Non-Lucrative visa Spain 2023
Information about Non-Lucrative visa Spain 2023
Name: | Non-Lucrative Residence in Spain |
Duration: | 1 year (Renewable the NLV next year) |
Approval time: | 1-3 Months | Financial requirements: | €28,800 for one person in one year |
Spain is a favorite destination for many Americans, British and Europeans. Foreigners love Spain because of its good weather all year round, good food, nice and quiet cities, friendly people… All these factors make more and more people decide that Spain is going to be their new country of residence.
What is a Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa?

A non-lucrative residence visa is a unique type of residency permit in Spain for non-European citizens who intend to travel to Spain for long term life. This residence permit is non lucrative in that you will not be permitted to do any economic and professional activity in Spain.
The non-lucrative visa is the most commonly used visa to live in Spain because it is not necessary to invest in a property in Spain as is the case with the golden visa. However, the applicant must prove that he/she has enough money to be able to live in Spain for at least one year without any professional activity.
After the initial year of residence in Spain, the non-lucrative visa is renewed every 2 years and then 2 more years until having 5 years of stay, where whoever wants can obtain the permanent residence. Subsequently, anyone wishing to have a permanent stay can apply for a permanent residence permit in Spain. In addition, Spain’s non-lucrative visa allows you to bring family members as long as you have enough money to support them.
Why Spain’s Non Lucrative Residence Permit is one of the Most Sought-After Visas
There are many benefits of acquiring the non-Lucrative visa for Spain. Some of these advantages are listed below:
- It is not necessary to make investments in the Spanish economy before moving to Spain with a non-lucrative visa.
- You can use this visa to obtain permanent residence, if you can live 5 years without working in Spain.
- This visa allows short trips to any Schengen State, trips of up to 90 days, without the need for another visa. The Schengen countries comprise 26 member states, including Austria, France, Belgium and Germany.
- After living in Spain for one year you can get public health care by paying a monthly fee.
The main requirements for the non-Lucrative visa are as follows:
Funds to support your stay in Spain
In order to reside in Spain it is necessary for applicants to demonstrate that they have sufficient money, since with this visa it is not possible to work in Spain or work remotely. This is the main requirement, since the Spanish government does not want to have extra expenses for these people.
To verify that sufficient funds are available to support oneself in Spain, the Spanish government uses the IPREM, an indicator to determine a person’s minimum annual income. The NLV applicant must have at least 400% of the value of the IPREM in his/her bank account each year. Currently, the value of 400% of the IPREM per month for 2023 is €2,400. This gives a total of 28,800 euros (minimum) per year for any non-lucrative visa applicant in Spain.
Apart from the €28,800 needed for the main applicant. If you come with family members you need to prove €7,200 for each family member coming with you, this check has to be done at each renewal of your non-lucrative visa and adjusting the IPREM of that year. All foreign bank withdrawals must be in Euros or in any currency but converted into Euros.
Different documents are admitted as proof of your financial means during the period of your stay in Spain.
Among these documents are:
- Bank statements for the last 6-12 months prior to the date of application at the Spanish consulate.
- Proof of other sources of income or investments, if you have a rented house, if you receive dividends from several companies…
A validation document from your bank is required to prove the validity of your credit cards or the value of the property.
The amount of money requested may be in several bank accounts. Bank statements cannot be more than 6 months old. Finally, the principal visa applicant must have the savings in his or her name or on his or her behalf. Persons claiming to be dependents of the principal non-profit visa applicant for Spain must provide a marriage certificate or a birth certificate duly apostilled and translated by a Spanish sworn translator to prove that they are related to the principal applicant.
Documents required to file an NLV application

In order to apply for the non-profit visa, a series of documents that our lawyers will help you to obtain must be submitted. The initial non-lucrative visa (granted for ONE YEAR) must be applied for at the Spanish consulate where the applicant resides.
Below is a list of the main documentation required for the visa application to be processed and approved successfully.
