🌞 Spanish Non‑Lucrative Visa (NLV) — 

Requirements & 2026 Complete Guide 

It’s ideal for:

• Retirees receiving pension income
• Individuals with investment or rental income
• Families taking a sabbatical or lifestyle break
• Anyone wanting to enjoy Spain without employment obligations

Minimum income required for the NLV, the figures quoted are net of tax and is the amount of money that should be shown in your account at the time of the application.

• €2,400 per month / €28,800 per year for the main applicant (400% of IPREM)
• +€600 per month / €7,200 per year for each family member (100% of IPREM)

Accepted income sources include one or more of the following to meet the financial requirement: 

• Savings (liquid funds preferred)
• Pensions 
• Dividends
• Investment income
• Rental income

Renewal Tip: After one year, you can renew the visa twice for two years at a time, when renewing you need to demonstrate you have sufficient funds for two rather than one year.

• Covers at least 12 months (one year)
• Has no deductibles or co‑pays
• Provided by a Spanish‑authorised private insurer

For United Kingdom (UK) Citizens, if you are eligible for a state pension, you can qualify for access to the Spanish Public Health Care System with an S1 form.

If you’re unsure which insurer meets requirements, we can guide you.  Help at Hand Spain provide introductions to English speaking leading private insurance providers so you can find the right cover at the right cost to meet your needs.

Tip:  If you are not eligible for Spanish Health Care, and private health insurance is costly, after one year you may want to consider Convenio Especial, learn more about this in our Planning your Health Care Guide.

Tips:

• Spouses / Partners: If you are not married or in a registered relationship, you can still apply for this visa as a couple.  It is necessary to prove you are in a cohabiting and stable relationship for a minimum of 12 months. 
• Adult children 18+:  You need to provide documents providing financial dependence, civil status, and that they live with you as part of the family unit.  While not written as an absolute legal requirement, Spanish consulates often expect adult dependent children to be studying, because this supports the claim that they are not financially independent.
• Parents in the ascending line: You must prove the family connection, financial dependence and that they will live you with you in Spain.

• EX‑01 
• Visa application
• TASA 790-052

• Issued within last 10 years, 12+ months validity remaining, 2 blank pages 

• Bank statements (3–12 months depending on consulate and personal circumstances)
• Pension letters, investment statements, rental contracts, or savings certificates
• Some consulates require an official bank letter

• Private health insurance certificate (no co‑pays) or Government approved certificate of entitlement to Spanish Public Health Care and pre-registration (if eligible)
• Medical Certificate of Good Health, stating you don’t suffer from diseases listed under the International Health Regulations.  

• Criminal record certificates for each country you’ve lived in during the last 5 years, translated and apostilled/legalised as required by the issuing country

• Proof of Relationship (marriage, registered partnership or other documents to prove a stable relationship) — translated & apostilled
• Birth certificates for dependents — translated & apostilled

• Proof of current employment status depending on your circumstances 
• Proof you live in the consulate’s jurisdiction
• Motivation letter or Legal Affidavit providing a legal commitment to not work
• Proof of accommodation in Spain at application  
• Tax returns

• Employment in Spain
• Remote work for foreign companies
• Freelancing or consulting

Tip: If you want to work remotely, you may be eligible for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa.  You cannot apply for a Digital Nomad Visa if you are currently on a Non-Lucrative Visa.

• Initial visa: 1 year
• First renewal: 2 years
• Second renewal: 2 years
• After 5 years → long‑term residency (sometimes referred to as Permanent Residency)
• After 10 years → potential Spanish citizenship, some citizens (i.e. from Ibero-American countries) are eligible to apply for Citizenship after two years.

• The law does not explicitly state that residency starts on the visa issue date. As of today, there is no official published statement from the Policía Nacional (extranjería) or Spanish consulates that directly clarifies when the residency year begins under the post–May 2025 rules.
• Under current interpretations, your official residency year may begin from the visa issue date—not your arrival date—which could jeopardise your ability to meet the 183‑day requirement for renewal, or future long-term residency.  

Renewal tip: Spend at least 183 days in Spain each year to avoid renewal issues.  If you intend to live in Spain long-term and apply for Long-Term Residency after five years, you must not leave Spain for more than 10 months in the first five years of the visa.   A period of up to six months is permitted which is deducted from the 10 month allowance.

Tip: Legally you need to do this within 30 days of your arrival, however there is flexibility to this.  If possible, it is recommended to plan for your appointments before your arrival, however this will be dependent on how quickly you can secure accommodation.

If you are applying as an individual, couple in a registered relationship (Civil Partnership or Marriage) of family, you should allow 1 to 2 months to gather the paperwork.  It takes up to 3 months for the consulate to make the approval, and once approved you can move to Spain.    For couples that are in a stable relationship and intend to apply together to benefit from the reduced financial requirement - it is recommended to start earlier as it's important to have a clear plan on how you will prove the relationship and what documents you will need to prove you meet the financial requirements.

Important:  If you plan to sell property or hold tax‑efficient investments before relocating to Spain, the timing of your move and your Non‑Lucrative Visa application is crucial. 

Proper planning can help you avoid an unexpected capital gains tax in Spain and ensure your existing savings, pensions, or investment structures remain as beneficial as possible.   It is recommended to seek guidance from a qualified Financial Advisor or Planner to assess your personal situation.

📖 For further information, read our guide to: Capital Gains Tax in Spain

Applying for Spain’s Non‑Lucrative Visa comes with several basic costs, the actual costs will depend on your personal circumstances:

• Visa application fee — varies by nationality 
• Visa TASA processing fee — low-cost administrative fee.
• Official Public Documents — e.g. Criminal Records Checks, Marriage/Birth Certificates
• Sworn translations 
• Apostilles/legalisation
• Public Notary  
• Medical Certificate of Good Health — there are multiple options depending on the country from which you are applying
• Private Health Insurance  — depending on age and coverage

We offer a comprehensive end‑to‑end service covering every stage of your Spanish visa and residency journey, from initial application through to settling in once you arrive.

Our approach combines expert guidance, meticulous document preparation, and full support with consulate applications and in‑Spain formalities, giving you complete peace of mind throughout the process.

What truly sets us apart is our quality-driven, hands-on support — including our complimentary Personal Concierge Service, helping you navigate both the administrative and practical aspects of relocating to Spain.

As every client’s situation is unique, we invite you to get in touch for tailored advice and a full overview of how we can support your move.

👉 Get started, open a new enquiry with Help At Hand Spain today -Complete the New Enquiry Form

• Organic Law 4/2000
• Royal Decree 557/2011 (Article 47)
• Annual IPREM reference published in the Spanish State Budget