🏖️

Non-Lucrative Visa

Last reviewed March 2026

For retirees and those with passive income (cannot work)

EasyPopularRetireesEarly retirees (FIRE)Passive income earners

Key Facts

Income Requirement

€28,800/year (€2,400/month) for main applicant

€7,200/year per dependent

Can You Work?

No — cannot work in Spain

Initial Duration

1 year

Processing: 4-8 weeks

Path to Residency

10 years to citizenship

Total possible: 5 years to permanent residency

Requirements

✓

Spain becomes your habitual residence (spending 183+ days triggers tax residency)

✓

Income must be passive (pensions, investments, rental income)

✓

Clean criminal record (apostilled)

✓

Private health insurance

✓

Proof of housing in Spain

Required Documents

Valid passport

Visa application form

Passport photos

Clean criminal record (apostilled)

Proof of passive income (bank statements, pension letters, investment accounts)

Private health insurance

Proof of housing in Spain (rental contract or property deed)

Cost Overview

Visa Fee

$60–520

Varies widely by consulate

Health Insurance

€50–150/mo

Total First-Year Estimate

€1,000–3,000

Timeline

Processing

4-8 weeks

Initial Duration

1 year

Renewal 1

2 years

Renewal 2

2 years

Benefits

+No work/education requirements
+Includes spouse and dependents
+Path to permanent residency after 5 years
+Live anywhere in Spain

Watch Out For

!CANNOT work in Spain (biggest restriction)
!Automatic tax resident (must file Spanish taxes on worldwide income)
!Some consulates expect higher/more stable income than minimum
!Must prove housing BEFORE visa approval
!Spending 183+ days/year in Spain triggers tax residency on worldwide income

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