Europe TodayEUR/BRL 5,87·USD/BRL 5,22·EUR/USD 1,12Read today’s analysisUpdated on 10/02/2026 · Investing.com
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    Updated 2026

    Non-Lucrative Visa
    Spain

    Live in Spain on passive income. Ideal for retirees, pensioners and financially independent individuals who want to enjoy Spain's quality of life.

    €2,400/month or €28,800 savings
    1-year residency (renewable)
    Schengen free movement
    Family included

    Who is the Non-Lucrative Visa for?

    This program is designed for financially independent individuals with remote passive income. Working in Spain is not permitted with this visa.

    Retirees and pensioners

    People receiving retirement or pension who want to live in Spain with European quality of life, Mediterranean climate and affordable costs.

    Passive income investors

    Entrepreneurs and investors receiving dividends, rental income, royalties, deposit interest and other regular passive income.

    Self-sufficient individuals

    Financially independent people with regular income from sources outside Spain, without needing local employment.

    Non-Lucrative Visa Benefits

    Free movement in Europe

    With a Spanish residence permit, travel visa-free across 27 Schengen Area countries. Full access to the eurozone.

    Family included

    Spouse and dependent children can be included in the process. Each dependent requires an additional €7,000 in savings or €600/month in income.

    Path to citizenship

    Ibero-American citizens can apply for Spanish citizenship after just 2 years of legal residence. Other nationalities after 10 years.

    Quality of life

    Access to Spain's healthcare system, Mediterranean climate, world-renowned gastronomy and competitive cost of living in Europe.

    Simplified renewal

    The initial 1-year permit can be renewed for 2-year periods, as long as passive income requirements are maintained.

    Conversion to permanent residency

    After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency in Spain with all associated rights.

    Essential requirements

    The Non-Lucrative Visa requires proof of financial independence through savings or regular passive income.

    Financial requirements

    • Minimum savings of €28,800 for the main applicant (held in account for at least 1 year)
    • OR stable passive income of €2,400/month proven over the last year
    • €7,000 additional per dependent (spouse or child)
    • Source of funds must be officially confirmed
    • Proof of tax payments on declared income
    • Accepted sources: rental income, dividends, royalties, interest, pensions, retirement benefits

    Required documentation

    • Spanish national visa application form
    • Residence application form without work rights
    • Passport valid for at least 1 year, with 2 blank pages
    • 2 passport photos (3x4) on white background
    • Bank statements proving savings or regular passive income
    • Proof of income source (rental contracts, dividend statements, etc.)
    • Health insurance from a Spanish insurer
    • Criminal background certificate (apostilled)
    • Motivation letter explaining the purpose of relocating to Spain
    • Consular fee payment receipt

    NIE and bank account

    • NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) — foreigner identification number
    • Not required at submission, but essential for life in Spain
    • Needed to open a bank account, sign rental contracts, buy a SIM card
    • Issued once and valid for life
    • Spanish bank account — our team assists with the opening

    Health insurance

    • Standard travel insurance is NOT sufficient for residency in Spain
    • Must contract health insurance from an authorized public or private insurer in Spain
    • Coverage must include the applicant and all dependents
    • We assist in choosing the insurer and contracting the appropriate policy

    Family documents

    • Marriage certificate (apostilled and translated into Spanish)
    • Children's birth certificates (apostilled and translated)
    • Pareja de Hecho registration (civil partnership) — if applicable
    • All documents must be translated into Spanish and apostilled

    Step-by-step application process

    1

    Case analysis and planning

    We evaluate your income, family profile and available documentation. We prepare a personalized plan with recommendations to strengthen your case.

    2

    NIE obtainment

    We arrange your NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), essential for all procedures in Spain. Our team handles the process.

    3

    Documentation preparation

    We gather all documents: bank statements, proof of passive income, Spanish health insurance, apostilled criminal records, motivation letter and photographs.

    4

    Consulate appointment and submission

    We schedule your visit to the Spanish consulate in your country of residence. We prepare you for the interview and oversee the submission of all documents.

    5

    Process monitoring

    We monitor the status of your application daily, respond to any requests for additional documentation and keep you informed at every stage.

    6

    Approval and relocation to Spain

    After visa approval, we assist with scheduling biometrics for the residence permit, opening a bank account and all initial adaptation in Spain.

    Non-Lucrative vs Digital Nomad

    Both visas allow you to reside in Spain, but with different profiles and permissions.

    Non-Lucrative — Passive Income
    • Passive income only (rentals, dividends, pensions)
    • €28,800 savings or €2,400/month income
    • Working in Spain is prohibited
    • Initial 1-year permit
    • Citizenship after 2 years (Ibero-Americans)
    Digital Nomad — Remote Work
    • Active income (remote salary, freelancing)
    • Minimum income required by employment contract
    • Allows remote work for foreign companies
    • Permit for up to 3 years
    • Citizenship after 2 years (Ibero-Americans)

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the minimum income required for the Non-Lucrative Visa?

    You must demonstrate minimum savings of €28,800 held for at least 1 year in your account, or stable passive income of €2,400/month. For each dependent (spouse or child), an additional €7,000 in savings or €600/month in income is required.

    What types of income are accepted?

    Accepted income includes rental income, investment dividends, royalties, deposit interest, pensions and retirement benefits. The source of funds must be officially confirmed and taxes must be up to date.

    Can I work in Spain with this visa?

    No. The Non-Lucrative Visa expressly prohibits employment in Spain. If you intend to work remotely, the Digital Nomad Visa is the appropriate option.

    Can my family join me?

    Yes. Spouse and dependent children can be included in the process. An additional €7,000 per dependent is required. You can also register a Pareja de Hecho (civil partnership) if not officially married.

    Do I need to open a bank account in Spain?

    It's not mandatory for visa submission, but will be necessary for comfortable living in Spain. Our team assists with opening a Spanish bank account.

    How long does the process take?

    The complete process typically takes 3 to 6 months, including document preparation, consular submission and approval. We monitor the status of your application daily.

    How long until I can apply for Spanish citizenship?

    Citizens of Ibero-American countries (including Brazil) can apply for Spanish citizenship after just 2 years of continuous legal residence. For other nationalities, the timeframe is 10 years.

    Get Started

    Ready to live in Spain on your income?

    Our team analyzes your profile for free and recommends the best path to obtain your Non-Lucrative Visa and residence permit.