Non-lucrative visa application form in Spain
The non-lucrative visa application forms must be submitted correctly completed and duly signed. Incorrect or incomplete details on your visa application forms will lead to the rejection of your application. You have to be very careful in the details you are filling in to avoid mistakes, our team of lawyers can help you in all this process to avoid problems, every year we file more than 200 non-lucrative visa applications and all of them with success.
Passport photo
Applicants must provide a passport photo during the application for a Spanish non-lucrative visa. The passport photo must have a white background and be taken by a professional, no selfie type photos can be submitted. The applicant’s face must be visible and the size of the photo must be 3×4 cm.
Your Travel Document
Non-lucrative visa applicants for Spain must have the original and photocopy of the first page of their passport. Their passports must be valid and issued within the last ten years prior to their application. The passport must also have a minimum of 2 blank pages to stamp the Spanish non-lucrative visa.
Police Clearance Certificate
NLV applicants must have a criminal record certificate duly translated into Spanish by a sworn translator who can verify that they do not have a criminal record. The criminal record that must be shown is for the last 5 years and in all countries in which the applicant has lived for at least 6 months.
Private Health Insurance for the NLV
Applicants for the non-lucrative visa Spain, like other Spanish visas, must obtain private medical insurance. The insurance policy must be individual for each applicant, as the visa is individual for each person. The Spanish government does not want to pay any extra costs for non-profit visa applicants, so the private medical insurance has to cover all illnesses and not include any co-payments.
The health insurance must be for one year or more and must be issued by a private, Spanish insurance company. The insurance policy cannot have any extra cost and has to be paid one full year in advance.
Other documents that must be presented are the Ex-01 form duly completed by the NLV applicants and a medical certificate of good health, where it certifies that it does not have any health problem that could lead to health problems to the people of Spain.
When and Where To Apply visa for spain
The Spanish non-profit visa must be applied for at least five weeks before traveling to Spain, although the Spanish consulate has up to 3 months to approve your visa. The visa application can be made through the Spanish embassy, a consulate or even a certified company that offers visas on behalf of Spain, it all depends on your country of origin.
Non-lucrative visa application process Spain
The visa application process has to be done in the country of residence and wait for approval before traveling to Spain. Tourists who are in Spain cannot apply for the non-profit visa Spain. Applicants who are approved for the visa get the non-lucrative stamped in their passport, when they are already in Spain they have to apply for their TIE, which is the residence card in Spain. Applying for the visa in their country of residence is a good way for the applicant to avoid wasting time.
Non-lucrative visa interview
The interview when you submit all the documents and forms for the non-lucrative visa application for Spain, is an indispensable requirement. The interview is done while you present all the documentation for your visa, depending on the person the interview is done quickly or if they do not trust the applicant they try to ask many more questions to know that everything they present is correct, the normal profile for the consulate is a retiree who wants to live in Spain. In this type of profile the interview is quick.
This only happens for people who have not visited the Schengen area in the last five years before the visa application, they will have their biometric data such as facial image and fingerprints recognized.
Spanish Non-Lucrative Cost
The Visa cost is also paid at this stage of the application. The amount of the visa non lucrative cost must be confirmed as it depends on each country and its consulate. For example the non-lucrative visa cost in the UK in 2023 is 516 pounds and the cost in the USA is $125 (The costs of the process are updated every year and vary depending on your nationality, our team of lawyers can help you, contact us).
NLV application processing time
The documents are analyzed by the Spanish government delegation within the first month of the application. The review can take up to 3 months, if your application takes longer than 3 months it has been rejected by “administrative silence”.
If your application is approved, you will have the visa stamped in your passport. The next step is to travel to Spain alone or with your family to begin the process of obtaining the TIE, the foreigner’s identification card.
Obtain your TIE to complete the residency process in Spain.
The visa comes with the NIE Spain stamped. This number is the identification number of a foreigner who intends to open a bank account in Spain, buy a property… The NIE number is unique for each foreigner and never expires.
