Trinidad and Tobago to Spain: Complete Immigration Guide
If you’re from Trinidad and Tobago and considering Spain, you have a practical advantage: visa-free Schengen access. You can enter Spain for 90 days without a visa, giving you time to explore cities, meet with professionals, and make an informed decision before committing to a longer-term move.
Key Facts for Trinidad and Tobago Citizens
- Visa Required: No (90 days visa-free Schengen)
- Most Common Visas: Digital Nomad, Non-Lucrative, Work
- Processing Time: 4-8 weeks for residence permits
- Spanish Consulate: Embassy in Port of Spain
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years (NOT 2 years, not a former Spanish colony)
- Tax Treaty: Yes (2009). But T&T on Spain’s non-cooperative list
- Dual Citizenship: Yes (Trinidad allows for birth/descent)
Why Trinidadians and Tobagonians Choose Spain
Trinidad’s oil wealth, strong English foundation, and professional class make these applicants particularly well-suited for life in Spain.
Port of Spain professionals often report they want more stability, better healthcare access, and the ability to travel freely throughout Europe. Spain delivers on all three fronts.
Visa-Free Entry: Your 90-Day Advantage
Excellent news for Trinidad and Tobago passport holders: you don’t need a visa to enter Spain for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa-free access applies to the entire Schengen Area. This gives you a massive advantage over citizens from many other nations who must apply for visas before setting foot in Europe.
We recommend using this 90-day window strategically. Visit Spain first. Walk the neighborhoods where you might live. Meet with us or another immigration lawyer in person. Open a Spanish bank account. Get your NIE number. These preparatory steps make the actual residency application much smoother.
Remember: the 90-day tourist period doesn’t allow you to work legally in Spain. If you overstay or work without authorization, you’ll create problems for your future residency application.
Visa Options for Trinidad and Tobago Citizens
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 Consulate in Trinidad and Tobago
Port of Spain – Embassy of Spain
7th Floor, Tatil Building, 11 Maraval Road, Port of Spain
Tel: +1 (868) 625-7938 / 628-2560 / 622-1151
General Email: [email protected]
Visa Section: [email protected]
Covers: Trinidad and Tobago, Eastern Caribbean
Tax Considerations
Tax Treaty: Complex Situation
Spain and Trinidad and Tobago signed a tax treaty in 2009. However, Spain added T&T to its non-cooperative jurisdictions list in February 2023, triggering stricter anti-tax haven measures.
Key Points:
- Treaty exists: Covers dividends, interest, royalties, pensions
- Complication: T&T on Spain’s non-cooperative list since 2023
- Impact: Stricter reporting and potential anti-avoidance measures
- Beckham Law: 24% flat tax for 6 years on Spanish income for qualifying new residents
Given this complexity, talk to us about tax planning before relocating.
Required Documents
Required Documents:
- Passport valid for at least 1 year
- Criminal Record from Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, apostilled
- Birth Certificate from Registrar General, apostilled
- Medical Certificate from authorized physician
- Proof of Income (bank statements, contracts)
- Health Insurance from Spanish-authorized provider
- Marriage Certificate if applicable, apostilled
- Academic Credentials
Trinidad and Tobago is a Hague Apostille Convention member (since 2000). Documents can be apostilled through the Registrar General (civil records), Ministry of Education (academic), or Ministry of Foreign Affairs (other documents). Sworn translation into Spanish required. We handle document preparation for you.
Dual Citizenship: Good News
Trinidad and Tobago permits dual citizenship since July 1988, primarily for citizens by birth or descent. This is good news for Trinidadians becoming Spanish.
Spain requires a formal renunciation declaration, but Trinidad and Tobago doesn’t require you to give up citizenship. Result: you can maintain both passports in practice.
Note: Non-Commonwealth citizens naturalizing in T&T may face different rules. Use your Spanish passport for travel after naturalizing to avoid any issues.
Path to Spanish Citizenship: 10 Years
Important: Unlike citizens of former Spanish colonies who can apply for citizenship after just 2 years, Trinidad and Tobago nationals must wait 10 years. Trinidad was never a Spanish territory, so the accelerated naturalization pathway doesn’t apply.
That said, 10 years passes more quickly than you might expect. The key is maintaining continuous legal residency throughout this period without gaps in status.
Requirements:
- DELE A2 Spanish language exam
- CCSE civics test
- Both manageable with preparation. Start Spanish classes in your first year
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter Spain without a visa from Trinidad and Tobago?
Yes. Trinidad and Tobago passport holders enjoy 90-day visa-free access to the Schengen zone. Passport must be valid 6+ months. For stays beyond 90 days, you need a proper residence permit.
Is the citizenship path really 10 years for Trinidadians?
Yes. The 2-year accelerated path applies only to former Spanish colonies. Trinidad was a British colony. The standard 10-year requirement applies. Marriage to a Spanish citizen reduces this to 1 year.
Can I keep my Trinidadian passport when becoming Spanish?
Yes, in practice. Trinidad and Tobago allows dual citizenship for citizens by birth or descent. Spain requires a renunciation declaration, but T&T doesn’t enforce loss of citizenship. You can keep both passports.
What’s the issue with the tax treaty?
A tax treaty exists (2009), but Spain added Trinidad and Tobago to its non-cooperative jurisdictions list in February 2023. This triggers stricter reporting requirements and anti-avoidance measures. Professional tax advice is essential.
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 Trinidad and Tobago to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.