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Non-Lucrative Visa Spain >> Easy 2023 Guide

Published February 28, 2023 | Last Updated April 10, 2023
Written by Alastair Johnson | Reviewed by: Raquel Moreno (LLB)

What is the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa?

The Spanish non-lucrative Visa is a long-term residency option for non-EU citizens who don’t plan to work in Spain.

The information in this article was verified by our Spanish immigration lawyer partner in January 2023. Book a 30-minute consultation to get all of your specific questions answered.

YouTube video
Our easy video guide to the Spain Non-Lucrative visa with 2023 financial requirements & updated application process.
Table Of Contents
  1. What is the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa?
  2. The Non-Lucrative Visa is ideal if you are:
  3. How long is the non-lucrative visa valid?
  4. 2023 financial requirements for the Spain non-lucrative visa
  5. Acceptable income for your application
  6. Other Requirements
  7. Non-Lucrative Visa Spain Residency Requirement
  8. How to apply for your Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa
  9. Spain Digital Nomad Visa vs. Non-Lucrative Visa Spain
  10. Next steps
  11. Non-lucrative visa Spain FAQ from Where Can I Live

The Non-Lucrative Visa is ideal if you are:

  1. Retiring in Spain with a pension.
  2. Able to pay for your life in Spain without working.

How long is the non-lucrative visa valid?

The initial visa is valid for one year. You can apply for two additional two-year renewals, so a total of five years.

Note: After five years, you can apply for Spanish permanent residency (which allows you to work in Spain).

2023 financial requirements for the Spain non-lucrative visa

You must show sufficient worldwide income without income from working.

  • Primary Applicant > €28,800 annual income (4 x IPREM)
  • Each Dependent > €7,200 annual income (1 x IPREM)

Note: The Spanish government uses a figure called IPREM to determine this requirement. The 2023 annual IPREM is €7,200 or €600 per month.

This table shows the minimum 2023 financial requirements for an application using the 2023 IPREM.

Who is applying 2023
Single Applicant €28,800
Applicant + 1 dependent €36,000
Applicant + 2 dependents €43,200
Applicant + 3 dependents €50,400
2023 Financial requirements for a NLV application

Acceptable income for your application

The Spanish Immigration Department accepts passive income for the application. Passive income is from sources other than work. Common examples are:

  • Pensions
  • Annuities
  • Investment income, including dividends or rental income
  • Royalties

Note: If you need to work after moving to Spain, you can change your immigration status. However, you must wait at least 12 months. So, you could apply for a Work Permit or Digital Nomad Visa after one year in Spain.

Can you use savings if you don’t have income?

Our Spanish immigration Laywr partner advises yes, you can. However, you should have double the standard income requirement, so at least €60,000 in an account in your name. The bank account does not have to be Spanish, but this is preferable.


Need help with your Spanish non-lucrative visa?

Don’t waste time searching for an immigration lawyer you can trust >> we have done the research and vetting for you. 

Raquel and her team have represented many of our NLV clients and have 5-star reviews for their service.

Book a 30-minute consultation with them to see how they can make the application process easy for you too.


Other Requirements

  • A medical to show you don’t have serious infectious diseases.
  • A police record that shows no disqualifying convictions.
  • Qualifying for Spanish Private Health Insurance.

Get three qualifying Spain health insurance quotes from one easy form

You’ll need the right health insurance for your non-lucrative visa application.

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Click here to fill in one form and get three quotes from our recommended insurers.


Non-Lucrative Visa Spain Residency Requirement

You must live in Spain for at least 183 days a year or just over six months. This time in Spain can make you a Spanish tax resident.

How to apply for your Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa

We recommend using a Spanish Immigration Lawyer to ensure your application is approved. The application and documentation requirements are very specific, and rejections are common.

Important: You cannot apply in Spain. You must submit your application to the nearest Spanish consulate in your country of origin.

Documentation required for your application:

  • Proof of income or savings.
  • Health insurance policy certificate.
  • Medical certificate and police clearance certificate.
  • Valid passport/s and certified copies of each page.
  • Visa fees (€80 – €500)
  • Two copies of the completed visa application form
  • Tasas Extranjeria – Modelo impreso 790
  • EX-01 – Formulario

Sample form F01 used for your non-lucrative visa Spain application.
Form 01 used for your Spain non-lucrative visa application

How long will the application take?

