Navigating Spain’s visa procedures can be complex. Credit: GagoDesign / Shutterstock
If you are thinking about moving to Spain, the Non-Lucrative Visa could be your best option after the cancellation of Spain’s Golden Visa program in 2024. Spain’s Non-Lucrative Residence Permit has quickly become the most viable path for non-EU citizens through financial self-sufficiency rather than investment or employment. It’s ideal for retirees, and financially independent individuals seeking a peaceful life in Europe’s sunniest country. This visa has also gained popularity among UK citizens following Brexit, as they now need a residence permit to live in Spain long-term.
What is a Non-Lucrative Residence Permit in Spain?
The Non-Lucrative Residence Permit is a type of Spanish visa that allows non-EU nationals for living in Spain. Legally, this permit is based on Spain’s General Immigration Law and aligns with national and EU-level policies that regulate the entry and residence of third-country nationals.
This residence permit in Spain comes with a number of benefits that make it especially attractive for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle in Europe:
Family-Friendly: You can apply together with your spouse, children, and in some cases, even other dependent family members.
No Investment Required: Unlike the now-cancelled Golden Visa, there’s no obligation of property buying for the Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain.
Visa-Free Travel in the Schengen Zone: Once granted, the visa allows you to travel freely across the 26 Schengen countries without additional visas.
Path to Long-Term Residency: After 5 years of continuous legal residence, you become eligible for Spain’s long-term residence visa.
Access to Public Services: You and your family can benefit from Spain’s high-quality healthcare and education systems.
Mediterranean Lifestyle: Spain offers an exceptional quality of life, from its world-class cuisine and rich culture to its warm climate and welcoming communities.
Who is the Non-Lucrative Visa Ideal For?
Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa is ideal for non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss nationals who want to live in Spain long-term without working, either locally or remotely. Since it doesn’t grant the right to work or run a business, it is specifically designed for those who have enough financial resources to support themselves without relying on income generated within Spain. In simple terms, if you have passive income such as a pension or savings, this visa gives you the opportunity to enjoy long-term residency in Spain.
Importantly, there are no restrictions based on nationality for Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain for non-EU citizens, as long as the applicant meets the income, health insurance, and documentation requirements, they can apply through the relevant Spanish consulate in their country of residence.
Main Requirements to get the Non-Lucrative Residence Permit in Spain
To successfully get approved for living in Spain with a Non-Lucrative Visa, you’ll need to meet several important requirements, including a stable passive income to private health insurance.
One of the most essential legal requirements for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, your passport must be valid for at least one year.
As for the main financial requirement, you must prove that you have a stable passive income that meets or exceeds the official threshold set by Spanish immigration authorities. For 2025, this amount is calculated based on the IPREM index and is approximately €2,400 per month for the main applicant, plus €600 for each additional family member. This income must come from non-working sources such as pensions, dividends, or savings.
In addition to financial proof, applicants must provide Spain health insurance for a Non-Lucrative Visa. This private insurance should have full coverage in Spain, comparable to the Spanish public healthcare system. The policy must be valid for at least one year.
You’ll also need to show proof of accommodation in Spain, which can be a property title deed, a long-term rental contract, or a letter of invitation from someone residing legally in Spain.
Meeting these basic requirements is the foundation of a successful application. Consulates may request additional documents, so working with a professional team of immigration experts and legal advisors can help avoid delays or rejections.
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Income Requirements
The most important detail for the Non-Lucrative Visa is proving that you have enough passive income or savings to support yourself and any family members included in the application, without working in Spain.
The minimum amount is based on Spain’s IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which is updated annually.
For 2025, the estimated monthly requirement is €2,400 for the main applicant and €600 per dependent. That translates to an annual income of at least €28,800 for a single applicant.
You can meet this requirement through:
- Pensions or retirement payments
- Dividends or interest from investments
- Substantial savings or assets
Salaries or business income are generally not accepted unless clearly passive (e.g., royalties or profit shares without active involvement). In most cases, the Spanish consulate will require bank statements from the last 6 to 12 months showing regular income or a consistent balance above the minimum threshold. The funds should preferably be in your name and in a reputable, traceable financial institution.
