Non-Lucrative Residence in Spain

Non-Lucrative Residence in Spain

Do you want to live legally in Spain without having to work? The Non-Lucrative Residence permit is the ideal option for citizens from outside the European Union who have sufficient financial means to support themselves and their family members.

This permit allows you to reside in Spanish territory initially for one year, with the major advantage that it can later be renewed if you continue to meet the requirements.

This residence permit must be requested by the foreign national from their country of origin through the Spanish consulate. If approved, the applicant will be able to live legally in Spain. It is important to keep in mind that even if the residence permit is approved, the person will not be authorized to carry out any work activities.

What is the temporary non-lucrative residence authorization?

It is a residence permit granted to foreign nationals so they can live legally in Spain without carrying out work activities. This authorization is designed for those who want to enjoy Spain’s quality of life while relying on their own financial resources.

Requirements to Apply for Non-Lucrative Residence

Before starting the process, it is important to make sure you meet a series of basic requirements established by law.

💡If you still do not know which type of Spanish citizenship best fits your situation, you can consult our specific guides:

 

Requirements:

✅ Legal status: You must not be an EU citizen and you must not be in Spain irregularly. 
 ✅ Criminal record: You must have no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have lived during the last five years.   
 ✅ Health: You must have health insurance, either public or private, authorized in Spain, as well as a medical certificate proving that you do not suffer from any diseases with public health implications.  
 ✅ You must pass the official citizenship exams, DELE and CCSE, unless you have a recognized exemption. 
 ✅ Entry: You must not be banned from entering Spanish territory or be listed as refused entry in countries with current agreements.

financial means

Financial means: How much money do you need to prove?

This is the foundation of the application. You must prove, through bank statements, that you have sufficient funds for your stay:

  • Main applicant: A minimum of 25,817 euros.
  • Family members: An additional 6,454 euros must be added for each family member accompanying you.

Remember: Failing to meet the minimum financial requirement is the main reason for denial.

Required documentation to apply for non-lucrative residence

The application must be submitted personally by the foreign national at the Spanish consulate in their country of origin. It is essential to provide both originals and copies of the following:

List of Documents:

  1. Visa application form.
  2. Valid passport, with at least one year of validity.
  3. Financial, health, and criminal record documentation, properly translated into Spanish and apostilled.

 

Advantages

  • Long-Term Residence: After five years of legal residence, you may apply for permanent residence.  
  • Spanish Citizenship: The time spent in Spain under this permit counts toward applying for Spanish citizenship. Depending on your country of origin, this may be after 1, 2, or 10 years.
  • Renewal: It can be renewed for additional two-year periods.

Limitations

  • It does not allow you to work: You are not authorized to carry out work activities in Spain.
  • Absence restriction: You cannot be outside Spain for more than 180 days per year in order to avoid losing the permit.

Resolution periods and “Administrative Silence”

Once the application has been submitted, the administration has a period of three months to respond. If you do not receive a notification after this time has passed, the law establishes that the application is considered denied by administrative silence. For this reason, professional legal guidance is essential to avoid delays.

Frequently asked questions about the non-lucrative residence permit

The insurance must be specifically authorized to operate in Spain in order to be valid.

Yes, the Non-Lucrative Residence permit can be renewed for successive two-year periods, as long as you continue to meet the established requirements, including financial means and health insurance.

The resolution period for the application is approximately three months from the day after the application was submitted at the consulate. If you do not receive a response within this period, the application is considered denied by administrative silence.

Not with this permit. If you wish to work, you will need to apply for a different residence and work authorization once the legal deadlines have been met.

Why choose us to help you?

At Sterna Abogados, we support you every step of the way. Our team of experts will review your documentation to make sure your application is as strong as possible.

Are you interested in applying for Non-Lucrative Residence?

📞 Contact us for a personalized consultation: +34 911 270 920

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