The Spanish consulate will process your application in 2 – 3 months. There is a second step to the application process. When you move to Spain, you must apply for your residence permit and TIE (residence card).

Can you include family members on your application?

Yes, you can include family members in your non-lucrative visa application. Direct family members are eligible as long as you meet the income requirement. This option means you don’t have to make a separate family reunification application.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa vs. Non-Lucrative Visa Spain

The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is an excellent option for non-EU citizens to work in Spain.

There are two significant differences between these two residency options.

  1. The Digital Nomad Visa allows professional activity for non-Spanish employers or clients.
  2. You can apply for a Digital Nomad visa while you are in Spain.

See more in our guide to Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa.

The blossoms in Spring in our town in Spain
The blossoms in Spring in our hometown in Spain

Next steps

Are you ready to get started on your Spanish adventure? Find out if you qualify and how to apply in a 30-minute call with our Spanish immigration law partner. They’ve helped hundreds of people worldwide secure their non-lucrative Spanish residency visa.

If you would like help from our trusted Spain Immigration lawyers, please click here to book a consultation.

Non-lucrative visa Spain FAQ from Where Can I Live

What is non-lucrative residency in Spain?

The non-lucrative residency gives non-EU citizens with suitable financial means the right to live in Spain for more than 6 months. Working is restricted while a non-lucrative legal resident in Spain – you cannot earn money professionally.

Who can apply for a Spain non-lucrative visa?

You can obtain a non-lucrative visa as a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen as long as you meet the visa requirements and have the financial means to support yourself.

Can UK citizens apply for a non-lucrative visa after BREXIT?

Yes, the non-lucrative visa is the most popular option for UK citizens moving to Spain after BREXIT.

What are your fees for a non-lucrative visa for Spain?

Each application is different, so we can’t give you an exact figure before meeting with one of our lawyers. We’ve done a comprehensive assessment of the market; our Spanish Immigration Lawyer partner offers exceptional value and quality of work.

What fees do the embassy/consulate charge?

The application fee for Spain’s non-lucrative visa varies depending on the country of origin, the consulate/embassy, and the document requirements. A rough budget is £500 in the UK, CAD$500 in Canada, and USD$150 – $200 in the USA.

Do I get a refund if my NLV application is rejected?

No, there is no refund of application fees from the Spanish Immigration Service. For this reason, we strongly recommend using a quality NLV Spanish Immigration Lawyer.

Where do I submit my Spanish non-lucrative visa application?

You must use the nearest consulate or embassy to your current place of residence. Here are some popular options -> UK: London, Manchester, or Edinburg ->USA: Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco, or Washington DC.

Can I submit my non-lucrative visa application in Spain?

No, you must apply in your home country of origin at the nearest Spanish consulate or Spanish embassy.

When should I start to gather the required documents for my non-lucrative residency permit application?

Most documentation must be less than three months old; you’ll need to ensure you have everything still valid at the time of your appointment.

How long does it take to get a non-lucrative visa appointment at the consulate/embassy?

The wait time differs by the consulate and can change over time. Please speak to your Spanish Immigration Lawyer for the best time to book your appointment to ensure you have all your documentation without any documentation older than three months.

How long will it take to process my Spain non-lucrative visa application?

The time to process your non-lucrative visa and residency permit application depends on the consulate, but assume a minimum of 1 month and a maximum of 3 months for application approval. If you submit an incomplete application or there are issues with documentation, this can take considerably longer.

Can my proof of funds for my non-lucrative visa be held in a Spanish bank account?

Yes, The consulate will accept funds in a Spanish bank or in a bank account in your home country for your non-lucrative visa application.

Is a DBS for OK for the non-lucrative visa police and criminal record check?

No, an ACRO is required.

Is there an expiry for the required documents included in my non-lucrative residency visa application?

Yes, most documentation must be less than three months old.

Do I need an address in Spain when I apply for a non-lucrative visa for Spain?

