Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
The classic route to Spain for retirees and people living from savings, pensions or passive income. No work in Spain — but full residency, healthcare access and a path to citizenship.
The Non-Lucrative Visa (Visado No Lucrativo) is Spain's most popular long-stay visa for retirees and financially independent expats. You prove you can support yourself without working in Spain, and in return you get full residency rights.
Who it's for
- • Retirees with a pension
- • People living from savings, investments or rental income
- • Spouses joining a working partner who's on another visa
Requirements (2026)
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Income | ~€28,800/year main applicant + ~€7,200 per dependent (passive) |
| Health insurance | Private Spanish policy, full coverage, no co-pay, no waiting period |
| Criminal record | Clean record certificate from country of residence (apostilled + sworn translation) |
| Medical certificate | Doctor letter stating no diseases of public health concern |
| Apostille & translation | All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated by a sworn translator |
Step-by-step process
- 1
Gather documents
Bank statements (12 months), pension/income proof, FBI/DBS criminal record, medical certificate, private health insurance, passport photos.
- 2
Apostille & translate
All non-Spanish documents need an apostille (Hague Convention) and a sworn translation into Spanish (traducción jurada).
- 3
Book consulate appointment
Apply at the Spanish consulate covering your home address. You cannot apply from inside Spain.
- 4
Attend in person
Submit your file in person. The consulate may ask follow-up questions or request extra evidence.
- 5
Receive visa & enter Spain
You usually get a 1-year visa stamped in your passport. Enter Spain within 3 months.
- 6
Apply for TIE
Within 30 days of arrival, register at your town hall (empadronamiento) and book a TIE appointment at the police station.
Costs
| Item | Approx. cost |
|---|---|
| Visa fee at consulate | €80–€140 per person |
| TIE card (in Spain) | €16 |
| Apostilles & translations | €200–€500 |
| Private health insurance | €60–€200/month per person |
| Immigration lawyer (optional) | €800–€2,000 per family |
Pros & cons
Pros
- Live anywhere in Spain
- Counts toward permanent residency and citizenship
- Family reunification allowed
- No employer or business needed
- Schengen-wide travel rights
Cons
- You cannot work in Spain
- You become tax resident if you stay 183+ days/year
- Income proof must be passive — salaries don't count
- Renewals require living in Spain most of the year
Renewals
The initial visa is 1 year, then renewable for 2 years, then another 2 years. After 5 years of legal residence you can apply for permanent residency. Renewals require you to have lived in Spain at least 183 days per year on average.
Common mistakes
- • Buying a travel insurance policy instead of a real Spanish health policy
- • Using an unsworn translation — gets rejected on the spot
- • Forgetting the apostille on the criminal record
- • Showing income that's clearly a salary (active income)
- • Applying at the wrong consulate (must match your home address)
Frequently asked questions
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