Guide To Non-Lucrative Visas For Spain 2025

What is Spain’s non-lucrative visa?

The non-lucrative visa is for non-EU nationals who wish to reside in Spain but not undertake any local employment or professional activity.

However, you may still carry out remote work for clients or employers outside of Spain, which makes this visa particularly appealing for digital nomads, remote employees, retirees, or those seeking to settle in Spain long term without needing a work contract initially.

This visa, sometimes referred to as the retirement visa, requires proof of sufficient ongoing financial means and private health insurance. No investment in Spain is required.

Who is the non-lucrative visa for?

• Those looking to retire in Spain
• Remote workers with non-Spanish employers
• Anyone wishing to live in Spain for the first year and apply for a work permit in year two

Benefits of the non-lucrative visa

• Renewable every 2 years after the initial 1-year period
• Pathway to permanent residency after 5 years
• Ability to work remotely for non-Spanish clients
• Study or take part in paid internships in Spain
• No large investment required
• Freedom of movement across the 27 Schengen countries
• Spouse and dependent children can be included

2025 income requirements

You must demonstrate proof of regular income or assets equivalent to 400% of the IPREM. In 2025, the IPREM is €600/month.

• Individual applicant: €2,400/month or €28,800/year
• Each additional family member: €600/month or €7,200/year

Income must be backed by official bank statements, pensions, rental income, or investment earnings. Income from Spanish companies must not involve employment activities in Spain.

Read more on income requirements for residency

How to apply for the non-lucrative visa

You must apply from your country of legal residence through the nearest Spanish consulate. Here's the global consulate locator:

https://www.exteriores.gob.es/en/EmbajadasConsulados/Paginas/index.aspx

UK applicants can apply via the consulates in London, Manchester, or Edinburgh. Contact emails:

• London: cog.londres.residencia@maec.es
• Manchester: cog.manchester.vis@maec.es
• Edinburgh: cog.edimburgo@maec.es

Information to include in your email

• Full name, nationality, passport number, phone
• Visa type ("non-lucrative visa")
• Reason for application
• Preferred appointment date (Tuesdays/Thursdays, 09:30–12:00)

Required application documents

(Photocopies of originals unless specified otherwise.)

• National visa Form – Download
• Official government Form EX-01 – Download
• Fee payment form 790-052 – Download
• Private medical insurance in Spain – must cover full medical care with no co-payments
• Bank certificate showing proof of sufficient income or savings
• Passport photos with white background – See official photo guidelines
• Original passport
• Medical certificate (translated to Spanish)
• Legalised criminal record certificate (not older than 3 months)
• Visa fee payment at the time of approval

Visa fees (as of 2025)

• USA: €130
• Canada: €510
• UK & most other countries: €85

After you arrive in Spain

Next steps after arrival

• Within one month of entry, apply for your TIE (Foreigner ID Card) at a local police or immigration office

Processing time

• May take up to 3 months for approval
• You must collect the visa in person within 1 month of notification

Working in Spain later

Want to work in Spain later?

After one year as a non-lucrative visa holder, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit. You’ll need an employment contract and proof of qualifications.

If your application is denied

If your application is denied

Check our guide on reasons for rejection and how to appeal:

Visa appeals & rejection guide

Empadronamiento (registering on the padrón)

Empadronamiento

Planning to stay 6 months or more? Register on the padrón at your town hall. This helps with services like TIE, healthcare access, and local admin tasks.

Read about empadronamiento here

Official government guidance

Official Government Guide (English)

View official guidance PDF

Renewing your non-lucrative visa

Renewing your visa

You’ll need to renew after the first year. Our step-by-step guide explains how:

Renew your non-lucrative visa

Final thoughts

A Spanish non-lucrative visa is one of the most accessible ways for non-EU nationals to start a new life in Spain, especially for retirees and remote workers. Understanding the income rules, documentation and timing will make the process smoother and reduce the risk of delays or refusals.

By preparing your paperwork carefully, allowing enough time for appointments, legalisations and translations, and keeping up with the latest consulate requirements, you can put yourself in a strong position for approval and focus on planning your move.

Get visa-ready health insurance for Spain

Private health insurance without co-payments is a mandatory requirement for the non-lucrative visa. We can help you choose a Sanitas plan that meets Spanish consulate rules, covers full medical care and provides the proof of insurance you need for your application. View our Sanitas no co-payment health insurance plans.