Moving to Spain from Lebanon: Complete Guide for 2026
Key Facts for Lebanese Citizens
- Visa Required: Yes (Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days)
- Most Common Visas: Digital Nomad, Non-Lucrative, Work, Student
- Processing Time: 2-4 weeks at Beirut embassy
- Spanish Consulates: Embassy in Beirut (full services)
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years
- Tax Treaty: No (Beckham Law especially valuable)
- Dual Citizenship: Allowed by Lebanon
Why Lebanese Citizens Choose Spain
Spain attracts Lebanese families with its Mediterranean culture, similar climate, and French-speaking communities in international schools. The business and professional community finds familiar ground in Spain’s service economy.
Common pathways include entrepreneurs relocating businesses, professionals working remotely, retirees seeking stability, and students pursuing EU education. The Digital Nomad Visa and Non-Lucrative Visa suit many Lebanese applicants.
Visa Options for Moving to Spain from Lebanon
Lebanese citizens need a visa to enter Spain. For short visits (up to 90 days), you’ll need a Schengen visa. For longer stays, you’ll need one of Spain’s residence visas:
Not sure which visa fits your situation? Each path has different requirements, timelines, and tax implications. Book a consultation and we’ll map out the optimal visa and tax strategy for your move.
Spanish Embassy in Lebanon
Spain has a full embassy in Beirut with complete visa services. Most visa applications are submitted here.
Beirut – Embassy of Spain
Palais Chehab, Hadath Antounie – Baabda
Tel: 05 46 41 20 / 05 46 41 21
Email: [email protected]
Tax Considerations for Lebanese Citizens
Tax Planning: Lebanon-Spain
Spain and Lebanon do not have a Double Taxation Agreement. This makes tax planning especially important before your move.
Key Points:
- Beckham Law: Flat 24% tax for 6 years on Spanish income. Critical without a tax treaty.
- No treaty: Potential for double taxation without proper planning
- Lebanese tax: Lebanon has territorial taxation (only Lebanese-source income taxed)
The Beckham Law is particularly valuable when moving to Spain from Lebanon. Without a tax treaty, you could face taxation in both countries. The Beckham Law limits your Spanish tax to 24% on Spanish-source income for six years and exempts most foreign income. We structure moves to qualify from day one.
Required Documents
Required Documents:
- Passport valid for at least 1 year, issued within last 10 years
- Criminal Record Certificate from General Security, legalized
- Medical Certificate from authorized doctor
- Proof of Income (bank statements, employment contracts, tax returns)
- Health Insurance from Spanish-authorized provider, no copays
- Application Form completed and signed
- Photos 35x45mm, white background
- Visa Fee
Important: Lebanon is NOT a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Your documents require full consular legalization, not a simple apostille. This means documents must be authenticated by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then legalized by the Spanish Embassy in Beirut. It’s a longer process than for Hague Convention countries. We handle document preparation to ensure everything meets Spanish requirements.
Healthcare and Insurance
All long-stay visa applicants need private health insurance with full coverage in Spain. The policy must have no copays, no deductibles, and cover the entire Schengen area. After one year of legal residence, you can access Spain’s public healthcare system.
Insurance providers who understand Spanish visa requirements can issue compliant policies for Lebanese applicants.
Path to Spanish Citizenship for Lebanese Citizens
Lebanese citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal residence. Requirements include:
- Continuous legal residence (no gaps longer than 6 months)
- Clean criminal record in Spain
- Basic Spanish language proficiency (A2 level)
- Knowledge of Spanish culture and society (CCSE exam)
- Financial stability
Good news about dual citizenship: Lebanon allows dual citizenship. When you naturalize Spanish, you’ll make a formal renunciation declaration as required by Spain. However, Lebanon doesn’t enforce this or revoke your citizenship. In practice, you keep both passports.
Use your Spanish passport for all travel after naturalizing. Exclusively using your Lebanese passport for 3+ years can result in losing Spanish citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Lebanese citizens need a visa for Spain?
Yes. Lebanese citizens need a Schengen visa for short visits (up to 90 days) and a National visa for longer stays. Apply at the Spanish Embassy in Beirut.
Where is the Spanish Embassy in Lebanon?
The Embassy of Spain is at Palais Chehab, Hadath Antounie – Baabda. Most visa applications are submitted here.
Does Spain have a tax treaty with Lebanon?
No. Spain and Lebanon don’t have a Double Taxation Agreement. This makes the Beckham Law especially important. It lets you pay just 24% flat tax on Spanish income for 6 years, avoiding potential double taxation issues.
Can I keep my Lebanese citizenship if I become Spanish?
Yes. Lebanon allows dual citizenship. When you naturalize Spanish, you’ll make a renunciation declaration as Spain requires. But Lebanon doesn’t enforce this. You keep your Lebanese passport.
Do my Lebanese documents need apostille?
No. Lebanon isn’t a Hague Apostille Convention member. Your documents need full consular legalization: authentication by the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then legalization by the Spanish Embassy in Beirut. It’s more complex than an apostille.
How long until I can become a Spanish citizen?
Lebanese citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of legal residence. You’ll need to pass language and culture exams (DELE A2 and CCSE) and maintain continuous residence with no gaps longer than 6 months.
We Handle Everything
Spanish bureaucracy is relentless. Visa applications, tax residency, NIE appointments, ongoing compliance. Getting any of it wrong costs time and money. We handle the paperwork and planning so you can focus on actually building your life here.
This guide provides general information about moving from Lebanon to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.