Obtain a Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain
The non-lucrative visa lets you live in Spain without working. Learn how to apply through the Spanish embassy or consulate and get help from our lawyers.
In order to obtain a non-lucrative visa for Spain, you need to make the needed application with the Spanish Embassy, Consular Office, or Diplomatic Mission in your area of residence. Our team of lawyers can help you with the application.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Availability for EU citizens (YES/NO) | NO, this type of visa does not address |
Availability for non-EU citizens (YES/NO) | All non-EU citizens, except for Swiss, Liechtenstein and Norwegian nationals can apply for this visa. In the case of the 3 countries, similar rules as to EU states apply |
Particularities | The non-lucrative residence permit is a special visa that does not allow the holder to take up employment |
| Eligibility requirements | The visa can be obtained by retired persons, individuals with sufficient funds to sustain themselves, and persons who want to take employment after the visa expires |
| Validity period | This type of visa has a 3-months validity period |
| Application procedure | The application procedure implies for the documents to be filed in person with the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in the home country |
| Documents required | The application form, a valid passport, a health certificate, proof of self-sufficiency, a health insurance, clean criminal record |
| Visa interview required (YES/NO) | YES, this type of visa requires an interview |
| Possibility to renewal (YES/NO) | The visa can be renewed for another 2 years |
| Possibility of exchange for a residence permit (YES/NO) | YES, after 2 years the visa can be exchanged for a residence permit |
| Registration with local authorities (YES/NO) | YES, registration with the local authorities and obtaining a provisional personal identification number are mandatory |
| Family reunification option (YES/NO) | YES, the spouse and minor children can also obtain such a visa |
| Timeframe to obtain a non-lucrative visa for Spain (approx.) | The visa processing timeframe ranges from 2 to 5 weeks, however, longer times should also be considered |
| Advantages of the non-lucrative residence permit | It is a pathway to permanent residency, it does not require substantial investment, it enables the holder to move to Spain with close family members, it is easy to obtain |
| Visa application services (YES/NO) | YES, we offer tailored support in applying for a Spanish non-lucrative visa and residence permit |
| Requirement to apply for the visa in person (YES/NO) | Yes. In the case of minor children, the application will be filed by one of the parents. |
Possibility to exchange the non-lucrative visa for a work permit (YES/NO) | Yes. |
Requirements to exchange the visa for a work permit | An employment contract. |
| Possibility to travel based on a non-lucrative visa (YES/NO) | Yes, you can leave and enter Spain based on this type of visa. |
| Visa denial possibility (YES/NO) | Yes, the visa can be denied, even if rarely. |
| Visa refusal reasons | Most of the time an incomplete file can lead to visa refusals. For this purpose, you can rely on our lawyers to make sure your paperwork is in order. |
| Authorities in charge with the application/issuance of the visa | Spanish Embassy or Consulate. |
| Foreign Identity Card required for the applicant (YES/NO) | Yes, the applicant must apply for this document within one month from arrival. |
| Requirement to obtain NIE number (YES/NO) | Yes. |
| Access to tax residency | Yes, with this visa, applicants become Spanish tax residents. |
| Is the non-lucrative visa similar to the Golden Visa? | The comparison is now only historical: the Golden Visa was abolished for new applicants on 3 April 2025 (existing holders may renew). |
| Difference between the non-lucrative visa and the Golden Visa | The Golden Visa did not require the applicant to live in Spain, while the non-lucrative visa does; the Golden Visa has been closed to new applicants since 3 April 2025. |
| Minimum living requirement | The holder of a non-lucrative visa must spend at least 183 days in a calendar year in Spain. |
| Access to permanent residency | After 5 years of living in Spain. |
| Access to citizenship | After 10 years. |
What is the Spanish non-lucrative visa?
The non-lucrative residence permit is a type of visa that allows its holder to enter the country and stay for periods of time exceeding 90 days without working.
A particularity of the Spanish non-lucrative visa is that the applicant must also go through an interview.
Who can obtain a non-lucrative visa for Spain?
The visa is available for individuals who have the financial means to support their stay in Spain without working. A few examples:
- retirees, especially since Spain does not have a dedicated program for them;
- remote workers, who should apply for the Spanish digital nomad visa instead, as the non-lucrative permit does not allow any work or professional activity, including remote work;
- people who want to take a sabbatical.
IMPORTANT! The visa is available for non-EU/EEA citizens only.
Can I move to Spain based on a non-lucrative visa with my family?
Yes, your spouse or registered/stable partner, your minor children and dependent adult children with a disability can join you. For more information about the family members who can join you, you can consult with our Spanish immigration lawyers.
Here is an infographic on the non-lucrative visa:
What are the documents that I need to prepare to obtain a non-lucrative visa in Spain?
The following:
- valid passport and visa (if applicable);
- application forms;
- recent photograph;
- proof of financial sufficiency;
- valid health insurance;
- clean criminal record;
- medical certificate;
- proof of residency;
- proof of visa fee payment.
What is the minimum amount of money I need when applying for a Spanish non-lucrative visa?
The minimum amount is calculated based on a specific formula. The sum must be the equivalent of 400% of the Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). For each family member, to this amount another 100% of the IPREM must be added.
As an example, at the level of 2026, the main applicant needs EUR 2,400 per month, and EUR 600 per each family member.
Can I apply for the non-lucrative visa while in Spain?
No, you cannot apply while visiting Spain. You must file the visa application at the Spanish consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
How long does it take for a Spanish non-lucrative visa application to be processed?
Approximately 3 months.
What is the validity of a non-lucrative visa for Spain? Can it be renewed?
The visa is valid for 3 months, and upon applying for a temporary residence permit, it becomes valid for one year. It is also renewable for 2 years.
We also invite you to watch our video below:
What are the advantages of the Spanish non-lucrative visa?
Obtaining a non-lucrative visa for Spain comes with various benefits. Among them, we mention the following:
- it is one of the fastest pathways to permanent residency and even Spanish citizenship, provided that one has sufficient funds to support one’s stay for 10 years;
- it can first be accessed as a non-lucrative visa, after which the holder can turn it into a work permit;
- free-travel in Schengen states and staying there for up to 90 days is another advantage of the non-lucrative visa in Spain;
- there is no need to contribute to the Spanish economy as was required for the former investment (golden) visa.
Contact our immigration lawyers in Spain who specialize in all types of visas, including the non-lucrative visa in Spain, for more detailed information and advice applicable to your particular case. We also provide tailored assistance if you want to apply for Spanish citizenship.
Laura Fusté, Attorney at Law · 2 October 2026