Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa Requirements: Complete Visa Guide

Moving to Spain from the US on a non-lucrative visa is an exciting step for anyone who wants to live in the country without taking on paid work in Spain. This visa is designed for people with stable income or savings that allow them to support themselves and any family members independently. Many eligible applicants receive pensions, investment income, rental income, or other forms of passive income that do not require daily work.

What’s more, this visa can open the door to long-term or permanent residence in Spain if you meet the requirements consistently. Getting a clear sense of what is needed and planning ahead can make the process much easier and help you start enjoying life in Spain with confidence.

In this guide, we will explain who is eligible, the financial requirements, the documents you need, health insurance and medical certificate rules, visa validity and renewals, processing timelines, and expected costs.

Following the official guidelines and preparing your paperwork carefully ensures a smoother path to living in Spain and enjoying everything the country has to offer.

In this guide, we’ll cover the following topics:

Who Is Eligible For Spain’s Non-Lucrative Residence Visa?

Spain’s non-lucrative residence visa is for people who can live in Spain without doing any kind of paid work or professional activity. What allows people to qualify for this is that they have stable and sufficient funds to support themselves and any family members without earning money in Spain. To meet the financial requirement, applicants must show income or savings equal to about four times Spain’s standard minimum income level for one person.

The most common sources of income mentioned by the Spanish consulate are pensions, life annuities, and investment accounts. Some other common examples of passive income sources that Americans sometimes use to qualify include Social Security, rental income from property, and dividends from investments.

People who are typically eligible include:

• Retirees receiving a state pension or life annuity.
• Property owners living off rental income.
• Investors living off dividends or returns from investment accounts.
• Individuals with significant personal savings or other passive income.

If you are not retired and could still work, the consulate may ask you to provide proof that you are not employed, or to sign a sworn statement confirming that you will not work while living in Spain. During your time in Spain, people with this visa cannot take a job, register as self-employed, invoice Spanish companies, or work remotely for Spanish employers.

Can You Still Manage Passive Income Like Investments or Rental Properties?

Yes. You can still manage passive income while living in Spain on a non-lucrative residence visa.

This visa is designed for people who already have reliable money coming in and who do not need to take a job or run a business in Spain. The idea is that you can live comfortably without relying on the Spanish job market.

You are not allowed to work for a Spanish employer, register as self-employed, invoice Spanish companies, or carry out professional activities. However, you can continue receiving income that does not require active, ongoing work.

Common examples include:

• Dividends from investments or stocks.
• Capital gains from investments.
• Interest from savings or bonds.
• Pensions or life annuities.
• Social Security benefits.
• Rental income from properties you already own.
• Distributions from investment or retirement accounts.
• Royalties from books, music, or other intellectual property.
• Income from a business that other people manage, as long as you are not working in it.

You are also allowed to keep an eye on these assets. That might mean checking your accounts, speaking with your financial advisor, or coordinating with a property manager. What matters is that it does not turn into day-to-day work.

In short, Spain is fine with you receiving and managing passive income. What they want to see is that you can support yourself independently, without needing to work while you live there.

Financial Requirements for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa

So, as you saw in the first section, we mentioned that you’ll need income equal to about four times Spain’s standard minimum income level for one person to qualify. Now let’s go over exactly what that means and how it’s determined.

Spain uses an official index called the Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples, usually shortened to IPREM. This is a government benchmark that is used for all kinds of public benefits, subsidies, and income-based requirements, including the financial threshold for the non-lucrative visa.

For 2025, the IPREM is set at €600 per month, which works out to about €7,200 per year.

So, to meet the financial requirement for the non-lucrative visa, you must show funds or income equal to four times Spain’s annual minimum income benchmark for the main applicant, which comes to €28,800 per year in 2025. If the requirement increases in 2026, it is likely to rise only slightly, which you can confirm by looking at past updates on the government website.

On top of that base amount, you also need to show extra funds for anyone who will depend on you financially while living in Spain. The requirement is the full annual amount again for each dependent, which comes out to about €7,200 per year for every spouse, child, or qualifying family member you include on the application.

These numbers come straight from how the Spanish government applies the IPREM to this visa category, and they are the basis that consulates will use when they evaluate proof of financial means.

It’s good to keep in mind that the IPREM can change each year with Spain’s official budget adjustments. That means the specific euro amounts required for the visa can increase slightly over time, so checking the current IPREM before you apply is always a smart move.

What Documents Will You Need to Apply for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa?

