Spanish immigration lawyers in Istanbul: visas to live in Spain
Quick answer: if you live in Istanbul 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 the Consulate General of Spain in Istanbul or the Embassy in Ankara, depending on your province, usually through their visa centre. 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).
Turkish citizens need a Schengen visa for short stays and a residence visa to live in Spain.
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 Turkey
- Adli Sicil Kaydı (criminal record certificate) obtained through e-Devlet.
- Turkish apostille, often available electronically.
- Sworn translation into Spanish of documents in Turkish.
- 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 Turkey have a double taxation treaty. If you are paid in lira, we check how to prove stable income despite exchange-rate volatility.
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 Istanbul?
At the Consulate General of Spain in Istanbul or the Embassy in Ankara, depending on your province, usually through their visa centre. The competent consulate depends on where you legally reside, not on your nationality.Can I start a business in Spain from Turkey?
Yes, through self-employment residence or the entrepreneur route if your project is innovative. We help you prepare the business plan.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 Istanbul 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.