WHO CAN APPLY FOR A NON‑LUCRATIVE VISA?

The Spanish Non‑Lucrative Visa (NLV) is designed for non‑EU citizens who can financially support themselves in Spain without working.
The NLV is by far the most common visa among retirees.

Key advantages:

• Your immediate family can join you in Spain under the same application.
• The process is straightforward, and all family members receive the visa at the same time.
• You may travel freely throughout the Schengen Area without additional visas.
• After five years living in Spain, you become eligible for permanent residency, provided you meet the minimum stay requirements (at least 6 months per year for five consecutive years).

You may apply for a Non‑Lucrative Visa if you:

• Are a non‑EU citizen
• Meet the financial requirements to live in Spain without working
• Have private health insurance
• Have no criminal record
• Intend to reside in Spain for at least 6 months per year
• Have no intention of working in Spain

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE NON‑LUCRATIVE VISA

You must apply at your local Spanish consulate or embassy.

Processing time is typically 2–3 weeks, though during busy periods it can take up to three months.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR THE NON‑LUCRATIVE VISA

To apply, you must provide:

• Completed and signed Non‑Lucrative Visa application form
• Completed and signed EX‑01 form
• Copy of a valid passport (valid for at least 1 year, with 2 blank pages, issued within last 10 years)
• Two recent colour passport‑size photos
• Proof of sufficient financial means for at least the first year in Spain
• Private health insurance valid for 12 months
• Medical certificate proving you have no diseases that pose a public‑health risk (notarised + translated into Spanish)
• Criminal record certificate issued within the last 3 months, covering the past five years
• NIE number (the unique identification number for foreigners staying more than 6 months in Spain)
• If your spouse is accompanying you: a recent marriage certificate, notarised and translated into Spanish
• If children are accompanying you: birth certificates, translated and notarised

FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE NON‑LUCRATIVE VISA

The main requirement is proving that you have enough resources to support yourself (and family members) without working.

You must demonstrate:

• €28,800 per year in income or savings, or
• A guaranteed income of €2,400 per month

Additionally:

• €7,200 per year must be shown for each dependent family member

Acceptable financial evidence includes:

• Bank statements for the last 3 months
• Pension or annuity statements
• Proof of rental income
• Tax returns

PROOF OF PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE

The NLV does not grant access to the public healthcare system, so private health insurance is mandatory.

Your insurance must:

• Be issued by a Spanish insurance company
• Be valid for at least 12 months
• Provide full medical coverage, equivalent to Spain’s public healthcare system
• Include no co‑payments (sin copagos)

Typical monthly cost: €50–€200, depending on coverage.

After 12 months of legal residency, you may join the Convenio Especial, a public‑health contribution scheme that grants full access to Spain’s healthcare system in exchange for a monthly fee.

LONG‑TERM RESIDENCE AND CITIZENSHIP WITH THE NON‑LUCRATIVE VISA

If your long‑term goal is permanent residence or Spanish citizenship, the NLV is a valid pathway.

Residency timeline:

• Initial authorisation: 12 months
• First renewal: 24 months
• Second renewal: 24 months

To renew, you must have spent at least 183 days in Spain during the previous period.

Permanent Residence

After 5 consecutive years in Spain (at least 183 days per year), you may apply for long‑term residence.

Spanish Citizenship

After obtaining long‑term residence, you may apply for citizenship once you have lived in Spain for 10 consecutive years (183 days per year).

AFTER YOU RECEIVE YOUR NON‑LUCRATIVE VISA: NEXT STEPS

Once you enter Spain, you must apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within the visa’s 90‑day validity.

You must attend the immigration office in Spain to apply for your TIE, which then replaces your visa and serves as your residence permit.