Applying for Spain’s non-lucrative visa requires a number of key documents to prove your identity, financial stability, and eligibility. Here’s what you’ll need:

• A completed national visa application form for each applicant.
• The EX-01 non-working residence visa application form, signed and completed in full.
• A recent passport-size color photograph against a light background that clearly shows your face.
• A valid passport with at least one year of validity remaining, two blank pages, and copies of the biometric pages.
• Proof of financial means, such as pensions, life annuities, or investment accounts, including recent bank statements and your last tax return. If working age, you may also need a notarized affidavit confirming you will not work in Spain. More importantly, all documents proving financial means must include a sworn translation into Spanish.
• Health insurance valid for at least one year with no deductible or co-pay, covering all visa beneficiaries.
• Criminal record check for the past five years, legalized or apostilled and translated into Spanish.
• Medical certificate showing you do not have any diseases that could cause serious public health risks, legalized or apostilled and translated into Spanish.
• Visa and residence permit fees, typically paid via money order to the Consulate General of Spain or online through form 790-052.
• Notarized affidavits, if applicable, such as for self-employed individuals agreeing not to work in Spain.
• Sworn translations into Spanish for most foreign documents, prepared by an officially recognized translator.

For family members, similar documents are required. You’ll also need proof of relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates, or evidence of financial dependence for adult children or relatives in the ascending line.

Most foreign documents that need to be submitted in Spanish will require a sworn translation. This is especially true for documents like birth or marriage certificates, criminal records, and medical certificates. Make sure to have these prepared to avoid delays in your application.

If you need sworn translations, we provide them so your documents are fully valid and accepted by Spanish authorities. Simple documents can be translated in 2 business days, while longer documents take up to 4 business days, with expedited options available for urgent needs.

Check out our Sworn Translation Service

Which Documents For Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa Require A Sworn Translation?

For Americans applying for a Spanish visa, certain documents always require a sworn translation by a translator registered with the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These include:

• FBI background check
• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate (if applying with a partner)
• Academic diplomas and transcripts (for work or student visas)

To ensure these documents are valid for submission to Spanish authorities, follow this order:

1. Obtain the original document in the United States.
2. Have the document apostilled by the appropriate U.S. authority (e.g., Secretary of State).
3. Obtain a sworn translation into Spanish from a translator accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Other documents may also require sworn translation depending on your visa type, so always check the official consulate instructions for your specific application.

FBI Background Check: Process, Timeline, and Apostille

If you have lived in the United States, you will need an FBI background check as part of your non-lucrative visa application. Officially, this document is called an Identity History Summary Check. It confirms that you don’t have criminal convictions in the last five years and must be issued based on fingerprint comparison, not just a name search.

You begin by submitting your fingerprints to the FBI, either electronically through an approved channeler or by mailing fingerprint cards. Once issued, the background check is only valid for 90 days, so planning matters. In many cases, the entire process, including fingerprints, results, apostille, and translation, can take three months or more.

After you receive the FBI background check, it must be legalized with a Hague Apostille through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Once apostilled, the document must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (“traductor jurado”) who is officially registered with Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation (MAEUEC). Translations done by regular translators will not be accepted.

Because of the timing and validity rules, it’s a good idea to start this step early and make sure every requirement is completed in the proper order so nothing expires before your appointment.

Health Insurance Requirements for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa

One of the key requirements for Spain’s non-lucrative visa is health insurance that covers you and any dependents for your entire stay. The Spanish consulate allows either public or private coverage, but there are important details to know. Public health insurance is generally tied to social security contributions, so most non-lucrative visa holders, who are not employed in Spain, probably won’t be able to enroll directly.

In practice, private insurance is the route most applicants take.

Choosing the right plan can feel overwhelming, especially from abroad. Costs vary by age, health, and coverage type. Younger, healthy applicants might pay $50 to $250 per month, while older travelers or those with pre-existing conditions may pay several hundred dollars per month. Popular options include Cigna Global, Allianz Care, and Safety Wing, all of which offer coverage for routine care, emergencies, and travel-related protections.

When comparing plans, consider how you will use the insurance for doctor visits, prescriptions, or emergencies. We have also written an article covering health care options while living abroad, including costs, plan types, and tips for choosing the right coverage.

Your health insurance must meet the following requirements:

• Valid for at least one year.
• No copays or deductibles.
• Covers the risks normally included in Spain’s public health system.
• Includes full medical and hospitalization coverage.
• Issued by a Spanish or Spain-approved insurer.
• Travel insurance or short-term policies are not accepted.
• Minimum coverage of €30,000.

It’s worth noting that the €30,000 requirement appears on Spain’s official site for Schengen visitor visas, not specifically for the non-lucrative visa. However, it is commonly treated as a reasonable benchmark for adequate coverage, and many consulates and insurers use it as a guide when evaluating policies.

Having insurance that meets these rules is critical. It shows the authorities that you can take care of your health independently while living in Spain, which is exactly what the non-lucrative visa is designed for. Even if you qualify for public coverage, many applicants still choose private insurance because it’s simpler, widely accepted, and avoids any risk of delays with your visa application.

