Spain Non‑Lucrative Visa: live in Spain without working.
The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is Spain's residence route for retirees and financially independent people. If you can support yourself and your family from savings, pensions or investments, it lets you make Spain your home. Most refusals come down to a missing, expired or untranslated document, so start with the checklist.
- Spouse and children can join
- Renewable residence
- Path to permanent residency
Free PDF: Non-Lucrative Visa Document Checklist
- Every form, fee and document
- 2026 financial requirements
- Apostille, translation and date rules
PDF · No email required
*400% of IPREM for the main applicant and 100% per dependent, based on the 2026 IPREM of €600/month. Keep a buffer for exchange-rate movements.
Who the Non-Lucrative Visa is for
The NLV is a residence permit, not a work permit. If you plan to earn money in Spain, including remote work for U.S. clients, you'll need a different route.
A good fit if you…
- Are retiring, or living off savings, pensions or investments
- Can show at least €28,800 a year, plus €7,200 per dependent
- Won't work in Spain, including online or remote work
- Can get Spanish private health insurance with full coverage
- Have a clean criminal record for the last 5 years
Consider another route if you…
- Work remotely for a U.S. employer or clients Digital Nomad Visa
- Are coming to study for more than 90 days Student Visa
- Are married to an EU citizen (not Spanish) EU Spouse Residence
- Are married to a Spanish citizen Spanish Spouse Residence
From application to residence card
You apply in the U.S. at the Spanish consulate that covers where you live, not in Spain.
Gather your documents
Forms, financial proof, insurance, FBI check and medical certificate, with apostilles and sworn translations where required.
Apply at your consulate
Book an appointment at the consulate for your district and submit a complete packet for each applicant.
Enter Spain
Once approved, the visa is generally valid for entry during a 90-day period.
Get your TIE card
Apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within 1 month of arriving.
What you'll need for your NLV application
Tick items off as you go. The full PDF explains what consulates generally expect, including the details that most often cause delays.
Applications, identity & jurisdiction
Evidence that supports your application
Family members & final check
Timing matters. Criminal records, medical certificates and civil-status documents all have strict issue-date limits. Plan apostilles and sworn translations backward from your appointment date. Need a translator? See our official sworn translation services.
The NLV requires full private health cover in Spain
Your consulate will ask for a certificate, in Spanish, from an insurer authorized to operate in Spain. The policy must be equivalent to Spain's public system and stay in force for the whole authorization period.
- 100% medical, hospital and outpatient coverage
- No copayments and no coverage limits
- No exclusions for pre-existing conditions
- Names each applicant and shows the coverage start date
GuiriGuru can arrange visa-compliant policies from DKV Visado and Sanitas Resident.
Can NLV holders use Spain's public healthcare?
Not automatically. If you've never worked or paid into Spanish Social Security, becoming a resident alone doesn't give you access to public healthcare. You may qualify if you:
- If you change status in Spain to a work visa or digital nomad visa (autónomo) and pay Social Security
- Receive a state pension from an EU/EEA country, the UK or Switzerland and register an S1
- Join the paid Convenio Especial after one year of legal residence
Get the complete Non‑Lucrative Visa checklist
The free 3-page PDF covers every requirement in detail: financial evidence rules, health insurance criteria, legalization steps and what happens after approval. Keep it on your phone while you gather your paperwork.
Not the right fit? Explore the other visa routes
Important: This page and checklist are for general information only and are not legal advice. Requirements change and can differ by consular district and personal circumstances. Always confirm the current list with your assigned Spanish consulate, or book a consultation with a licensed Spanish immigration lawyer through GuiriGuru.