How to get a non-lucrative visa for Spain

Moving to Spain is a dream for many, but not everyone wants or needs to work once they arrive in the country. The non-lucrative visa for Spain is designed exactly for those people: retirees, people with passive income and anyone who can financially support themselves without taking a job in Spain.

It’s a popular choice for those seeking a slower pace of life, a Mediterranean climate and the cultural richness of Spain without the pressure of local employment. But while the process is relatively straightforward, it comes with some specific requirements that you’ll need to prepare for in advance.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know, from checking if you qualify to settling into your new Spanish home.

This step-by-step guide covers:

• Who the non-lucrative visa is for
• How long the visa is valid and what renewals involve
• How to apply and where to submit your paperwork
• The documents you’ll need, including financial proof and medical certificates
• Processing times, fees and common mistakes to avoid
• What to do once you arrive in Spain

Who is the non-lucrative visa for?

The non-lucrative visa is aimed at non-EU/EEA citizens who want to live in Spain without engaging in any work or business activity in the country. You can still manage investments, rental properties or work remotely for non-Spanish clients, but you cannot take a job with a Spanish company or register as a self-employed worker in Spain.

Typical applicants include:

• Retirees who have pensions or significant savings
• People with passive income such as dividends, royalties or property rental income
• Individuals taking a career break who want to experience life in Spain
• Remote workers with foreign clients (though for long-term remote work, Spain’s digital nomad visa might be a better fit)

Financial requirements

The Spanish government wants to ensure you can live in the country without needing state assistance. The minimum income threshold is linked to the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples).

As of 2025, you’ll need to show:

• At least 400% of the IPREM per year for the main applicant (about €28,800 annually, or €2,400 per month)
• An additional 100% of the IPREM per year for each dependent (about €7,200 annually, or €600 per month per dependent)

Proof of your financial situation can include:

• Bank statements showing savings
• Pension statements
• Proof of dividends or rental income
• Investment account summaries

If your personal savings are substantial, you might qualify even without a regular monthly income. For that to be the case, you would need to have enough money in the bank or in accessible investments to cover the entire minimum financial requirement for the visa for at least twelve months: so €28,800 per year for the main applicant and €7,200 per year for each dependent.

How long is the non-lucrative visa valid for?

The first non-lucrative visa is valid for one year. Once that year is up, you can apply to renew for an additional two years and then for another two years after that.

After five years of continuous residence, you may be eligible for long-term residency, which brings additional benefits such as reduced paperwork and more flexible work rights.

How to apply for the non-lucrative visa

You must apply from your country of residence; applications from within Spain are not accepted. The process generally follows these steps:

1. Book an appointment at the nearest Spanish consulate or embassy
2. Gather your documents, making sure they’re translated into Spanish by a sworn translator and apostilled or legalised if necessary
3. Attend your appointment in person, where you’ll submit your documents and pay the visa fee
4. Wait for a decision, which can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on your consulate

Some consulates may interview you about your reasons for moving to Spain, your financial situation and your plans while living there, so do also be prepared for that.

Required documents

Exact requirements will vary slightly by each consulate, but you will generally need:

• Completed visa application form
• A valid passport with at least one year remaining before expiry
• Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements, pension letters or investment statements)
• Proof of accommodation in Spain (rental contract, property deed or letter from a host)
• Health insurance that covers you in Spain with no co-payments or waiting periods (here’s a post on everything you need to know about Spanish health insurance)
• Medical certificate confirming you are free from diseases of public health concern
• A criminal background check from your home country (and any country where you have lived in the last five years)
• Two recent passport-sized photos (note that Spanish passport photos must be 30mm x 40mm, a different size than typically required by other EU countries)

Any document not in Spanish must be officially translated, and most require an apostille or legalisation.

Processing times, fees and common mistakes to avoid

Spanish visa processing times typically range between 1 and 3 months, but it’s wise to apply at least 3-4 months before your intended move to allow for any delays.

Visa fees vary depending on your nationality, but are usually between €60 and €150.

Many applicants make mistakes that can slow down or even derail their non-lucrative visa application. One common issue is underestimating the financial proof required. While the law sets a minimum income threshold, some consulates expect applicants to show a higher or more stable income, particularly if their earnings vary from month to month.

Another common mistake that people make is submitting the wrong type of health insurance. Spanish authorities require private coverage with no co-payments and full protection, so standard travel insurance will not be accepted. Timing can also trip people up: appointment slots at consulates may be booked months ahead, and background checks often take weeks to process, so last-minute applications are risky.

Incomplete translations or missing apostilles on official documents are also a major reason for delays and rejections, so it really is essential to prepare these details carefully.

After you arrive in Spain

Once you land in Spain with your visa, you have several important steps to complete:

1. Register your address (empadronamiento) at your local town hall. This is essential for most official paperwork
2. Apply for your residence card (TIE) at the immigration office or police station within 30 days of arrival. You’ll need your empadronamiento certificate, passport, visa and proof of health insurance
3. Maintain your financial and insurance requirements for future renewals. These will be checked every time you extend your visa.

The non-lucrative visa is one of the most straightforward ways to live in Spain long-term if you can support yourself financially. The key to success is preparation: start early, gather every required document and double-check the specific requirements of your local consulate.

With the right planning and a bit of patience, you can enjoy Spain’s plazas, tapas bars and Mediterranean sunshine without worrying about your legal status.