Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 11, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

If you've been dreaming of a tranquil life under the Spanish sun, the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, or NLV, could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

Designed for non-EU citizens who wish to reside in Spain without engaging in any work or professional activity, this visa is particularly popular among retirees and individuals with substantial passive income who can support themselves without earning or working.

Spain has long been a popular destination for individuals and families in these positions, which is why over 8.6 million people retire to the country every year.

Interested? The NLV could be your ticket to a relaxing, enriching life in the sun.

 

Eligibility criteria

To secure a Non-Lucrative Visa, you must meet or exceed the criteria laid out for it, namely fulfilling the need for financial self-sufficiency and overall well-being.

This is to showcase your ability to care for and look after yourself without having to rely on the state or engage in professional activities throughout your stay.

Financial means

• Proof of sufficient funds: You must demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself and any accompanying family members during your stay in Spain. This involves providing evidence of financial resources to cover your living expenses for the initial year of your residency. The minimum required amount is 400% of Spain's Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). As of 2024, the IPREM is €600 per month, translating to a minimum requirement of €2,400 per month for the main applicant, or over €28,000 a year.
• Additional funds for family members: If you're bringing family members with you, you'll need to demonstrate additional financial means for each dependent. The requirement is an extra 100% of the IPREM for the first family member and a further 25% of the IPREM for each subsequent family member.

Health insurance

• Comprehensive coverage: You must have a valid private health insurance policy that covers all the risks typically insured by Spain's public health system. This ensures you have access to quality healthcare during your stay.

Clean criminal record

• Certificate of good conduct: You must provide a criminal record certificate from your country or country of residence for the past five years, demonstrating that you have no criminal convictions.

Medical certificate

• Proof of good health: A medical certificate is required to confirm that you do not suffer from any diseases that could pose a severe threat to public health, as defined by the 2005 International Health Regulations.

Other requirements

• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least one year beyond your intended stay in Spain and have at least two blank pages. Passports that are over ten years old will not be accepted.
• Proof of residence in the consular district: You must provide evidence of your legal residence within the jurisdiction of the Spanish Consulate where you're applying.
• Translated documents: All official documents will need to be legalised and apostilled (where required) into Spanish for this process. This can only be achieved using a list of sworn translators, which you can find here.

Meeting these criteria assures the Spanish authorities you can comfortably support yourself and your family in Spain without engaging in any employment or professional activities, allowing you to focus on enjoying your non-lucrative lifestyle.

Family members

As above, the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa extends its embrace to your loved ones, allowing you to share the experience of living in Spain with your family. The following family members can be included in your visa application:

• Spouse or unmarried partner: Your legally recognised spouse or unmarried partner can accompany you to Spain.
• Dependent children: Your children under the age of 18 are eligible. Additionally, adult children who are financially dependent on you and have not yet formed their own family unit can also be included.
• Dependent relatives in the ascending line: Dependent parents or grandparents who are part of your family unit and rely on you for financial support can also join you.

Important considerations for family members:

• Documentation: Each family member must provide the required documents, including proof of their relationship to you. In the case of adult children, evidence of financial dependence and their unmarried status is also necessary. For relatives in the ascending line, you'll need to provide documents proving their dependence on you and that they are part of your family unit.
• Financial requirements: For each family member included in your application, you must demonstrate additional financial means to support them. The requirement is an extra 100% of the IPREM for the first family member and an additional 25% of the IPREM for each subsequent family member.

Bringing your family with you on the Non-Lucrative Visa allows you to create cherished memories and build a fulfilling life together in Spain.

Documentation

As with any visa process, the documentation you provide must undergo meticulous preparation to ensure accuracy and precision. Any errors or incomplete documents can delay your application or total rejection.

This also means being honest about your intentions in the country and accurately demonstrating your eligibility.

To outline the documentation needed, we can break everything down into two sections: those required for the main applicant and those needed for accompanying family members.