After entering Spain with a non-lucrative visa stamped in your passport, you have 3 months to apply for a foreigner identification card (TIE). The process of obtaining the TIE involves registering in the municipality where you will reside in Spain. Afterwards, you will have to book an appointment at a police station to register your fingerprints and after a few days you will be able to pick up the TIE card.

Important details to know for your NLV Spain after the UK’s exit from the EU
The application for the non-lucrative visa for Spain can be denied if you do not have proof that you do not have enough money to live in spain without working. You must provide proof of 800% IPREM in your bank account during the visa renewal because it is done for 2 more years. If you find a job in Spain, it is possible to transition your visa to a work permit.
The holder of this visa Spain becomes a tax resident in Spain because in order to have his visa renewed next year he has to stay 183 days in Spain. Therefore, they must pay tax on their worldwide income in Spain.
Benefits of obtaining a Spanish non-lucrative visa?
Obtaining a non-lucrative visa for Spain has many benefits:
- It is the fastest way to obtain residency in Spain.
- It is a relatively simple procedure if you have the help of a lawyer.
- It allows you to live in Spain 365 days
- You have the possibility to travel 90 days within the Schengen zone.
What should you avoid during an NLV application?
You have to make sure that you are going to fill out all the forms correctly, you are going to obtain the required documents legally, on the day of submission of all the documents the consulate officer will ask you several questions to check that the information you have provided is correct. We recommend you to work with one of our lawyers to help you in the whole process of applying for your non-lucrative visa, remember that we have a 99% success rate in these applications.
NLV Spain Questions
If I apply for a NLV, must I live in Spain for a certain period of time?
Yes, this visa for renewal next year requires you to stay a minimum of 183 days a year in Spain.
How much money is needed for a non-lucrative visa Spain?
For the main applicant, you need to prove 400% of the IPREM which in 2023 is 2.400€.
For the members of the family it is necessary to prove 100% of the IPREM, which in 2023 is 600€/month.
With the Non-Lucrative Visa you become a tax resident in Spain?
To renew the non-lucrative visa the following year you have to stay in Spain at least 183 days in the year, therefore you will be a tax resident in Spain, you will pay tax on your worldwide income. We always recommend talking to our tax experts to solve your doubts.
Can I work with a non-lucrative visa in Spain? or remotely?
The non-lucrative visa is an entry permit to Spain for residence purposes without working, therefore, with this visa you cannot work anywhere, only live on savings or passive income such as dividends, pensions or rents. If you want to work you will need to obtain a digital nomad visa.
Non-lucrative visa spain taxes, what do I need to know?
If you do not want to stay more than 183 days in Spain and you want to avoid paying taxes but obtain Spanish residency we recommend the Golden Visa.
Why choose us for your Non-Lucrative visa Spain 2023?
We are a Spanish law firm with more than 10 years of experience. We are specialists in immigration and real estate. We respond in less than 3 hours to all your questions or we schedule a call to resolve all the doubts of the client.
We are experts in obtaining Non-Lucrative visa Spain 2023 so many clients speak well of us on the internet. If you need help with Non-Lucrative visa Spain 2023, contact us!
I’m looking to apply for a NLV to live in Spain. We already have a house there,we also have NIE numbers and also have padron.
We can help you in the whole process, you can send us a contact form and one of our lawyers will help you in the whole process.
Hello, I am looking to obtain a NLV can you advise roughly how much including your services it would cost me to get the visa
One of our lawyers will help you through the whole process of obtaining your NLV.
Hello, my wife and I are looking to move to Spain in the near future. I currently have a Forces Pension (£13850 gross) being paid with state pension not due until 2040, my wife nothing until she receives the state pension in 2036. How do I calculate the required savings to meet the IPREM for the Non Lucrative Visa for both of us?
