How to Get Permanent Residency Through Spain’s International Digital Mobility Program (IDMP Visa)

Relocating to Spain under the International Digital Mobility Programme (IDMP) is more than just experiencing the European lifestyle; it is also about establishing a legal, long-term future in the country. The IDMP visa is intended for remote workers, freelancers, and self-employed professionals who collaborate with overseas clients or businesses. One of its main advantages is the clear path it provides to permanent residency (PR) and, eventually, Spanish citizenship.

Step 1: Get Approved for the IDMP Visa

Your path to permanent residency starts with being approved for the IDMP visa, which grants you a three-year temporary resident status.

To be eligible, you must earn at least €2,760 per month from non-Spanish sources, have a university degree or at least 3 years of experience, and have valid private health insurance. You must also give proof of remote work or freelancing contracts, as well as a police clearance certificate.

Once your eligibility is confirmed, you’ll travel to Spain (usually Barcelona) for biometric registration and final submission of your application. Once approved, you’ll receive a residency card (TRC), which allows you to live legally in Spain.

Step 2: Renew Your Residency After 3 Years

The initial IDMP residency is valid for three years. If you plan to continue living in Spain beyond that, you’ll need to apply for a renewal before the permit expires.

Renewal is typically straightforward as long as you continue to meet the basic eligibility criteria—especially maintaining your remote income, private health insurance, and compliance with immigration and tax rules.

Once your residency is renewed, you’ll be able to extend your legal stay in Spain to five years, making you eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Step 3: Maintain Continuous Residency for 5 Years

To be eligible for permanent residency, you must legally and continuously reside in Spain for at least five years. “Continuous” means that your absences from Spain cannot exceed six months in a year, and not more than 10 months in total over five years.

You must also maintain valid health insurance and stable income during your stay. This long-term stay demonstrates your commitment to Spain and is a key requirement for moving from temporary residency to permanent status.

Step 4: Apply for Permanent Residency

After five years of continuous legal stay, you can apply for Residencia de Larga Duración, Spain's permanent residency permit. This application requires various supporting documents, including your current TRC, proof of five years' residency (such as empadronamiento), bank statements, insurance coverage, and perhaps an updated Police Clearance Certificate.

After filing your application at the Extranjería (immigration office), you will receive a five-year permanent residency permit that is valid indefinitely. This card grants you practically all of the rights of a Spanish citizen, including access to public services, unrestricted employment, and easy mobility throughout the EU.

Want to start your journey? Reach out to OnDemand International today and take the first step toward your new life in Spain.