The Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain: A Comprehensive Guide for Non-EU Citizens
Live in Spain. Legally. Comfortably. Without Working in Spain.
Spain has long been a dream destination for individuals looking to enjoy a higher quality of life, better weather, rich culture, and a lower cost of living. Whether you're a retiree, digital nomad with offshore income, or simply planning a sabbatical in the Mediterranean, the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) could be your gateway to long-term legal residency in Spain.
At Landcross Partners, we help non-EU citizens—particularly from the U.S., Canada and U.K.—navigate every step of the visa, relocation, and property purchase journey. Below is your complete, practical guide to the Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain in 2025
What Is the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)?
The Non-Lucrative Visa is a residency permit that allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain long-term—without engaging in local work or professional activities. It’s ideal for those with passive income, retirement savings, or foreign income sources that don’t require local employment.
You are allowed to:
- Live in Spain full time
- Rent or buy a home
- Enroll your children in school
- Access private healthcare
- Travel freely within the Schengen Zone
You are not allowed to:
- Work or freelance for Spanish companies
- Operate a local business in Spain
- Apply this visa toward a work permit (though later modifications may allow switching
Who Is the Non-Lucrative Visa For?
This visa is perfect for:
- U.S. citizens and British nationals moving to Spain after Brexit
- Early retirees or pensioners
- Digital nomads with foreign clients (note: no Spanish clients)
- Individuals on sabbatical
- High net-worth individuals who want to live legally in Spain while investing
Key Requirements (As of 2025)
1. Proof of Financial Means
You must show sufficient income to support yourself and any family members without working in Spain.
Minimum annual income (2025):
- Individual: Approx. €30,000/year
- Couple: Approx. €37,500–€40,000/year
- Each additional dependent: ~€7,500/year
Sources can include:
- Pension payments
- Rental income
- Dividends
- Salaries from non-Spanish employers
- Savings
2. Private Health Insurance
- Must be with a Spanish company
- No co-pays, 0 waiting period
- Full coverage in Spain (similar to public system)
3. No Criminal Record
Clean police certificate from your country of residence (and any country you’ve lived in the past 5 years)
4. Proof of Accommodation
Rental contract or property deed in Spain
Application Process: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Apply at Your Local Spanish Consulate
- Application must be made from outside Spain
- Processing time: 4–12 weeks
Step 2: Enter Spain & Finalize Residency
- Once approved, you’ll receive a 90-day entry visa
- Upon arrival in Spain, you must:
- Register at your local town hall (empadronamiento)
- Apply for your TIE (residence card) at the immigration office.
Renewal Timeline & Path to Permanent Residency
- Initial visa: 1 year
- First renewal: 2 years
- Second renewal: 2 years
- After 5 years: Apply for long-term residency
- After 10 years: Eligible to apply for Spanish citizenship (sooner for Latin Americans or Sephardic Jews)
Can I Buy Property with the Non-Lucrative Visa?
Yes. In fact, many NLV holders purchase homes in Spain as part of their relocation strategy. While the NLV does not require a real estate investment (unlike the now-defunct Golden Visa), owning property:
- Strengthens your visa application
- Saves long-term rental costs
- Positions you for investment returns
At Landcross Partners, we specialize in guiding non-EU clients through the entire property acquisition process in Spain, from search and negotiation to legal due diligence and notary signing.
How Landcross Partners Can Help
Applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa alone is complex—and making a mistake can cost you months. Our team helps you:
- Understand eligibility and strategy
- Prepare and legalize your documents
- Select compliant health insurance plans
- Open Spanish bank accounts
- Find property to rent or buy
- Get settled in your new city
We work with U.S., U.K., and other non-EU citizens relocating to:
- Madrid
- Barcelona
- Marbella & Costa del Sol
- Alicante & Costa Blanca
- Mallorca and Balearic Islands
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freelance or work remotely with an NLV?
Yes, but only for non-Spanish clients and income must be passive or earned outside of Spain.
2. What if I want to work later in Spain?
You’ll need to switch to a work visa or self-employment permit. We can help you navigate this.
3. Can I bring my family?
Yes, the visa covers spouses and children under 18 (or dependent adults). Financial requirements increase with dependents.
4. Do I need to live in Spain full-time?
Yes. You must live in Spain for at least 183 days per year to maintain residency.
5. Is this the same as the Digital Nomad Visa?
No. The Digital Nomad Visa is for remote workers employed by foreign companies. The NLV is for those with passive income or retirees. We can help you decide which suits you best.
