Spanish immigration lawyers in Tokyo: visas to live in Spain
Quick answer: if you live in Tokyo 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 Embassy of Spain in Tokyo (consular section). 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).
Japanese citizens can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, but living in Spain requires a residence permit.
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 Japan
- Criminal record certificate from the National Police Agency, requested at your prefectural police headquarters. It comes in a sealed envelope: do not open it before filing.
- Apostille from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on public documents that accept it (family register koseki, degrees).
- Sworn translation into Spanish of documents in Japanese.
- 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 Japan have a double taxation treaty. If you will keep working for a Japanese company from Spain, check where you will be taxed before you move and whether the Beckham Law fits.
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 Tokyo?
At the Embassy of Spain in Tokyo (consular section). The competent consulate depends on where you legally reside, not on your nationality.Can I apply for the digital nomad visa while working for a Japanese company?
Yes, if the company is outside Spain, you have worked with it for at least 3 months and you meet the minimum income. The company must have been operating for at least one year.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 Tokyo 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.