Change of stay status (e.g., from tourist to resident)
Change of residence status: professional support at every stage
Change of stay status (from tourist to residence) is a legally significant procedure that allows foreigners to continue living, working, or studying in Spain on legal grounds. The service is needed for those who want to avoid illegal status, fines, and difficulties with visa renewal. It is also relevant for Spaniards helping foreign relatives obtain long-term residence.
On request
Our capabilities and skills
We help correctly fill out the application to avoid errors and delays.
We explain all stages of the process in clear language so you don’t feel lost.
We accompany you to government agencies to minimize stress and misunderstandings.
We provide consultations in multiple languages for your convenience.
We assist in gathering all necessary documents, including proof of income and housing.
We monitor application deadlines to ensure you don’t miss important dates.
We provide support in obtaining medical care and other social services.
We help avoid additional expenses related to errors in the process.
Service implementation stages
Consultation to determine your eligibility for status change.
Preparation and verification of all necessary documents.
Submission of the application to the relevant government authorities.
Monitoring the review process of your application.
Obtaining confirmation of the new status.
Assistance in processing documents for work, study, and medical care.
We have answers to all your questions
Final result
You legally reside in Spain with a residence permit that grants you the right to work, study, and fully use local services. You no longer need to fear fines or deportation: you can plan your future with peace of mind, sign rental contracts, obtain health insurance, and other important documents, enjoying all the benefits of legal status.
On request
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to change status from tourist to resident?
The timeframes depend on the type of residence permit and the workload of the immigration services, usually ranging from two to six months. We will help shorten this period by correctly filling out the documents and responding promptly to the authorities' requests.
What are the main requirements to obtain a residence permit after a tourist visa?
Depend on the purpose of stay (study, work, family reunification, investment), but generally, proof of financial stability, health insurance, and compliance with immigration criteria are required. We will assess your situation and prepare the documents.
Is health insurance mandatory when applying for a residence permit?
Yes, in most cases, health insurance covering basic medical services in Spain is required. We will guide you on which companies meet the immigration authorities' requirements.
Can I work if I change my status to a student residence permit?
The student residence permit in Spain may grant limited work rights (no more than a certain number of hours per week), but each case is individual. We will help you find the most advantageous option.
What happens if my residence permit is denied?
There is a right to appeal. We will analyze the reasons for the denial and propose a strategy for reapplying or having the case reviewed administratively.
How do I determine which type of residence permit suits me?
To do this, we analyze your purpose of stay, financial possibilities, and personal circumstances. There are several types of permits: work, study, residency by settlement, and others. We will suggest the best option.
How soon after obtaining a residence permit can I apply for Spanish citizenship?
It depends on the grounds and duration of residence. Usually, you need to have lived legally in Spain for 2 to 10 years, depending on nationality and individual factors.
What should I do if I don’t have a permanent address in Spain for a residence permit?
A rental contract or an invitation from a person with housing can be used. It is important to prove the possibility of actual residence. We help you gather and process the necessary documents.
Is the process more difficult for those who entered Spain under a visa-free regime?
The rules are generally the same, but the visa-free stay period is shorter, and it is crucial to submit the application before exceeding the allowed days in the Schengen area. We will help you act quickly.
What should I do if I need to leave the country urgently while my application is being processed?
A special return authorization document (autorización de regreso) can be requested. We will explain how and under what conditions to obtain it to avoid losing your status.
Is it necessary to leave Spain when switching from tourist status to residence?
In many cases, it is possible to change status without leaving the country if legal requirements are met. However, some types of residence permits require submitting documents through a consulate outside Spain. We will help you determine what suits you best.
Can a residence permit be obtained if the tourist visa is about to expire?
It is better not to delay. The status change should be done before the legal stay period expires. If the deadline has already passed, we will assess whether there are options to legalize through another way or if it is better to leave and submit the application from your home country.
Is a criminal record certificate required to change residence status?
In some cases, a criminal record certificate from the country of citizenship is required. We will explain where and how to obtain it, and whether it needs to be apostilled or translated.
Can a tourist visa be extended if the full residence application package is not yet ready?
A standard tourist stay is rarely extended. If you plan to stay longer, it is better to start preparing documents for a status change immediately. We will help you find the best option.
Can I access public services (banking, medical) while my application is being processed?
After submitting the application and receiving the resguardo (confirmation), you usually obtain temporary residency until the final decision. This may allow access to essential services, but details depend on the specific type of residence permit.
Are apostilled documents required?
Yes, many documents issued abroad must be legalized or apostilled and translated into Spanish. We will advise you on which ones require an apostille.
Can I bring my family with me if I change my status to a residence permit?
Yes, there is a family reunification process. It is important to have verified income, housing that meets requirements, and sufficient legal residence time in Spain.
How can I apply for a work residence permit if I haven't found a job yet?
A work residence permit usually requires a prior job offer from an employer. An alternative is to start your own business or obtain a permit for entrepreneurial activities. We will assess your options.
Can the documents be submitted online?
Some regions of Spain accept electronic applications, but this does not always simplify the process. We will guide you on the best way to submit your documents, considering local specifics.
Can a denial of status change affect future visas and entry into Europe?
Yes, any immigration refusal may impact future visa applications. We carefully prepare your document package to minimize risks and maintain your reputation with immigration authorities.
Recommended services
