Non-Lucrative Visa
Spain's route for financially independent movers — retirees, remote savers, and anyone relocating on passive income rather than local employment. It grants residence without work authorization, renewable in two-year terms, with a path to permanent residency at year five.
Who this visa is for
For people who can support themselves and any dependents without working in Spain — pensioners, investors living on portfolio income, or anyone with enough savings to bridge the gap before another route becomes viable.
It does not authorize employment or freelance work of any kind, whether inside Spain or remotely for clients abroad. That's the defining restriction, and the one most self-filed applications trip over at renewal.
Requirements, without the fluff
- Proof of sufficient recurring income or savings, commonly benchmarked as a multiple of Spain's IPREM index (which is revised annually) for the main applicant, plus an added percentage per dependent.
- Private health insurance with full coverage in Spain, no co-payments.
- Clean criminal record from every country you've lived in for the last five years.
- Proof of accommodation in Spain.
- No employment or economic activity of any kind, in Spain or abroad.
The tradeoff with the Digital Nomad Visa
Because the Non-Lucrative Visa forbids all work, movers who plan to keep working remotely should look at the Digital Nomad Visa instead — it exists precisely for that population and comes with the Beckham Law tax regime attached. The Non-Lucrative route suits people who are genuinely not working: retirees, sabbaticals, or a spouse joining under Family Reunification.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work remotely on a Non-Lucrative Visa?
No — any economic activity, including remote work for a foreign employer, falls outside this visa's terms. That's precisely what the Digital Nomad Visa exists for.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, a spouse and dependent children can be included, each adding to the total income threshold required.
Does it lead to permanent residency?
Yes — after five continuous years of lawful renewal, holders can apply for long-term (permanent) residence.
What happens next
A private consultation reviews your income sources, savings structure and family composition against the current thresholds, and sets out a realistic filing timeline — whether from your home consulate or, where eligible, from within Spain.