Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Guide: Requirements, Process, and Timeline

Who is the Non-Lucrative Visa for?

It is suited for retirees, rentiers, investors, and people with significant savings who can support themselves through passive income or savings without joining the Spanish labor market.

Main Requirements for Obtaining an NLR (2025/2026)

Unlike work visas, the NLR focuses on proving legal and sufficient funds for living.

• Passive income or savings: You must prove enough funds to live in Spain without working.
• Financial threshold: Minimum amount for the main applicant is approximately EUR 28,800 per year (400% of IPREM).
• Family and dependents: For each additional family member, add approximately EUR 7,200 per year.
• No work: You are not allowed to carry out work activities in Spain.

Required Documents for Preparation

All certificates must be recent (no older than 3 months). Foreign documents require apostille and sworn Spanish translation.

• International passport: Valid for at least 12 months, issued no more than 10 years ago, with at least 2 blank pages. Certified copies of all pages are required.
• Financial guarantees: Bank statements for 6-12 months and documents proving passive income sources.
• Police clearance certificate: From all countries where you have lived for more than 6 months in the last 5 years.
• Medical certificate: Issued by a licensed doctor with International Health Regulations wording.
• Medical insurance: Private policy from a Spanish insurer with full coverage, no co-payments, and no waiting periods, valid for at least 1 year.
• Application forms: National visa form, EX-01, fee receipt (790-052), and 2 photos.

Step-by-Step Timeline: How to Apply and Move

You can apply only through the Spanish consulate in your country of residence.

1. Consulate appointment: Book an NLR submission slot in advance.
2. Submission of documents: Bring originals and certified copies; consulate may keep your passport while processing.
3. Waiting: Official processing is up to 90 calendar days, usually 30-60 days.
4. Entry to Spain: If approved, enter Spain within the visa validity window of 90 days.

What to Do Immediately After Entering Spain

Your visa is an entry permit only. You must process local residence steps after arrival.

• Empadronamiento: Register at city hall in the first weeks with passport, visa, and long-term rental agreement.
• TIE card: Book fingerprint appointment within 30 days of entry, submit EX-17, and pay fee.
• Tax registration: Submit Form 030 to AEAT. If you stay over 183 days, you become a tax resident.
• Healthcare and Social Security: Because you do not work, you do not access public healthcare and must maintain private insurance continuously.
• Daily life: Open a non-resident bank account, get a local SIM, and obtain FNMT digital certificate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)