Non-Lucrative Visa 2026

Non-Lucrative Visa — Spanish Residency Without Work Rights

The ideal visa for those living on passive income, savings, investments, or a pension. Legal residence in Spain with full access to infrastructure and a clear path to permanent residency.

What Is the Non-Lucrative Visa?

Visado de residencia no lucrativa is a residence permit for citizens who do not plan to work or run a business in Spain. Ideal for retirees, investors with passive income, and those living on savings.

Duration

Initially 1 year. Renewal schedule: 2 years + 2 years + 5 years (permanent residency). Must spend at least 183 days per year in Spain.

Work Rights

Employment and entrepreneurial activity are NOT permitted. Passive income is allowed: dividends, rental income, pensions, interest.

Income Requirements

Minimum €2,400/mo (or €28,800/year) for the main applicant. Additional €600/mo per spouse, €300/mo per child.

Health Insurance

Private health insurance with full coverage in Spain is mandatory — no waiting periods and no copayments.

Schengen Access

Freedom of movement across all Schengen countries. Travel throughout Europe without additional visas.

Path to Permanent Residency

After 5 years of continuous residence — right to permanent residency. After 10 years — eligibility for Spanish citizenship.

Requirements

Key conditions for applying for the Non-Lucrative Visa:

Verified passive income of at least €2,400/mo (€28,800/year)

Sufficient savings in bank accounts (recommended from €30,000)

No employment or business activity in Spain

Private health insurance with full coverage

Criminal background check (last 5 years)

Medical certificate confirming no dangerous diseases

Rental agreement or property ownership in Spain

Physical presence in Spain for at least 183 days per year

Application Process

The Non-Lucrative Visa is submitted through the Spanish consulate in your country of residence.

Assessment & Planning

We analyze your finances and situation, determine the submission strategy and optimal document set.

Document Preparation

We gather bank statements, certificates, insurance, translations, and apostilles. We prepare the financial justification.

Consulate Submission

We submit the complete package to the Spanish consulate. We assist until a decision is received (1–3 months).

Entry & Registration

After approval, you enter Spain within 90 days, register, and apply for your TIE (resident card).

Costs

Government fees and application expenses:

€80

Consular fee

Government visa fee

€80–200/mo

Health insurance

Full coverage without copayments

€300–600

Apostille & translations

Sworn translations + apostille

€16

TIE (resident card)

Card issuance fee

1–3 months

Processing time

Depends on the consulate and country of application

€80–190

Renewal

Renewal fee every 1–2 years

Useful Tips

If your income is close to the threshold, accumulate a 12-month reserve (€35,000+) to strengthen your application.

Rent housing in advance — a rental contract for 1+ years significantly strengthens the application.

Remember: the Non-Lucrative Visa does not allow work. If this is a dealbreaker, consider the Digital Nomad Visa.

After one year of residency, you can apply for a status change — for example, switch to a work permit.

You must spend more than 183 days per year in Spain — otherwise you risk losing your status at renewal.

Non-Lucrative Visa FAQ

No. The Non-Lucrative Visa explicitly prohibits employment and business activity in Spain. Remote work is still considered work. For remote work, the Digital Nomad Visa is the right option. However, passive income (dividends, rent, pension) is allowed.

Stable income from staking or other crypto investments may be considered as passive income, but documentary proof through bank statements is required. Consulates vary in their approach — we'll help you present it correctly.

No. A rental agreement is sufficient. However, owning property simplifies the application and renewal. If you're considering an investment of €500K+, look into the Golden Visa, which doesn't require permanent residence in Spain.

First renewal — after 1 year, for 2 years. Second — another 2 years. After 5 years — permanent residency (no work restrictions). At each renewal, you must confirm income, insurance, and residence in Spain (183+ days).

Yes. Spouse and minor children can apply simultaneously. For each additional adult, you need to prove €600/mo extra income; for each child — €300/mo. Each family member receives their own residence permit.

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