1. What is the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa?
The Non-Lucrative Visa is a Spanish residence permit that allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live in Spain without engaging in any professional or paid activity. This visa is ideal for retirees, remote workers, or those who have passive income and can support themselves without needing a job in Spain.
2. Key Benefits of the Non-Lucrative Visa
- Long-Term Residency: The visa is valid for 1 year initially and can be renewed for 2-year increments.
- Path to Permanent Residency: After 5 years, you can apply for long-term residence in Spain.
- Family Reunification: You can include dependents on your application or bring them after you establish residency.
- Freedom to Travel in Schengen Area: Visa holders can travel freely within the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
3. Eligibility Requirements for the Non-Lucrative Visa
To qualify for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria:
3.1 Financial Requirements
You must show sufficient income to support yourself and any dependents. The required amount is set at 400% of the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which changes annually. For 2024, the minimum amounts are approximately:
- Main Applicant: €2,400 per month or €28,800 per year.
- Additional Family Members: 100% of IPREM per dependent, approximately €7,200 annually.
Financial support can come from pensions, investment income, savings, or other passive income sources, but it cannot include income from active employment in Spain.
3.2 Health Insurance
Applicants need comprehensive private health insurance with full coverage in Spain. The policy should be valid for at least one year, with no co-payments or deductibles, and provided by a Spanish insurance company.
3.3 Clean Criminal Record
You’ll need a police clearance certificate from your home country, showing no serious criminal offenses in the past 5 years.
3.4 Proof of Accommodation in Spain
Applicants must show proof of accommodation in Spain, such as a rental agreement, property ownership, or a letter of invitation if staying with someone else.
4. Required Documents for the Non-Lucrative Visa
Here’s a list of essential documents needed for the application:
- Passport: Valid for the entire duration of stay in Spain, with at least two blank pages.
- Visa Application Form: Completed and signed, typically Form EX-01.
- Passport Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm).
- Proof of Financial Means: Bank statements, investment reports, pension letters, or income sources.
- Private Health Insurance Certificate: Proof of private health insurance meeting Spanish requirements.
- Criminal Record Certificate: Issued by authorities in your home country, covering the last 5 years.
- Proof of Accommodation: Rental contract, property ownership, or proof of residence in Spain.
- Medical Certificate: A letter from a doctor confirming that you are free from infectious diseases as per WHO standards.
- Visa Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the visa processing fee (around €60–€125, depending on the consulate).
5. How to Apply for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
Step 1: Schedule an Appointment with the Spanish Consulate
Applicants must apply at the Spanish consulate in their home country. Contact your nearest consulate to schedule an appointment, as some have waiting times.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form and Gather Documents
Ensure that all documents are translated into Spanish (if required) and have been legalized or apostilled where necessary.
Step 3: Attend Your Consulate Appointment
Bring your completed application, all required documents, and the visa fee receipt to your appointment. Consulate staff may ask questions about your reasons for moving to Spain and your financial situation.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Processing times vary but generally take 1 to 3 months. The consulate will notify you when your visa is ready for collection or if additional documents are needed.
Step 5: Arrive in Spain and Apply for Your TIE Card
Upon arriving in Spain, you have one month to apply for a Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) card, which is your residency card, at your local immigration office.
6. Cost Summary for the Non-Lucrative Visa
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa Fee | €60–€125 |
| Health Insurance (annual) | €500–€1,200 |
| Translation & Legalization | €100–€300 |
| Proof of Funds Requirement | €28,800 (annually for main applicant) |
7. Renewing the Non-Lucrative Visa
The visa is initially valid for 1 year. You can renew it for an additional 2 years if you continue to meet financial and residency requirements. To renew, you’ll need to prove that you lived in Spain for at least 183 days per year and provide updated documents showing financial means and health insurance.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I work remotely with a Non-Lucrative Visa?
Yes, remote work is typically allowed as long as the income is generated outside Spain and does not involve Spanish clients. - How long does it take to get the Non-Lucrative Visa?
Processing generally takes 1–3 months. It’s recommended to apply well in advance of your planned move. - Can I bring my family with me on this visa?
Yes, dependents can be included in the application, but you must prove additional financial means. - Can I convert my Non-Lucrative Visa to a Work Visa?
Yes, after one year, you may apply to convert to a work visa if you find employment in Spain. - Do I need to renew my health insurance each year?
Yes, valid health insurance is required throughout your stay in Spain and must be renewed annually.
9. Conclusion
The Non-Lucrative Visa provides a pathway to live in Spain without work obligations, making it ideal for retirees, financially independent individuals, and remote workers. By understanding the financial and documentation requirements and following the application process carefully, you can enjoy a smooth transition to life in Spain with this long-term residence permit.