Quick Facts
- Processing: 1 month
- Initial Duration: 1 year
- Apply From: Consulate in home country
- Work Allowed: No (first year)
- Renewals: 2 years each
Overview
Not planning to work? Just want to enjoy life in Spain? This is the retirement visa, though plenty of younger people with savings or passive income use it too.
Requirements
- Show 400% of IPREM in your bank—roughly €28,800
- Adding family? Each person needs another 100% IPREM on top
- Bank statements covering six to twelve months
- Private health insurance from a Spanish company, full coverage, no copays
Path Forward
Can’t work the first year. But after renewal, modifying to a work permit becomes an option if a job offer comes through. Five years gets you permanent residency. Every year counts toward nationality too.
Our Services
We guide you through consulate requirements specific to your country and prepare your complete application package.
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Income Requirements: The Numbers
Spain wants to see you can support yourself without working. The baseline is 400% of IPREM monthly:
| Who | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant | €2,400 | €28,800 |
| + Spouse | +€600 | +€7,200 |
| + Each child | +€150 | +€1,800 |
A couple needs around €36,000/year. Family of four: roughly €40,000. These figures update annually with IPREM changes.
US applicants need FBI background checks, which take 12-18 weeks. Start this first. The apostille from the State Department adds another 2-4 weeks.
Canada
Toronto and Montreal. RCMP background check runs 4-8 weeks. Documents need apostille through Global Affairs Canada.
Document Checklist
- ☐ National visa application form
- ☐ Passport (valid 1+ year beyond visa)
- ☐ Two passport photos
- ☐ Criminal record certificate (apostilled, translated)
- ☐ Medical certificate (specific format required)
- ☐ Proof of income/savings (bank statements, pension letters)
- ☐ Health insurance (full coverage, Spanish provider, valid 1 year)
- ☐ Proof of accommodation in Spain (rental contract or property deed)
Some consulates want originals plus copies. Others want everything in a specific order. Check your consulate’s specific requirements before your appointment.
Renewal and Long-Term Path
Initial visa: 1 year. First renewal: 2 years. Second renewal: 2 years. After 5 years: eligible for permanent residency.
You still can’t work during renewals. The income requirements stay the same. If your circumstances change and you need to work, you’ll need to switch to a work permit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Counts as Income Pension: Government or private pension statements Investments: Dividends, rental income (from property abroad) Savings: Bank statements showing sufficient funds Passive income: Royalties, trust distributions Active employment income doesn’t count. That’s the whole point of “non-lucrative.” If you want to work, look at the Digital Nomad Visa instead. Timeline: Consulate to Residency Unlike the Digital Nomad Visa, you must apply from your home country’s Spanish consulate. Here’s the typical timeline: Document prep: 3-6 weeks (apostilles take time) Consulate appointment: 1-8 weeks depending on location Visa processing: Up to 3 months (legally, often faster) Enter Spain: Within 90 days of visa issuance TIE card: Apply within 30 days of arrival, receive in 30-45 days Budget 4-6 months from starting documents to having your residence card. The Los Angeles and Miami consulates are notoriously slow. London moves faster since Brexit reduced their workload. Consulate Tips by Location United States
Eight consulates, each with different wait times. Los Angeles and Miami see the most applications. San Francisco and Chicago often have shorter waits.
United Kingdom
London consulate handles all UK applications. Post-Brexit, the process is more straightforward for Brits than EU citizens in some ways. ACRO police certificate takes 2-4 weeks.
Can I work remotely for my US company on this visa?
Technically no. The Non-Lucrative Visa prohibits work, including remote work. If you need to work remotely, the Digital Nomad Visa is the correct option. Some people do it anyway, but it’s a gray area we don’t recommend.
Do I need to buy health insurance before my consulate appointment?
Yes. You need a policy from a Spanish insurance company, covering the full year, with no copays. Companies like Sanitas, Adeslas, and Asisa offer policies for visa applicants. Expect €60-150/month depending on age and coverage.
Can my spouse work in Spain?
No. Family members on a Non-Lucrative Visa have the same restrictions. Neither the main applicant nor dependents can work. After 5 years with permanent residency, work rights open up.
How long can I be outside Spain?
You need to spend the majority of the year in Spain to maintain residency. Extended absences over 6 months can jeopardize your status and restart the citizenship clock. Short trips are fine.
What happens if my income drops below the threshold?
You’ll need to show sufficient funds at each renewal. If income drops, savings can cover the gap. The key is proving you won’t need to work to support yourself in Spain.