Differences between residence permits and permanent residence permits: what is important to know before moving to a new country

A state with a population of 48 million people offers a clear algorithm for those who want to understand how to obtain Spanish citizenship. The Law on Foreigners (LOEX) has systematised all channels – from naturalisation to investment. The period of residence, the amount of capital, the legality of the source of income, the level of integration – each criterion affects the result. Practice shows: the key to the passport is hidden in the details.

Property investments: capital works for status

Citizenship is not granted directly for the purchase of assets. The golden visa mechanism opens a direct path to residence permit and then to permanent residence and naturalisation. Since 2013, the investor admission programme offers a simplified procedure if the applicant has purchased a home for €500,000 or more without loans. This amount is sufficient for an apartment in Alicante, a townhouse in Malaga or a penthouse in Valencia.

The path includes:

• the purchase of the property;
• processing the application through a consulate or in-country;
• processing of an investor visa with the right to work;
• renewal of the residence permit after two years;
• applying for permanent residence in five years;
• formalisation of citizenship status after 10 years.

Thus, how to obtain Spanish citizenship through property investment is a task with a predictable outcome and a clear payback period.

Naturalisation: the law through patience

The longest, but massive way. The law establishes 10 years of legal and continuous residence as a condition for obtaining citizenship. For natives of Latin America, Portugal and a number of countries, the period is reduced to 2 years, in case of marriage to a citizen of the country – to 1 year. Among all the options for obtaining Spanish citizenship, the path through naturalisation is used more often than others.

Key Terms:

• Having a residence permit or long-term residence;
• confirmation of integration;
• passing language (DELE A2) and culture (CCSE) examinations;
• renunciation of previous citizenship (unless otherwise provided for).

The procedure is governed by Articles 21 and 22 of the Civil Code. The Ministry of Justice processes up to 150,000 applications per year, with approval rates varying by region.

Marriage and descent: the shortest route

Not everyone knows how to obtain Spanish citizenship through marriage, but this channel is one of the fastest. A year of cohabitation with a citizen of the country in a registered marriage is enough. At the same time, it is required to live in Spain legally.

The right of descent applies – for children born to Spaniards or adopted under the age of 18. The law takes into account special cases – being in the country at the time of birth, if both parents are stateless.

How to obtain Spanish citizenship: ways

The variety of legal mechanisms allows you to choose an approach depending on your goals, time and budget. The system covers:

1. Naturalisation – if you have lived for 10 years or more with permanent residence.
2. Property investment – through residence permit, residence permit and subsequent filing.
3. Conclusion of marriage – with confirmed cohabitation.
4. Birth or adoption – if there is direct descent.
5. Study or work – after the extension of the temporary residence permit.
6. Refugee – with asylum and integration conditions.
7. Citizenship by descent – if you have Spanish ancestors.

Each of these paths demonstrates how to obtain Spanish citizenship based on legal rules and life circumstances.

Documents and requirements

Migration authorities have specific document requirements for Spanish citizenship. A typical package includes:

• proof of legal residence;
• NIE – foreigner’s identification number;
• examination certificate;
• a criminal record certificate from Spain and the country of origin;
• a certificate of income or tax return;
• health insurance;
• completed application form and fees paid.

The system supports electronic feeding via the Mercurio platform, which halves the processing time. Correctly completed documents for Spanish citizenship shorten the path to the final decision by 4-6 months.

Causes of failures

The Department of Justice strictly monitors background violations. Statistics show that denial of Spanish citizenship status is most often explained by:

• incomplete or inaccurate documentation;
• lack of legal income;
• long trips out of the country;
• by refusing to take the exam;
• a criminal record or an administrative record.

Judicial practice demonstrates: in 70% of cases appeals after refusal remain unsuccessful. Mistakes in the CV are worth several years of waiting.

Peculiarities of the dual status of a citizen

Dual citizenship in Spain is only available for a limited number of countries. Latin America, Portugal, Andorra, Philippines – citizens of these countries retain both passports. For the rest, a renunciation of the previous citizenship is required.

Spanish law strictly controls the retention of a second passport without notification. Attempts to conceal the fact will result in the cancellation of naturalisation. It is therefore important to prioritise and understand the consequences of your choice.

Examinations: the key to recognition

The state requires mandatory language (DELE A2) and culture (CCSE) tests. The Instituto Cervantes certifies the results. The national average pass rate is 92%. The exam lasts 45 minutes and includes knowledge of the Constitution, history, way of life, geography, symbols and rights.

