Quick answer
The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) lets non-EU citizens live in Spain on passive income or savings without working. In 2026 you need about €2,400/month (400% IPREM), or ~€28,800 for the year, plus ~€600/month per dependent, and full private health insurance. You apply at a Spanish consulate; it grants 1 year, then renews 2+2. If you want to work remotely, use the Digital Nomad Visa instead.
Requirements
| Income / savings | ≥ 400% IPREM (≈ €2,400/mo or ≈ €28,800/yr), plus 100% IPREM (≈ €600/mo) per dependent. |
| No work in Spain | You cannot work for a Spanish employer. Income must be passive (pension, savings, rent, investments). |
| Health insurance | Full private policy authorised in Spain — no co-pays, no waiting periods. |
| Clean record | Criminal-record certificate (last 5 years), apostilled and officially translated. |
| Medical certificate | Stating you're free of diseases with public-health implications. |
| Proof of funds | Bank statements, pension/investment proof covering the full year. |
Who is it for?
The NLV suits retirees, early-retirees and anyone financially independent who wants to live in Spain without working — living off a pension, savings, rental income or investments. If you intend to keep working (even remotely), the Digital Nomad Visa is the right path; the NLV does not permit work.
How to apply & renew
- 1Apply at the consulateSubmit your application at the Spanish consulate for your region, with all documents apostilled and translated.
- 2Enter Spain & get your TIEOnce approved, enter Spain within the visa window and apply for your TIE residence card and empadronamiento.
- 3Renew 2 + 2Renew after year 1 for 2 years, then another 2 years.
- 4Permanent residencyAfter 5 years of legal residence you can apply for long-term residency.
Common mistakes
- ✕Planning to work remotely on an NLV — officially not allowed; use the Digital Nomad Visa.
- ✕Insufficient or poorly evidenced funds (statements must clearly show 400% IPREM for the year).
- ✕Submitting travel insurance instead of full private health insurance authorised in Spain.
- ✕Documents not apostilled or officially translated into Spanish.
- ✕Missing the tax implications — spending 183+ days makes you a Spanish tax resident.
Apply with confidence
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Get matched with a lawyerFrequently asked questions
How much money do I need for the Spanish non-lucrative visa?▼
In 2026 you must show income or savings of at least 400% of the IPREM — roughly €2,400 per month, or about €28,800 for the year. Add 100% of IPREM (about €600/month, ≈ €7,200/year) for each family member you bring.
Can you work on a non-lucrative visa in Spain?▼
No. The NLV is explicitly for people who can support themselves without working in Spain. You cannot take Spanish employment. Working remotely for a foreign employer is a legal grey area — if you plan to work remotely, the Digital Nomad Visa is the correct route.
What is the difference between the non-lucrative visa and the digital nomad visa?▼
The NLV is for people living off passive income or savings and does not allow work; the Digital Nomad Visa is for people who actively work remotely for companies outside Spain. The DNV has a slightly higher income threshold but lets you keep working.
Can I use savings instead of monthly income for the NLV?▼
Yes. You can demonstrate the required amount through savings, pension, rental income, dividends or a combination — the key is proving you have at least 400% IPREM available for the year (plus 100% per dependent).
How long is the non-lucrative visa valid and can I renew it?▼
The initial visa gives 1 year of residency; you then renew for 2 years, and again for 2 years. After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for long-term (permanent) residency.
Do I need private health insurance for the NLV?▼
Yes — full private health insurance from an insurer authorised in Spain, with no co-pays and no waiting periods. See our health insurance guide for exactly what qualifies.
Related guides & services
General information, not legal advice. Immigration rules and thresholds change — confirm the current requirements with an official source or a licensed immigration lawyer before applying.