You Can Qualify for Non-Lucrative Visa
The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is for non-EU nationals who wish to reside in Spain without engaging in any work or professional activities. It is primarily for retirees, individuals with independent means, or those planning to stay in Spain for an extended period for leisure, family, or personal reasons. This visa allows you to live in Spain for one year initially, with the possibility of renewal.
Main features of non-lucrative visa
Purpose / Who is it for For: people who want to live in Spain without working (or doing any professional activity) from within Spain. This often includes retirees, people with passive income, investments, savings.
Work Allowed: Not permitted to work in Spain (neither for Spanish companies nor as a self-employed / freelance from Spain). All activities must be passive or external sources.
Minimum Income / Financial Means: Must show proof of sufficient financial resources to support oneself (and dependents) without working. This tends to be a high threshold. E.g., sources mention approx. €28,800/year or about €2,400/month for a single applicant (2025).
Permits / Duration / Renewal: Usually first issued for 1 year, renewable. Can lead to long-term residence after several renewals (commonly 5 years).
Family / Dependents: You can include family (spouse, children), but you must show additional financial means for each.
Tax Implications: Once you become tax resident (≥183 days/year), you’ll be taxed on worldwide income under ordinary rates. No special expat/digital nomad tax regime.
Health Insurance: Must have private health insurance valid in Spain for the full period, no work related coverage implied.
Residency / Citizenship Path: Counts toward residence periods. After 5 years legal and continuous stay generally eligible for long-term/permanent residence; for certain nationals citizenship thresholds may vary.
Other Considerations / Restrictions: Because no work is allowed, all income must be “passive” or from abroad. If discovered working, visa can be revoked. Also proving that income is enough and stable is crucial.
Application: Must be applied for at the Spanish consulate in your country of origin.
Procesing time: Can take up to 3 months.
After arrival in Spain: Must get a residence card (TIE) within 30 days.
Conditions & requirements
The following family members may also obtain the visa:
- The spouse or unmarried partner.
- Dependent children and dependent relatives in the ascending line who form part of the family unit.
Requirements
Financial Means: Proof of sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependents without working.
The minimum required amount is equivalent to 400% of Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). Plus 100% of the IPREM for each family member in the applicant’s care.
For 2024 that amounts to 28,800 EUR. See IPREM below.
Health Insurance: Comprehensive private health insurance with full coverage in Spain.
No Criminal Record: A certificate from the relevant authorities in your home country confirming you have no criminal record for the past five years.
No Entry Ban: You must not be subject to an entry ban in Spain or any other Schengen countries.
Medical Certificate: A health certificate stating that you do not suffer from any diseases that could pose a threat to public health.
Documents
National visa application form. Each applicant must complete and sign a visa application, filling in each of its sections.
Non-working residence visa application form. Each applicant must complete and sign a copy of the EX-01 form, filling in each of its sections.
Passport: Valid for at least one year and with at least two blank pages.
Passport-Sized Photos: Typically two recent color photos with a white background.
Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, investment certificates, or pension documents showing sufficient funds.
Health Insurance: Policy documents and proof of payment.
Criminal Record Certificate: Issued within the last three months.
Medical Certificate: Recent certificate from a licensed physician.
Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of where you will live in Spain, such as a rental agreement or property deed.
Proof of Residency in Home Country: Documentation such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Cover Letter: Explaining your reasons for moving to Spain and your plans while residing there.
Here’s a table summarizing the main differences between the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) and the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) in Spain, based on up-to-date sources.
Do You Meet IPREM Requirements?
IPREM Income Indicator
The Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM) is an index as a reference for granting aid, subsidies, or unemployment benefits.
To calculate the required financial means for a Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) in Spain, you need to consider the IPREM (Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator) for 2024 and apply the required percentages.
For a Family of 2 (Primary Applicant + 1 Dependent):
- Primary Applicant: 28,800 EUR
- Dependent: 7,200 EUR
- Total Required Amount: 28,800 EUR + 7,200 EUR = 36,000 EUR
IPREM Figures
Daily IPREM: €20
Monthly IPREM: €600
Annual IPREM (12 payments): €7,200
Annual IPREM (14 payments): €8,400
- Primary Applicant: 400% of IPREM
- Each Additional Family Member: 100% of IPREM
NLV Financial Means Calculator
Procedure in Your Nearest Consulate for NLV
The Consular Office will provide the applicant with proof of receipt of the application with a code that enables them to check the status of the dossier through the following link: Su trámite consular.
The Consular Office will also provide a copy of the application form (form EX-01) and, where applicable, of the receipt of payment of the fee (form 790-52).
https://www.exteriores.gob.es/en/EmbajadasConsulados/Paginas/index.aspx
Decision period: The legal period for reaching a decision is of 3 months from the day after the application submission date. But this period can be longer if an interview or additional documents are requested.
Appeals: If a residence permit or visa is refused, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consular Office within 1 month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal is received. An application for judicial review may also be filed with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within the 2-month period beginning the day after the date on which the applicant receives notification of the refusal of the visa or residence permit or of the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal.
Validity period of the visa: The visa will be valid for 90 days. Once in Spain, a Foreigner Identity Card must be applied for within a period of 1 month from the applicant’s entry into Spain, at the Foreign Nationals’ Office or the corresponding Police Station.
For updates
Here you’ll find the link to the Non-working (Non-lucrative) VIsa at he Foreign Office, Consular Services