Kind Regards
Jason
One of our attorneys will contact you to help you with everything to obtain the Non lucrative residence.
Dear MSV. We have a house in Spain and would like to obtain a NLV. I understand the process however think it would be better handled by an expert lawyer. However can you let me know what the fees would be for undertaking this process on behalf of my wife and myself
Kind regards
Mr M Healey
One of our attorneys will contact you to help you with everything to obtain the NLV.
Hello, having visited Lanzarote many, many times myself and my Irish partner would now like to retire there. Could you please advice us on the procedures, time scale, and whatever finances would be required. We are both retired ,financially comfortable and in excellent health. As of this time we are not sure weather to purchase a property or to rent. Look forward to your reply.
One of our attorneys will contact you to help you with everything to obtain the Non lucrative residence.
Requesting assistance and information re obtaining N.l.V for Spain. Thanks John.
One of our lawyers will contact you to help you through the entire process of obtaining your non-lucrative visa.
Could you give me an idea of your fees for the processing of my wife and myself to apply for a NLV. Many thanks
One of our lawyers will contact you to give you this year’s rates.
Your answers do not tell me anything except “someone will contact me.” (Legal avoidance).
US citizen, retired, widow, vivo en
Indiana por the past 3 anos. No criminal record Fui un prison social worker). Fui un legal resident de Nicaragua por 5 anos y returned to the US in 2019. Toured Spain in 2022 por un mes. Savings account- presently mas de $22,000, monthly retirement $1801. Can I, or do I qualify for non-lucrative visa? Plan to reside in Ourense o Oviedo, Spain
One of our lawyers will contact you to help you through the entire process of obtaining your non-lucrative visa.
Hi Looking to apply for NLV for spaim. I have a conviction from 16/09/2018 forProduce of controlled Drug class B Cannabis. Will the application be refused because of this even though it is not an offencre in spain.
Regards
Ant
It is likely that your application for the non-lucrative visa will be denied … although the consulate has the last word, if you want to try it do not hesitate to contact us, we will be happy to help you in the whole process.
Hi I was born in Ireland and have an EU Irish passport I live in the Uk.I’m retired but my husband still works and holds a uk passport.We travel to Spain a couple of times a year to visit my sister in law and husband who have lived in Spain for fifteen years.We would like to rent a property out there for the next couple of years until my husband retires then hopefully make a permanent move what paperwork would we need to make this happen please?
Kind regards
Sandra Maidment
Sandra,
One of our lawyers will contact you to answer your questions about non lucrative visa spain.
Regards,
Hi I was wondering what sort of cost for me and my wife to get a nlv with you thanks
MR M Bond,
One of our lawyers will contact you to answer your questions about non lucrative visa spain.
Regards,
I would like to apply for a NLV for Spain. I am 76 fit and healthy with Nie (X1143503N ) and registered on the padron of Mijas Malaga. I also own a property in Mijas Costa. Can you give me an estimate of the total cost and timescale to obtaining a TIe card . Thank you Regards Stewart
Stewart,
One of our lawyers will contact you to answer your questions about non lucrative visa spain.
Regards,
Are we able to travel to Spain whilst waiting for an appointment at the consulate for a NLV?
Are we able to travel to Spain once we’ve had our appointment and we are waiting for our NLV to be processed?
Julie,
One of our lawyers will contact you to answer your questions about non lucrative visa Spain.
Regards,
Hi there
My Wife and I have visited spain a few times and are looking to retire in the Andalucia area.
I have only just found out after obtaining my UK police report, that I have a criminal record showing on the report from some time ago in 1996. I was sentanced to 15 months of which I only had to serve 7.5 months for non payment of excise duty. This is the only offence i have ever had. From what i have read you only need the last 5 years, but, England being what they are, provide one for whole life.
Will this be a problem when applying for a N.L.V. ?
Looking forward to your reply and many thanks.
Patrick,
One of our lawyers will contact you to answer your questions about non lucrative visa spain
Regards,