Iranian applicants · Kingdom of Spain
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) for Iranian citizens
Residence visa for financially self-sufficient non-EEA nationals not planning to work in Spain.
This page covers the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) specifically for Iranian applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to Iran. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 4 weeks – 3 months
- Government fees
- Visa plus TIE fees (approximately €80 each, varies).
- Typical duration
- Initial 1 year; renewable for 2-year periods; leads to permanent residence after 5 years.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Bilateral context
- Schengen Area
Consular processing: a Kingdom of Spain consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence
Tourist entry vs. this route
Tourist-entry rules for Iranian nationals are set by Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is a separate application from any tourist entry.
Key figures for Iranian applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
4 weeks – 3 months
1–3 months consular. Consulate-specific variance is large (Madrid 1–2 months; some Latin American posts 2–4 months).
Verified 1 June 2026 · Portal de Inmigración — Non-lucrative residence →
Time to permanent residence
Arrival → permanent residence (5 years) → citizenship (10 years for most nationalities; 2 for Latin American).
Leads to Residencia de Larga Duración, then Spanish citizenship.
Visa overview
The Non-Lucrative Visa grants residence to applicants with sufficient passive income or savings who do not intend to work in Spain. It has long been the route of choice for retirees, high-net-worth individuals taking sabbaticals, and those relocating families to Spain ahead of long-term plans.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Sufficient passive income — approximately 400% of the IPREM (€28,800+ per year in 2025; verify).
- ✓Additional income for each family member (around 100% IPREM each).
- ✓Private health insurance covering Spain, no co-payments.
- ✓Applicant does not intend to work in Spain.
Common blockers
- !Income below 400% IPREM threshold.
- !Insurance policy includes co-payments.
Typical evidence
- ·Bank statements, investment portfolio statements.
- ·Pension award letter, if applicable.
- ·Private health insurance certificate.
Application pathway
Obtain NIE and arrange accommodation
Many applicants arrange housing before applying.
Assemble financial evidence
Show sustained income or savings above the IPREM threshold.
Apply at Spanish consulate
Submit within 3 months of intended travel.
Travel and attend TIE appointment
Fingerprints at Spanish police station within 30 days of arrival.
Renew and progress
Renew for 2-year periods; move to long-term residence after 5 years.
Not sure Kingdom of Spain is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer residence general routes that Iranian nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Iranian citizens eligible for the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)?+
Eligibility for the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is set by Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations and is not nationality-restricted beyond the general criteria, though Iranian applicants may also have access to the following bilateral or treaty frameworks: Schengen Area. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Iranian applicants typically file the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)?+
a Kingdom of Spain consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Iranian applicants need a tourist visa for Kingdom of Spain as well?+
Tourist-entry rules for Iranian nationals are set by Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations and change periodically — check the official entry-requirements page. The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is a separate application from any tourist entry.
How long does the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) take to process from Iran?+
The typical published decision window is 4 weeks – 3 months. Iranian applicants usually file via a Kingdom of Spain consulate or visa application centre in your country of residence, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: Portal de Inmigración — Non-lucrative residence, verified 1 June 2026.
How long until permanent residence in Kingdom of Spain?+
Arrival → permanent residence (5 years) → citizenship (10 years for most nationalities; 2 for Latin American). The route leads to Residencia de Larga Duración, then Spanish citizenship. See Ministerio de Justicia — Nacionalidad española for the qualifying-residence rules.
Can I work on the Non-Lucrative Visa?+
No. The NLV explicitly prohibits work in Spain. Many applicants switch to a work or self-employment route after their first renewal.
Does the NLV make me a Spanish tax resident?+
Living in Spain for more than 183 days in a calendar year typically makes you a tax resident with global income taxed in Spain. Take specialist Spanish tax advice before moving.