A visa lets you enter Spain. A residence permit lets you stay. You get the visa first, then convert to residence after arrival.
Visa
- Authorization to enter Spain
- Issued by Spanish consulate abroad
- Sticker in your passport
- Valid 90 days to 1 year
- Lets you start the residence process
Residence Permit
- Authorization to live in Spain
- Issued by Spanish immigration after arrival
- Comes as TIE card
- Valid 1-5 years depending on type
The Process
- Apply for visa at consulate
- Get visa in passport
- Travel to Spain
- Register and apply for TIE within 30 days
- Receive TIE card
Key Points
- Tourist visas do not lead to residence
- Long-stay visas (work, Digital Nomad) convert to residence
- Register within the required timeframe or risk problems
- Residence permits renew; visas are one-time