Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

A Complete Guide to Eligibility, Application Steps, and Living in Spain Under the Non-Lucrative Visa Program

Program Quick Facts

Fees and Expenses

From €880

Income Requirement

€28,800/year

Residency (Visa) Length

1 year

Time to Obtain

2-5 months

Complexity

Simple

The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is a temporary residency permit designed for non-EU citizens who wish to reside in Spain without engaging in employment or professional activities. This visa allows individuals to live in Spain under specific conditions while maintaining a high standard of living.

Applicants must demonstrate an annual income of at least €28,800 to qualify. Additional fees, including government and legal expenses, can vary depending on your country of origin.

The visa process typically takes around 90 days. Applicants must attend key appointments in person, including application submission, visa collection, and residency card issuance upon arrival in Spain.

Residency must be maintained by spending at least 183 days per year in Spain. After five years of continuous residency, applicants may qualify for permanent residency, with eligibility for citizenship after 10 years.

Dependant spouse and children can be included on this visa application.

Who can apply for Spain Non-Lucrative Visa?

Eligibility and requirements for the main applicant and family members.

Main Applicant Requirements

  • Must be a non-EU citizen.
  • Demonstrate sufficient financial resources: €28,000 for a one-year stay - equivalent to 400% of IPREM.
  • Obtain private health insurance valid in Spain.
  • Provide a clean criminal record certificate from the past five years.
  • Agree not to engage in any work or professional activities in Spain.
  • If residing in Los Angeles, USA, applicants are not allowed to have a mortgage.
  • If having school-aged children, they must attend private schools in Spain.

Benefits & Restrictions

Benefits

Restrictions and Drawbacks

Lifestyle

Enjoy a warm Mediterranean climate, a high quality of life, and family-friendly living conditions, making Spain an ideal destination for expats seeking comfort and leisure.

Residency Benefits

Gain access to the EU Schengen Zone for travel, a pathway to permanent residency after 5 years, and eligibility for citizenship after 10+ years of continuous residency.

Tax Considerations

While there are no specific tax benefits, Spain offers double taxation treaties with many countries to help avoid dual taxation for eligible residents.

Non-Lucrative Visa vs other programs in Spain

CriteriaNon-Lucrative VisaStartup visa>Digital Nomad Visa>
Investment Amount€0€0€0
Residency TypeTemporary ResidencyTemporary ResidencyTemporary Residency
Application Fees€880€1,280€1,200
Annual Income Requirement€28,800€31,750€31,000
Annual Presence Requirement183 days183 days0 days
Key Perks
Simple SetupEU Schengen Access
EU Schengen AccessSimple SetupNo Presence Required
Simple SetupLow Cost Program
Ideal For
RetireesPerson of independent means
EntrepreneursInvestors
Digital Nomads

How to apply for Non-Lucrative Visa - Timeline

2–4 weeks

Document Preparation

Gather necessary documents such as proof of financial means, health insurance, criminal record certificates, and medical certificates. Include apostilles and translations if required.

Varies

Visa Application Submission

Submit your visa application at the designated Spanish consulate. Appointment booking can take a few days to weeks, depending on consulate availability.

1–3 months

Visa Processing

The consulate reviews your application, verifies the documents, and provides a decision on your visa.

1 month

Visa Collection

Collect your approved visa from the consulate within 1 month of receiving the decision.

As Scheduled

Travel to Spain

Enter Spain within the visa validity period, typically 90 days from issuance.

30 days

Residency Card Application

Apply for the Foreigner’s Identity Card (TIE) at a local immigration office within 30 days of arriving in Spain.

2–4 weeks

TIE Processing

Wait for the processing and issuance of your residency card (TIE) after submitting your application.

Spain Taxation at a glance

Key Information

Taxation Type: Residence based

Special Regime: Beckhams Law

Normal Tax Residency: 183 days

Special Residency:

Income Tax Rate: 47

Dividend Tax
Yes
23 - Sums of money below EUR 6,000 are imposed with a tax of 19%, while values above EUR 50,000 are taxed at a rate of 23%.
Capital Gains Tax
Yes
28 - Capital gains tax goes from 19% to 28% progressively capping at 300,000 euro.
Property Rental Income Tax
Yes
24 - Rental income tax is paid on unoccupied properties as well.
Property Tax
Yes
0.4%-1.10% of the cadastral value
Inheritance Tax
Yes
Spanish inheritance tax law applies to the beneficiary of the estate, rather than the estate itself (unlike how it works in the UK). Up to 34% tax capped at 797,555 euro.
Wealth Tax
Yes
Madrid does not impose wealth tax.
CFC Laws
Yes

Frequently Asked Questions

Similar Programs in Other Countries

Portugal landscape
Portugal flagPortugal

D7 - Passive Income Visa

Simple Setup
EU Schengen Access
Low Cost Program

Best For:

Person of independent means

Portugal D7 visa is for those who can prove they have the passive income to support their life in Portugal.

Cyprus landscape
Cyprus flagCyprus

Visitors Visa

Simple Setup

Best For:

Retirees
Person of independent means

Cyprus Visitors Visa allows you to obtain a Temporary Residency by showing you have enough funds to support yourself and your family.

Malta landscape
Malta flagMalta

Global Residence Programme

EU Schengen Access
Territorial Tax Country

Best For:

HNWI
Investors
Entrepreneurs
Retirees
Person of independent means

A residence program allowing non-EU nationals to enjoy preferential tax rates and Mediterranean living in Malta through property investment while gaining access to the Schengen Area and maintaining global mobility.