Retiring in Spain as a Non-EU Citizen — NLV, DNV & the New Rules (2026)

Pick your visa: NLV vs DNV vs family

NLV step-by-step

• ✦Gather apostilled documents: criminal record (last 5 years), birth certificate, marriage certificate. Apostille via your home country's Hague convention office.
• ✦Get all documents translated by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).
• ✦Buy Spanish private health insurance — full cover, no co-pays, from an authorised insurer (Sanitas, Adeslas, DKV, Asisa).
• ✦Compile 12 months of bank/pension/investment statements showing ≥€28,800/year passive income.
• ✦Book consulate appointment in your country of legal residence. Some consulates have 6+ month waits — start early.
• ✦Pay visa fee (€60–€140 depending on nationality), submit file, wait 1–3 months for approval.
• ✦On approval, enter Spain within 90 days. Within 30 days of arrival, get your TIE biometric card at the Oficina de Extranjería.

DNV step-by-step

DNV can be applied for at a Spanish consulate (1-year visa, then 3-year TIE) OR from inside Spain on a tourist visa (3-year TIE directly). Inside-Spain applications are usually faster — 20 working days vs 2–3 months at consulates.

• ✦Prove you've been a remote worker/freelancer for 3+ months with the same employer/clients.
• ✦Show contracts: employer (1+ year contract OR open-ended) or clients (multiple, recurring invoices).
• ✦Income: €2,762/month for main applicant, +€1,036/month spouse, +€346/month child.
• ✦Spanish social security registration (~€80–€300/month depending on income tier).
• ✦Beckham law election within 6 months — 24% flat tax on first €600k Spanish-source income, foreign income exempt (with caveats).

Country-specific notes