Non-Lucrative Visa Spain
Reside in Spain without working.
The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) allows individuals with sufficient financial means — passive income, savings, pensions or dividends — to legally reside in Spain without engaging in employment or business activity.
WHO THIS IS FOR
Ideal Profile
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is a residency permit for non-EU nationals who want to live in Spain without working. It is the most accessible route for retirees, people living on passive income, savings, or pensions. There is no job offer required, no business plan, and no minimum capital investment — only proof of sufficient passive income: approximately €2,400/month (€28,800/year) for a single applicant in 2026.
THE PROCESS
Step by Step
1. Financial Assessment — We verify that your income or savings meet the minimum thresholds required by Spanish immigration authorities.
2. Document Checklist — Bank statements, proof of income, health insurance without repatriation clause, criminal background certificate (apostilled and translated) and more.
3. Application to Consulate — NLV applications are submitted at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence. We prepare the full file.
4. Appointment & Submission — We guide you through the consulate appointment process and review every document before submission.
5. Arrival & TIE — Once in Spain within the visa validity period, we coordinate your biometric appointment and TIE collection.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Your Service Package
- Financial eligibility assessment
- Full personalised document checklist
- Preparation of all application forms
- Guidance on apostille, translation and notarisation
- Consulate appointment preparation
- Arrival and TIE guidance
- Empadronamiento (local registration) advisory
- Unlimited email support
TIMELINE
Phase | Timeline |
Document preparation | 4–8 weeks (apostilles, translations, health insurance). |
Consulate processing | 3–5 months from application to visa issuance. |
Initial residency validity | 1 year. Renewable for 2-year periods. |
PRICING
Custom quote after financial eligibility assessment. Book your free call to confirm your profile.
No. The NLV does not authorize any form of work — neither employed nor self-employed. This includes remote work for foreign companies. If you need to work or freelance while in Spain, apply for the Digital Nomad Visa (foreign remote work) or the Entrepreneur Visa (launching a business in Spain).
f you spend more than 183 days in Spain in a calendar year, you become a Spanish tax resident and must declare worldwide income via IRPF. Spain has Double Taxation Agreements with the US, UK, Canada, and most EU countries to avoid being taxed twice. A tax advisor familiar with Spanish expat taxation is strongly recommended.
For 2026, a single applicant needs approximately €28,800/year (€2,400/month). For each dependent family member, the requirement increases by approximately €6,778/year. These amounts are tied to Spain’s IPREM indicator and may change annually. Bank statements from the last 3–6 months are the standard way to prove income.
Yes. The initial visa is valid for 1 year; upon arrival in Spain you obtain a 1-year TIE residence card. This is renewable for 2-year periods from within Spain. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for long-term residency. After 10 years, Spanish citizenship is possible.
The key difference is whether you work. The NLV is for people who do not work at all – retirees and passive income holders. The Digital Nomad Visa allows you to work remotely for foreign companies or clients. If you have passive income but also do some freelance work, the Digital Nomad Visa is the correct route.
Ready to start your process?
Book a free 30-minute consultation to assess your profile and define the right pathway for your move to Spain.