If your bank account is held in a currency other than Euros, Spanish authorities may require an official statement from your bank indicating the equivalent value in Euros. This is not always included by default, so you may need to request it explicitly. Showing a strong financial profile, ideally with some extra margin above the minimum, will greatly improve your chances of approval.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain
There are several straightforward steps on how to apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain. Most of which must be completed in your home country, before entering Spain. Here’s a clear breakdown of the key steps:
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Prepare and Present All Required Documents
Your application begins with submitting the official documents needed for Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain. These mostly include the financial proof, health insurance, a criminal background check, proof of accommodation in Spain, your passport, passport-sized photos, and the completed visa application form. Many of these documents will need to be translated into Spanish and apostilled or legalised. Some consulates may also request notarised copies.
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Submit Your Application at the Spanish Consulate
You must apply in person at the Spanish consulate or embassy that has jurisdiction over your place of legal residence. Many consulates require a prior appointment and may have very specific document formatting rules, so it’s important to check their official website beforehand.
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Wait for Approval
After applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain processing time may vary, but most consulates respond within 1 – 3 months.
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Enter Spain and Register Your Residence
Within 30 days of arrival, you must register your address at your local town hall (empadronamiento) and apply for your residence card (TIE) at the immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería). This step officially activates your one-year residency permit.
How to Renew Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain?
The Non-Lucrative Residence Permit in Spain is designed as a progressive path toward long-term residency in Spain. The initial permit is granted for one year, but it can be renewed and extended as long as you continue to meet the requirements.
Upon your first renewal, the permit is extended for two additional years, and after that, a second renewal allows you to stay for another two years, bringing the total to five years of legal residency. Once you’ve completed this five-year period, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency in Spain, provided you’ve met all stay and documentation conditions throughout.
It’s worth noting that after the first Spain Non-Lucrative Visa renewal, you may also explore the option to switch to another type of residence permit, such as a work or self-employment visa, if your circumstances change and you meet the relevant conditions.
The Non-Lucrative Visa is more than just a short-term stay, it offers a structured, stable route to becoming a long-term resident in Spain.
Is the Non-Lucrative Visa a Good Alternative to the Cancelled Golden Visa?
With Spain officially ending its Golden Visa program in 2024, many prospective residents and investors have been left searching for alternative legal pathways to relocate. The Non-Lucrative Visa has quickly emerged as the most accessible and practical option for those who want to live in Spain without needing to invest in real estate or start a business.
Unlike the Golden Visa, which required a minimum real estate investment of €500,000, the Non-Lucrative Visa has no investment obligation. However, while property ownership is not mandatory, owning real estate in Spain can significantly strengthen your application. A property title deed provides solid proof of long-term accommodation and financial commitment to the country, both of which are viewed positively by consulates. In many cases, applicants who own a home in Spain are seen as more stable and serious residents, which can lead to a smoother approval process.
While the Golden Visa allowed holders to maintain residency with minimal time spent in Spain, the Non-Lucrative Visa requires applicants to actually reside in the country for at least 183 days per year. In return, it offers a clear path to permanent residency and citizenship, with full access to healthcare, education, and social services.
For those who were once drawn to Spain for its quality of life but found the investment requirement too limiting, the Non-Lucrative Visa now stands out as the most viable alternative for long-term settlement.
How Expert Guidance Helps for Non-Lucrative Visa Applications?
Navigating Spain’s visa procedures can be complex, especially when dealing with international documentation, legal translations, and strict consular requirements. That’s where TEKCE VISA comes in.
The experienced legal and relocation advisors of TEKCE VISA provide end-to-end support throughout your Non-Lucrative Residence Permit journey in Spain. From assessing your eligibility to gathering the right documents, from securing long-term accommodation to preparing financial proof, TEKCE VISA ensures your application is accurate, complete, and strategically strong.
With expert guidance you’ll get:
- Personalised visa consultations based on your financial and personal situation
- Legal coordination for document translation, apostilles, and consulate appointments
- Property search and rental assistance in Spain’s most sought-after regions
- Post-arrival services including empadronamiento, residence card (TIE) registration, and tax guidance
With TEKCE VISA’s expert guidance on getting a residence permit in Spain, you don’t just apply for a visa; you start a new life in Spain with clarity, confidence, and continuous support.