Non-lucrative residence visa for Spain

Are you planning to move to Spain without working initially or to retire on the Mediterranean coast? The non-lucrative residence visa is your solution to make that dream a reality. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the challenges of the legal processes step by step to obtain this residence permit.

What is the non-lucrative visa?

The Non-Lucrative Residence Visa is specifically geared toward individuals without a European nationality with sufficient economic means to live in Spain without working. This visa allows you to stay in Spain for one year initially, with the possibility of renewing it every two years until you can apply for permanent residency after five years.

Who is it ideal for?

• Retirees looking to enjoy their golden years in Spain.
• Individuals with sufficient funds to support themselves without working.
• Those who want to spend their first year in Spain exploring the market in Spain and Europe before potentially transitioning to a work permit.

Benefits of the non-lucrative residence permit

• Bring your family: apply jointly for your spouse and children without the need for prior residency.
• Path to long-term residency and citizenship: Renew your permit and eventually apply for Spanish citizenship.
• Investment opportunities: while you can’t work, you can invest in Spain.
• Study and complete internships: enrol in educational programs and participate in internships.
• No investment required: unlike some other visas, you don’t need to invest in Spain to qualify.
• Travel freely in Europe: enjoy unrestricted travel within the Schengen Area.

Non-lucrative visa requirements

To be eligible for the non-lucrative visa, you must meet several requirements. Let’s explore each one:

Spain non-lucrative visa income requirements

This visa does not permit you to work in Spain, so you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself. This ensures that the government will not need to provide for you.

If you have the option to work remotely from Spain, we can provide a free consultation on the possibility of the Digital Nomad Visa.

To determine if you meet the minimum financial requirement, we use the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which sets the minimum income needed for various subsidies in Spain.

Minimum financial requirement

For the Non-Lucrative Visa, you must show that you have 400% of the IPREM annually in your bank account for the main applicant, plus 100% IPREM per each family member. The most recent IPREM amount is from 2023 and is set at €600 per month, totalling €7,200 annually. Therefore, you need to demonstrate that you have at least €28,800 per year for yourself and €7,200 per year for each family member.

However, we recommend having a higher amount to ensure a successful application. This amount can vary depending on the consulate where you apply (e.g., Washington, D.C. vs. Moscow may have higher requirements). It’s advisable to consult with our lawyers to determine the exact amount needed based on your country of origin. The funds must be in Euros or another convertible international currency.

Please note that these economic requirements are applicable to the initial year, but also the renewals. This means that, to be able to renew your residence permit after the initial year, you will need to show twice the amounts (800% IPREM plus 200% IPREM for family members) as the renewal will be granted for 2 years. This is a common issue that comes up which Consulates do not clarify. Our team can discuss how to plan for the renewal and other red flags to keep in mind.

Proof of income

You can use various ways of proof to demonstrate your financial means. Spanish consulates typically require a bank certificate showing liquid funds in your account, dated as close to the application day as possible.

You can also use credit cards or property values, provided you submit a document from your bank certifying their validity. Generally, consulates will review bank statements from the last six months. The funds must be in the name of the main visa applicant. Some consulates may require the tax returns from recent years as well.

Do i have to show the money in the same bank account?

No, the funds do not need to be in the same bank account. You can have part of the money in a Spanish bank account and the other part in an American account, for example. However, depending on your country of origin, the Spanish Immigration Office may require you to have the full amount in a Spanish bank account. This is often the case for applicants from countries such as China or Russia.

To avoid any issues, we recommend opening a Spanish bank account as soon as possible and transferring the necessary funds there. We can assist you with this process and in determining the amounts and timeframe necessary to ensure a visa approval.

Required income and means to bring your family

The non-lucrative residency permit allows for a joint application, meaning you can bring your spouse and children (under the legal age, or older if you can demonstrate dependency) with you. You also may support your spouse and children economically from abroad, if want to relocate just your family.

Please remember that for each additional family member, you must demonstrate an extra 100% of the IPREM, which is €7,200 annually. This is in addition to the €28,800 required for the main applicant.

Holding private health insurance

Like other residence permits, you need an insurance policy with full coverage in Spain, purchased with Spanish insurance company.  However, for the non-lucrative visa, the insurance must be private. This ensures that the state will not have to cover your healthcare costs.

Some citizens, such as UK nationals due to a benefit post-Brexit, may benefit from public coverage, demonstrated through an S-1 certificate. This certificate demonstrates that the UK will be in charge of health care expenses while residing in Spain.

Here are the specific conditions:

• The insurance must be contracted with a Spanish company that operates solely in Spain.
• The policy must be valid for at least one year, matching the duration of your permit.
• It must include all specialties covered by the Spanish public healthcare system, with no copayments.

We recommend contacting us so we can help you find a suitable health insurance policy tailored to your needs.

Frequently asked questions about the non-lucrative visa in Spain

If you still have questions, we’re here to help. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the non-lucrative visa:

What should I do if my non-lucrative visa in Spain is denied?

It’s not uncommon for Non-Lucrative Visa applications to be denied, often due to insufficient economic means. Each consulate may have different requirements, and some may request up to double the legally established amount.

Failure to meet any of the requirements can result in denial. However, if your application is denied, you haven’t lost your chance to live in Spain. It’s best to consult with an immigration lawyer who can initiate an appeal or court process to argue that your application was unduly rejected. In some cases, the application can be resubmitted without a legal process.

Can I modify the non-lucrative visa to a work permit?

You can transition from a non-lucrative visa to a work permit through a residence modification. This is ideal for individuals who have enough savings to stay in Spain for one year but wish to work afterward.

During your last months on the non-lucrative visa, you can search for a job in Spain. Once you find employment, your employer will need to present an authorization to allow you to work. This will grant you a permit to live and work in Spain for an additional two years.

Alternatively, you can become self-employed (“autónomo”) and work for yourself, either as freelance or operating through a company.

How long can I stay in Spain on a non-lucrative visa? Is there any time limit?

The non-lucrative visa is valid for one year. If you stay in Spain and continue to meet the requirements, you can apply for a renewal. Each renewal extends your stay by another two years.

Non-lucrative visa application timeline

You must apply for the non-lucrative visa from the Spanish consulate in your country of origin. You should receive a response within one month. If approved, you have three months to travel to Spain. Once in Spain, you will need to make an appointment at a police office to apply for your residence card, which you can pick up in about a month.

Alternatives to the non-lucrative visa

Depending on your circumstances, perhaps this visa does not entirely fit your goals. We are happy to advise on any visas to Spain, but please revert back to this chart to understand your options.

Book a consultation with one of our lawyers, and we’ll answer all your questions.

	Types of Visas
Study	Student visa	Student and integrated work permit
Work as an employee	Work and Residence Permit	Highly Qualified Work Permit	Digital Nomad visa	Youth Mobility Visas (certain nationalities)
Work as freelance/self-employed	Work and Residence Permit as self-employed	Entrepreneur Work Permit	Digital Nomad visa	Youth Mobility Visas (certain nationalities)
Retire/Live in Spain without working	Non-Lucrative Residence Permit	Investor’s Visa
EU Family Members	EU Family Residence Card	Family Ties Residence Permit