Visas
Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain
How Spain's visa for financially self-sufficient non-EU residents works, including the income requirements.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15Consulate processing commonly takes a few weeks to a few months, depending on the consulate.
This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.
Overview
The Non-Lucrative Visa lets non-EU citizens live in Spain without working, provided they can show sufficient passive income or savings to support themselves. It's a popular route for retirees, though it's open to anyone who meets the financial requirement and doesn't plan to work in Spain.
Requirements
- You must not intend to work or carry out any economic activity in Spain — this visa doesn't authorise employment or self-employment
- You must demonstrate sufficient regular income or savings, generally referenced as a multiple of a public income index (IPREM) and reviewed periodically — commonly cited around several times the base monthly amount, with additional amounts required per dependent family member included
- You must have private health insurance with no co-payments, covering Spain for the full duration
Step-by-step process
- Confirm your income or savings meet the current threshold before applying, including any additional amount required for dependents
- Gather proof of income (pension statements, investment income, rental income) or savings (bank statements) in the format your consulate requires
- Arrange qualifying private health insurance
- Apply at your home country's Spanish consulate — this visa must be approved before you travel
- Once in Spain, apply for your TIE within the required window, and note the residency requirement to spend more than half the year in Spain to maintain the status
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Proof of sufficient income or savings, in the specific format your consulate requires
- Private health insurance with no co-payments, no waiting periods, covering Spain
- Criminal record certificate
- Medical certificate
Common mistakes
- Underestimating the income/savings threshold, or evidencing it with a bank statement format the consulate doesn't accept
- Buying health insurance that includes co-payments, which doesn't satisfy the visa requirement — see our guide to health insurance for visa applications for exactly what's needed
- Not realising this visa doesn't authorise any work — even remote work for a foreign employer generally falls under the Digital Nomad Visa instead
Practical tips
- Spending more than half the year in Spain to maintain this status also generally makes you a Spanish tax resident — worth understanding the tax implications before you commit
- The income/savings threshold is reviewed periodically — always confirm the current figure with your consulate rather than relying on an older source
How Tuchati can help
If you're considering this route and want to understand whether your income or savings meet the current requirement, Tuchati can help you check before you apply.