Moving to Spain from the Philippines: Complete 2026 Guide
Over 300 years of shared history means Filipinos can become Spanish citizens in just 2 years. Around 200,000 Filipinos already call Spain home.
Key Facts for Filipinos
- Visa: Required (90 days max without one)
- Citizenship: 2 years (former Spanish colony)
- Dual Nationality: Allowed with Philippines
- Tax Treaty: Active since 1994
Why Filipinos Choose Spain
The Philippines spent 333 years under Spanish rule. That history translates into concrete immigration advantages today. Filipinos qualify for citizenship after just 2 years of legal residence-the same fast-track available to Latin Americans. Most nationalities wait 10 years.
The INE (Spanish statistics office) counts around 40,000 registered Filipino citizens and 57,000 people born in the Philippines. But the real number is higher-possibly 200,000 or more-because Filipinos who naturalize after 2 years show up as Spanish citizens in the data. About 2,000 Filipinos obtain Spanish nationality every year.
Three quarters of Filipinos in Spain live in Madrid or Barcelona. The community is established, with Filipino associations, churches, and support networks. Finding kamayan restaurants and Filipino grocery stores in these cities is straightforward.
Visa Options
Citizenship in 2 Years
Spains Civil Code grants preferential treatment to nationals of former colonies. For Filipinos, this means citizenship eligibility after just 2 years of continuous legal residence.
Requirements for naturalization:
- 2 years continuous legal residence (absences under 3 months)
- CCSE exam (knowledge of Spanish culture and society)
- DELE A2 exam exemption-Filipinos are exempt from the Spanish language test
- Clean criminal record in Philippines and Spain
- Proof of integration (work, social ties, etc.)
Spain allows dual citizenship with the Philippines. You keep your Philippine passport while gaining EU citizenship rights-work across 27 countries without additional visas.
Spanish Consulates in the Philippines
Manila. Consulate General (Main)
5th Floor, A.C.T. Tower, 135 Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue
Makati City, Metro Manila 1227
Email: [email protected]
Appointments: Online booking system
Cebu. Honorary Consulate
Aboitiz Corporate Center, MJ Cuenco Ave., Banilad
Cebu City 6000
For minor services; visa applications through Manila
Other Honorary Consulates
Davao City, Iloilo City, Zamboanga City, El Nido, Legaspi
Limited services; major visa applications require Manila
Required Documents
Prepare before your consulate appointment:
- Passport valid for at least 1 year
- NBI Clearance apostilled (National Bureau of Investigation)
- Medical certificate from DOH-accredited physician
- Proof of income (bank statements, employment contract, ITR)
- Health insurance from Spanish-authorized provider
- Application form completed and signed
- Photos passport size, white background
- Visa fee approximately PHP 4,000-5,000
All Philippine documents must be authenticated by DFA and apostilled.
Tax Considerations
Philippines-Spain Double Tax Treaty (1994)
The bilateral tax agreement prevents paying taxes twice on the same income.
Key Points:
- Employment income: Taxed where work is performed
- Philippine investments: Reduced withholding rates under treaty
- Beckham Law: Digital nomads can opt for flat 24% rate (vs up to 47%)
- Remittances: Money sent to Philippines is not taxed additionally
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while my visa is processing?
No. You must wait in the Philippines until your visa is approved. Processing takes 2-4 months typically. Plan your departure timeline accordingly.
Will my Philippine professional license transfer?
Regulated professions (nursing, engineering, medicine) require homologation through Spanish authorities. The process takes 6-18 months. You can work in non-regulated fields immediately.
Can I bring my family?
Yes through family reunification. Income requirements increase: +75% for spouse, +25% per child of the base amount. Your family members also qualify for the 2-year citizenship path once resident.
Do I really keep my Philippine passport?
Yes. Spain explicitly allows dual citizenship with the Philippines (former colony). You hold both passports legally.
We Handle Everything
Manila to Madrid is 13,000 kilometers. The paperwork feels longer. NBI clearance, DFA authentication, apostilles, consular appointments that book out weeks ahead-and that is just the visa. After arrival comes NIE registration, empadronamiento, social security enrollment, and eventually citizenship application.
At Legal Fournier, we manage everything. Visa applications prepared correctly the first time. Tax planning coordinated between Philippine and Spanish systems. Registration appointments, bank account setup, and citizenship application support when you hit the 2-year mark. You focus on your new life in Spain. We handle the bureaucracy.
This guide provides general information. Immigration and tax regulations change regularly. For planning tailored to your situation, contact our team.