Non-Lucrative Visa Spain requirements: US guide

Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa lets Americans live in the country without working. If you're retired or financially independent, you can apply for this visa and settle in Spain long-term to enjoy the sunshine and delicious food.

This visa gives you legal residence in Spain for 1 year at first, renewable for 2 more years at a time, with a path to permanent residency after 5 years.¹

If you've been thinking about the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa, you likely have questions about the income requirements and the steps you need to take to apply.

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Table of contents
Understanding the Non-Lucrative Visa Spain: what is it and why is it useful? Non-Lucrative Visa requirements for Americans Benefits of getting the Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain How to apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa as an American: step-by-step guide Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Costs

Understanding the Non-Lucrative Visa Spain: what is it and why is it useful?

The Non-Lucrative Visa is Spain's residence visa for people who want to live in the country without working. This applies to all types of work. You can't hold a job with a Spanish employer, work as a freelancer, or run a business while on this visa.

Instead, you'll live off your savings or passive income.

You can typically qualify for the Non-Lucrative Residency Visa if you're retired and living off pension income, investment returns, rental properties, or savings accounts. But it can also work well if you’re taking a career break and have the financial means.

This visa is different from Spain's Digital Nomad Visa, which allows remote work for non-Spanish companies. With the Digital Nomad Visa, you're still working while living in Spain. The Non-Lucrative Visa prohibits all work activity, even if your employer or clients are outside of Spain.

💡 Learn more about moving to Spain.

What are the most common reasons people apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa?

Most American applicants fall into a few clear categories:

• Retirees with pension income or Social Security
• Early retirees living off investment portfolios, rental income, or dividends
• Professionals taking career breaks with enough savings
• Financially independent individuals who don't need to work

Overall, if you have sufficient financial means and want to live in Spain without working, that's a good reason to apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa.

💡 With Spain’s Golden Visa program ending in 2025, the Non-Lucrative Visa is an attractive option for financially independent individuals.

Non-Lucrative Visa requirements for Americans

The main requirement is proof that you can support yourself financially without working.

The minimum income requirement is 400% of Spain's Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). For each additional family member applying with you, add another 100% of the IPREM.²

This translates to approximately 28,800 EUR in annual income or savings.¹

If you're applying with a spouse, that increases to roughly 36,000 EUR. Each additional family member, such as your children, adds another 7,200 EUR to the requirement.¹

However, make sure to check that these amounts are accurate at the time you apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa because Spain’s IPREM can change.

Your income must come from sources outside Spain. You can also meet the requirement through savings in a bank account, but you'll need to show the full amount available.

You'll also need the following during your visa application process:

• A valid US passport
• Private health insurance with comprehensive coverage in Spain
• Documents proving financial independence, such as bank statements
• Clean criminal record
• Medical certificate
• Completed visa application form

Documents in English typically need an official Spanish translation.

Benefits of getting the Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain

The main benefit of getting approved for the Non-Lucrative Visa is that you can legally live in Spain. You get the visa for 1 year initially, and it's renewable for 2-year periods.¹

Other key benefits include:

• The right to live anywhere in Spain and travel in the Schengen Area
• A path to permanent residency after 5 years of continuous legal residence¹
• The ability to bring your family members with you
• The option to convert to a work visa or an entrepreneur visa if your situation changes

Also, even though you can't work in Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa, you can study there or enroll in educational programs. You just need to be prepared to cover your expenses.

How to apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa as an American: step-by-step guide

1. Gather your financial documents

You'll need to collect proof of your income and show that you meet the minimum requirement of approximately 28,800 EUR annually.¹

If you're using pension income, you'll need to get official documentation from your pension provider showing monthly or annual payments. For investment income, include statements that show dividends, interest, or rental income. It's also possible to use your savings.

2. Complete your visa application form

Fill out Spain's national visa application form, which you can download from your Spanish consulate's website. You'll also need to prepare your supporting documents, including:

• Private health insurance
• Criminal record certificate
• Medical certificate
• Other necessary documents

It'll take you some time to get all of this paperwork together, so start in advance.

3. Schedule your appointment

Contact the Spanish consulate to book an appointment. The availability varies, and wait times can look different depending on your location and time of year.

4. Submit your application

You'll go to your scheduled consulate appointment with all original documents and copies. The consular officer will review your paperwork and collect everything for processing. If they need any additional documents from you, they'll tell you then or get in touch later.

5. Travel to Spain and register

Once you arrive, you must apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within 30 days.¹

You should book an appointment with your local foreign nationals office or police station as soon as possible because some regions have longer wait times for appointments. The TIE is your official residence permit and proves your legal status in Spain.

💡 Learn about how to get a NIE in Spain, and how it's different from the TIE.

Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Costs

The visa application fee is 140 USD, plus an authorization for residence fee of 13 USD, which brings the total to 153 USD.³

There are also additional expenses that come with the Non-Lucrative Visa, such as enrolling in a private health insurance plan that'll work in Spain and getting all the required documents translated. If you work with an immigration lawyer to handle your application, you'll also need to cover their fees.

FAQ

How hard is it to get a Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain?

This type of visa isn't difficult to get if you meet the financial requirements and have all your documents in order. But it can be challenging for many people to prove that they have sufficient and guaranteed means to financially support themselves without working.If you can demonstrate a stable passive income of approximately 28,800 EUR annually through pensions, investments, or rental properties, then getting approved should be pretty straightforward.

Can I buy property while on the Non-Lucrative Visa?

Yes, you can buy property in Spain while on the Non-Lucrative Visa. There are no restrictions on foreigners purchasing real estate in Spain, regardless of visa type.

How much money do you need in the bank for a Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain?

You need to show approximately 28,800 EUR in annual income or savings for a single applicant. If you're using bank savings instead of retirement or investment income, you'll need the full amount available in your account.For each additional family member applying with you, add another 7,200 EUR per year to the total requirement.

What is the minimum stay for a Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain?

You must live in Spain for at least 6 months (183 days) out of the year to keep your Non-Lucrative Visa.⁴ This is for tax reasons—spending more than 183 days in Spain during a calendar year turns you into a tax resident, which means that you’ll have to pay taxes.

Do you have to pay taxes in Spain with a Non-Lucrative Visa?

Yes, if you spend more than 183 days in Spain during the year, you become a tax resident and have to pay Spanish taxes on your worldwide income. This includes pensions, investment income, rental income, and any other earnings you receive, even from sources outside Spain.

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Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa can be a great option for Americans who want to live in Spain long-term and can afford to do that without working.

If you have approximately 28,800 EUR in annual passive income or savings, you can apply for a 1-year renewable visa. It may eventually lead to permanent residency after 5 years, too.

If you're moving to Spain and planning to regularly transfer money from the US, you'll likely lose a lot on fees and bad exchange rates. These markups can often reach 3% or even 5%, so it's a smart idea to research alternatives that'll help you minimize these costs.

For example, try Wise.

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Sources

1. Total Law - Non-Lucrative Visa Spain
2. Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores - Non-lucrative residence visa
3. Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores - Consular Fees
4. Pellicer Heredia - Non-Lucrative Visa Spain

Sources checked 03/17/2026