Spain Non-Lucrative Visa: Complete Guide 2025
The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa (Visado de Residencia No Lucrativa) allows foreigners to live in Spain without working. It’s perfect for retirees, investors, or anyone with passive income who wants to enjoy Spain’s lifestyle.
Quick facts:
- Minimum income: €600.53/month (IPREM 2025)
- Processing time: 1-3 months
- Initial stay: Up to 5 years
- Work rights: None allowed
- Family inclusion: Yes, with additional income requirements
- Path to citizenship: Possible after 5 years
What is the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa?
The Non-Lucrative Residence Visa grants you the right to live in Spain indefinitely without engaging in paid employment. You can stay for extended periods but cannot work for Spanish companies or receive income from Spanish sources.
Who it’s for:
- Retirees with pension income
- People with rental income or investments
- Freelancers working remotely (but income must come from outside Spain)
- Anyone with sufficient passive income
What you get:
- Residence in Spain for up to 5 years initially
- Access to Spanish healthcare system
- Right to bring family members
- Freedom to travel within Schengen area
- Path to Spanish citizenship after 5 years
Financial Requirements (2025)
You must prove stable economic means equivalent to at least the Spanish IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples).
2025 IPREM amounts:
- Monthly: €600.53
- Annual: €7,206.36
- Daily: €19.53
Source: Real Decreto 624/2024, BOE-A-2024-24699, effective January 2025
For family applications:
- Main applicant: 100% of IPREM (€600.53/month)
- Spouse/partner: Additional 50% (€300.27/month)
- Each dependent child: Additional 25% (€150.13/month)
Example for a couple:
- Main applicant: €600.53
- Spouse: €300.27
- Total required: €900.80/month
Acceptable income sources:
- Pensions or retirement income
- Rental income from properties
- Investment dividends
- Royalties from intellectual property
- Maintenance payments
Application Process Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather Documents
Collect all required documents before applying:
Personal documents:
- Valid passport (3+ months validity)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Criminal record certificate from home country
- Criminal record from any country lived in past 5 years
Financial documents:
- Bank statements for last 3 months showing required income
- Pension statements or investment certificates
- Proof of income stability (last 12 months recommended)
Health and insurance:
- Private health insurance certificate (€30,000 minimum coverage)
- Medical certificate confirming no contagious diseases
Spanish documents:
- Rental agreement or property deed in Spain
- Empadronamiento certificate (if already in Spain)
Step 2: Apply at Consulate
- Schedule appointment at Spanish consulate in your country
- Submit application in person
- Pay visa fee (€80 for Schengen visa)
- Attend biometric appointment
Step 3: Wait for Approval
- Processing time: 1-3 months
- Collect visa when approved
Step 4: Enter Spain and Apply for Residence Card
- Enter Spain within 90 days of visa approval
- Apply for TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days
- Attend appointment at local Oficina de Extranjería
- Receive residence card (1-3 months processing)
Costs Breakdown (2025)
Application fees:
- Visa fee: €80
- Residence card (TIE): €20
- Apostille/legalization: €20-50 per document
- Translation fees: €15-30 per document
Ongoing costs:
- Health insurance: €50-100/month
- Bank account maintenance: €10-20/month
- Empadronamiento: Free
- NIE number: €10-20
Total first-year cost estimate: €1,500-2,500
Processing Times
Visa processing:
- Standard: 1-3 months (varies by consulate and application volume)
- Express processing may be available in some cases
Residence card processing:
- Standard: 1 month
- Complex cases: Up to 3 months
Note: Specific approval rates and rejection statistics are not publicly available from official sources. Processing times can vary significantly based on consulate workload and individual circumstances.
Family Applications
You can include family members in your application:
Eligible family:
- Spouse or registered partner
- Children under 18
- Dependent children over 18 with disabilities
- Dependent parents (in some cases)
Additional requirements:
- Each family member needs separate application
- Additional income proof as outlined above
- Family relationship documents
Processing: Family applications process simultaneously with main applicant.