Required documents for the applicant

1. National visa application form: Each applicant must complete and sign the official visa application form, ensuring all sections are filled out accurately.
2. Non-working residence visa application form (EX-01): This additional form focuses explicitly on your intention to reside in Spain without engaging in any work or professional activity.
3. Photograph: A recent, passport-size colour photograph with a light background, facing forward, and without any obstructions to the face.
4. Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least one year beyond your intended stay in Spain and have at least two blank pages. Passports issued more than ten years ago are not accepted.
5. Proof of financial means: Provide original and copy of documents demonstrating sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses in Spain for the initial year of residency. This could include bank statements, investment portfolios, pension statements, or any other proof of regular income. The minimum required amount is 400% of Spain's Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM), which translates to €2,400 per month as of 2024.
6. Health insurance: Submit the original and a copy of a certificate proving you have public or private health insurance contracted with an insurance entity authorised to operate in Spain. The insurance policy must cover all the risks typically insured by Spain's public health system.
7. Criminal record certificate: Provide the original and a copy of your criminal record certificate(s) issued by your country or country of residence for the past 5 years. This certificate cannot be older than six months unless it specifies a longer validity period.
8. Medical certificate: Submit the original and a copy of a medical certificate confirming that you do not have any diseases that could pose a serious public health risk according to the 2005 International Health Regulations.
9. Proof of residence in the consular district: You must provide evidence of your legal residence within the jurisdiction of the Spanish Consulate where you are applying.
10. Payment of fees: Pay the visa fee and the residence permit fee. To pay the residence permit fee at the Consular Office, you must complete and sign two copies of Form 790 code 052, ticking box 2.1 (initial temporary residence permit). Fees can also be paid online through form 790-052. Attach the proof of payment obtained from the webpage if paying online.
11. An NIE number: A Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) is assigned to all foreigners engaged in activities related to Spain, and therefore requires identification in the country. You must apply for an NIE before applying for your visa, or else you risk your application being rejected. You can complete the application form online here before submitting it to the Spanish Consulate.

Required documents for family members

For each family member accompanying you, the following documents are required:

• All the required documents are specified in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 above.
• Documents proving the family relationship with the applicant: This could include birth or marriage certificates or any other document proving an unmarried partnership.
• For adult children: Documents proving financial dependence, civil status, and that they continue to form part of the family unit.
• For relatives in the ascending line: Documents proving financial dependence and that they form part of the family unit.

All foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled and, where applicable, accompanied by an official translation into Spanish by a sworn translator.

Remember, gathering and preparing all these documents can be a complex and time-consuming process. Consider seeking professional assistance to ensure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted correctly.

Duration

The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa involves a two-step process with distinct validity periods:

• Initial visa: Upon approval of your application, you'll receive a national visa valid for 90 days. This visa allows you to enter Spain and initiate the process of obtaining your residence permit.
• Residence permit: Once in Spain, you must apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the nearest Foreigners' Office or Police Station within one month of your arrival. This TIE, which serves as your residence permit, is initially granted for one year.

Provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria, particularly the financial requirements and maintain your health insurance coverage, you can renew your residence permit for additional two-year periods.

After five years of continuous legal residency in Spain under the Non-Lucrative Visa, you may become eligible to apply for permanent residency, granting you the right to live in Spain indefinitely.

If you're looking to move to Spain in the long term, perhaps even for the rest of your life, then there's no doubt that the Non-Lucrative Visa offers a great pathway to making that happen.

How to apply

Applying for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa requires a systematic approach and adherence to specific procedures:

Who can apply

• You must submit the visa application in person. You can find the form here.
• If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents can submit the application on their behalf.

Procedure

1. Gather documents: Compile all the necessary documents for yourself and any accompanying family members. Ensure they are complete, legalised or apostilled (if applicable) and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator if necessary.
2. Apply for an NIE number: You must apply for an NIE before applying for your visa, or else you risk your application being rejected. This allows the Spanish government to identify individuals in Spain. Learn more about the NIE here.
3. Schedule an appointment: You'll need to book an appointment at your local embassy or Consulate to submit your application.
4. Attend your appointment: Bring all your original documents and copies to your appointment.
5. Submit your application and pay fees: Hand in your completed application forms and supporting documents. Pay the visa fee and the residence permit fee. If paying the residence permit fee at the Consular Office, complete and sign two copies of Form 790 code 052. If paying online, attach the proof of payment obtained from the webpage.
6. Receive proof of receipt: You'll receive a receipt with a code to track your application status online. The Consular Office will also provide a copy of the application form (EX-01) and, if applicable, the receipt of payment of the fee (form 790-52).
7. Await a decision: The Spanish Consulate will review your application and may request additional documents or a personal interview. The legal processing time is three months, but this can be extended if further information is required.
8. Collect your visa: If your application is approved, collect your visa in person or through your legal representative (if you are a minor) within one month of notification.
9. Apply for TIE in Spain: Once in Spain, apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the nearest Foreigners' Office or Police Station within one month of your arrival.

