Spanish residency for financially independent individuals. No work, no business, no investment required.
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa allows financially independent individuals, retirees, and families to live in Spain without working, running a business, or making any investment. It is designed for those whose income comes from pensions, dividends, rental income, or other passive sources, and who want a permanent, legal base in one of Europe's most liveable and welcoming countries.
The visa is issued for one year on entry, renewable for two further two-year periods. Spouses and dependent childrencan be included in the same application, making it a natural choice for families looking to establish a lasting European legacy in Spain. After five years of continuous legal residence, permanent residency is available. Spanish citizenshipis possible after ten years. As a resident spending more than 183 days per year in Spain, applicants become Spanish tax residents and should seek independent tax advice to understand their obligations.
Spain - Non Lucrative Visa
Eligibility, Benefits, Timelines and Costs
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Eligibility
Non-EU national: the visa is available to non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss nationals only
Financially self-sufficient: income must come from passive sources only, such as pensions, dividends, rental income, or investments. No employment or business activity in Spain is permitted
Minimum annual income of €28,800 for a single applicant (400% of the Spanish IPREM index), with an additional €7,200 per dependent
Proof of long-term accommodation in Spain, either owned property or a registered rental agreement
Comprehensive private health insurance valid in Spain for the full duration of stay
Clean criminal record from your home country and any country of residence in the past five years
Medical certificate from a licensed doctor confirming the absence of contagious diseases
Must not have resided illegally in Spain or held Spanish residency in the past five years
Minimum stay of 183 days per year in Spain is required to maintain residency status and for renewal eligibility
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Benefits
No minimum investment required, unlike residency by investment or Golden Visa programmes. Spain's Golden Visa was eliminated in 2025, making the Non-Lucrative Visa the primary residency route for financially independent non-EU individuals
Live in one of Europe's most desirable and liveable countries, with exceptional climate, world-class healthcare, vibrant cities, and a competitive cost of living
No obligation to work or run a business: the NLV is designed around financial independence, not employment
Visa-free travel across the entire Schengen Area (26 countries)
Spouses and dependent children can be included under the same application
Clear pathway to permanent residency after five years of continuous legal residence
Spanish citizenship available after ten years
Access to Spain's public healthcare system once registered as a resident
As a Spanish tax resident, you are subject to worldwide income tax at progressive rates. Spain does not offer a preferential flat tax regime for NLV holders. MJR recommends taking independent tax advice before applying
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Timelines & Costs
Overall processing time is approximately 12 to 18 weeks, depending on visa appointment availability and consulate processing times
Full setup support from €8,000, covering initial visa application and in-country UGE-CE residence permit application
The published fee includes ongoing support for all temporary residency renewals, compliance requirements, and strategic guidance on future options such as permanent residency or citizenship
Applications for permanent residency or citizenship are not included and are quoted separately, should you choose to proceed
Final fees may vary depending on the number of applicants, jurisdiction, and the complexity of the individual case
Spain is waiting. Are you ready to make it home?
The Non-Lucrative Visa is one of the most straightforward pathways to long-term residency in Europe for those who have already built their financial independence. Robert and Martin will review your profile, confirm your eligibility, and walk you through every step of the process, with no obligation and no pressure.
