance (with full coverage);
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Criminal record certificate;
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Proof of studies, employment, or professional background;
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Family relationship proof (when applicable).
📌 Pro Tip: Documents issued in Brazil generally require an Apostille of The Hague and a certified sworn translation into Spanish. Submitting incomplete documentation can delay or result in the rejection of your application.
5. How much money do I need to live in Spain?
The required amount depends on the city chosen, your lifestyle, and family size.
Essential expenses to budget for:
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Rent and Security Deposit: Usually requires the first month’s rent plus 1 to 2 months’ deposit;
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Groceries and Food;
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Public Transportation;
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Basic Utilities: Water, electricity, gas, and internet;
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Health Insurance (when required);
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Administrative Fees and Document Costs;
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Emergency Fund.
Beyond personal financial planning, Spanish law establishes specific minimum financial thresholds for granting certain visas (such as Non-Lucrative Residence or the Digital Nomad Visa).
6. Can I live in Spain with my family?
Yes. Several modalities allow family members to accompany or join a main residence permit holder in Spain.
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Under certain visas, family members can apply simultaneously with the primary applicant.
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In other cases, family reunification takes place after the primary holder has established legal residence in Spain.
Family planning should be carried out prior to moving, especially when traveling with a spouse or minor children.
7. How long before I can apply for Spanish citizenship?
Brazilians enjoy a unique advantage under Spanish law. As citizens of Ibero-American countries, Brazilians can apply for Spanish citizenship by residence after just 2 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain.
Time spent as a tourist ❌ DOES NOT count toward citizenship
Legal Residence (2 years) ✔️ Qualifies for application
ℹ️ Note: The 2-year timeline does not mean automatic approval. Applicants must still demonstrate good civic conduct, integration into Spanish society, and fulfill all administrative requirements.
8. What is the best city to live in Spain?
The best city for you depends on your career goals, budget, and preferred lifestyle:
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🌆 Madrid: A diverse job market, exceptional infrastructure, and endless corporate and cultural opportunities.
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🏖️ Barcelona: An international vibe, a thriving tech hub, and vibrant coastal culture.
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☀️ Valencia: Excellent urban infrastructure, beautiful beaches, and a lower cost of living compared to Madrid or Barcelona.
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🌊 Málaga: High quality of life, Mediterranean climate, and rapid growth in tech and innovation sectors.
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🌴 Alicante: Ideal for those seeking a relaxed pace of life, pleasant weather, and coastal living.
9. What are the first steps to move to Spain?
If you plan to move in 2027, start planning early using this checklist:
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Define your goal: Work, study, remote work, investment, or family relocation.
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Identify the ideal visa: Match your profile with the correct legal category.
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Verify financial requirements: Check the minimum income or savings thresholds.
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Gather documentation: Obtain certificates, background checks, Hague apostilles, and sworn translations.
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Review application procedures: Confirm whether your application is submitted at a consulate or within Spain.
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Plan setup expenses: Budget for rent, security deposits, and initial living costs.
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Ensure legal authorization before working: Never undertake work activities without proper authorization.
10. Is it worth hiring a specialized immigration consultancy?
Immigration procedures in Spain involve precise rules that frequently change with new legislative or administrative updates.
Choosing an unsuitable visa category, submitting incorrect paperwork, or missing a requirement can jeopardize your application and lead to refusal.
A specialized consultancy helps identify your best options, review documentation thoroughly, guide you on legal requirements, and manage the process smoothly from start to finish.
Conclusion: How to start your life in Spain in 2027
Living in Spain is an achievable goal for Brazilians wanting to start a new chapter in Europe. Legal pathways exist for various profiles, but the key to success lies in thorough advance planning and choosing the right strategy.
