Moving to Spain from South Africa: Complete Residency Guide

What South African citizens need to know about establishing residence in Spain. From visa options to practical steps.

Visa Options for South African Nationals

South African citizens need a visa to stay in Spain beyond 90 days. Here are the main pathways:

Digital Nomad Visa

For remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies or freelancing for international clients. Increasingly popular with South African tech professionals and consultants.

• Minimum income requirement of approximately €2,760/month
• Must work for companies outside Spain or have non-Spanish clients
• Professional qualifications or 3 years experience required
• Private health insurance covering Spain
• SAPS police clearance with apostille

Non-Lucrative Visa

For those who can support themselves without working in Spain. Popular with early retirees and those with passive income from investments.

• Proof of sufficient funds (approximately €2,400/month or €28,800/year)
• No employment permitted in Spain
• Investment income, savings, or pensions qualify
• Private health insurance required
• Financial emigration from SA often advisable

Work Visa

Requires a Spanish employer sponsor. The company must demonstrate they could not fill the position with EU candidates. Less common pathway but available for specialized roles.

Student Visa

For enrollment in Spanish educational institutions. Allows limited part-time work. Can be converted to work permit after graduation in some circumstances.

Exchange Control and Financial Planning

regulations affect how you move money abroad. The annual foreign investment allowance, emigration processes, and tax clearance requirements all need proper handling. Financial emigration may be advisable depending on your circumstances.

Tax Residency

South Africa taxes residents on worldwide income. Spain does the same. Properly establishing Spanish tax residency and ending South African tax residency matters for avoiding double taxation and exchange control complications.

Double Taxation Treaty

The South Africa-Spain treaty prevents double taxation but requires proper planning. Pension income, rental income from South African property, and investment returns all have specific treaty provisions.

Retirement Annuities and Pensions

South African retirement annuities and pension funds have specific rules for non-residents. Some allow offshore withdrawal; others maintain restrictions. Tax treatment in Spain depends on the type of retirement vehicle and treaty provisions.

Documentation Requirements

Police Clearance

SAPS police clearance certificates take several weeks to obtain and have limited validity. Plan timing carefully to ensure certificates remain valid for visa submission.

Apostilles

South Africa is part of the Apostille Convention. Documents need apostilles from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) before consular submission.

We Handle Everything

Moving from South Africa to Spain involves multiple jurisdictions, exchange control navigation, and complex tax coordination. Errors in any area can create lasting complications.

At Legal Fournier, we manage your move completely. Visa documentation prepared correctly from the first submission. NIE registration, empadronamiento, Social Security enrollment. Coordinated tax planning across South African and Spanish systems. We liaise with your South African tax and financial advisors to ensure proper exit and entry procedures.

Spanish bureaucracy moves slowly and inconsistently. Requirements change. Appointments book weeks ahead. Our South African clients arrive with everything arranged. Ready to start their European life, not fight with paperwork.

This guide provides general information. Immigration, tax, and exchange control rules change regularly. For personalized planning, contact our team.