Spanish immigration lawyers in Dubai: visas to live in Spain
Quick answer: if you live in Dubai and want to move to Spain, the right visa depends on how you will live there: remote work, passive income, studies or a job with a Spanish company. You apply at Spain's consular mission in the UAE (Embassy in Abu Dhabi) or the visa centre it designates. We prepare your file with you online, from choosing the visa to getting your TIE card.
Reviewed on 8 November 2026 by Carolina Díaz Calderón, lawyer registered with the Madrid Bar (ICAM no. 97778).
UAE nationals don't need a visa for short stays. Most people who contact us from Dubai are expats of other nationalities: you apply at the consulate of the country where you legally reside.
Which visa fits you
| Your situation | Recommended route |
|---|---|
| You work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain | Digital nomad visa |
| You live on savings, investments, a pension or rental income | Non-lucrative residence |
| A Spanish company offers you a qualified role | Highly qualified professional |
| You will study in Spain | Student residence |
| You are relocating and want to plan your taxes | Beckham Law or our digital nomad + Beckham Law package |
Looking for the Golden Visa? It was abolished on 3 April 2025: buying property no longer gives residence. See the alternatives for investors.
Documents usually requested from the United Arab Emirates
- Police Clearance Certificate from Dubai Police or the Ministry of Interior, plus your home country's.
- Legalisation (the UAE does not use the apostille): UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then the Spanish Embassy.
- Sworn translation into Spanish of documents in Arabic or English.
- Private health insurance with full cover in Spain and no co-payments.
Criminal record certificates are usually only valid for a short time (typically 3 months), so we tell you when to request them so they don't expire before your appointment.
Taxes
Spain and the UAE have a double taxation treaty. Moving from a country without personal income tax, your arrival date, tax residence and the Beckham Law are key.
How we work
- Assessment: we review your profile and tell you which visa fits and what the risks are.
- Document checklist: the exact list for your consulate, including apostilles or legalisation and translations.
- Application: we prepare the file and support you at the consular appointment, or file in Spain where the law allows it.
- Arrival in Spain: town hall registration, fingerprints and TIE, plus tax planning if you need it.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I apply if I live in Dubai?
At Spain's consular mission in the UAE (Embassy in Abu Dhabi) or the visa centre it designates. The competent consulate depends on where you legally reside, not on your nationality.Which visa fits if I live off investments in Dubai?
Usually non-lucrative residence. If you will work remotely, the digital nomad visa. The property-investment Golden Visa no longer exists.Do I need to travel to Madrid?
No. We work online: we review your documents, prepare the file and only flag the steps that need you in person, such as the consular appointment or TIE fingerprints.Talk to a Spanish immigration lawyer
If you live in Dubai and want to move to Spain, tell us about your case and we will tell you which route suits you and which documents to prepare first.