- A change of base without a visa is possible if you are already in Spain with a temporary permit and you are meeting the conditions of the new one. This is article 191 Reglamento (Real Decreto 1155/2024) for temporary residence and article 190 for educational estancia. [1].
- The one-year limit: if you live on a permit less than a year, the requirements of article 74 must be met for the transition to employment. [1].
- The grounds for cross-border workers' permits, a number of exceptional permits and family reunification cannot be changed: reunification has its own residence. [1].
- From DNV to another base: inside Ley 14/2013 can be at any time when the conditions of the new ground are met, the general regime is subject to section XI Reglamento [2].
- The new work permit is valid for four years, with no lucrativa moving to work for one year, and comes into force after the allta to Segurid Social [1].
Can the grounds for residence in Spain be changed without leaving?
Yes, if you are in Spain as a temporary residence and you comply with the requirements of a new permit. [1]Article 190 applies to students with a study degree (estancia de larga Duración por estudios) [1].
The change does not eliminate the requirements of the new ground: a contract, registration of activities and other requirements that request a new authorization are required.
| From where? | Where? | Conditions | New authorization | Norma |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residence less than a year (including no lucrativa) | Employment | All requirements of article 74, including the labour market, unless there are exceptions | Year as Primary | art. 191.2 [1] |
| Residential year and over, not eligible to work (no lucrativa) | Employment or self-employment | Art. 74 without labour market; for self-employment art. | Year; force after alta in Segurid Social | art. 191.4 [1] |
| Residential year and more, already eligible to work | Other work permit | Article 80 or article 86 requirements | Four years | art. 191.3 [1] |
| Employment | Self-employment | Application | The previous period is not extended | art. 192.2 [1] |
| Training estancia | Work or residence without work | Certificate or certificate of completion; application 2 months before or within 3 months after | Year | art. 190 [1] |
What are the conditions for a change under article 191?
Key boundary: one year in resident status: If you live on a permit for less than a year and apply for a work permit, all the requirements of article 74 must be confirmed: contract, compliance with the terms of the contract with the law and collective agreement, employer's integrity, qualification, no threat to public order, payment of duties and assessment of the labour market. Year [1].
After a year, if the previous permit did not permit work, the same requirements of article 74 are required, except for labour market evaluation, and for self-employment, article 84. [1].
How can you not change the basis?
Article 191.7 excludes three groups: work permits for cross-border workers; exceptional permits referred to in article 128.1 (b) and (c) and in chapter II-V of section VII; family reunification permits, which are subject to their own rules [1]For the re-united family members, the separate way of the independent residence is described in article 69, and it needs to be read separately [1].
What about the DNV and DNV shift?
UGE, the Ministry of Inclusion unit, in FAQ, states: while conditions remain, another Ley 14/2013 permit may be requested at any time if its conditions are met; section XI Reglamento applies to the transition to general regime [2]Any change in the conditions of admission must be communicated to the UGE within 30 days [3].
The way back, from no lucrativa to DNV, is more severe in FAQ UGE. To the question of whether to apply for a permit for a teleworker with no lucrativa, the Ministry answers "no": no lucrativa does not allow work, so it is not possible to refer to a previous remote job and work without a permit is considered a violation of Ley Orgánica 4/2000. [2]FAQ's exceptions and practices on applications from Spain do not reveal, differ, need to be reviewed individually. DNV from Spain.
Which depends on your case.
Much: the duration of your residence, the right to work under current permits, the employer and profession, the date of completion of studies, the status of the family, taxes and contributions. We do not know how the agency will value your documents, and the decision on change of grounds is made by the ichiina de extranjería or, for DNV, UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empreas y Coletivos Estratégicos). Your permission.
For transitions from school to work, there is a separate review: What to do after schoolIII. Comparison of all grounds is compiled in the article The choice of the basis for the residence permitThe procedure for employment is described in WorksheetA general overview of the grounds is on the page Residence permit in Barcelona.
Frequent issues
Can you change no lucrativa to a working visa while in Spain?
Can you move to work from student permits?
Do you need a visa to change the basis of your residence permit?
Can you move from DNV to another base?
How can you not change the basis?
How many new permits are in effect after the base change?
Based on source
- BOE · Real Decreto 1155/2024 (Reglamento), articles 74, 80, 84, 86, 190 - 192 .
- Ministry of Inclusion, UGE FAQ by permission of teletrabajadores ♪
- BOE · Ley 14/2013, additional provision 7 ♪
Sources are viewed on 02.10.2026. Consolidated texts and departmental reference pages are informative: legal application takes into account official publications, changes and specific circumstances. Material has not been personally checked by counsel.
Turn the information into questions.
The navigator will help to gather topics for individual review; it does not define the right to residence or submit an application.
Collect a memoThe NEXO working conditions: 30 minutes free of charge, full consultation 121 I in 45 minutes; maintenance costs are charged separately, fees and transfers. about the team..
You want to go on your own? Barcelona residence permit: from Empadronamiento to TIE and Formulas based on grounds.
Related materials
The source is viewed on 02.10.2026 · NEXO · Drafting Draft · Sources do not replace individual legal advice.