If you’re visiting Spain on a tourist visa and wondering whether you must leave the country to apply for a long-term residence permit, the answer might surprise you.

In some cases, you can switch your immigration status without leaving Spain — but only for specific visa types and under specific conditions.

This article will break down which visas can (and cannot) be applied for while you’re already in Spain as a tourist.

✅ Visas you CAN apply for from within Spain

1. Digital Nomad Visa (Remote Workers)

If you work remotely for a foreign company or are a freelancer with international clients, Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa can often be applied for without leaving the country.

This option is especially popular with:

• Remote employees
• Freelancers with overseas clients
• Online business owners

Pro tip: Applying from within Spain can grant you up to 3 years of initial residency, compared to just 1 year if you apply at a consulate abroad. This gives you a stronger starting position and avoids the hassle of leaving Spain during the process.

2. Entrepreneur Visa (Startup)

Entrepreneurs and startup founders may also apply for their residence permit from within Spain.

This visa is designed for:

• Innovative business ideas
• Scalable startups
• Founders planning to operate in Spain

Pro tip: Like the Digital Nomad Visa, applying in Spain can result in up to 3 years of initial residency, instead of the 1-year residency typically granted when applying from a consulate abroad.

If your business plan is approved by the relevant Spanish authorities (ENISA), you can transition from tourist status to an entrepreneur residence permit without exiting the country.

3. Student Visa (University & Higher Education Programs)

Already in Spain and planning to study? You may be able to switch from a tourist visa if you’re enrolling in a recognized university or higher education program.

Requirements:

• Your program must be officially registered in the RUCT (Registro de Universidades, Centros y Títulos)
• Only university degrees or higher education programs qualify
• Short courses and language programs do not qualify

Eligibility depends on factors like:

• Length and level of studies
• Timing of your application
• Your current legal stay

Professional guidance is strongly recommended to ensure your program meets all legal requirements.

❌ Visas that MUST be applied from abroad

1. Student Visa (Language Schools & Auxiliares de Conversación)

Language programs and auxiliar de conversación positions cannot be applied for from within Spain. You must apply at your local Spanish Consulate.

Requirements for Language School Student Visa:

• Enrollment in a recognized language program
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the course
• Health insurance covering Spain

Requirements for Auxiliar de Conversación Student Visa:

• Acceptance letter to an Auxiliar program
• Proof of sufficient financial means or stipend from the program
• Health insurance coverage

2. Non-Lucrative Visa

The Non-Lucrative Visa cannot be applied for from Spain.

This visa must be submitted through your local Spanish Consulate in your home country or country of residence. Even if you’re already in Spain as a tourist, you’ll need to return abroad to apply.

This visa is perfect for:

• Retirees who want to live in Spain
• Individuals with passive income or savings sufficient to support themselves
• People who do not plan to work in Spain

⚠️ Why Getting This Right Matters

Applying for the wrong visa — or applying from the wrong place — can lead to:

• Application rejections
• Loss of legal status
• Overstays or entry bans

Spanish immigration rules are strict, and what works for one person may not apply to another.

Ready to Switch Your Status in Spain?

If you’re currently in Spain and want to change your immigration status safely and legally, expert guidance makes all the difference.

Innolegals specializes in in-country visa transitions and long-term residence solutions.

📩 Contact us to check your options and avoid costly mistakes.