Obtain the residence permit in Spain is one of the main concerns for those of us who have decided to start a new life in this country.
The search for stability, opportunity and a brighter future has led many to cross the Atlantic in the hope of a better future. find a home away from home in Spain.
However, the road to regularisation may seem complicated at first. There are various types of permitsEach has different requirements and processes and understanding which one is right for your situation can make all the difference.
In this article, we want to help you clarify those doubts and provide you with a simple guide to the options available for obtain legal residence in Spain.
We know that moving to another country is not only a change of location, but also an emotional, cultural and bureaucratic challenge. That's why we'll explain step by step the alternatives you have as a Venezuelan to stay in Spain legally, based on the experience of many compatriots who have already gone through this process. Let's get started!
Types of residence permits available for Venezuelan nationals in Spain

There are several ways to obtain the residence permit in Spain and it all depends on your personal situation and needs. Here we explain the common options so that you can identify which one suits you best.
Residence for asylum or international protection
This is one of the most popular alternatives for Venezuelans due to the humanitarian crisis in our country. If you consider that return to Venezuela may put your life or your safety at risk, you can request political asylum or international protection.
To do so, you must submit your application at the airport on arrival in Spainin a police station or in a foreigners' office. Once your application has been accepted, you will receive a red cardwhich will allow you to reside and work in Spain while your case is being studied.
Although the process can be lengthy, many Venezuelans have been able to obtain this type of protection, since Spain considers the situation in Venezuela as a valid reason for granting it.
Residence on humanitarian grounds
If you do not qualify for the asylumthis option may be for you. The residence on humanitarian grounds is a measure that Spain applies to nationals of countries in crisis situations, such as Venezuela.
It is usually granted after a refusal of asylum, but with the possibility of staying in legal way in Spain. This permit has an initial duration of one year, renewable, and allows you to work and reside in the country.
It is a route widely used by Venezuelans and, although it may appear to be a complex bureaucratic processis often an affordable option.
Residence on the basis of roots
If you have been in the Spain and you have managed to integrate into society, this option could be ideal for you. Rootedness is a way of regularise your situation after having lived in the country for a certain period of time. Types of roots available:
- Social roots: if you have been in Spain for at least 3 years, have an employment contract or family ties in the country.
- Employment roots: if you have worked irregularly in Spain for at least 6 months and can prove it.
- Family rootsif you are the parent of a Spanish child or the child of Spanish parents of origin.
You must demonstrate your stay in Spain (with documents such as census certificate or receipts) and submit the application at a foreigners' office.
Residence for family reunification
If you have direct family members who are already legally resident in Spain, you can opt for this permit. It is a way to be reunited with your loved ones and live with them in the country.
It is applicable to spouses, children under 18 and dependent parents. Your relative in Spain you must prove that you have financial means and a suitable place to stay.
The process starts with your family in Spainwho submits the application for reunification on your behalf. Once approved, you will be able to process your visa from a Venezuelan consulate in Spain in your current country of residence.
Residence on the basis of an employment contract
If you have a job offers in SpainThis is an excellent way to obtain residency. Many companies are open to hiring foreigners, especially in sectors where there is a demand for workers.
In order to do so, the company that wants to hire you should start the process by applying for a work and residence permit in your name. Once approved, you will be able to obtain your work visa from your country and travel to Spain with a legal status.
Non-profit residence
This option is ideal if you have sufficient financial resources to support you in Spain without the need to work. It is common among retirees or people who wish to live in the country with stable savings or income.
You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means (a minimum of approximately €28,000 per annum for the main applicant) and private health insurance. This permit does not allow you to work, but it does allow you to reside in Spain.
As you can see, there are many options for obtain a residence permit in Spain. Each has its own particularities, but they are all designed to offer you a legal way to stay in the country.
Assess your situation and choose the alternative that best suits youWith the residence permityour way to a stable life in Spain will be much closer!
Are there any requirements to be met?

Regardless of the type of residence permit in Spain you decide to apply, there are certain requirements and documents that you will almost always need. Having them ready will save you time and possible inconvenience. Here's what they usually ask for and why it's important.
Basic documentation that should not be missing
- Valid passport: Make sure your passport is in good condition and has not expired. This will be the main document you will need for all your paperwork. If you are in Spain and your passport is about to expire, in this article we explain you how to renew the Venezuelan passport in Spain.
- Criminal record certificate: This document proves that you have no legal problems in your home country. You must apply for it at Venezuela or at the Venezuelan consulate if you are already in Spain.
- Evidence of permanence or links (if applicable)For example, if you are applying for arraigo residence, you will need documents proving that you have lived in Spain (census registration, bills, school fees, etc.).
- Health insurance: If you do not have access to the public health system, it will be mandatory to take out private health insurance to cover all your needs in Spain. This is a key requirement, especially for non-profit residency.
- Sufficient financial means: in some cases, such as non-gainful residence or family reunification, you will have to prove that you have sufficient income to support yourself in Spain without being a burden on the state. This may include bank statements, employment contracts or pensions.
Once your residence permit is approvedthe next step will be to obtain the Alien's Identity Card (TIE)This is the document that will identify you as a legal resident in Spain.
Application procedure

Now that you are familiar with the general requirements for obtaining the residence permit in SpainNow, it is time to talk about how to apply. Although the process may vary depending on the type of residence you are applying for, here are the basic steps to give you an idea of what to expect.
General steps to apply
- Determine the type of permit you needBefore you start, it is important that you know exactly what type of residency you are applying for, as each has a different procedure.
- Gather all documentation: organise all these documents before you start the procedure to avoid having to search for them again later.
- Ask for an appointment: In most cases, you will need to make an appointment at the immigration office or police station to submit your application. You can do this online through the website of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration. It is important that you do this in good time, as appointments tend to fill up quickly, especially in larger cities.
At CuriaraWe know that taking this big step is a crucial moment in your life and our aim is to make the whole process as stress-free as possible, so that you can concentrate on what is most important, starting a new life with your family and friends. security and stability.
And although your home is now in Spainwe understand that Venezuela will always remain in your heart.
That's why we want you to keep in touch with your loved ones, giving you the opportunity to send them money quickly and securely through our application available at Google Play as in App Store. Because, although the future is full of new beginnings, family ties remain the cornerstone, no matter the distance.
Curiara, uniting in families.