A non-lucrative visa (NLV) allows you to live long-term in Spain without having a job offer, as long as you can prove you have enough money to support yourself. It’s ideal for retirees, remote income earners, and anyone with independent means.
Good to know:
- The application fee for a Spain non-lucrative visa is €80 (the fee is liable to change for specific countries).
- The average processing time is between 2 weeks and 1 month.
- The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed.
Who Can Apply for a Spain Non-Lucrative Visa?
You can apply for a non-lucrative visa to Spain if you belong to one of the following categories:
- You’re a citizen from a country that does not have a visa agreement with Spain.
- You are from a country that has a visa agreement with Spain, but you want to live in Spain for a long time.
Please note that EU/EEA citizens do not need a visa; they must register their new address after entering the country.
To make sure you’re eligible for the visa and you’re on the right track, you should consult with a legal professional who can walk you through this entire process. Most expats prefer to work with legitimate professionals like Lexidy to get the help they need.
How to Apply for a Non-Lucrative Visa to Spain?
Here is how the application process goes for a non-lucrative visa:
Step One: Fill Out the Application Form
For a non-lucrative visa, you need to fill out a long-stay visa application (D) form. While filling out the form, make sure all the information you provide is up to date and accurate. You must also sign it at the end to make it valid, otherwise, your visa application may be denied.
Step Two: Schedule a Visa Appointment
You must schedule an appointment to submit your visa application with the nearest Spanish representative office in your country. This is usually an embassy or consulate, but at times, Spain has outsourced visa applications to BLS, so it depends on your home country.
You can find a visa representative here.
Step Three: Prepare the Required Documents
To submit a successful application, you must assemble several required documents, which include the following:
- Application form.
- Your valid passport.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Proof of health insurance certificate obtained from an insurance entity authorized to operate in Spain.
- Proof of paid visa fee.
- A clear criminal record certificate obtained from every country lived in for more than 6 months in the last 5 years.
- A medical certificate showing that the applicant does not pose a public health risk.
Note: The embassy/consulate holds the right to ask for any additional documents.
Step Four: Submit Your Application
On the day of your visa appointment, you must submit your application in person at the corresponding visa application center.
During the appointment process, you may be asked to provide your biometric data, i.e., fingerprints, as well as sit down for a short interview. The interview will be focused on why you want to apply for a non-lucrative visa and how you plan on supporting yourself financially.
Obtain Your Visa & Enter Spain
When your visa finishes processing, you will be notified of the final decision. If your request is approved, you must pick up your passport along with your visa. Afterwards, you’re free to enter Spain.
You must keep in mind the following deadlines from the moment your visa is approved:
- Within 90 days of its issuance, you must “validate” your visa by entering the country.
- Within 30 days of entering Spain, you must apply for your Foreigner Identification Card (TIE – Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
All applications regarding your foreigner’s ID and residence permit must be submitted at a local Foreigners’ Office, a list of which you can find here.
How Much Money Do You Need for a Non-Lucrative Visa to Spain?
To apply for a non-lucrative visa for Spain in 2025, you must have a monthly income of €2,400 or an annual income of €28,000. You need an extra €7,200 (annually) for each family member you plan on taking with you.
This amount is based on the Spanish IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which is an amount that the Spanish government sets for matters such as granting aid, unemployment benefits, as well as immigration. In this case, to be granted a non-lucrative visa, you must have 4x (or 400%) the amount of the monthly IPREM.
Pros and Cons of the Non-Lucrative Visa
Some pros and cons of obtaining a non-lucrative visa include the following:
| Pros | Cons |
| No need to have a job offer | No right to work in Spain |
| Access to all Schengen countries | High financial requirements |
| Direct pathway to permanent residency and citizenship | Strict health insurance rules |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Health Insurance Do I Need for a Non-Lucrative Visa?
You need to have the kind of health insurance which, as stated by the Spanish Immigration Authorities, “must cover all the beneficiaries of the visa for the risks insured by Spain’s public health system”. This means that your insurance plan must offer full coverage, include emergency and hospital care, and be valid for a minimum of one year when you first enter the country.
You can purchase your insurance at any private provider that is approved to work in Spain, such as Adeslas.
Can I Use Travel Insurance?
No, travel health insurance is not enough for your non-lucrative visa application. You need to have a full health insurance plan when you apply for the visa.
Can I Bring My Family Members With Me?
Yes, you can bring your family members with you when applying for the non-lucrative visa. But keep in mind that you need additional money to cover each family member.
Can I Work With a Non-Lucrative Visa?
No, you cannot work with this visa. If you want to work, you must apply for an actual work visa and have a job offer in the country to qualify.
Can I Apply for Citizenship With a Non-Lucrative Visa?
Yes, after 10 years of continuously living in Spain, you can apply for citizenship. For five of these years, you must have had a permanent residence permit.
How Hard Is It to Get a Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain?
If you have the required financial means, it’s not hard at all. All you have to do is apply, and you will most likely be approved.
However, without having the required amount, you can’t get the non-lucrative visa.