Relocation Guide
Moving from India to Spain
Moving from India to Spain usually means the digital nomad visa for professionals working for foreign employers or clients, or the non-lucrative visa for people living on savings. What is different from India: you apply through the Spanish visa centre in India, documents are apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs, and money leaves India under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme.
Updated October 1, 2026
Quick answer
Indian citizens can move to Spain on the digital nomad visa (200% of the Spanish minimum wage from work outside Spain) or the non-lucrative visa (€28,800 a year in funds). Apply through the Spanish visa centre in India, apostille Indian documents through the MEA, and plan transfers within the LRS limit of USD 250,000 per person per year. India and Spain have a double tax treaty.
As of October 1, 2026
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Short visits | Schengen visa needed, even for viewing tripsSource · checked October 2, 2026 |
| Visa appointments | We confirm this for your case |
| Documents | Full legalisation: your country is not in the Apostille ConventionSource · checked October 2, 2026 |
| Double tax treaty | A comprehensive income tax treaty is in forceSource · checked October 2, 2026 |
| Dual citizenship | We confirm this for your case |
| Minimum | 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI) a month, plus 75% of the SMI for the first family member and 25% for each further oneSource |
What is different from India
Apostille through the MEA
India is in the Apostille Convention. Degree certificates, birth and marriage certificates and your police clearance certificate are apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs (after state-level verification where needed), then translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
Police clearance from Passport Seva
Indian residents get a police clearance certificate (PCC) through Passport Seva. If you have lived elsewhere recently, you also need certificates from those countries.
Moving money: the LRS limit
Resident individuals can remit up to USD 250,000 per financial year under the RBI Liberalised Remittance Scheme, and tax collected at source can apply above a threshold. A couple can each use their own limit, so plan proof of funds and the move of savings early.
Dual citizenship
India does not allow dual citizenship. Spanish citizenship (generally after 10 years of residence) would mean giving up Indian citizenship; many Indians stay on long-term residence instead, and OCI is available to former citizens.
Routes open to you
Figures are statutory minimums from official sources. Official fees are estimates and change; our own fees are quoted for your case.
Digital nomad visa (international teleworking)
Remote employees and freelancers working mainly for clients or employers outside Spain.
- Minimum
- 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI) a month, plus 75% of the SMI for the first family member and 25% for each further one
Non-lucrative residence visa
People with savings or passive income who will not work in Spain.
- Minimum
- €28,800 a year (400% IPREM), plus €7,200 per dependant
Not sure which route fits?
An adviser checks your eligibility from India and replies within one working day.
Step by step from India
Choose the route
Digital nomad if you work for employers or clients outside Spain (with at most 20% Spanish clients); non-lucrative if you will not work.
Prepare Indian documents
Get your PCC, degree certificates and civil documents, then apostille them through the MEA and have them sworn-translated.
Show income and insurance
Employment contract or client contracts, three months of history with them, bank statements and Spanish-valid private health insurance.
Apply through the visa centre
Book the Spanish national visa appointment at the visa centre for your consular district in India and submit biometrics.
Move and register
Travel within the visa validity, register your address in Spain and apply for your TIE residence card.
Documents and legalisation
India is not in the Apostille Convention, so public documents need the full chain: attestation by the issuing authority and the foreign ministry, then legalisation by the Spain embassy or consulate. Translate them with a sworn translator where required.
You will usually need a police certificate from India and from every other country you have lived in recently.
Where to apply
Apply at the Spanish consulate responsible for your place of legal residence, or (digital nomad route) online through the UGE from inside Spain while you are there legally.
Tax: what to check before you move
Double tax treaty: A comprehensive income tax treaty is in force Listed on the Spanish Ministry of Finance treaty list (BOE 09/07/2020 (protocol)).
General information, not tax advice. Tax points on this page are awaiting review by a tax specialist.
Sources and review
Last updated October 1, 2026
- Spain UGE: international teleworkers (digital nomad) residence
- Spain Ministry of Foreign Affairs: visas
- Ministry of External Affairs: apostille / attestation
- Passport Seva: police clearance certificate
- Reserve Bank of India: Liberalised Remittance Scheme FAQ
- Spain Ministry of Finance: double taxation treaties
Parts of this page are awaiting review by our legal team; we confirm every point for your case before you apply.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for the Spain digital nomad visa from India?
Yes, at the Spanish consulate for your district through its visa centre. If you are already in Spain legally, you can apply to the UGE online instead.
Do Indian documents need an apostille for Spain?
Yes. Public documents are apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs and then translated by a sworn translator.
How much money can I take from India to Spain?
Up to USD 250,000 per person per financial year under the LRS. Tax collected at source may apply, so plan transfers with your bank.
Is there a tax treaty between India and Spain?
Yes, a comprehensive double tax treaty is in force. Take advice on residence and the timing of your move.
Do I need a Schengen visa to visit Spain before moving?
Yes. Indian citizens need a Schengen visa for short visits; the long-stay national visa is a separate application.
Which route suits me best?
It depends on your goal: living in the country, a second passport, tax planning or a base for your family. The routes on this page are ranked by fit for people moving from your country.
How long does it take to move?
Timelines depend on the route, the completeness of your file and government processing. Each programme page shows its published processing range.
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