The non-lucrative visa (NLV)  is one of the most accessible and popular residency options for non-EU nationals looking to reside in Spain without engaging in any professional activity during the first year. Whether you’re planning to retire, explore the country long-term, or transition into a work-based residency later, the NLV offers a path to legal residence with minimal requirements.

 

What Is the Non-Lucrative Visa?

The non-lucrative visa is a Spanish residence permit designed for individuals who can support themselves (and their families) financially without needing to work in Spain. It allows non-EU nationals to reside in Spain initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal.

Key facts:

• It does not authorize any type of employment or self-employed activity in Spain.
• It is renewable for 2-year periods.
• After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for long-term residency.
• Time spent under this visa counts toward Spanish nationality eligibility.

 

Who Is It Ideal For?

• Retirees wishing to live in Spain.
• Non-EU nationals with passive income or significant savings.
• Individuals who want to spend their first year in Spain without working, then later switch to a work visa.
• Families seeking residency in Spain through a joint application.

It is not suitable for digital nomads or remote workers intending to work while living in Spain. Instead, the Digital Nomad Visa is the appropriate route.

 

Benefits of the Non-Lucrative Visa

• Bring your family: Apply jointly with your spouse and dependent children.
• Path to long-term residency: Eligible for permanent residency after 5 years.
• Spanish nationality: Especially advantageous for Latin American citizens, who may apply after 2 years.
• Freedom to invest: Investing is permitted under this visa.
• Study and unpaid internships: Allowed under this residency.
• No investment requirement: Unlike the Golden Visa, no property or business investment is needed.
• Free Schengen travel: Enjoy visa-free movement across most of Europe.

 

Non-Lucrative Visa Requirements

1. Financial Requirements (2025)

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate sufficient income or savings. For 2025:

• Main applicant: €28,800 annually (equivalent to 400% of the IPREM).
• Each dependent: Additional €7,200 per person (100% of the IPREM).

This means:

• Main applicant + 1 dependent: €36,000/year
• Main applicant + 2 dependents: €43,200/year
• Main applicant + 3 dependents: €50,400/year

Note: These figures are minimum thresholds. Some Spanish consulates may request higher amounts.

Proof of income: Typically shown via:

• A bank certificate demonstrating liquid funds.
• Recent bank statements (usually covering 6 months).
• Property income or investments with supporting documents.

The funds must be in the name of the primary applicant. Multiple accounts (domestic or international) are acceptable, though some consulates prefer Spanish accounts.

2. Private Health Insurance

You must have:

• Private, comprehensive insurance.
• No co-payments.
• Issued by a provider operating exclusively in Spain.
• Minimum one-year coverage (matching the visa duration).

3. Medical Certificate

• Demonstrating that you do not suffer from diseases that could pose a public health risk. This must be recent and translated into Spanish.

4. Criminal Record Certificate

• Issued by countries where you have resided for more than 6 months over the past 5 years.
• Must be legalized or apostilled.
• Translated into Spanish.
• Must be recent (no older than 3 months at time of submission).

Important: All submitted documents must be recent and valid. Plan ahead for processing time.

 

How to Apply for the NLV

Step 1: Application in Your Country of Residence

You must apply at the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence (not from within Spain). Submit all required documents and forms.

Processing time: Up to 1 month. If no response is received within this period, it may be considered a denial by "administrative silence."

If approved, your visa will be stamped into your passport.

Step 2: Enter Spain and Apply for the TIE

Once your visa is issued, you have 3 months to enter Spain. Once inside:

• Register at your local town hall (empadronamiento).
• Apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days.
• Attend an appointment to submit fingerprints and receive your card.

You are legally a resident from the moment your visa is stamped.

 

Required Documents Checklist

• National Visa Application Form (Modelo Nacional)
• EX-01 application form
• Valid passport (with at least 1 year validity)
• Recent passport-sized photographs
• Criminal record certificate (translated, legalized)
• Private health insurance policy
• Bank certificate proving funds (€28,800+)
• Medical certificate
• Proof of address (rental contract or property title)

 

Renewing the NLV

• Renewal must be requested 60 days before expiration.
• Renewal grants a 2-year permit.
• Must again show sufficient funds: €57,600 for 2 years (main applicant).
• Same insurance, criminal record, and documentation rules apply.
• After 5 years of renewals, you can apply for long-term residence.

 

Taxes & Financial Obligations

If you live in Spain for more than 183 days per year, you become a tax resident, subject to:

• Personal Income Tax (IRPF) on worldwide income.
• Capital Gains Tax on profits from investments.
• Wealth Tax, where applicable.
• Real Estate Taxes if you purchase property.

Spain has double taxation treaties to avoid paying tax twice.

 

FAQs

What if my application is denied?

You may appeal through administrative or legal procedures. Many denials are due to insufficient financial proof. Consulting with an immigration lawyer can significantly increase approval chances.

Can I switch to a work permit?

Yes. After the first year, you can modify your status to:

• Employed work permit (if you have a job offer).
• Self-employed permit (Autónomo) if you wish to start a business.

How long can I stay?

• Initial visa: 1 year
• First renewal: 2 years
• Second renewal: 2 years
• After 5 years: eligible for permanent residence

How long does the process take?

• Consulate response: within 1 month
• Travel to Spain: within 3 months of visa issuance
• TIE card issuance: usually within 30-45 days of arrival

 

If you're considering moving to Spain without the need to work, the Non-Lucrative Visa could be your best path to residency. Contact or email us at info@samirlaw.com to schedule a no-commitment consultation.