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Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain: All You Need to Know

Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain: All You Need to Know

Created05.01.2026, 13.40

Updated20.01.2026, 12.18

If you are looking for ways of living in Spain, the Non-Lucrative Visa (Spanish Passive Visa) is an amazing option. It is simple to obtain and brings numerous advantages to its holder. What’s more, the Non-Lucrative Visa can serve as a pathway to get Spanish citizenship.

Best of all, the Non-Lucrative Visa does not require any investment in government funds or real estate. This makes it an attractive alternative to the recently ended Golden Visa in Spain.

Let’s explore the benefits of this program and learn how to get a Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain.

Benefits of the Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain

Inclusion of dependent children, some relatives, and spouses/civil partners
No need to make an investment
Visa-free travel around the Schengen area
Eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship after 10 years of residency.
Living in Spain without working
Chance to avoid double taxes in Spain
Opportunity to study or do a non-paid internship in Spain
Access to health services andthe education system
Higher life quality
Peaceful ambiance, natural beauty, and warm climate

Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa Requirements

All non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens can apply for a Non-Lucrative Visa. Applicants must hold enough financial resources to live in Spain without working. So, you need to prove that your income exceeds 400% of the IPREM (Public Indicator of Multiple Effects Income). A 100% applies for any additional family member who applies.

The minimum income requirement for Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa is approximately €2,500 per month, totaling €30,000 annually. For each dependent, an additional estimated €8,000 per year is required. Alternatively, if you are relying on savings, providing proof of at least €60,000 in an account under your name is advised.

How To Apply for a Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain?

First of all, you need to collect the documents below:

Passport-size photograph
Passport (valid for at least 1 year)
Bank statement
Health insurance
Medical certificate
Criminal record
Proof of residency in any Spanish consular district

Once you have these documents ready, visit a Spanish consular office (outside of Spain) and apply for a Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain. There, you will fill in the national visa application form and the non-lucrative residence visa application form (EX-01).

For Turkish citizens, applications are submitted through a BLS International appointment.

The cost of the Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain depends on the nationality of the applicant.

Your confirmation will arrive in 1-3 months. After you receive it, you have to claim your visa and enter Spain in 90 days. Otherwise, you will lose your rights. Additionally, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within 1 month of entering Spain, at the corresponding Foreigners' Office or Police Station.

How Long is The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa Valid?

The visa itself is valid for 3 months. During this time, you need to apply for the Non-Lucrative Residence Permit, which increases your stay to 1 year. If you want to extend your stay in Spain further, you can apply for a 2-year renewal (for 2 times).

After living in the country for 5 years, you can change your Spain Non-Lucrative Visa to a permanent residency card. After spending 5 more years, you will have been a resident in Spain for 10 years. So, you will be eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship.

Can I Work in Spain with a Non-Lucrative Visa?

No. The program targets individuals with a stable income and/or savings who do not need to work. So, it doesn't bring a work permit. Therefore, the visa is most popular among retirees.

With your Non-Lucrative Visa, you won’t be able to work with a company inside or outside of Spain. Remote work with Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa is not possible either.

Yet, if you want to work, you can pursue it. For this, you need to wait until the end of your first year. Then, change your application and choose a work visa instead of a non-lucrative visa.

Can I Buy a Home in Spain with a Non-Lucrative Visa?

Of course! Just because you don’t have to buy a property to get a visa, that doesn’t mean that you cannot be a homeowner. So, you can still buy real estate in Spain, and even benefit from its rental yield and ROI.

Tips for a Successful Application for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa

Applying to the program is a simple process. The most important thing is meeting the application criteria and preparing the documentation correctly. So, a valuable tip for a successful application is to work with legal experts.

TEKCE Visa, a legal consultancy company under TEKCE Real Estate, provides comprehensive services. If you are planning to apply for Spain’s residential visa, their insights and guidance will be beneficial. What's more, if you are thinking of becoming a homeowner, our real estate experts will guide you through all about buying property in Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain

What is a Non-Lucrative Visa? Who is eligible for a non-lucrative visa in Spain?The Non-Lucrative Visa is for non-EU foreigners who want to live in Spain without working. It is often called a retirement visa. Applicants must show they have enough money and a steady income to live without working. This amount depends on how many people are applying. They also need private health insurance in Spain and a clean criminal record. The applicant's legal spouse or partner and children under 18 can also get this visa. However, younger applicants may be less likely to be accepted because they might work in the future.

Is the NLV the same as a retirement visa or for anyone who is financially independent?The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is not just for retirees. It is for anyone who is financially independent, retired or not.

To apply, a person must show they can live in Spain without working. They need enough regular income or savings. This income can come from pensions, rental payments, bank interest, or dividends.

Age is also looked at during the evaluation. Retirees often meet the financial requirements more easily, so they have a better chance of approval. However, non-retired applicants can also apply if they meet the financial independence criteria.

Is the total income of two people considered for the Spain Non-Lucrative (Retirement) Visa?The main applicant's income must be above the IPREM threshold. The income limits for the Spanish Non-Lucrative visa are based on the Minimum Subsistence Index (IPREM). This index is updated every year. The amount is about €30,000 for the main applicant. An extra €8,000 is added for each family member applying with the main applicant. The initial application is for one year, so these amounts must be shown at first. If you extend the visa, these figures double. Spousal income can be included as extra supporting documents.

For the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, is having cash savings enough, or do I need monthly income too?The financial requirement for application is €30,000, as set by IPREM. An extra €8,000 is needed for each family member. This standard of living is based on a yearly amount. We find the applicant's minimum monthly passive income by dividing €30,000 by 12. In this case, the monthly passive income should be at least €2,500. This is just an example and sets a minimum limit. Under a Non-Lucrative Visa, the main applicant also sponsors family members. The income of the other spouse can be shown as support. However, the main applicant must meet all financial requirements alone. This includes cash resources and enough passive income.

How long do I have to stay in Spain with a non-lucrative visa?When you obtain a residence permit with the Spain Non-Lucrative (Passive Income) Visa, you are required to live in Spain for at least 183 days per year.