If you have recently received a substantial amount of money (whether through an inheritance, the sale of a property, a donation, or another legitimate source) you may be wondering whether this financial situation allows you to apply for a Non-Lucrative Residence Visa in Spain.
The short answer is: it depends. Spanish immigration authorities do not assess only the amount of money you hold, but also its origin, legality, availability, and sustainability over time.
In this article, we explain the key legal criteria, what types of income or capital are accepted, and how to properly document and justify your financial means when applying for a non-lucrative residence permit in Spain.
What is the Non-Lucrative Visa?
The Non-Lucrative Residence Visa is a Spanish residence permit that allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain without carrying out any professional or remunerated activity. It is designed for individuals who wish to reside legally in Spain while relying exclusively on their own financial means.
This type of residence is particularly suitable for retirees, pensioners, rentiers, or any individual who wish to spend extended periods in Spain without working, while enjoying a stable and lawful residence status.
Financial Requirements for the Non-Lucrative Visa
One of the key requirements for obtaining a Non-Lucrative Residence Visa in Spain is proving that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself (and your family, if applicable) without working in Spain.
According to Spanish immigration regulations:
- You must demonstrate a minimum level of monthly income or available funds that guarantees your subsistence without engaging in any professional or remunerated activity.
- This threshold is set at 400% of the IPREM for the main applicant. For 2025, this amount is approximately €2,600 per month.
- For each dependent family member, an additional 100% of the IPREM must be added, which is approximately €650 per month per dependent.
Accepted Sources of Funds
The good news is that Spanish authorities do not restrict the origin of the funds, provided you can clearly prove both their legality and availability. Accepted sources may include:
- Recently received inheritances
- Proceeds from the sale of property
- Donations (non-repayable and properly documented)
- Savings held in bank accounts
- Returns from financial or investment products
Proper documentation is essential to demonstrate that the funds are genuinely available to you and sufficient to cover your stay in Spain for the entire duration of the residence permit.
How to Prove Recent Income
If your financial situation is based on a recent or extraordinary influx of funds (such as an inheritance, a property sale, or a donation), it is essential to present this information clearly and coherently to the Spanish immigration authorities. Recent income is not automatically excluded, but it must be properly documented and legally justified.
You will need to provide official documentation that clearly explains the origin of the funds, such as inheritance certificates or wills, notarised property sale deeds, or bank statements showing the deposit of the funds into your personal account. The documentation should allow the authorities to easily trace where the money comes from and how it reached you.
In addition, the funds must be immediately available for your use. This means that the money must be held in an account in your name and be freely accessible, without restrictions, repayment obligations, or conditions that limit your ability to use it to support yourself in Spain.
At MigratioLex, we have successfully assisted clients in demonstrating financial eligibility for the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa even when their income was recent or extraordinary, by presenting solid documentation and well-founded legal arguments tailored to each case. If you need guidance with your specific situation or have any doubts, we invite you to book a legal consultation here.
Important Considerations
- The non-lucrative visa does not allow you to work. If you plan to work in Spain, you will need a different type of residence permit.
- The amount of money received must be sufficient to cover at least one year of residence in Spain.
- There is no age limit to apply for this visa, but your funds must be adequate and sustainable.
- Receiving money suddenly does not prevent you from applying, as long as it can be properly documented.
Conclusion
Receiving an inheritance, selling a property, or obtaining a sudden influx of funds can make you eligible for a Non-Lucrative Residence Visa in Spain, provided that the legality, origin, and effective availability of the funds are properly demonstrated.
What often makes the difference is not the timing of the income, but how it is documented and legally presented to the immigration authorities.
At MigratioLex, we guide clients through this process with a careful legal strategy, ensuring that financial requirements are met even when the funds are recent or extraordinary. If you would like us to assess your situation and advise you on the most appropriate approach, we recommend booking a legal consultation with our team. Book your consultation here.
