Living in Spain Without Working: A Guide to the Non-Lucrative Visa

For non-EU citizens hoping to spend more than 90 days in Spain—whether to retire, explore a new lifestyle, or enjoy an extended stay in a second home—the non-lucrative visa (visado de residencia no lucrativa) is one of the most viable residency routes.

This visa allows foreign nationals to reside in Spain without undertaking any professional or economic activity. In other words, you must have enough passive income or savings to support yourself—because working or earning from Spanish sources is not allowed.

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Who Is It For?

The non-lucrative visa is most commonly used by:

• Retirees wanting to settle in Spain full-time.
• Early retirees or lifestyle migrants with investments or pensions.
• Remote workers (informally)—although officially, the NLV does not permit remote work unless authorized under a different visa (like the Digital Nomad Visa introduced in 2023).
• Property owners who want to spend more than three months a year in Spain without becoming residents through work or study routes.

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Key Requirements

The Spanish authorities want to see that you won’t need to rely on local jobs, welfare, or public funds. The main criteria include:

1. Proof of Financial Means
   In 2025, the minimum income requirement is approximately:
   • €2,400/month for an individual (based on 400% of Spain’s IPREM index).
   • Around €600/month extra per dependent (e.g. spouse, children).
   This income can come from pensions, rental income, dividends, savings, or other passive sources. You’ll need official statements, bank documents, or proof of investment income.
2. Private Health Insurance
   You must have comprehensive, non-co-pay health insurance from a provider operating in Spain, valid for at least 12 months.
3. Clean Criminal Record
   A police certificate from your country of residence, typically no more than 90 days old.
4. Medical Certificate
   A letter from a doctor confirming you are free from contagious diseases as defined by international health regulations.
5. No Employment in Spain
   You are not allowed to carry out economic or professional activities for Spanish companies. The visa is strictly for non-working residents.

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The Application Process

You must apply for the NLV from your home country, through the Spanish consulate with jurisdiction over your residence.

Steps:

1. Book an appointment at the consulate.
2. Prepare and submit the required documents.
3. Attend an interview (in person) if required.
4. Wait 4–8 weeks for approval.
5. Once approved, you have 1 month to enter Spain and 1 month to apply for your TIE (residence card).

Your first visa is valid for 1 year, then renewable for 2 years, and again for another 2 years. After 5 years