Let’s Discuss & Start Visa Consultations
Expert guidance on visas, settlement, citizenship, and asylum — just a message away.
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is a long-term residence permit for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who wish to reside in Spain without engaging in any work or professional activity.
Unlike work or business visas, the NLV is not intended for employment but for individuals who want to live in Spain while being financially self-sufficient. This visa is popular among retirees, remote workers with passive income, investors outside the golden visa category, and those seeking a high-quality lifestyle, cultural experience, and favorable climate.
Spain is renowned for its Mediterranean lifestyle, high living standards, excellent healthcare, and rich culture, making it one of the most attractive destinations for long-term residence. The NLV allows foreigners to live legally in Spain, integrate into local life, and eventually, with renewals, pursue permanent residence or even citizenship.
The non-lucrative visa is a residence permit for individuals who can support themselves financially without working in Spain. It is typically granted for one year initially, with the possibility of renewal for two-year periods, provided that the applicant continues to meet all requirements.
No work rights: The visa does not permit employment, freelancing, or running a business in Spain.
Financial independence: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses for themselves and their dependents.
Pathway to permanent residence: After five years of continuous residence, visa holders may apply for permanent residence, and after ten years, for citizenship.
Family inclusions: Spouses, minor children, and dependent adult children can be included in the application.
The visa is ideal for those seeking a stable, long-term life in Spain, enjoying cultural experiences, climate, lifestyle, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local environment.
To qualify for the Spain NLV, applicants must meet several eligibility requirements.
Applicants must be non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals, as citizens from these regions enjoy freedom of movement and residence in Spain. Applicants must generally apply from their country of legal residence, although some consulates may accept applications from a third country under exceptional circumstances. Such approvals are discretionary and not guaranteed.
A key condition of the NLV is that the applicant will not engage in any work or business activity while in Spain. Any violation of this condition can result in visa revocation and jeopardize future applications. Applicants must clearly declare their intention to reside in Spain without seeking employment and provide proof of financial independence.
Applicants must have a passport valid for at least one year from the date of application, with sufficient blank pages for visa stamps. Passports near expiration may result in delays or rejection.
Applicants must provide a police clearance certificate from all countries where they have resided for more than six months. Certificates must be legalized or apostilled and translated into Spanish. This ensures the applicant does not pose a security threat to Spain.
A recent medical certificate is required to show that the applicant does not have communicable or serious diseases. For applicants over 65, consulates often require a standardized format explicitly confirming the absence of communicable diseases and conditions listed by the Spanish Ministry of Health. Many consulates now also require confirmation of COVID-19-related health coverage as part of this certificate.
Applicants must provide evidence of residence in Spain, which can include:
This proves that the applicant has a place to live upon arrival.
Applicants must demonstrate a genuine intention to live in Spain for more than 183 days per year, establishing residency and complying with tax regulations.
Financial self-sufficiency is the most critical aspect of the NLV. Spanish authorities require applicants to demonstrate the ability to support themselves and dependents without employment.
Applicants can meet the financial requirement through:
Financial evidence should be presented in a clear, organized manner to satisfy consular scrutiny.
Applicants must maintain private health insurance covering:
Short-term travel insurance is insufficient, as non-lucrative visa holders cannot access Spain’s public healthcare system. Proof of insurance is mandatory both for the visa application and for renewals.
Applicants must prepare a complete set of documents:
All documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized or apostilled. Proper preparation reduces processing delays and rejection risk.
Applications must be submitted at the Spanish consulate or embassy with jurisdiction over the applicant’s residence. Steps include:
Processing typically takes 1–3 months, depending on consulate workload. Delays are common, so applicants should apply well in advance of their planned travel.
Upon arrival, visa holders must:
Delays in TIE issuance are common, so early registration and preparation are recommended.
The initial visa is valid for one year. Renewals are generally granted for two-year periods if:
Renewal applications must be submitted from within Spain before the current visa expires. Late submissions can result in the loss of residence rights.
After five years of continuous residence, applicants may apply for permanent residence. After ten years, they may seek Spanish citizenship, subject to language, cultural integration, and legal requirements.
Residency in Spain for more than 183 days per year generally establishes tax residency, even if the applicant is not working. Obligations may include:
Applicants should plan financial matters carefully to avoid unexpected liabilities or conflicts with international taxation rules.
Applicants may include:
Financial thresholds increase with each dependent. Supporting documentation, including birth and marriage certificates, is mandatory and closely scrutinized by consulates.
Applications can face delays or rejection due to:
Proper planning, detailed documentation, and professional guidance help minimize these risks.
LawSentis offers full support for NLV applicants:
Working with LawSentis ensures applicants avoid errors, reduce delays, and maximize approval chances, making the process as smooth as possible.
Have questions or need more information? Our team is here to help.
Expert guidance on visas, settlement, citizenship, and asylum — just a message away.