Spain Non-lucrative Visa

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

Last update 22 May, 2025

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Quick Visa Facts

Visa length 1 year

Possible to extend? Yes, can be renewed for two-year periods, and after five years of continuous residence, you may apply for long-term residency.

Who can apply? Non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals

Minimum Income Requirements €2,400/month (or €28,800/year)

Time for visa applications Processing typically takes 4 to 8 weeks, but it can vary depending on the consulate and time of year.

Want to know if you can apply?

Complete a visa quiz and see if you qualify!

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If you're dreaming of living in Spain long-term without taking up a job, the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa could be your ideal path.

The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa opens the door to long-term life in Spain for non-EU citizens who can support themselves without local employment. Whether you're looking to retire under the Mediterranean sun, spend a year (or several) exploring Spanish culture, or simply enjoy a slower pace of life while living off passive income, this visa offers a legal and flexible path to residency.

With the ability to bring family, travel freely within the Schengen Area, and eventually qualify for permanent residency, it’s become one of the most attractive residence options for those seeking a new chapter in Spain.

Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Overview

The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is a long-term residency visa designed for non-EU nationals who wish to live in Spain without engaging in any professional or economic activity. Introduced by Spain’s immigration regulations, this visa has become a popular option for retirees, remote workers with passive income, and individuals seeking a lifestyle change in Spain.

This visa allows you to reside in Spain for more than 90 days, initially granting a one-year residence permit, which can later be renewed for two-year periods. While holders of this visa are not permitted to work or earn income from within Spain, they may continue to receive foreign income, such as pensions, dividends, or investment returns, as long as they meet the financial self-sufficiency requirements.

The non-lucrative visa also allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area, includes the option to apply for family reunification, and may count toward permanent residency and citizenship if renewals are maintained over time.

It’s an excellent choice for those who can support themselves financially, wish to experience life in Spain long-term, and value a visa that leads to residency without employment obligations.

Who Is It For?

The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who want to reside in Spain without engaging in professional or economic activities. It’s especially popular among:

Retirees looking to settle in Spain full-time or part-time.
Digital nomads or remote workers with passive income.
Investors and high-net-worth individuals living off dividends, rental income, or capital.
Families relocating to Spain with a financially self-sufficient primary applicant.
Anyone taking a gap year, career break, or sabbatical with the means to support themselves.

If you can meet the minimum financial requirements and have comprehensive health insurance, this visa offers a straightforward path to living in Spain legally for longer than 90 days.

What Does It Allow You to Do?

The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa allows you to:

Live in Spain for more than 90 days, with an initial residence permit valid for 1 year.
Renew your residency for 2-year periods, with eligibility for permanent residency after 5 years.
Travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Bring your spouse and dependent children through a family reunification process or as co-applicants.
Access public services in Spain, such as enrolling children in school and registering with a local health center.
Count your time toward Spanish nationality (in most cases, after 10 years of legal residency)

However, the visa does not allow you to work or carry out professional activity in Spain — either for a local company or as a freelancer. You must prove that you can live in Spain solely on foreign income or savings.

Visa Requirements

To apply for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, you must meet several requirements that demonstrate your ability to reside in Spain without working. These include financial, medical, and legal documents that prove you can support yourself and comply with Spanish immigration rules. All documents must typically be translated into Spanish by a certified translator and may require apostilles or legalization, depending on your country of origin.

You’ll need the following documents:

Passport valid for at least 1 year.
National visa application form (Modelo Nacional)
Non-working residence visa application form (EX-01 Form)
Passport-sized photos (white background, recent, biometric format)

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

You must show proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself (and any dependents) during your stay in Spain without employment. The minimum amount is based on the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), a financial benchmark used in Spain.

Main applicant: 400% of the IPREM annually.
Each dependent: +100% of the IPREM annually per person.

As of 2025, this means approximately €28,800/year for the main applicant, plus €7,200/year for each additional family member.

You can show proof of income by providing:

Recent bank statements (typically from the last 3–6 months)
Proof of regular passive income (pensions, dividends, rental income)
Official bank certificates confirming balances.
Documents must clearly show you have exclusive access to the funds (joint accounts may require clarification)

Private Health Insurance

You must obtain private health insurance with full coverage in Spain. The policy must:

Be without co-payments (sin copago)
Offer comprehensive coverage equivalent to Spain’s public healthcare system.
Be valid for the entire duration of the initial visa (1 year)
Be from an insurance company authorized to operate in Spain.

