Retire to Spain - How to Obtain Retirement Visa

Do you want to retire to Spain? The procedure depends on your nationality, and it implies a few steps, at the end of which you will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. Discover below how we can help you retire here.

Quick Facts
Availability of dedicated retirement visa (YES/NO)	No, Spain does not have a dedicated retirement visa.
Options for those who want to retire to Spain	– non-lucrative visa (the Golden Visa program was abolished on 3 April 2025).
Conditions to retire to Spain	– be self-sufficient, – have a clean criminal record, – not to file for social benefits, – be in good health condition.
Requirements to retire based on the Spanish non-lucrative visa	– have sufficient funds to sustain oneself, – have a clean criminal record.
Access to the golden visa for retirement purposes	The golden visa was abolished on 3 April 2025 (Organic Law 1/2025); no new applications are accepted.
Validity of a non-lucrative visa	The initial non-lucrative residence authorisation is valid for one year (the visa can be issued for up to one year).
Validity of a golden visa	No longer available (golden visa abolished on 3 April 2025).
Extension possibility (YES/NO)	Yes, the non-lucrative residence permit can be renewed for 2-year periods.
Permanent residency options for retirees	Long-term residency (5 years) is required for retirees to gain Spanish permanent residency.
Documents required to apply for a visa to retire to Spain	– valid passport, – application form (depending on the type of visa requested), – valid health insurance, – recent photographs, – proof of financial means.
Time frame to obtain a non-lucrative visa	Approx. 2 months.
Time frame to obtain a golden visa	Not applicable – the golden visa was abolished on 3 April 2025.
Possibility to relocate to Spain with the spouse (YES/NO)	Yes, with the non-lucrative visa (family members can be included).
Access to citizenship	After 10 years of legal and continuous residence (shorter for some nationalities, e.g. 2 years for Ibero-American nationals).
Support in retiring to Spain (YES/NO)	Yes, we can help those interested in retiring to Spain.

Is there a special visa for pensioners in Spain?

No, there is no direct retirement visa in Spain; however, this means that you can also relocate here if you are not traditionally retired yet.

What visa can I apply for if I want to retire to Spain?

The non-lucrative visa: as its name says, it is a visa created for people who are not required to work while in Spain.

How do I retire to Spain based on a non-lucrative visa?

If you are considering this option, here are the main aspects to consider:

this type of retirement visa allows you, your spouse/partner, and any dependent children/parents to lawfully reside in Spain;
you will be issued a one-year residency card that can be renewed for another 2 years;
after these 2 years, you can renew your visa for another 2 years, bringing your total stay in Spain to five years, thus qualifying for permanent residency.

Our lawyers will help you determine the necessary amount, depending on the number of persons emigrating to Spain.

What are the requirements to apply for a non-lucrative visa for retirement purposes in Spain?

The main condition is to have sufficient money to sustain your living in Spain. However, there is a special formula for the computation of this amount, which is explained here.

What are the required documents to retire to Spain through the non-lucrative visa?

Here are the main papers you need to have at hand when filing for a type D visa for retirement to Spain:

the visa and non-working resident visa application forms;
valid passport;
passport-sized photograph;
the application form for a residence permit;
proof of financial means (bank statements from the last 3 months, most recent tax return, retirement account disbursements);
notarized declaration stating that you will not work while in Spain;
a letter of termination from the previous employer (for those under retirement age only).
proof of accommodation for the first 3 months;
valid health insurance;
health certificate;
clean criminal record;
visa and residence permit payment fee receipts.

You can rely on our immigration lawyer in Spain for assistance in gathering the necessary documents for a potential retirement visa for Spain.

Here is also an infographic on retirement in Spain:

Do I need to apply for the Spanish non-lucrative visa if I am an EU citizen?

No, this visa is intended for non-EU/EEA nationals only. However, you also need to register your stay in Spain if it exceeds 3 months.

Can I move with my spouse/partner as retirees in Spain?

Yes, you can. The only thing to consider is that the minimum amount for living expenses will be higher.

How long does it take for this Spanish visa to be issued and what is its validity?

Around 3 months.

Here is also our video on this subject:

What if I want to retire to Spain permanently?

In this case, you need to follow these steps:

after you move to Spain based on the non-lucrative visa, you also need to apply for a temporary residence permit;
the temporary residence permit is granted for an initial period of one year (apply for the TIE card within one month of entry);
you can renew the temporary residence permit until you become eligible for permanent residence (5 years).

Our lawyers are at your disposal with solutions enabling you to secure a non-lucrative visa for Spain. Provided you decide to remain here, you can rely on us for support in applying for Spanish citizenship. Feel free to contact us for guidance in retirement and other immigration matters.