Work Restrictions
What you CANNOT do:
- Work for Spanish companies
- Receive salary from Spanish employers
- Run a business in Spain (unless you change to work visa)
- Receive unemployment benefits
What you CAN do:
- Work remotely for foreign companies
- Receive income from abroad
- Volunteer work
- Study Spanish language courses
Healthcare Access
Public healthcare:
- Free access after obtaining residence card
- Same coverage as Spanish citizens
- Includes doctor visits, hospital care, emergency services
Private insurance requirement:
- Must have private insurance during application (€30,000 minimum coverage)
- Can switch to public system after residence card
- Average cost: €50-100/month for comprehensive coverage
Tax Implications
Non-resident taxation (first 6 months):
- No tax on foreign income
- Tax only on Spanish-sourced income
Resident taxation (after 183 days):
- IRPF (income tax) on worldwide income
- Tax brackets: 19-47% depending on income level
- Social security contributions required if working
Important: Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
Renewal Process
When to renew:
- Apply 60 days before current visa expires
- Initial visa valid for 1-5 years
Requirements:
- Continued proof of economic means
- Valid health insurance
- Clean criminal record
- No significant changes in circumstances
Processing time: 1-3 months Fees: €20 for renewal
Path to Citizenship
Timeline:
- 5 years of continuous residence
- Apply for permanent residence after 3 years
- Citizenship application after 5 years
Requirements:
- Demonstrate integration (language skills, cultural knowledge)
- No criminal record
- Stable economic situation
- Pass citizenship exam (DELE B1 Spanish level)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Financial mistakes:
- Not proving income stability (need 12+ months of statements)
- Underestimating additional costs for family members
- Forgetting to include all required income amounts
Document mistakes:
- Missing apostilles on documents
- Incomplete translations
- Expired documents
Process mistakes:
- Applying at wrong consulate
- Not entering Spain within 90 days
- Missing TIE application deadline
Living Costs in Spain (2025 Data)
Average monthly costs for expats (Madrid data):
| Category | Annual Cost (€) | Monthly Cost (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (rent/water/electricity/gas) | 13,076.74 | 1,090 |
| Food & non-alcoholic beverages | 5,235.20 | 436 |
| Healthcare | 1,301.18 | 108 |
| Transport | 4,146.29 | 346 |
| Communications | 1,008.64 | 84 |
| Clothing & footwear | 1,323.80 | 110 |
| Restaurants & hotels | 3,907.52 | 326 |
| Leisure & culture | 1,884.54 | 157 |
| Total household expenditure | 37,360.47 | 3,114 |
Source: INE Encuesta Continua de Presupuestos Familiares 2023, Comunidad de Madrid. Monthly figures calculated from annual data.
Get Expert Help
Need help with your application?
Immigration lawyers specialize in non-lucrative visas and can:
- Review your documents before submission
- Handle complex family applications
- Appeal rejections
- Guide you through renewals
Find immigration lawyers in your city →
Health insurance brokers can help you find compliant coverage for your visa application.
Find health insurance brokers →
Related Guides
- Complete Spain Visa Guide - Overview of all Spanish visas
- Golden Visa Spain - Alternative investment-based visa
- Moving to Spain Complete Guide - Step-by-step relocation guide
- Spanish Taxes for Expats - Tax obligations explained
- NIE Number Application - Required identification number
FAQs
Can I work with a non-lucrative visa?
No, you cannot work for Spanish companies or receive income from Spanish sources. However, you can work remotely for foreign companies.
How long can I stay initially?
The visa allows stays up to 90 days per 180-day period initially. After obtaining the residence card, you can stay longer.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, you can include your spouse, children under 18, and dependent children with disabilities.
What happens if my income drops below the minimum?
You must maintain the required income level. If it drops, you may need to leave Spain or change to a different visa type.
Can I buy property in Spain?
Yes, you can buy property, but you cannot use it as collateral for business activities that would generate Spanish income.
How do I prove my income?
Bank statements, pension statements, investment certificates, or tax returns showing the required monthly amount for at least the last 3 months.
This guide is accurate as of October 2025. Requirements can change, so always verify with the Spanish consulate.
Data Sources:
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