What Is the Non-Lucrative Visa?
The non-lucrative visa (visado de residencia no lucrativa) is designed for people who want to live in Spain without working. It is ideal for retirees, early retirees, and financially independent individuals who can support themselves from savings, pensions, or passive income. You are not allowed to work for a Spanish employer or be self-employed while holding this visa.
Financial Requirements
You must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself and any dependents for the duration of the visa. The minimum threshold is based on the IPREM (Indicador Publico de Renta de Efectos Multiples):
- Main applicant: approximately €2,400 per month (400% of IPREM)
- Each additional family member: approximately €600 per month (100% of IPREM)
- You need to show 12 months of funds, so roughly €28,800 for a single applicant
These thresholds are updated annually. Acceptable sources include pension income, investment returns, rental income from property abroad, and substantial savings.
Required Documents
- Completed visa application form (national visa type)
- Valid passport with at least one year remaining
- Criminal record certificate from your home country (apostilled and translated)
- Medical certificate confirming no serious communicable diseases
- Proof of private health insurance with full coverage in Spain, no co-pays
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, pension letters, investment portfolios)
- Proof of accommodation in Spain (rental contract, property deed, or hotel booking)
Application Process
Submit your application at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence. The consulate has 30 days to process, though in practice it often takes longer. If approved, you receive a visa valid for 90 days to enter Spain. Within 30 days of arrival, you must apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at the local immigration office.
The initial residence permit is valid for one year. You can renew it for two-year periods, provided you continue to meet the financial requirements and have not worked in Spain.
Costs
- Visa application fee: approximately €80
- TIE card fee: approximately €16
- Private health insurance: €80-200 per month depending on age and coverage
- Document translations and apostilles: €200-500
Use our free calculator to estimate your total costs for relocating to Spain on a non-lucrative visa.
Important Rules
You must spend at least six months per year in Spain. Extended absences can jeopardize your renewal. You cannot work in Spain, but you can manage investments or receive income from work performed outside Spain in some interpretations. Consult a specialist lawyer for your specific situation.
Path to Permanent Residency
After five years of continuous legal residency, you can apply for permanent residence (residencia de larga duracion). This removes the work restriction and gives you indefinite right to stay. After ten years, citizenship becomes an option, though dual nationality restrictions apply for Dutch citizens.