Moving to Spain from UAE: Complete 2026 Guide
From Dubais towers to Spanish beaches: UAE residents and Emiratis are discovering Spain as the ideal European base. Visa-free entry, favorable tax treaty, and Mediterranean lifestyle make Spain an attractive destination.
Key Facts for UAE Residents
- Visa: Not required for 90 days (Schengen)
- Citizenship: 10 years residency
- Dual Nationality: Limited (Emirati citizens generally cannot hold dual citizenship)
- Tax Treaty: Active since 2007
Why UAE Residents Choose Spain
Spain has become increasingly popular among UAE residents seeking a European base. The reasons are compelling: favorable climate, established expat infrastructure, and a strategic location bridging Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Direct flights connect Dubai and Abu Dhabi to Madrid and Barcelona, making the journey straightforward.
The lifestyle appeal is strong. Spain offers outdoor living, cultural richness, and a relaxed pace that contrasts with the UAEs intensity. Many UAE residents purchase property in Spain for holidays before considering permanent relocation. Andalusia and the Costa del Sol particularly attract Middle Eastern buyers.
For professionals, Spains Digital Nomad Visa allows remote work while enjoying European quality of life. The tax treaty between UAE and Spain, active since 2007, provides clarity for those with cross-border interests. UAEs removal from Spains tax haven list has further eased financial considerations.
Visa Options
UAE passport holders can enter Spain visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is a relatively recent development, making Spain more accessible for Emiratis. Starting in late 2026, ETIAS authorization will be required for visa-free travel. For stays longer than 90 days or to work, you must obtain the appropriate long-term visa.
Path to Citizenship (10 Years)
The standard path to Spanish citizenship requires 10 years of continuous legal residence.
Requirements for naturalization:
- 10 years continuous legal residence (absences limited)
- DELE A2 exam (Spanish language proficiency)
- CCSE exam (Spanish constitutional and cultural knowledge)
- Clean criminal record in UAE and Spain
- Proof of economic means and social integration
- Formal declaration of renunciation of previous nationality
Important for Emirati citizens: UAE nationality law generally does not permit dual citizenship. Acquiring Spanish citizenship would typically require renouncing Emirati citizenship. Since 2021, the UAE has allowed dual citizenship for select individuals granted citizenship by presidential decree, but this applies only to investors and exceptional talents granted new UAE citizenship, not to Emiratis by birth.
Many UAE residents in Spain are expatriates holding other nationalities (Indian, Pakistani, British, etc.). Their dual citizenship options depend on their original nationalitys rules, not UAE law.
Spanish Consulates in UAE
Abu Dhabi. Embassy of Spain
No. 96 Al Ladeem Street, Al Nahyan Commercial Buildings
P.O. Box 46474, Abu Dhabi
Phone: +971 (02) 407 90 00
Fax: +971 (02) 627 49 78
Emergency: +971 (0) 50 612 0260
Email: [email protected]
Hours: Monday-Thursday 09:00-13:00
Dubai. Consulate General of Spain
One Central District, Level 2, C1 Tower
World Trade Center Office 213
Dubai
Phone: +971 4 523 2445
Full consular services including visa applications
Required Documents
Prepare before your consulate appointment:
- Passport valid for at least 1 year
- Criminal record certificate from UAE authorities, attested
- Medical certificate from authorized physician
- Proof of income (bank statements, salary certificates, investments)
- Health insurance from Spanish-authorized provider
- Application form completed and signed
- Photos passport size, white background
- Visa fee varies by visa type
UAE documents must be attested through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The UAE joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2023.
Tax Considerations
UAE-Spain Double Tax Treaty (2007)
The bilateral agreement came into force in January 2007 and removed the UAE from Spains tax haven list. This significantly improved the tax treatment of UAE-source income for Spanish residents.
Key Points:
- No UAE income tax: Moving from 0% to Spanish rates (up to 47%) requires planning
- Treaty benefits: Reduced withholding on dividends, interest, royalties
- Beckham Law: Digital nomads can opt for flat 24% rate (vs up to 47%)
- UAE investments: Treaty prevents double taxation on UAE-source income
- Pensions: UAE end-of-service gratuity may have tax implications
Note: Tax planning is especially important when transitioning from the UAEs 0% tax environment to Spain. Professional advice is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep my UAE residence while living in Spain?
UAE residency requires regular presence in the country. If you become a Spanish tax resident (183+ days), maintaining UAE residency becomes complex. Many people structure their time to maintain connections to both jurisdictions. Professional tax advice is essential.
How will my tax situation change?
Significantly. Moving from UAEs 0% income tax to Spanish tax residency means paying tax on worldwide income at rates up to 47%. However, the Beckham Law can reduce this to 24% for qualifying individuals. The tax treaty prevents double taxation on UAE-source income.
What about the ETIAS requirement?
Starting in late 2026, UAE passport holders will need ETIAS authorization for visa-free entry to Spain. This is a simple online process. It does not change the 90-day limit or visa requirements for longer stays.
Can Emiratis hold dual citizenship?
Generally no. UAE nationality law does not permit dual citizenship for Emiratis by birth. Acquiring Spanish citizenship would typically require renouncing Emirati nationality. The 2021 citizenship law changes only apply to foreigners granted Emirati citizenship by decree.
We Handle Everything
Moving from the UAE to Spain involves significant lifestyle and financial changes. The transition from a tax-free environment to Spanish tax residency requires careful planning. Document requirements, embassy appointments, and the complexities of maintaining connections to both jurisdictions need expert navigation.
At Legal Fournier, we manage everything. Visa applications prepared correctly the first time. Tax planning coordinated between UAE and Spanish systems, with particular attention to the transition from 0% tax. NIE registration, empadronamiento, social security enrollment, and property purchases if desired. You focus on enjoying your new Mediterranean lifestyle. We handle the complexity.
This guide provides general information. Immigration and tax regulations change regularly. For planning tailored to your situation, contact our team.