The full guide
What is the non-lucrative visa?
The non-lucrative visa (visado de residencia no lucrativa) is a residence permit for non-EU citizens who can support themselves without working. It’s popular with retirees and people living off pensions, savings, rent or investments. The key word is non-lucrative: you can’t take a job in Spain, and Spain has confirmed this also rules out remote work for employers or clients abroad. If you want to work remotely, the digital nomad visa is the route.
How much money do you need in 2026?
The requirement is tied to IPREM, a public reference income that stays at €600 a month in 2026. You need 400% of IPREM for yourself and 100% for each family member you support:
| Household | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant | €2,400 | €28,800 |
| Each family member | +€600 | +€7,200 |
| Couple | €3,000 | €36,000 |
| Couple and one child | €3,600 | €43,200 |
You can show regular passive income, savings that cover the full year, or both. Consulates differ on how they treat savings, so check yours. Income from a Spanish company needs a certificate that you don’t work for it.
Documents checklist
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| National visa application form | Completed and signed |
| Form EX-01 | Initial temporary residence application |
| Passport | Valid at least a year, with two blank pages |
| Photo | Recent passport photo on a white background |
| Proof of funds | 12 months of statements, pension letters, investment statements |
| Health insurance | Authorised in Spain, full cover, no co-payments or waiting periods |
| Medical certificate | Within 3 months, apostilled and translated where required |
| Criminal record certificate | Last five years of residence, under 6 months old |
| Proof you live in the consular district | Residence card, utility bill or similar |
| Fees | Visa fee plus modelo 790 código 052 for the residence authorisation |
Foreign public documents need an apostille and a sworn translation into Spanish. See getting documents translated and apostilled.
Timeline: from consulate to TIE
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1 | Apply at the consulate. The decision usually takes up to three months. |
| 2 | Collect your visa within a month of approval. |
| 3 | Enter Spain while the visa is valid. Your one-year residence starts on the day you enter. |
| 4 | Register on the padrón at your town hall. |
| 5 | Within a month of entry, apply for your TIE card at the police. |
Renewing your non-lucrative residence
The first permit lasts one year. Renewals are for two years at a time, and after five years you can apply for long-term residence. Under the immigration regulation in force since 20 May 2025, you must have lived in Spain for more than 183 days in each calendar year to renew. Your tax and social security record also counts. See renewing your TIE and residence permit.
Tax: what changes when you move
Spending more than 183 days a year in Spain makes you tax resident, which means you declare your worldwide income in Spain and may need to report assets abroad worth more than €50,000 on form 720. Speak to a cross-border tax adviser before you move, especially if you have pensions or investments in the UK or US.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work remotely on a non-lucrative visa?
No. The ban on working applies worldwide, not just in Spain. Use the digital nomad visa if you plan to work.
Can I apply from inside Spain?
The non-lucrative visa is applied for at the Spanish consulate where you legally live, before you move.
Can savings count instead of income?
Yes, savings that cover the full annual amount are accepted in principle. Consulates vary in the evidence they want, so follow your consulate’s checklist.
Can I use an S1 instead of private insurance?
UK state pensioners with an S1 form can use it. The London consulate accepts the S1 registration receipt from Spanish social security.
