Guide To Non-Lucrative Visas For Spain 2026

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 work or professional activity in Spain. It is mainly aimed at retirees and people with passive income (pensions, savings, investments or rental income) who can support themselves without working locally.

Spain now has a separate Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers employed by or contracted to foreign companies. If your main goal is to work remotely from Spain, that route is usually more appropriate than the non-lucrative visa.

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.
• People with stable passive income who want to live in Spain without working locally.
• Anyone wishing to live in Spain for the first year and potentially apply for a work or other residency permit later, if they meet the requirements.

Benefits of the non-lucrative visa

• Initial 1-year residence permit, renewable in 2-year periods.
• Pathway to long-term residency after 5 years of legal residence.
• Ability to live in Spain full-time without needing a job contract at the start.
• Option to study or take part in paid internships in Spain.
• No large investment required.
• Freedom of movement across the Schengen Area for short stays.
• Spouse and dependent children can usually be included on the same application.

Income requirements

You must demonstrate proof of regular income or assets equivalent to 400% of the IPREM (Spain’s public income index) for the main applicant, plus an additional 100% of the IPREM for each dependent family member.

The Spanish government reviews and updates IPREM periodically, so the exact euro amounts change over time. Always check the latest IPREM figure and how it is being applied before you apply.

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.

What Is The Minimum Income For Residency In Spain?

How to apply for the non-lucrative visa

You must apply from your country of legal residence through the nearest Spanish consulate or its authorised visa application centre.

To find the correct office and current procedure, use the global consulate locator:

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

Applying from the UK

UK applicants normally apply via the Spanish consulate or its authorised visa application centre responsible for their area (London, Manchester or Edinburgh). Procedures, contact details and booking systems can change, so always follow the latest instructions on the relevant consulate or official Spain Visa centre website before emailing or booking an appointment.

Information to include when requesting an appointment

(If the consulate or visa centre asks you to request an appointment by email or web form, they typically need at least the following.)

• Full name, nationality, passport number, phone number.
• Visa type (“non-lucrative visa”).
• Brief reason for application (retirement, passive income, etc.).
• Preferred appointment location and date range (if applicable).

Required application documents

(Photocopies of originals unless specified otherwise. Always follow the specific checklist from your consulate or visa centre.)

• National visa form – completed and signed. Download the latest version from the website of the Spanish consulate or visa application centre where you will apply.
• Official government Form EX-01 – non-lucrative residence application form, available from the Spanish immigration website (Ministerio de Inclusión). For example: Form EX-01 PDF
• Fee payment form 790-052 – for payment of the applicable administrative fee. For example: Form 790-052 PDF
• Private medical insurance in Spain – must cover full medical care with no co-payments and no waiting periods for essential services. It should be valid throughout Spain and for at least the duration of your initial residence. You can see suitable plans here: Sanitas visa-compliant plans.
• Bank certificate showing proof of sufficient income or savings, issued by your bank.
• Recent passport photos with a white background – follow the official biometric photo guidelines, e.g. photo specification PDF.
• Original passport, valid for at least the required period and with blank pages.
• Medical certificate (translated into Spanish and, where required, legalised or apostilled).
• Legalised criminal record certificate from your country (or countries) of residence for the last few years, not older than the period specified by the consulate (often 3 months), translated and legalised/apostilled as required.
• Proof of visa fee payment at the time and in the way specified by the consulate or visa centre.

Visa fees

Visa fees depend on your nationality, the consulate or visa centre where you apply and the type of visa. They are reviewed periodically and can differ between countries. Always check the current fees on the website of the relevant Spanish consulate or visa application centre before submitting your application.

After you arrive in Spain

Next steps after arrival

• Within one month of entry, apply for your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) at the designated police or immigration office in your area.
• You may also need to register at your local town hall (empadronamiento) if you plan to stay in that municipality.

Processing time

• Processing times can vary, but it may take up to 3 months for your visa application to be decided.
• Once your visa is approved, you usually must collect it in person within the deadline specified by the consulate (often 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 able to apply to modify your status to a work permit or self-employment permit if you meet the legal requirements and have an employment contract or viable business plan. Alternatively, you might qualify for other residence routes, such as the Digital Nomad Visa, depending on your circumstances.

If your application is denied

If your application is denied

The consulate will normally explain the reasons for refusal and your options for appeal or reconsideration. Time limits for appeals are strict, so read the decision carefully and follow the instructions.

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 can help with procedures like obtaining your TIE, accessing local services and dealing with other administrative tasks.

Read about empadronamiento here

Official government guidance

Official government guide (English)

For the latest official guidance, always refer to the documentation provided by the Spanish consulate or embassy responsible for your place of residence, as well as any English-language guides they publish for non-lucrative visa applicants.

Renewing your non-lucrative visa

Renewing your visa

After the first year, you’ll need to renew your residence. The renewal normally grants a 2-year permit and you must again show sufficient income, health insurance and compliance with residency requirements.

Renew your non-lucrative visa

Final thoughts

A Spanish non-lucrative visa is one of the most accessible ways for non-EU nationals with passive income to start a new life in Spain, especially for retirees. 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.