Discover how to move to Spain and enjoy its culture, climate, and lifestyle with the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa. Perfect for retirees, remote investors, and those seeking a relaxed life without employment obligations.
1) Introduction: Why Choose the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa?
Spain has long been a top destination for expats thanks to its warm weather, affordable cost of living, and rich cultural heritage. The Non-Lucrative Visa allows you to settle in Spain without working, giving you the freedom to explore its landscapes, history, and world-renowned gastronomy.
2) What is the Non-Lucrative Residence Permit in Spain?
This residence permit allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain without engaging in work activities. It’s designed for individuals with sufficient passive income or savings, offering benefits like family inclusion from day one, investment opportunities, and free movement within the Schengen Zone.
3) Key Features and Benefits of the Non-Lucrative Visa
- Governed by Organic Law 4/2000 and Royal Decree 1155/2024.
- Initial duration: 1 year, renewable for 2-year periods.
- Permanent residency eligibility after 5 years.
- No work allowed (including remote work for foreign companies).
- Bring your spouse and dependent children from the start.
- Permits investments and enrollment in studies.
- No property purchase or business investment required.
- Visa holders can travel freely within the Schengen Area.
4) Eligibility Requirements for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa
- Non-EU citizen: You must not be a citizen or family member of an EU/EEA/Swiss national.
- Legal status: Cannot be in Spain illegally at the time of application.
- Clean criminal record: No convictions in the last 5 years.
- Financial means: 400% of IPREM for the applicant and 100% per dependent.
- Private health insurance: Full coverage from a Spanish insurer.
- Medical certificate: No serious illnesses as per WHO guidelines.
- Payment of fees and submission of required documentation.
5) Step-by-Step Application Process for the Non-Lucrative Visa
- Visa application: Submit documents to the Spanish consulate in your home country.
- Approval: Receive the visa stamp in your passport.
- Entry into Spain: Must arrive within 3 months.
- Register residency: Enroll at your local municipality.
- Obtain TIE card: Fingerprints and card collection at the police station.
No stress, no work restrictions, no paperwork headaches. We handle every legal step so you can focus on enjoying your new life in Spain.
✔️ Legal Residence – Full residency with access to public services
✔️ Family Inclusion – Bring your spouse, children, and dependents
✔️ Financial Independence – Designed for applicants who can support themselves
6) Advantages of Living in Spain with the Non-Lucrative Visa
- Perfect for retirees or passive income earners.
- Enjoy a slower, more relaxed pace of life.
- Access to Spanish healthcare and public services.
- Educational and training opportunities.
- Renewable and convertible to permanent residency.
- Travel freely within the Schengen Zone.
- Bring your family with you from the start.
7) Renewing Your Non-Lucrative Visa and Long-Term Options
After the first year, you can renew for 2 years if you still meet the financial and insurance requirements. At 5 years, you can apply for long-term residence.
- Renewal requires 800% of IPREM for two years.
- Option to switch to a work permit (employed or self-employed).
Time spent under this permit counts towards Spanish citizenship. Latin American citizens may apply after only 2 years of residence.
8) Important Considerations Before Applying
The visa does not allow any form of work, including remote work. If you wish to work while living in Spain, consider the Digital Nomad Visa instead.
- Investments are permitted.
- No requirement to purchase property in Spain.
9) Need Expert Help with Your Non-Lucrative Visa Application?
Our Services
- Comprehensive strategic legal guidance throughout the entire Non-Lucrative Visa process
- Personalized document checklist tailored to your case
- Assistance with the collection and thorough review of all relevant documents
- Drafting additional documents to fulfil all requirements
- Completing required forms
- Direct communication with Spanish authorities on your behalf
- Submission of the application and management of any supplementary requests
- Ongoing legal support after your arrival in Spain
- Handling of NIE/TIE procedures
- Scheduling and coordination of all necessary appointments
- Continuous follow-up until your residence card is issued
Why Work With Us?
We are a Spanish team of lawyers and immigration consultants with multinational experience and deep expertise in consular procedures and proceedings before the Spanish Immigration Office (Oficina de Extranjería).
We understand how applications are assessed, both at consulates and by Spanish authorities, allowing us to anticipate obstacles, reduce risks, and significantly strengthen approval prospects.
From strategy to final resolution, we manage every stage with precision, efficiency, and full commitment to achieving the best possible outcome.
FAQ NLV
Who can apply for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa?
Any non-EU/EEA/Swiss national who can prove sufficient passive income or savings, private health insurance, a clean criminal record, and who wishes to reside in Spain without working.
Does the Non-Lucrative Visa allow me to work in Spain or remotely for a foreign company?
No. The Non-Lucrative Visa does not allow you to work in Spain, either as an employee or as self-employed, and it is not intended for full-time remote work for foreign companies (for that, the Digital Nomad Visa is more appropriate).
What is the initial duration of the Non-Lucrative residence?
The initial residence is for 1 year; it is usually renewed for 2 years, then for another 2 years, and after 5 years you may qualify for long-term residence if all requirements are met.
How much money do I need to show as the main applicant in 2025?
As a general rule, you must show at least 400% of the IPREM: with a 600 € monthly IPREM in 2025, this means about 2,400 € per month (28,800 € per year) for the main applicant.
How much do I need if my family is coming with me?
For each dependent family member you must add 100% of the IPREM (about 600 € per month, 7,200 € per year) to the main applicant’s amount.
Can you give an example for a family of four (main applicant + 3 relatives)?
For a family of four, the minimum is around 4,900 € per month or 58,800 € per year (400% IPREM for the main applicant plus 3 × 100% IPREM for the relatives).
Do I need monthly income, or can I qualify with savings only?
You can qualify with sufficient liquid savings for the whole period, with stable passive income, or with a combination of both, as long as you prove availability and stability of the funds.
Can I use recent funds, for example a donation received a few months ago?
Yes, recent funds are accepted if you prove their lawful origin (for example, a notarial deed or donation agreement, plus bank statements) and the money is in your name and freely available.
Do investments (stocks, funds, deposits, real estate) count as proof of funds?
Yes. Financial investments (stocks, investment funds, term deposits) and rental income from real estate can be used as proof of financial means; owning property helps, especially when combined with liquid assets or documented rents.
Is it mandatory to have the money in a Spanish bank account?
In general, no: foreign bank accounts in your name are accepted; however, some consulates (for example in China or Russia) effectively require a Spanish bank account, so you must always check the specific consulate’s rules.
What health insurance do I need for the Non-Lucrative Visa?
You must have private health insurance in Spain with full coverage, minimal or no co-pays, and no significant waiting periods. Ideally, choose a Spanish insurer offering “sin copagos” plans.
Do my documents need to be apostilled/legalised and translated?
Yes. All foreign public documents (police clearances, medical certificates, marriage/birth certificates) must typically be apostilled or legalized and officially translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
Where do I have to apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa?
You must apply at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy responsible for your country or area of legal residence; you cannot start the process from inside Spain.
Can I change from a Non-Lucrative Visa to a work permit later?
Yes. After at least 1 year as a Non-Lucrative resident, you may apply in Spain to modify your status to a residence and work permit (as employee or self-employed).
Does time on the Non-Lucrative Visa count towards long-term residence?
Yes. Valid years under Non-Lucrative residence count towards the 5-year period needed for long-term residence, provided you do not exceed the permitted absences.
Does time on the Non-Lucrative Visa count towards Spanish citizenship?
Yes. Years spent in Spain under a valid Non-Lucrative residence permit do count as legal residence for Spanish nationality, as long as your stay is continuous and you meet general conditions.
