Moving from Pakistan to Spain: Your Complete 2026 Guide
Key Facts for Pakistani Citizens
- Visa Required: Yes (Schengen visa for short stays, national visa for residency)
- Most Common Visas: Work, Family Reunification, Student, Entrepreneur, EU Blue Card
- Processing Time: 15-60 working days at consulate
- Spanish Consulates: 1 Embassy (Islamabad) visa centers in Karachi, Lahore
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years
- Tax Treaty: Yes
- Dual Citizenship: NOT allowed. Spain is not on Pakistan’s 22-country list
Why Pakistani Citizens Choose Spain
Approximately 105,000 Pakistanis call Spain home as of 2024. That figure has grown by 46% since 2012. Spain’s economy offers opportunities in retail, hospitality, and increasingly in IT and engineering. The quality of life matters too: excellent healthcare, Mediterranean climate, strong public education, and cost of living that compares favorably to the UK or Germany.
Pakistan Spain Visa Options
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 Consulates in Pakistan
Islamabad – Embassy of Spain
Street 6, Ramna 5
Diplomatic Enclave I
Tel: +92 51 208 87 77
Email: [email protected] (visas)
Covers: All of Pakistan
Tax Considerations for Pakistanis in Spain
Tax Treaty: Pakistan-Spain
Pakistan and Spain have a Double Taxation Agreement in force. You can claim credits for Pakistani taxes paid and won’t be taxed twice on the same income.
Key Points:
- Beckham Law: Flat 24% tax for 6 years on Spanish income. Available if you haven’t been Spanish tax resident in the previous 5 years.
- Pakistani Income: Rental income, dividends, business profits from Pakistan must be declared. Treaty prevents double taxation.
- Remittances: Money sent from Pakistan to Spain is not taxable as income (already taxed at source).
Path to Spanish Citizenship for Pakistanis
Pakistani nationals need 10 years of continuous legal residence to apply for Spanish citizenship. Don’t spend more than 6 months outside Spain in any year, and avoid absences longer than 90 consecutive days.
Critical: Dual Citizenship Restrictions
This is the most important consideration for Pakistani citizens. Pakistan only allows dual nationality with 22 specific countries. Spain is NOT on this list.
What this means: When you naturalize as Spanish, you will need to renounce your Pakistani citizenship. Spain also requires a renunciation declaration. This is a DOUBLE barrier. You will lose your Pakistani passport.
The renunciation process requires Form X through the Embassy of Pakistan in Madrid. Think carefully about what this means for property ownership, inheritance rights, and family connections in Pakistan before pursuing citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the entire process take?
Expect 6-12 months from first consultation to landing in Spain with valid residency. This includes document gathering (2-3 months), visa processing (1-3 months), and registration in Spain.
What happens to my Pakistani citizenship if I become Spanish?
You will lose it. Pakistan only allows dual nationality with 22 specific countries, and Spain is not on this list. When you naturalize as Spanish, you must renounce your Pakistani citizenship. This requires careful planning regarding property, inheritance, and family connections.
Do I need to speak Spanish?
Not for most visa types, but it helps enormously with daily life and bureaucracy. For citizenship after 10 years, you need A2 level Spanish (DELE exam). Start classes before moving.
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 Pakistan to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.