The non-lucrative residence visa is an excellent option for those who want to living in Spain without having to work. This visa is designed for people who have sufficient financial means to support themselves and enjoy an extended stay in one of the most attractive destinations in Europe.
If you are looking for quality of life In a place with a pleasant climate, rich culture and excellent health system, this visa may be perfect for you. Below, we explain the requirements and advantages of this visa.
What is a non-lucrative residency visa?
The non-lucrative visa is a permit that allows you to reside in Spain for an initial period of one yearwithout the need to work or carry out economic activities in the country. It is intended for people with sufficient income or savings to cover their expenses without having to work.
This visa is ideal for:
- Retirees who wish to enjoy their retirement in Spain.
- Individuals with passive income, such as annuities, pensions, or investments.
- Those who wish to spend time in Spain to enjoy their lifestyle or explore the country.
How much money is needed for the non-lucrative residency?
The minimum income amount for 2026 is 2,800 per month for the applicant and 700 for each member of the family group. Therefore, a family of four must demonstrate monthly income of €4,900. Or have €58,800 saved, since the visa is for one year.
If you are wondering what financial proof can I show for the Spanish non-lucrative visa, read on because we explain it in the requirements.
It is important to be clear that this visa not suitable for remote workers, who want to live in Spain and work abroad. It is only for those who can live on income or savings, without performing any work or professional activity. Remote workers must apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, as explained in this post of our blog.
Advantages offered
This visa offers multiple benefits for those who wish to settle in Spain. These are some of them:
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Access to a high quality of life: Spain is recognized for its excellent quality of life: good climate, safety, exceptional cuisine and an efficient transportation system.
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Use of the health system: Although private health insurance is mandatory, when you have been residing in Spain for more than a year you can subscribe to the Convenio Especial de la Seguridad Social, a program that allows you to access the public health system by paying an affordable monthly fee. This agreement covers most health services, although it does not include some subsidized medicines.
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Obtaining Spanish citizenship: The visa is granted for one year, and then you renew it., as long as you continue to meet the requirements. If you are a Latin American country, after two years of residence in Spain you can apply for Spanish citizenship. Otherwise, you can apply after 10 years.
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To obtain permanent residency: You will be able to renew your residency permit until you are eligible for permanent residency after 5 years.
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Inclusion of family members: You can include your spouse and minor children in your application. You can also include adult children and parents who are financially dependent on you.
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Travel in Europe: With this visa you can travel freely throughout the countries of the Schengen Area.This allows you to explore a large part of Europe.
Non-lucrative visa requirements
A question that we regularly receive in our office: How to obtain a non-lucrative visa in Spain? We explain you, point by point, the requirements:
1) Financial solvency
- You must demonstrate that you have sufficient income to support yourself during your stay in Spain.
- The minimum income requirement is 2,800 per month approximately for the principal applicant.
- If you are traveling with family members, you will need to add some 700 per month for each additional dependent person. A family of 4 will need €58,800 per year.
- You can demonstrate solvency to obtain non-lucrative residency through:
- Bank statements showing sufficient savings.
- Proof of regular income (pensions, property rents, etc.).
- Investment certificates or other liquid assets.
2) Private health insurance
- It is mandatory to hire a private medical insurance with an insurer operating in Spain. This insurance must offer full coverage, with no co-payments, and meet the standards of the Spanish healthcare system.
3) Medical and criminal certificates
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- You will need a medical certificate indicating that you do not suffer from diseases that may represent a risk to public health according to international standards.
- It is also necessary to present a criminal record certificate that you have a clean record in the countries where you have resided in the last five years.
4) Residence in Spain
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- You must prove that you have a place to live in Spain. It can be:
- A lease agreement.
- Home ownership deeds.
- A letter of invitation from someone who will host you.
- You must prove that you have a place to live in Spain. It can be:
5) Nationality
This visa is not granted to citizens of the European Union.
6) Valid passport and photographs
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- A valid passport with at least one year of validity.
- Recent photographs passport size (according to consulate specifications).
7) Application and fees
Complete the necessary forms for the visa and pay the corresponding fees (the cost may vary according to the consulate). You will have to present the corresponding documentation at the Spanish consulate in your country, in the one corresponding to your city. In fact, another requirement is to prove your residence in the consular demarcation.
Once in Spain, You may not be absent from the country for more than 183 days per year.
Taxes and the non-lucrative residency visa
Residents in Spain with this visa are considered tax residents, with the same tax regime as the rest of the taxpayers. Therefore, even if they do not work will pay taxes in Spain for all income earned in other countries. International double taxation treaties, if any, will be applied. In this way, the same tax will not be paid twice.
They must also file an annual income tax return, and declare foreign assets in excess of €50,000.
If you have further questions on how to minimize the tax impact, please do not hesitate to contact us. We specialize in taxation and asset relocation.
Application process and useful tips
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Plan ahead: It is advisable to start the process as soon as possible. at least three months before your trip to Spain.
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Check with the consulate: Each Spanish consulate may have slightly different requirements, so check the specific instructions for your country.
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Response time: The consulate will respond within 3 months.The application deadline is the day following the date of submission of the application. This deadline may be extended when additional documents or an interview is requested.
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Withdraw the visa: Once you have been approved, you have up to one month to pick up the visa at the consulate.
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Validity of the visa: The visa will be valid for 90 days. Once in Spain, you must apply for an "Tarjeta de Identidad Extranjero" (TIE) within one month of entry into Spain.
We are a a law firm in Barcelona, specializing in services for foreigners. We offer appointments for 45 and 60 minutes, with fees of €115 and €150 respectively. If you contract our complete visa assistance and management service, this fee will be deducted from the total price. You can contact us by email or Whatsapp.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) / Non-lucrative residency visa
- What does “non-lucrative residency” mean?
The non-lucrative residence visa allows you to live in Spain without engaging in professional, work, or entrepreneurial activities. It is not a work permit. - What are the financial requirements?
You must demonstrate sufficient financial means to live in Spain without working. According to consular regulations, a minimum of €33,600 per year is required., plus an additional €8,400 for each family member applying for the visa. - What type of health insurance do I need?
It is mandatory to have private health insurance with full coverage and no co-payments, valid in Spain for the entire duration of the residency. - Can I work with this visa?
No. Immigration authorities indicate that a non-lucrative visa does not allow for profit-making activities or remote work for a company. - Can I include my family in the application?
Yes. The visa allows you to include your spouse, domestic partner, and dependent children or ascendants who are part of the family unit. - What documents do I need to submit for the application?
Among other documents, the following are required: form EX-01, valid passport, criminal record certificate, health insurance, and demonstrable financial means. - How long does the visa last and how is it renewed?
Initial residency is granted for one year. It can then be renewed for two-year periods. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency. If you are a citizen of a Latin American country, you can apply for Spanish citizenship after two years of residency. - How long can I be outside of Spain without losing my residency?
You may not be absent from the country for more than 183 days a year.