Travel insurance is not accepted; it must be long-term residency health insurance. You can find our recommendations for the best health insurance plans for digital nomads here.

Medical Certificate

A signed certificate from a licensed physician stating you do not suffer from any diseases that could pose a risk to public health, based on the International Health Regulations.

Must be issued within 3 months of application.
Must be translated into Spanish.
Sample language is often provided by the consulate.

Clean Criminal Record

You’ll need a criminal background check from your country (or countries) of residence covering the past 5 years. It must be issued within the last 3–6 months, depending on the consulate. This is required for all applicants 18 years and older.

Remember that your document should be translated into Spanish by an approved body and legalized for international use with an Apostille.

How to Apply for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa – Step-by-Step Instructions

Applying for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is a detailed process that requires careful preparation, accurate documentation, and attention to the specific requirements of the Spanish consulate in your jurisdiction. Below is a complete, step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process from start to finish:

Step 1: Check Consulate Requirements

Start by identifying the Spanish consulate or embassy that serves your region. You must apply in the country where you legally reside. Visit the consulate’s official website to review their specific NLV requirements, application forms, and appointment instructions.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

While document lists may vary slightly by consulate, most applicants must submit:

A completed National Visa application form.
A completed Non-working residence visa application form.
Passport (valid for at least 1 year, with at least 2 blank pages)
Passport-sized photographs (in biometric format)
Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g., bank statements, pensions, rental income)
Private health insurance with full coverage in Spain (no co-pays or deductibles)
A clean criminal background check from your country (and any country lived in over the past 5 years)
A medical certificate stating you are free of contagious diseases.
Visa fee payment (amount and accepted payment methods vary by country)

All foreign-language documents must be officially translated into Spanish, and many must be apostilled or legalized.

Step 3: Schedule a Visa Appointment

Once your documents are ready, book an appointment with your local Spanish consulate or embassy. This is typically done online or by email. Be prepared for long wait times, especially during high-demand periods.

Most consulates require in-person attendance for submission — no mail-in or online applications.

Step 4: Attend Your Appointment and Submit Your Application

Bring the following to your appointment:

All original documents.
Required photocopies (most consulates require duplicates of each document)
Completed visa application forms.
Your passport.
Visa fee payment, often in cash or by money order (check your consulate’s accepted formats)

Be ready to explain your reason for living in Spain and show that you meet the non-lucrative requirements (i.e., not intending to work).

Step 5: Wait for Approval and Collect Your Visa

Visa processing times vary by country and consulate. Most applicants receive a decision within 4 to 8 weeks, but delays can occur.

Once approved, you’ll receive a visa sticker in your passport, typically valid for 90 days. During that time, you must enter Spain and begin the process of residency registration.

Step 6: Complete Post-Arrival Steps in Spain

After arrival, you must:

Obtain your NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
Register your address at the local town hall (empadronamiento)
Apply for your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) at the local immigration office.

These steps are mandatory and typically must be completed within 30 days of entry.

How Much Does the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Cost?

The cost of applying for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) in 2025 varies based on your nationality and the specific consulate handling your application. Below is a breakdown of the typical fees associated with the NLV:

U.S. Citizens: $140 visa fee + $11 residence permit fee = $151 total
Other Nationalities: $94 visa fee + $11 residence permit fee = $105 total

These fees are subject to change and may vary slightly depending on the consulate. It's advisable to check with the specific Spanish consulate in your jurisdiction for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Taxes for People With a Non-Lucrative Visa

Understanding how taxes and banking work in Spain is essential when moving under the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV). Even though you aren’t permitted to work in Spain on this visa, you may still have reporting and tax obligations, especially if you remain in the country long-term.

If you stay in Spain for more than 183 days in a calendar year, you are generally considered a tax resident and may need to declare your global income.

Here’s a breakdown:

Tax Residency Rule: Staying in Spain for 183 days or more in a year makes you a Spanish tax resident.
Worldwide Income: As a tax resident, you must declare all income, including pensions, investment returns, rental income, and other earnings, even if earned outside Spain.
Double Taxation Treaties: Spain has treaties with many countries (including the U.S., Canada, and most of the EU) to avoid double taxation. You may be able to deduct or offset foreign taxes already paid.
U.S. citizens: You’ll still need to file a U.S. tax return (including FBAR and FATCA forms if applicable), but taxes paid in Spain may count as credits under the U.S.-Spain tax treaty.