Important considerations

• The Consulate may request additional documents or an interview during the application process.
• Visa or residence permit refusals will be notified in writing, and you have the right to appeal.

Following these steps diligently and ensuring all requirements are met can significantly improve your chances of a successful visa application and a seamless transition to your new life in Spain.

Application costs

Applying for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa involves two primary fees: the visa fee and the residence permit fee.

Visa fee

The visa fee is €80 for most applicants.

However, citizens of Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom are subject to different fees due to reciprocity agreements. It's essential to check with the Spanish Consulate for the specific fee applicable to your nationality.

Residence permit fee

You must also pay a fee for the initial temporary residence permit. This fee can be paid at the Consular Office by completing and signing two copies of Form 790 code 052, ticking box 2.1.

You can find the complete list of Consulate feeshere.

Alternatively, you can pay online through the link provided on the form790-052 webpageand attach the proof of payment to your application.

Additional costs:

Beyond these two main fees, be prepared for potential additional expenses:

• Translation and legalisation costs: If any of your documents are not in Spanish or English, you must have them translated and legalised by a sworn translator. These services typically come with associated fees.
• Health insurance: You'll need to secure comprehensive private health insurance that meets the Spanish requirements. The cost of this insurance will depend on your chosen provider and the level of coverage you select.
• Travel expenses: Factor in potential travel and accommodation costs for attending your visa appointment and collecting your visa.
• Other costs: Depending on your situation, you might incur other expenses, such as obtaining a police clearance certificate, securing a Spanish NIE number, or seeking professional assistance with your application.

Remember to budget for these potential additional costs when planning your Non-Lucrative Visa application.

Other important things to know

Before embarking on your journey to obtain the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, familiarise yourself with these additional crucial aspects:

• No work allowed: The Non-Lucrative Visa strictly prohibits any form of work or professional activity in Spain. This includes both employed and self-employed work. The visa is for individuals who can support themselves financially without needing to earn income in Spain.
• Sworn translations and legislations: All foreign documents submitted with your application must be legalised or apostilled, depending on the issuing country. Additionally, documents not in Spanish or English must be accompanied by an official translation into Spanish by a sworn translator.
• Appeals: If your visa or residence permit application is refused, you have the right to appeal. You can apply for reconsideration to the Spanish Consulate within one month of receiving the refusal notification. Alternatively, you can file a legal appeal with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within two months.
• Minimum stay requirement: To maintain your Non-Lucrative Visa and renew your residence permit, you must spend at least 183 days per year in Spain. This ensures that you are genuinely residing in the country and not just using the visa for occasional visits.
• Potential for other visas: After one year of residing in Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa, you might become eligible to apply for other types of visas, such as a work visa or a self-employed visa, if your circumstances change and you wish to pursue employment or start a business in Spain.

Talk to a visa consultant

Understanding these additional considerations and seeking professional advice when needed can help you make informed decisions and ensure a smooth and successful experience with the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa.

But understandably, the visa application process, documentation requirements, and financial considerations can be complex.

Don't let these challenges deter you from pursuing your dream of living in Spain. Partner with an experienced immigration consultant to:

• Simplify the process: Receive expert guidance on every aspect of the application, from gathering the necessary documents to understanding the financial requirements and ensuring compliance with Spanish regulations.
• Maximise your chances of success: Benefit from personalised advice and meticulous preparation, increasing your likelihood of a successful visa outcome.
• Focus on your new life: Let professionals handle the complexities of the application, allowing you to focus on planning your move and enjoying your new life in Spain.

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