Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa
Live the good life in Spain without working. The Non-Lucrative Visa is the classic route for retirees, passive income earners, and anyone financially independent.
What is the Non-Lucrative Visa?
The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is one of Spain's most popular long-stay visas for non-EU citizens. It grants the right to reside in Spain without the right to work — making it ideal for retirees, those living off passive income, or anyone who wants to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle without employment.
The NLV is applied for at the Spanish consulate in your home country and, once approved, gives you the right to live in Spain for up to one year initially, with renewal options for longer periods.
Eligibility Requirements
- Non-EU/EEA nationality
- Sufficient financial means (no employment required)
- Monthly income of at least €2,400 (living costs threshold)
- Private health insurance covering Spain (no co-payment)
- Clean criminal record (apostilled)
- Medical certificate (no contagious diseases)
- Commitment not to work in Spain during the visa period
Required Documents
Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
Certified copy of all pages
Completed national visa form (EX-01)
2 copies signed
Recent passport-sized photos
2 photos, white background
Criminal record certificate
Apostilled & translated
Medical certificate
From your GP, apostilled
Proof of sufficient income
Bank statements, pension, investment income
Private health insurance
Full coverage, no co-payment, no time limit
Proof of accommodation in Spain
Rental contract or property ownership
Document requirements vary slightly by consulate. We ensure your application is tailored to your specific consulate's requirements to avoid rejections.
FAQs
Can I work at all on a Non-Lucrative Visa?
No. The NLV explicitly prohibits any gainful employment in Spain, including remote work for international clients. If you need to work, consider the Digital Nomad Visa instead.
What counts as 'sufficient income'?
You need to demonstrate approximately €2,400/month for yourself, plus around €600/month for each additional family member. This can come from pensions, savings, investments, rental income, or other passive sources.
How long does the initial visa last?
The initial NLV is granted for 1 year. After that, you can renew for 2-year periods. After 5 years, you can apply for long-term residency.
Do I have to stay in Spain?
You must spend at least 6 months per year in Spain (183 days) to maintain your residency status. Going below this may jeopardize renewal.
Quick Facts
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