Spain non-lucrative visa

The Spain non-lucrative visa (also known as the non-working residence visa) allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain long-term, as long as they can prove they have enough passive income or savings to support themselves. You don’t need a job offer, you don’t need to buy property, and you don’t need to invest a large amount of money. 

You do need to show approximately €2,400 per month (€28,800 per year) in financial resources for the main applicant, plus €600 per month for each additional family member. The visa is initially granted for one year, can be renewed in two-year periods, and after five years it can lead to permanent residency in Spain.

Since the Spanish Golden Visa programme ended in April 2025, this non-lucrative residence permit has become even more relevant for people seeking a straightforward way to settle in Spain legally.

Who is the Spain non-lucrative visa for?

This visa is designed for people who can support themselves financially without working in Spain. The most common profiles include:

• Retirees living off a pension or savings
• Financially independent individuals with passive income from investments, dividends or rental properties
• Early retirees or FIRE enthusiasts who have accumulated enough assets
• People who simply want a lifestyle change in Spain and have the economic means to do so

The key condition is clear: you cannot work for a Spanish employer or run a business in Spain while holding this visa. Remote work is also not permitted under the non-lucrative visa — if you plan to work online, the digital nomad visa is the appropriate option.

Financial requirements in 2026

The financial threshold is based on Spain’s IPREM indicator (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which is updated annually. For 2026, the requirements are:

• Main applicant: 400% of IPREM = approximately €2,400/month (€28,800/year)
• Each additional family member: 100% of IPREM = approximately €600/month (€7,200/year)

For example, a couple applying together would need to demonstrate at least €36,000 per year, and a couple with one child would need around €43,200 per year.

Acceptable sources of income typically include pensions, savings accounts, rental income, dividends and investment returns. The key is that the income must be passive — not earned from employment.

Documents you will need

While specific requirements may vary slightly by consulate, the standard documentation for a Spain non-lucrative visa application includes:

• Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years, with at least one year of remaining validity)
• Completed national visa application form and form EX-01
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Proof of financial means (bank statements from the last 6–12 months, pension certificates, investment statements)
• Private health insurance valid in Spain with coverage of at least €30,000
• Criminal record certificate from your country of origin and any country where you have lived in the last 5 years
• Medical certificate confirming no serious public health risks
• If of working age: proof of pension, termination letter from employer, or affidavit declaring you will not work in Spain

All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalised and accompanied by a certified Spanish translation.

The application process step by step

1. Gather your documents. Start at least two months before your intended appointment. Many documents have expiration dates, so timing is important.

2. Book a consulate appointment. Applications must be submitted in person at the Spanish consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence. Availability varies, so schedule early.

3. Submit your application. Attend your appointment with all original documents and copies. Pay the applicable consular fees (these vary by country — for example, approximately $152 for US citizens).

4. Wait for a decision. Processing times typically range from two to five weeks, although consulates legally have up to three months to respond.

5. Collect your visa and travel to Spain. Once approved, you have one month to pick up your visa and must enter Spain within 90 days.

6. Apply for your TIE. Once in Spain, you must apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days of arrival. This is your official residence card.

Renewal and path to permanent residency

The Spain non-lucrative visa follows a 1 + 2 + 2 renewal pattern. After the initial one-year permit, you renew for two years, then another two years. After five continuous years of legal residence, you may apply for long-term residency. Eventually, this path can also lead to Spanish citizenship, provided you meet all the legal requirements.

An important detail: to maintain your residence permit, you generally need to spend the majority of your time in Spain. Extended absences can jeopardise your renewal.

Tax implications you should know about

This is a point many applicants overlook, and it can have a significant impact on your finances. If you hold a Spain non-lucrative visa and spend more than 183 days per year in the country — which you need to do to maintain your residency — you automatically become a tax resident in Spain. This means you are required to declare and pay taxes on your worldwide income, not just income generated in Spain.

What taxes apply?

• Personal income tax (IRPF). Spain applies progressive tax rates ranging from 19% to 47%, depending on your total income. This applies to pensions, rental income, dividends, interest and capital gains from anywhere in the world.
• Wealth tax. If your total net assets exceed certain thresholds (which vary by region), you may also be subject to Spain’s wealth tax. This covers property, investments, savings and other assets both in Spain and abroad.
• Modelo 720. Tax residents in Spain who hold assets abroad above certain thresholds must file an informative declaration (Modelo 720) disclosing foreign bank accounts, securities and real estate.

Can you be taxed twice?

Not necessarily. Spain has double taxation agreements with many countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and most EU nations. These treaties are designed to prevent you from paying tax on the same income in both countries. However, the application of these agreements can be complex and varies depending on the type of income and the specific treaty, so professional tax advice is essential.

When do you file?

The Spanish tax year follows the calendar year. Tax returns are filed between April and June of the following year. For example, income earned in 2026 would be declared between April and June 2027.

Understanding your tax obligations before you move is just as important as getting the visa itself. At Capital Auditors & Consultants, we specialise in helping non-lucrative visa holders navigate Spain’s tax system, optimise their tax position and ensure full compliance from day one.

Frequently asked questions

Don’t leave your application to chance

The Spain non-lucrative visa is a fantastic opportunity, but it comes with strict requirements. A small error in your documentation, an incomplete financial proof or a missed deadline can result in a denial — and months of lost time.At Capital Auditors & Consultants, we guide you through every step of the process: from preparing your financial documentation to ensuring your application meets all consular requirements. If you are ready to make Spain your new home, get in touch with our team and let us handle the complexity so you can focus on planning your new life.