Thinking about moving to Spain without working for a Spanish company? The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa could be your perfect fit. Whether you’re retired or self-sufficient, this visa offers a legal way to live in Spain. Below, we answer the 10 most frequently asked questions about the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa.
1. What exactly is the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa and who is it designed for?
The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa is a residency permit designed for non-EU citizens who want to live in Spain without working for a Spanish company. It’s ideal for retirees, or anyone with independent income who can support themselves financially.
2. What are the main financial requirements for applying?
The main applicant must show financial means equivalent to 400% of Spain’s IPREM index annually. Each family member requires an additional 100% of IPREM. While people often estimate around €30,000 for an individual, the precise amount is tied to the current IPREM Index rate.
3. What type of health insurance is required?
You need private health insurance from a provider operating in Spain that:
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Offers full coverage from day one
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Has no co-payments
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Covers all medical needs
Policies with waiting periods or partial coverage are not accepted. In some cases, UK citizens with an S1 form can access Spain’s public healthcare system instead and may not need private health insurance for the application of this visa.
4. Can I apply for the NLV from within Spain?
Only if you already hold a different type of Spanish residency. If not, your initial application must be submitted through the Spanish consulate in your home country or current country of residence.
5. How long does the application process take?
Officially, consulates have up to 3 months to respond, but in practice, approvals often arrive in 1 to 2 months. Add around 3-4 weeks to prepare documents, legalize them, and translate them into Spanish.
6. Can NLV holders work remotely or freelance while living in Spain?
This is a legal gray area. Officially, you’re not allowed to work. However, if your income comes from foreign sources and your clients are outside Spain, many applicants continue working remotely. Some eventually switch to the Digital Nomad Visa, which offers more flexibility and public healthcare access.
7. What are the renewal requirements after the first year?
Renewals are typically easier than the first application and can be done online from Spain. You’ll need to show:
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The required financial means (in some cities, double the amount for a 2-year renewal)
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Continuous valid private health insurance
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A clean criminal record in Spain
Notably, due to a recent Supreme Court ruling, you’re no longer required to reside in Spain for at least 6 months per year to qualify for renewal. This is especially helpful for those wishing to avoid Spanish tax residency.
8. Can I bring my family members under the same visa?
Yes. Spouses and dependent children can be included. Each additional family member requires 100% of the IPREM, which typically amounts to less than €10,000 annually per dependent. Adult children may also qualify if you can prove they are financially dependent, such as being full-time students.
9. What are the most common mistakes applicants make?
Frequent issues include:
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Choosing a non-compliant health insurance plan
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Lack of clarity about remote work or self-employment
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Submitting expired or improperly legalized documents
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Starting health coverage too early, leading to coverage gaps
Working with experienced immigration lawyers, like Sterna Abogados, ensures you meet all requirements and avoid costly mistakes. Make sure to contact us at info@sternabogados.com, we will be delighted to help you!
10. How long must I reside in Spain to apply for citizenship?
That depends on your nationality and circumstances:
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1 year if married to a Spanish citizen
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2 years for nationals from Latin America, the Philippines, or Portugal
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10 years for most other non-EU citizens
If you have dual nationality, it’s best to apply with the passport that qualifies you for the shorter 2-year route. Regardless, after 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for long-term residency, which offers permanent rights to live and work in Spain.
Conclusion
The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa offers a flexible and realistic path to long-term life in Spain for those with independent income. With the right preparation—and expert guidance from legal professionals like Sterna Abogados (info@sternabogados.com)—your dream of living in Spain can become a reality.