Candidates who have studied the tests in advance pass the threshold in 95% of cases. Preparation takes 2-3 months. Without passing the exam, it is impossible to explain how to obtain Spanish citizenship even with all other conditions fulfilled.

Residence, residence, residence permit and permanent residence: the basis for a future passport

The path to Spanish citizenship always starts with legal residence. The first step is a temporary residence permit, valid for up to 1 year, with the possibility of extension. After 5 years – a permanent residence permit, which gives full rights, except for electoral rights. The residence permit status opens a direct path to applying for a passport.

Residence requires physical presence and active participation in the social and fiscal life of the country. Successful adaptation and a stable income are mandatory parameters. In 2023, the minimum subsistence level was €600 per month per person, equivalent to an annual income of €7,200 or more. This data is used to assess financial solvency.

Everyone who realises how to obtain Spanish citizenship should consider the residence permit and residence permit not as a formality, but as a foundation.

Law and practice: what influences the decision

Formally, the law defines the process, but administrative practice clarifies the details. For example, the legislation does not specify that long journeys abroad are an obstacle. However, if the migration services record absence of more than 90 days per year without a valid reason – the application is rejected.

The law “on citizenship through naturalisation” does not set out a specific list of proof of integration, but in practice it is required:

• language skills;
• social engagement;
• the existence of a labour contract;
• participation in the tax system;
• absence of offences.

Therefore, you should not limit yourself to the formal fulfilment of conditions. To understand exactly how to obtain a Spanish passport, it is necessary to take into account both the letter of the law and real cases.

How to obtain Spanish citizenship: conclusions

The path is built sequentially: residency, residence, integration, exams, filing. When choosing how to obtain Spanish citizenship, it is important to consider each stage. Investment, marriage, origin accelerate the process, but do not replace preparation. Civil status is formalised only with a clear strategy.

Barcelona beckons as a dream city – the perfect blend of Mediterranean serenity, rich history and European dynamism. Its world-famous architecture, golden beaches and culinary delights attract millions. However, like any major metropolis, this facade hides its complexities. For those thinking of investing in property or relocating, it is critical not just to see the postcard, but to soberly assess the full picture: how the real pros and cons of living in Barcelona will affect everyday comfort and potential investment success.

Pros and cons of living in Barcelona in terms of geography, climate and infrastructure

Barcelona occupies a strategic point between France and the south of Spain, providing easy access to all European destinations. El Prat International Airport handles more than 50 million passengers a year. The city’s transport network includes metro, trams, trains and cycleways, covering almost all neighbourhoods. A key plus is the dense transport connection between residential areas and the centre. Even without a car, it is possible to reach any point of the city within 30 minutes. This is especially valuable for those considering a move to Barcelona for expats without the desire to purchase a private car.

Weather and climate comfort

Barcelona’s climate is one of the main arguments in favour of living here. Mediterranean mild winters (average +12 °C) and warm summers without extreme temperatures create comfortable conditions all year round. There is little rainfall and about 300 days of sunshine per year. The weather affects not only your well-being, but also your habits. Walks, sports, and evenings on the terraces are part of the daily routine.

Multicultural environments and communication styles: diversity and linguistic adaptation

Barcelona unites residents from more than 160 countries. The neighbourhoods of Eixample, Poble Sec, and Gracia are not just neighbourhoods, but cultural mosaics. The multicultural environment of the capital creates conditions for flexible adaptation, especially with basic knowledge of English.

Spanish and Catalan are the official language instruments. Knowledge of at least one accelerates integration. However, in the central zones, English is actively used in everyday communication. This is important for expats considering a move to Barcelona who do not have a high level of Spanish.

The pros and cons of living in Barcelona: the cost and yield of property

Buying property in Barcelona remains a reliable long-term investment. Despite growing competition, rental yields exceed 4-6% per annum. In the central districts and near the sea, the yield reaches 7-8%, especially in the segment of daily rentals. Investments in property in Spain allow not only to preserve capital, but also to earn on seasonal tourism. Increased demand forms the price growth: over the past 10 years, the price per square metre has increased by an average of 52%.

Rent, mortgage and tax burden

The cost of living in Barcelona for expats depends largely on the rental rate. The average rent for a flat ranges from €1,200 to €2,500 per month, depending on the neighbourhood. Local banks provide mortgages to foreigners with a minimum deposit of 30%. At the same time, the buyer must take into account taxes: 10% VAT when buying a new building, 8-10% transfer tax when buying secondary housing. Plus – annual property commission and rubbish collection fee. Therefore, when making calculations, it is important to consider not only the price of housing, but also the associated costs.