All consulates are different; however, a lack of address may result in rejection, so we recommend discussing this with your Spain Immigraiton Lawyer.

Is a letter from my GP OK for the non-lucrative application medical certificate?

Yes, if it uses the required text and format. Our preferred Spanish Private Health Insurance partner also offers a service for a Spanish doctor to issue the health certificate without the need for translations or certifications.

What are the health insurance requirements for my non-lucrative visa Spain application?

You must have comprehensive cover with no excess and have paid for a year of cover. An approved health insurance company authorized by the government must issue the policy. See here for our recommended Spanish Private Health Insurance options for the NLV.

What documents do the secondary applicants / additional dependents need for a Spanish non-lucrative visa application?

You’ll need the same documentation for each person included in the application.

Can you reapply if your non-lucrative visa application is rejected?

Yes, but you’ll need to pay the application fee again. A good quality Spanish Immigration lawyer will not charge you for updating and resubmitting a rejected application.

Where do I collect my non-lucrative visa?

You’ll collect your passport with the non-lucrative visa from the embassy/consulate where you submitted the application.

What is the IPREM that the Spanish Immigration Service uses for the non-lucrative visa financial requirement?

The Spanish government uses IPREM as a base figure for many government calculations related to cost-of-living. The government reviews the IPREM annually, and the IPREM for 2023 is €600 per month.

How much money do you need for a non-lucrative visa in Spain in 2023?

In 2023, the primary applicant must show €28,800 per year (400% x IPREM) to qualify for Spain’s non-lucrative visa.

What is the non-lucrative visa financial requirement in 2023 for additional dependents included in your application?

In 2023, you’ll need €7,200 (100% x IPREM) for each dependent included on your non-lucrative visa Spain application.

Can I reduce the non-lucrative visa financial requirements if I own property in Spain?

No, properties do not influence the financial requirements. However, rental income from property in Spain can be included.

Can I get a non-lucrative visa if I buy a house in Spain?

Yes, there is no restriction on buying property in Spain.

Once Spanish immigration issues my non-lucrative visa, what do I do next?

After you collect your non-lucrative visa, you have three months to move to Spain. You have one month after arriving in Spain to register your residency and receive your residence permit (for your NIE and TIE).

How long is my Spanish non-lucrative visa valid for?

The initial Spanish non-lucrative visa is valid for one year.

Can I renew my non-lucrative visa in Spain?

Yes, you can renew your non-lucrative visa in Spain for two additional two-year periods, making six years in total.

Can I apply for Spanish permanent residency after living in Spain on a non-lucrative visa?

Yes, the non-lucrative visa in Spain is accepted for Spanish PR and is a pathway to Spanish citizenship.

Can I transfer to different immigration permission from the non-lucrative visa in Spain?

Yes, after one you can transfer to a different program, including one of Spain’s ten Work permits.

Is the Spanish non-lucrative visa good for retirees?

Yes, the non-lucrative visa is the Spain retirement visa and is perfect if you want to retire in Spain.

Do you have to pay taxes in Spain with a non-lucrative visa?

There is a requirement to live in Spain for a minimum of 183 days per year, making you a resident in Spain for taxation. Our expert Spanish tax lawyer can advise you on managing this effectively.

Can I work in Spain on a non-lucrative visa?

No, the visa conditions forbid working in Spain either as an employee of a Spanish company or as a self-employed person (autonomo).

Can I do remote work for a foreign company?

Our immigration law partner has seen application rejections that include remote work but not in all consulates/embassies. For this reason, we advise excluding any remote work from your non-lucrative visa Spain application. The Spanish Digital Nomad Visa is a better option for remote workers.

Is Spain accepting non-lucrative visa applications?

Yes, all Spanish consular visa services are currently accepting applications.

About Alastair Johnson

Alastair has lived in South Africa, the United Kingdom, Australia and Spain. He's travelled and worked in more than 50 countries so far. He's an owner and founder of Where Can I Live, a company created to help you share in the joy and opportunity of living abroad.

If he's not researching the latest visa, immigration, and residency opportunities he's either hiking or scuba diving.

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