Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa: Complete Guide and How to Apply

The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is a Spanish residence visa that allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain without working. It’s ideal for retirees, digital nomads with passive income, or anyone looking to enjoy life in Spain while being financially self-sufficient. The visa is initially valid for 1 year, renewable for 2 years, and can lead to permanent residency after 5 years.

You're eligible for the NLV if you:

• Are a non-EEA (EU countries, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), or Swiss national
• Are not already living illegally in Spain
• Have no criminal record (provide a recent background check) in Spain or anywhere you've lived in the past 5 years
• Have sufficient financial means to support yourself (and family, if applicable)
• Hold valid private health insurance in Spain
• Do not plan to work or freelance in Spain
• Are not subject to a re-entry ban or part of a voluntary return commitment

You must show stable income or savings to support your stay:

• €2,400/month or €28,800/year for the main applicant (400 % of IPREM)
• +€600/month or €7,200/year for each family member (100 % of IPREM)

You can prove this via:

• Recent bank statements, savings balances, or tax returns demonstrating consistent income
• Ownership of assets (e.g., real estate)
• Income from pensions, dividends, or rentals

If you stay in Spain more than 183 days per year, you are considered a tax resident. That means:

• You must declare your worldwide income to Spanish tax authorities and file an annual tax return (declaración de la renta).
• Income from abroad (pensions, dividends, rental income, etc.) must be reported annually.
• Double-taxation agreements may help avoid paying taxes twice. Check if your country has an agreement with Spain.

Here's what you’ll need:

• Completed Non-Lucrative residence visa application form EX-01↗ (in duplicate)
• Visa Application Form↗
• Passport valid for at least 1 year
• Criminal record certificate (issued in the last 90 days)
• Medical certificate
• Proof of financial means (bank certificates, investment docs, etc.)
• Private health insurance valid in Spain
• Passport-sized photos (usually 2)
• Proof of residence in the consular district.

Use this step‑by‑step countdown to make sure no document or fee slips through the cracks:

✅ Pro‑tip: Set calendar reminders 60 days before your visa’s one‑year mark to start the renewal paperwork early.

Here's how to apply:

1. Apply for a Non-Lucrative Visa at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence (for applicants in the United States, choose the consulate covering your state, e.g., Los Angeles, New York, Miami).
2. Pay the application costs, including the visa fee (varies by country) and the residence-authorization fee Tasa 790 052↗ (tick box 2.1 "Autorización inicial de residencia temporal").
3. Attend the visa appointment in person (or via a legal guardian) and submit your biometric data (fingerprints and photo).
4. The decision can take up to 3 months.
5. If approved, collect your visa within 1 month; the sticker in your passport carries a 90-day validity period for entry.

Once granted, you must enter Spain within that validity period and complete the steps below.

Once in Spain, you must:

• Apply for your Foreigner’s Identity Card (TIE) within 1 month of arrival; your biometric data (fingerprints) will be taken at this appointment.
• Book an appointment at your local Extranjería (immigration office)

Bring with you:

• Your passport and visa
• Filled and signed EX-17 form↗ (application for the TIE)
• 1 passport-sized photo
• Proof of payment for Tasa 790 012↗ (select "TIE que documenta la primera concesión de la autorización de residencia temporal, de estancia o para trabajadores transfronterizos", around €16)
• Empadronamiento (residency certificate or housing proof from your Local Town Hall)

The NLV is initially valid for 1 year. It can then be renewed for:

• 2 years after the first year
• Another 2 years after that

After 5 years, you may qualify for long-term or permanent residency↗.

To renew, you must show:

• Continued financial means
• Valid private health insurance
• Proof of living in Spain at least 183 days per year

Your spouse and dependent children can apply as dependents.

To include them:

• Provide proof of family relationship (marriage/birth certificates)
• Show additional income for each member (€7,200/year per dependent)
• Include them in your application at the consulate
• Provide individual documents: passport, health insurance, criminal certificate (if over 18), medical certificate.

Yes! Children of NLV holders can access public healthcare and public education in Spain.

• Public education is available from age 3 (infantil) to secondary school (registration is based on your address).
• Healthcare is also accessible through Spain’s universal system in most regions, especially for children who are registered (empadronados).

Even though NLV holders don't contribute to Social Security, Spain still provides access for minors as a right. However, private insurance is required for all visa applicants and can serve as the primary coverage.

Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is a popular option for non-EU nationals who wish to reside in Spain without engaging in local employment. While it does not grant work rights, it does set you on the path toward permanent residency and, eventually, citizenship - provided you meet certain conditions.

To apply for permanent residency (residencia de larga duración), you must:

• Accumulate 5 continuous years of legal residence in Spain under any residence permits (including NLV),
• Avoid absences exceeding six months per year (or ten months total over the five-year period),
• Be in good legal standing, with no criminal record in Spain or abroad, and -Maintain valid renewals of your NLV.

Yes. With the NLV:

• You cannot work or freelance in Spain (including remote work based in Spain) or operate commercially
• You must reside in Spain at least 183 days per year to renew
• You must renew your TIE card as required