Quality of life and urban rhythm: streets, cuisine, nightlife as part of everyday life

The pros and cons of living in Barcelona become apparent from the first steps through the city. The centre pulsates as a single organism: old buildings are next to office towers, parks alternate with squares, and the beaches fit into the urban structure organically, without any strain. In the morning, the city wakes up not with the sound of traffic, but with the noise of coffee grinders, the light hum of street markets and the smells of freshly baked pastries. Cafés open terraces to serve breakfast – toast with jamon, orange juice and black coffee. Markets like Boqueria offer fruit, seafood, jamon in dozens of varieties.

In the afternoon, Barcelona has a different face – a working face. Business clusters are bustling with activity, but even the offices look designer and often overlook palm trees or cathedrals. At lunchtime, restaurants on Diagonal or Paseo de Gracia streets are filled with people in suits discussing start-ups or municipal projects. Night turns the city into an improvised stage. The streets of the Gothic Quarter and the Barceloneta promenade come alive with music, chefs cooking in front of your eyes, bars and terraces. Nightlife in Barcelona is not just about clubs, but also cinemas, jazz venues, book launches and gastronomic festivals.

Spanish cuisine is revealed not in pathos, but in simplicity: a snack bar serves the best tapas, a fish shop serves freshly caught tuna, a stall near the metro serves bread with anchovies and pimentón. This gastronomic space does not live for tourists, but for citizens, and that is its strength. The architecture of the city turns every walk into an excursion. Gaudi’s mosaics, baroque Gracia, modernist Eixample – all these are not tourist attractions, but part of the everyday environment.

Beaches are a separate part of city life. The sandy line stretches along the entire city. In summer, tourists fill Barceloneta en masse, but the inhabitants go north to Mar Bella, Nova Icaria, or even further north to Badalona and Castelldefels. There is less noise, cleaner water, more space for recreation, sport and privacy. It is this layering that creates a rich, flexible and stylish quality of life – dynamic but not tiring.

Pitfalls and risks – tourism, bureaucracy and market overheating

In the context of sorting out the pros and cons of living in Barcelona, it’s impossible to ignore the other side of the coin. The city is not perfect – and the longer you stay, the more the difficulties become apparent.

Tourism

Barcelona is one of the most popular cities in Europe. More than 20 million tourists come here every year. In the summer months, the centre turns into a dense flow of excursions, suitcases and photo shoots. The districts of Gotico, Raval, Barceloneta lose the appearance of residential neighbourhoods and resemble scenery. Crowds increase the noise level, lengthen queues in cafes, provoke price increases. Even basic services, such as taxis, dry cleaning, and bicycle hire, are 15-20% more expensive in season. Infrastructure is overloaded, especially in areas with tourist accommodation.

Bureaucracy

The Spanish administration is characterised by high inertia. Registration of a residence permit, registration of a lease, approval of reconstruction, obtaining a tax number – each of these processes requires several steps, paperwork, personal visits and waits. Even with a lawyer and an interpreter, the deadlines are often beyond common sense: 6 weeks to connect electricity, 2 months to register a lease, up to six months to obtain a renovation permit.
Even a simple bank transaction can be delayed due to internal regulations and lack of automation in the system.

Overheated market

The Barcelona property market has already reached a price ceiling in some areas. We are talking about the areas of Eixample, Gracia, Gotico, Barceloneta. Here the cost per square metre has increased by 85-120% over the last 8 years, and now ranges from 5,500-7,500 euros.
At the same time, the level of income remains moderate, and the demand for purchase is formed mainly by foreigners, which makes the market vulnerable to external fluctuations.

For the investor, this means increased risks:

• limited appreciation potential;
• stiff competition in rentals;
• high probability of price adjustments in case of a drop in tourist traffic or new restrictions.

The way out is to seek a balance between attractive areas and undervalued locations: Sants, Poble-Sec, Sainte-Andreu, part of Les Corts. These areas offer more flexible prices and a steady demand for long-term rentals. Overall, the pitfalls do not outweigh the advantages, but require preparation, calculation and the right choice of strategy. The pros and cons of living in Barcelona are interrelated: comfort here is born from the ability to adapt.

Weigh the pros and cons of living in Barcelona to make the right decision

The pros and cons of living in Barcelona form a contradictory but colourful picture. The city is suitable for those who appreciate freedom, sunshine and culture, and are willing to put up with bureaucracy for the sake of a high quality of life and sustainable rental income. Buying property in the capital requires calculation, analysing the neighbourhoods and understanding the local rhythm.