As a Spanish tax resident, you may be subject to:

Personal income tax (IRPF): Progressive rates ranging from 19% to 47% depending on income level and region.
Wealth tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio): Applies to residents whose net assets exceed €700,000 (varies by region).
Modelo 720: An annual informational report required for residents with over €50,000 in foreign assets, such as foreign bank accounts, stocks, or real estate.

Living in Spain as a Non-Lucrative Resident

Living in Spain on the Non-Lucrative Visa means fully embracing the Spanish lifestyle, without the need to work. You can enjoy the country’s world-class healthcare, stunning landscapes, and relaxed pace of life while basing yourself in vibrant cities or tranquil coastal towns.

As a non-lucrative resident, you're expected to support yourself entirely through savings, pensions, or passive income, making this visa ideal for retirees, digital nomads with non-Spanish income, or anyone seeking a peaceful, high-quality lifestyle abroad. While you can’t work locally, you can study, travel freely within the Schengen Area, and apply for long-term residency after five years.

Many residents use this time to integrate into Spanish society, improve their language skills, and plan for future residency or even citizenship.

Best Cities to Live in Spain on the Non-Lucrative Visa

Spain offers a wide range of cities that cater to different lifestyles, whether you're craving sun-soaked beaches, rich culture, or peaceful countryside living. Here are three of the best cities to live in as a non-lucrative resident:

Valencia

Valencia combines beautiful Mediterranean beaches with a lower cost of living than Madrid or Barcelona. It has excellent healthcare, a vibrant expat community, and a relaxed pace that’s perfect for retirees or anyone looking to slow down without sacrificing city comforts.

Madrid

Spain’s capital offers world-class museums, dining, and entertainment. While it’s more fast-paced and expensive than smaller cities, Madrid is ideal for non-lucrative residents who want access to international schools, top-tier services, and a major travel hub.

Málaga

Located on the Costa del Sol, Málaga is one of the top picks for expats. It has over 300 days of sunshine a year, a laid-back lifestyle, and a growing number of English-speaking services. Its affordability and walkable historic center make it a great choice for retirees and families alike.

Cost of Living

The official currency of Spain is the Euro. €1 EUR = $1.1291 USD.

The average net monthly salary in Spain is around €1,785, which equates to approximately $1,920 USD.

Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay in different cities:

Valencia

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - €1,037.10 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - €1,721.33 per month
Basic Utilities - €123.77 per month
Wi-Fi - €26.19 per month
Public Transport - €1.50 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - €300-€400 per month

Madrid

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - €1,324.62 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - €2,318.42 per month
Basic Utilities - €160 per month
Wi-Fi - €29.74 per month
Public Transport - €1.50 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - €400-€600 per month

Málaga

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - €1,036.67 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - €1,778.57 per month
Basic Utilities - €113.65 per month
Wi-Fi - €25.31 per month
Public Transport - €1.40 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - €200-€400 per month

FAQs

Can I work remotely while living in Spain on the Non-Lucrative Visa?

Technically, the NLV is designed for non-working residency, you cannot engage in local employment or business in Spain. However, remote work for foreign companies or passive income from abroad is generally accepted, as long as you're not providing services to Spanish clients or companies.

Do I need private health insurance for the Spain NLV?

Yes. You must have private health insurance from a provider authorized to operate in Spain, with no co-payments (sin copago) and coverage equivalent to the Spanish public healthcare system. The insurance must be valid for at least one year.

Can I bring my spouse and children on the Non-Lucrative Visa?

Yes, the NLV allows for family reunification. You’ll need to prove additional income for each dependent, typically €600/month per family member, and submit all necessary documentation (such as birth and marriage certificates, translated and apostilled).

How soon should I apply for the Spain NLV before my intended move?

It’s best to apply at least 10–12 weeks before your planned move to Spain. Some consulates have long wait times for appointments and processing, so starting early ensures you don’t face delays.

Can I get help applying for a Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa?

If you need help applying for a visa, you can talk to Citizen Remote. Get specific advice from one of our experts, or outsource the entire application to our team.

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