If you’re a non-EU citizen planning to retire or spend extended time in Spain without working, the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is one of the most popular routes to legal residency.
It allows you to live in Spain provided you have sufficient passive income or savings, and it’s particularly well-suited to retirees seeking a lifestyle change in the sun.
At PCC Legal, we specialise in helping clients navigate Spain’s visa and residency system.
Here are the 15 most commonly asked questions about the Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain in 2025, along with expert answers to help you plan confidently.
The Non-Lucrative Visa is a residence permit for non-EU nationals who want to live in Spain without engaging in any employment or professional activity.
It’s ideal for retirees, early retirees, or financially independent individuals who can support themselves without working in Spain.
Any non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizen with sufficient financial means, a clean criminal record, and private health insurance is eligible.
Applicants must not intend to work, and must apply from their country of legal residence before entering Spain.
For 2025, the required income is €28,800 per year for the main applicant, based on 400% of Spain’s IPREM index.
For each dependent (such as a spouse or child), you need an additional €7,200 annually.
This can be demonstrated through pensions, savings, investments, or rental income.
Acceptable income includes:
Employment or freelance income is not allowed under this visa.
No.
The visa specifically prohibits all professional activity, including remote work for foreign employers or freelance clients.
If you intend to continue working while living in Spain, the Digital Nomad Visa or other residency options may be more appropriate.
You will need:
All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.
Yes.
The insurance must be from a provider authorised in Spain, offer full coverage without excess or co-payments, and be valid for at least one year.
Travel insurance or policies with limits are not accepted.
The initial visa is valid for one year.
It can be renewed for two more years, followed by a second two-year renewal.
After five years of continuous residency, you may apply for long-term residency in Spain.
As of 2025, you are no longer strictly required to spend 183 days per year in Spain to renew the NLV.
However, if you wish to qualify for long-term or permanent residency, you must avoid being absent from Spain for more than 10 months in total over five years, or more than six consecutive months at any time.
Yes.
Immediate family members can apply as dependents, provided you meet the additional financial requirements and provide documentation such as marriage or birth certificates (apostilled and translated).
There are 6 main steps to complete when requesting a Non-lucrative Visa in Spain in 2025. These are:
You must also register your address with your local town hall (empadronamiento) once you are in Spain.
Initially, you will need to rely on private insurance.
After one year of legal residency, you may be eligible to join the public healthcare system via the Convenio Especial, a state-subsidised scheme open to residents not otherwise covered.
If you reside in Spain for more than 183 days in a calendar year, you will be considered a tax resident and must declare your worldwide income.
Spain has double taxation agreements with many countries, but some foreign pensions may still be taxable in Spain.
Wealth tax and inheritance tax may also apply, depending on your residency and the region.
Yes.
After one year of residence, you can apply to modify your visa to a different residency type, such as a work permit or self-employment visa, provided you meet the requirements.
This allows you to transition into work legally if your circumstances change.
When looking after failed NLV cases we’ve come across these mistakes:
Meticulous preparation is key.
At PCC Legal, we help clients ensure every document meets Spanish immigration standards to avoid costly delays or rejections.
Are you considering applying for the Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain in 2025?
PCC Legal offers expert legal support for retirees and expats moving to Spain.
From initial advice to full application handling, our team can manage the process end-to-end, ensuring you meet all legal and practical requirements with ease.
Contact us today to book your free consultation and take the first step toward your life in Spain.
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