Non-Lucrative Residence Visa Spain: live fully

Sometimes the next chapter isn’t about work — it’s about freedom.
This visa gives you the legal clarity to live in Spain long-term without employment, so you can focus on what truly matters: your wellbeing, your family, and your future.

The Non-Lucrative Residence Visa Spain is designed for people who want to relocate to Spain without working. It’s perfect for retirees, families, or individuals who have passive income through pensions, savings, or investments. This visa provides the right to live legally in Spain while enjoying its rich culture, modern infrastructure, and exceptional quality of life.

Imagine starting your day with a walk through Madrid’s historic streets, enjoying fresh seafood along Valencia’s coastline, or sipping wine at sunset in a small Andalusian village.
With this visa, you don’t just visit Spain — you build a life here.

Life, redefined.

Non-Lucrative Residence Visa Spain: Who it’s for

This visa is for people ready to trade deadlines for sunshine and structure for spontaneity. It’s about living at your own pace — with legal certainty every step of the way.

The Non-Lucrative Residence Visa Spain is ideal for:

Retirees who want to spend their golden years surrounded by Spain’s landscapes and culture
Families seeking a safe, vibrant environment with excellent schools and healthcare
Professionals on sabbatical, taking time to rest, reset, and focus on personal projects
Individuals with passive income, such as dividends, rental properties, or pensions
Long-term planners who see this visa as a pathway to eventual permanent residency or citizenship

Benefits of the non-lucrative visa include

A renewable residence permit, starting with one year and extending to two-year periods
Access to Spain’s public and private healthcare systems
Travel freedom within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period
A pathway to permanent residency after five years and Spanish citizenship after ten years
The ability to bring family members, provided you meet the financial thresholds for each dependent

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Your checklist for success.

Non-Lucrative Residence Visa Spain Requirements

Preparation brings peace of mind. We help you understand the requirements — and prepare sworn translations that guarantee your documents are legally valid.

To qualify for the non-lucrative residence visa Spain, you’ll need to meet specific criteria in three main areas:

1. Financial proof

You must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to live in Spain without working.

Minimum monthly income: approximately €2,400 for the main applicant.
Additional income for family members: around €600 per month per dependent.
Acceptable forms of proof:
- Bank statements for the last 6–12 months.
- Pension payment slips.
- Rental property contracts or dividend income.
- Investment portfolio documentation.
Funds can be held in foreign or Spanish bank accounts, but statements must be recent and official.

Pro tip: request letters from your bank confirming account ownership and balance — and have them sworn-translated into Spanish.

2. Health insurance

Private health insurance is required, with coverage equivalent to Spain’s national health system.

The policy must have no co-payments and must be valid for the entire initial visa period.
Many applicants choose Spanish providers like Sanitas, Adeslas, or Mapfre to simplify compliance.

3. Clean criminal record

You must provide a criminal background certificate from your country of origin and any other country where you’ve lived in the past five years.
The certificate must be issued within the last 90 days, apostilled, and accompanied by a sworn translation.

4. Proof of accommodation

Evidence of housing in Spain is required — rental contract, property deed, or notarised invitation letter from a host.

5. Administrative documentation

Completed national visa application form.
Passport photos following Spanish biometric requirements.
Valid passport with at least one year before expiration.
Government fee payment receipt.

All foreign-issued documents must be translated by a legally appointed sworn translator. This includes financial statements, criminal records, and birth or marriage certificates for dependents. Submitting non-certified translations will delay your application — or cause outright rejection.

Non-Lucrative Residence Visa Spain: Step-by-step journey

How to apply successfully

1. Preparation

Begin at least three months before your planned move. Gather all documents and begin sworn translations as early as possible.

2. Application submission

Submit your application to the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
This visa cannot be applied for from within Spain.

3. Appointment day

Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
Submit originals and copies of every document, including translations.
Answer questions about your plans and financial situation.

4. Processing period

Most consulates process applications within 30–90 days.
Processing times vary depending on location and document completeness.

5. Visa approval and entry

Once approved, you must travel to Spain within three months of the visa issue date.

6. Residency finalisation in Spain

Register your local address at the town hall (empadronamiento).
Apply for your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) within 30 days of arrival.
Enrol in healthcare and other public services as needed.

Tips for a smooth experience

Have at least two sets of copies for every document — one for submission and one for personal records.
Keep translations organised and labelled by category (financial, health, legal).
If relocating with family, prepare all dependent documents early to avoid last-minute delays.
Consider hiring a local “gestor”, an administrative consultant who can guide you through Spanish bureaucracy.

Your path beyond year one

The initial non-lucrative visa is valid for one year.
To maintain and extend your residency:

First renewal: extends your stay for two more years

Second renewal: adds another two years, bringing the total to five

After five consecutive years, you may apply for permanent residency.

After ten years, you may be eligible for Spanish citizenship

Renewals require updated proof of income, health insurance, and continued residence in Spain for at least 183 days per year.

Your questions, answered.

FAQ: Non-Lucrative Residence Visa Spain

Can I work remotely with this visa?

No. Any form of employment, even for foreign companies, is prohibited. If you plan to work remotely, consider the Digital Nomad Visa Spain instead.

Can my family join me?

Yes. You must demonstrate additional financial resources per dependent and submit birth or marriage certificates with sworn translations.

What happens if I don’t stay in Spain for 183 days?

Your residency may be considered lapsed, and you could face difficulties renewing the visa.

Will I pay taxes in Spain?

If you reside in Spain for more than 183 days per year, you will become a tax resident and must declare worldwide income

Can I switch to another visa type later?

Yes. Many non-lucrative visa holders later transition to entrepreneur or work visas as their circumstances change.

Choosing the non-lucrative residence visa Spain isn’t just about moving to another country — it’s about crafting a better life. With its balance of culture, safety, and affordability, Spain offers one of the most attractive long-term relocation options in Europe.