Non-Lucrative Residence Visa (NLV) is a residence key pathway which permits non-Europeans to become residents of Spain.
In this guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining this visa in 2025.
Menu:
In this post we cover the following: (click any section to see its content)
Non-Lucrative residence visa (NLV):
- WHAT IS THE SPAIN NON-LUCRATIVE VISA? »
- KEY BENEFITS OF THE NON-LUCRATIVE VISA »
- ELIGIBILITY AND MAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR 2025 »
- OUR SERVICES FOR THE APPLICATION PROCESS »
- IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS AND COMMON PITFALLS »
- ALL TYPES OF RESIDENCY AVAILABLE IN SPAIN »
- SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A SOLICITOR »
WHAT IS THE SPAIN NON-LUCRATIVE VISA?:
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is a residence permit that allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to live in Spain for an extended period without engaging in any work or professional activities . It’s designed for individuals who can support themselves and their families through passive income or substantial savings.
This visa does not grant a work permit, meaning you cannot be employed or self-employed in Spain . Your income must come from foreign sources such as pensions, rental properties, investments, or dividends .
Who is this visa for?
This visa is ideal for:
- Retirees with a stable pension.
- Financially independent individuals living off investments or savings.
-
Individuals on a sabbatical or career break with sufficient funds.
KEY BENEFITS OF THE NON-LUCRATIVE VISA:
Choosing the NLV comes with several significant advantages:
- Path to Long-Term Residency and Citizenship: The initial visa is valid for one year . It can be renewed for two-year periods . After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency, and after ten years, you may be eligible for Spanish citizenship .
- Freedom of Movement: As a Spanish resident, you can travel visa-free within the 27 countries of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period .
- Family Inclusion: You can include your family members in your application, such as your spouse or unmarried partner, dependent minor children, and financially dependent elderly parents . Each additional family member increases the financial requirement .
- Access to Services: Residents can access Spain’s public services, including enrolling children in school . In some regions, after one year of residency, holders may be eligible to register with the public healthcare system .
ELIGIBILITY AND MAIN REQUIREMENTS FOR 2025:
To qualify for the NLV, you must meet several key criteria. The following table summarizes the core requirements:
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid Passport | Must be valid for at least 1 year and have at least two blank pages . |
| Financial Means | Main Applicant: Minimum of €28,800 per year (€2,400/month) . Each Dependent: Additional €7,200 per year (€600/month) . |
| Health Insurance | Must have a comprehensive private health insurance policy from a company authorized to operate in Spain, with no co-payments (sin copago) and coverage equivalent to the public system . |
| Clean Criminal Record | A criminal background check from every country you have resided in for the past 5 years, legalized with an Apostille and officially translated into Spanish . |
| Medical Certificate | A certificate from a licensed physician stating you do not suffer from any diseases that pose a public health risk, issued within 90 days of application . |
Proving Financial Means
You can demonstrate sufficient funds through:
- Bank statements from the last 6-12 months showing a stable balance .
- Proof of passive income, such as pension statements, rental contracts, or investment dividends .
- All non-Euro financial documents must be officially converted to euros
OUR SERVICES FOR THE APPLICATION PROCESS:
The application process is meticulous and requires planning.
Our services, here is a general outline:
- Gather and Prepare Documents: Collect all required documents as per the checklist. Remember that most foreign documents require official translation into Spanish and an Apostille stamp for legalization .
- Schedule a Consular Appointment: Book an appointment at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in your country of legal residence . You must apply from outside Spain . Wait times for appointments can vary.
- Submit Application In-Person: Attend your appointment and submit your complete application, forms, and fees . Be prepared for a possible interview.
- Wait for a Decision: The legal period for a decision is up to three months from the application date . We can usually check your application status and will advise upon advice.
- Collect Your Visa: If approved, you typically have one month to collect the visa sticker in your passport . The visa is valid for 90 days, during which you must enter Spain .
- Complete Post-Arrival Formalities in Spain: Once in Spain, you must act quickly:
- Apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the local immigration office or police station within one month of your arrival . This physical card is your official proof of legal residency.
- Register your address (empadronamiento) at your local town hall
IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS AND COMMON PITFALLS:
- Work Restrictions Are Absolute: You cannot work for a Spanish company, freelance for clients in Spain, or work remotely for a foreign employer while on this visa . If you plan to work remotely, the Digital Nomad Visa may be a more suitable option.
- Consulate Requirements Vary: While the core rules are the same, specific document requirements, processing times, and fees can differ between Spanish consulates. Always check the official website of the consulate in your jurisdiction for its specific checklist .
- Tax Implications: If you spend more than 183 days in a calendar year in Spain, you will likely be considered a tax resident and may have to declare your worldwide income
- Seek Professional Help: Given the complexity and high stakes, many applicants choose to work with a specialized immigration lawyer to ensure their application is complete and compliant, thereby avoiding unnecessary delays or rejections .
ALL TYPES OF RESIDENCY AVAILABLE IN SPAIN:
- Digital-Nomad visa Spain (Remote worker in Spain)
- Non-Lucrative visa Spain (Spanish visa non lucrative)
- Student-Visa Permit (Student-Visa & up-to 30 hours work per week)
- Self-Employed visa Spain (Self employed expats in Spain)
Please see-here our video-blog with options and legal-advice to obtain residency in Spain.
Remember that immigration procedures and immigration regulations change regularly, so it’s crucial to stay updated with the latest information from reliable sources. If you have specific questions or concerns about your situation, it’s advisable to consult with immigration authorities or legal professionals specializing in immigration matters, to do this, please click-here »
DO YOU REQUIRE ASSISTANCE TO APPLY FOR RESIDENCY IN SPAIN?
We are a Spanish Solicitor and assist our clients with all types Spanish legal processes.
Permanent residency is obtained after 5 years of Spanish Residency through Self-Employed Residency, Digital-Nomad, Non-Lucrative Residency or Golden-Visa. This followed by 5 years as a permanent resident in Spain and means you can then obtain Spanish Citizenship with a Spanish Passport.