Kingdom of Spain · residence general · Leads to settlement
Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Residence visa for financially self-sufficient non-EEA nationals not planning to work in Spain.
- Processing time
- 1–3 months at consulate.
- 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
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.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Venezuelan applicants
Venezuelan applicants with sustained overseas income (US-dollar earnings, foreign pension, or family support) use NLV as…
Colombian applicants
Colombian NLV applicants benefit from tourist-visa-free entry to Spain which simplifies in-person consular appointments.…
Brazilian applicants
Brazilian retirees and high-net-worth applicants use NLV as the standard non-working residence route into Spain, often a…
Russian applicants
Russian high-net-worth applicants increasingly use NLV post-2022, particularly as Portugal's D7 has tightened scrutiny. …
Chinese applicants
Chinese NLV applicants typically present overseas-investment income, rental income from non-Chinese property, or pension…
Iranian applicants
Iranian high-net-worth applicants use NLV as a credible Schengen residence route, particularly as the UAE Golden Visa an…
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.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantCheck non-lucrative residence guidance ↗
Use this official guidance to confirm non-working residence requirements before filing through the responsible Spanish consulate.
Ministerio de Inclusion, Seguridad Social y Migraciones · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: Visa plus TIE fees (approximately €80 each, varies).. A decision then typically takes 4 weeks – 3 months. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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Frequently asked questions
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.
How much extra income do I need to bring my family on the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa?+
On top of the main applicant's passive-income threshold of roughly 400% of the IPREM, you generally need additional income of around 100% of the IPREM for each family member. Income below the threshold is a common blocker, so verify the current figures with the official Ministerio guidance.
What kind of health insurance do I need for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa?+
You need private health insurance that covers Spain with no co-payments. A policy that includes co-payments is a common reason for refusal. Confirm acceptable coverage with the official source.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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