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

The NLV lets non-EU citizens live in Spain without working. It’s popular with retirees and people living from savings or passive income. The visa is valid for 1 year, then renewable for 2 years at a time, leading to permanent residency after 5 years.

You're eligible for the NLV if you are:

• Nationality: non-EEA (EU countries, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway), or Swiss national

• Clean Record: Have no criminal record in the past 5 years

• Financial and Health Requirement:

  • Have sufficient financial means to support yourself (and family, if applicable)
  • Covered by private health insurance in Spain

• Other Conditions:

  • Not living illegally in Spain
  • Not planning to work in Spain
  • Not subject to a re-entry ban or part of a voluntary return commitment

Minimum Income (2025)

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)

How to Prove Funds

• 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 live in Spain more than 183 days per year, you are 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-tax treaties may reduce double payments..

Application Forms:

• Completed Non-Lucrative residence visa application form EX-01↗ (in duplicate)
• Visa Application Form↗

Personal Documents

• Passport valid for at least 1 year
• Criminal record certificate (issued in the last 90 days)
• Medical certificate
• Passport-sized photos (usually 2)

Financial & Insurance Documents

• Proof of financial means (bank certificates, investment docs, etc.)
• Private health insurance valid in Spain

Consular Requirement

• 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 early.

Step 1: Apply at Consulate

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).

Step 2: Pay the Fees:

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").

Step 3: Attend Appointment

Attend the visa appointment in person (or via a legal guardian) and submit your biometric data (fingerprints and photo).

Step 4: Wait for Decision

The decision can take up to 3 months.

Step 5: Collect Visa

Once 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.

Apply for Your TIE

• 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)

What to Bring

• 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

Who Can Join

Yes, your spouse and dependent children can apply as dependents.

Requirements:

• 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.

Education

Available from age 3 (infantil) to secondary school (registration is based on your address).

Healthcare

Accessible through Spain’s universal system.

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 applicants as the primary coverage.

When You Can Apply

NLV holders can apply for permanent residency after 5 years.

Conditions

Continuous 5 years in Spain, no absences over 6 months per year (or 10 months total in 5 years), clean criminal record, valid renewals.

Work Restrictions

You cannot work or freelance in Spain (including remote work based in Spain) or operate commercially

Residency Obligation

You must reside in Spain at least 183 days per year

Card Renewal

You must renew your TIE card as required