Preparing a long stay in Spain: rules, cover and checklist
What depends on your nationality, how to count your days, what to sort out before leaving, and where to check anything that concerns your own situation.
✓ Facts checked on 8 November 2026
What applies to you
General information from official EU and Spanish sources. Your own situation (nationality, residence, employer) decides what applies.
| Your situation | What applies |
|---|---|
| EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, up to 3 months | A valid identity card or passport; no registration needed. |
| EU, EEA or Swiss citizen, more than 3 months | Registration in the Central Register of Foreign Nationals, in person, within 3 months of entry, at the immigration office of the province or the police station; a registration certificate is issued. |
| Non-EU visitor, short stay | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period in the whole Schengen area, with or without a short-stay visa depending on nationality. |
| Non-EU visitor, longer than 90 days | A national visa or residence permit is needed: check with a Spanish consulate before leaving. |
How the 90/180 rule works
The 180 days are a moving window: on any day of your stay, look back over the previous 180 days and count every day spent in a Schengen country, including days of entry and exit. The total must not exceed 90. The European Commission offers an official short-stay calculator.
Since 10 April 2026, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) records non-EU travellers’ entries and exits electronically, with facial image and fingerprints, instead of passport stamps. The ETIAS travel authorisation is announced for the end of 2026: check its status on the official EU site before travelling.
Health cover, phone and money
Health
With the European Health Insurance Card, public healthcare is free and prescriptions are paid at 50 %. Without it, take travel insurance that covers healthcare for the whole stay.
Phone
EU, Icelandic, Liechtenstein and Norwegian SIMs roam like at home, but operators check use over four months for long stays abroad.
Money
Check your bank’s fees for card payments and withdrawals abroad, and carry a second card.
- Everyday life: health and pharmacies
Working remotely from Spain
Working for your usual employer or clients while staying in Spain can raise questions of residence, tax and social security. The answer depends on your nationality, your employer, the length of your stay and where you are tax resident.
Spain also has specific residence routes for some remote workers. Their conditions are set by Spanish authorities and change: check them with a Spanish consulate.
- Remote work: choosing a base
General information, not legal or tax advice: for your own case, ask the competent authority or a qualified adviser.
Checklist before leaving
Documents
Passport or ID valid for the whole stay; visa or registration plan if needed.
Health
EHIC or travel insurance, prescriptions and enough of your usual medicines.
Driving
Licence, and an International Driving Permit if your licence is from outside the EU.
Phone and banking
Roaming conditions checked, a second payment card, online banking working abroad.
Budget
Accommodation, car or transport, food and a safety margin.
Pets
Microchip, rabies vaccination and documents in order.
Accommodation
Length of stay, monthly price and conditions confirmed in writing with the host.
- Cost of living: monthly budget
- Driving in Andalusia: licences and rules
- Travelling with a pet: EU rules
- Winter stay: long winter months
A long stay at Rincón Salvaje
Rincón Salvaje has a kitchen, heating, air conditioning, a high table and a low table, and Wi-Fi suited to remote work. Minimum stay is 3 nights and there is a washing machine. For longer stays, the monthly rate and invoicing, ask the host on Airbnb or Booking.com before booking.
- A month or more in Vélez: the apartment for long stays
- Temporary stays: renovation, move or property purchase
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay in Spain without a visa?
Non-EU visitors from visa-exempt countries can stay 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area. EU, EEA and Swiss citizens have no such limit but must register after 3 months.
How do I count the 90 days in 180?
On each day, look back 180 days and count the days spent in the Schengen area; use the European Commission’s official calculator.
Do EU citizens need to register in Spain?
Yes, for stays over 3 months: in person, within 3 months of entry, at the immigration office or police station.
Can I work remotely from Spain?
It depends on your nationality, employer and tax situation. Check with Spanish authorities or a qualified adviser.
What insurance do I need for a long stay?
The European Health Insurance Card for EU, EEA and Swiss residents; otherwise travel insurance covering healthcare for the whole stay.
Sources · Facts checked on 8 November 2026
- European Commission · Short-stay calculator (90/180 days)
- eu-LISA · Entry/Exit System fully deployed across the EU
- eucrim · EES fully operational since 10 April 2026
- Your Europe (EU) · Residence rights in another EU country
- Policía Nacional · Registration certificate for EU citizens
- European Commission · Using the European Health Insurance Card in Spain
- Your Europe (EU) · Mobile roaming costs