Medical Certificate Requirements for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa

If you are applying for Spain’s non-lucrative visa, you must submit a medical certificate stating that you do not have any illness that could pose a serious risk to public health. This document helps Spanish authorities confirm that you are healthy enough to reside in the country long-term.

Your medical certificate must meet the following requirements:

• Issued within the last 90 days at the time you submit your application
• Written on official doctor or medical center letterhead
• Includes the doctor’s signature and license number
• Signed by a physician (not a nurse practitioner or physician assistant)
• States that you do not suffer from any disease that could have serious repercussions for public health
• Written in Spanish, include Spanish text, or be accompanied by an official or certified translation
• Includes a photocopy when submitted with your documents

The Consulate of Spain in Washington, DC also offers a free bilingual medical certificate template. It clearly shows the wording doctors should use, and you can download it, review it, and bring it to your appointment so your doctor can fill it out or use it as a guide.

You may also see instructions stating that foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled, and then translated. Always check the webpage for the specific consulate where you will apply, because procedures can vary slightly by location and are occasionally updated. Because this is a foreign document, it will almost certainly need a sworn translation into Spanish before submission.

Validity and Renewals of Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa

If you’re planning to move to Spain on a non-lucrative visa, it helps to know the timeline so you can plan your life abroad. The visa starts with a clear, predictable path from your first approval to the possibility of permanent residency.

• First approval: Your initial visa is valid for one year. Once you enter Spain, you’ll need to apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within one month.
• First renewal: When it’s time to renew, the temporary residence permit is generally valid for two years. To qualify, you’ll need to show that you still have sufficient income, valid health insurance, and that you’ve actually been living in Spain.
• Second renewal: A second renewal also generally lasts two years, under the same requirements.
• Permanent residence: After five years of legal residence, you may be eligible to apply for long-term or permanent residency, opening the door to more stability and freedom in your new country.

Each renewal requires that you continue meeting the visa’s original conditions. That includes proving you have enough income to live without working in Spain, maintaining qualifying health insurance, and living in Spain for at least 183 days per year. All documents from abroad must be legalized or apostilled, and if required, submitted with a sworn translation into Spanish.

Knowing this timeline gives you a roadmap for your move and helps you plan ahead. From your first year enjoying Spain’s culture and lifestyle to potentially earning permanent residency, the process is designed to reward consistency and responsible planning while you live abroad.

How Long Does Spain’s Non‑Lucrative Visa Process Take?

Planning your move to Spain means knowing that getting your visa takes time. From gathering documents to finally holding your visa in hand, the process involves several steps that can stretch over many months.

• 1–3 months: Collecting all required documents, such as financial statements, medical certificates, and criminal record checks.
• 1–3 months: Completing apostilles, sworn translations, and any notarizations required for foreign documents.
• Up to 3 months: Official processing at the consulate. According to the Spanish government, the legal period for a decision is three months from the day after submission, though this may be extended if the consulate requests additional documents or schedules an interview.

Once approved, the visa must be collected in person within one month of the consulate’s notification.

Realistically, most applicants should plan for 6–10 months from start to finish. Factoring in extra time for document preparation and possible requests for additional information will help avoid surprises and keep your plans on track.

How Much Does Spain’s Non‑Lucrative Visa Cost?

Applying for Spain’s non‑lucrative visa involves more than just the official fee. Planning ahead for documentation costs will help you avoid surprises.

• Visa fee: The official fee for U.S. applicants is $140, paid directly to the Spanish consulate.
• FBI background check: Obtaining your criminal record directly from the FBI costs $18. Keep in mind that if you use a third-party service for fingerprinting or processing, the price may be higher.
• Apostilles: Legalizing documents through the U.S. Department of State or your state’s office typically ranges from $20–$50 per document, depending on where you live.
• Sworn translations: All foreign documents submitted to the consulate must be certified translations and our services are $39 per page.
• Medical certificate: Expect to pay a standard doctor’s visit fee, which can vary widely in the U.S., typically around $50–$150.
• Health insurance: Costs depend on age, health, and coverage, but most applicants budget $50–$250 per month for international plans that meet Spain’s requirements.
• Passport photos and mailing: Small but necessary expenses, usually $15–$30 for photos and additional mailing or courier costs.

In total, most applicants spend several hundred dollars on documentation alone, on top of the visa fee. Planning for these costs in advance ensures a smoother process and avoids last-minute hurdles.

Starting Your Life in Spain

Relocating to Spain on a non-lucrative visa is the start of an exciting journey. By understanding the requirements and preparing your documents carefully you can navigate the process with confidence and avoid unnecessary delays.

Once your visa is approved you can focus on building a life filled with new experiences and local culture. You might stroll through the historic streets of Seville during the feria season, enjoy tapas and flamenco in Granada, or explore the beaches of the Costa Blanca. From managing your income to discovering neighborhoods in San Sebastian or Cádiz, you’re taking the first steps toward making Spain your home.

Keep an eye out for the next article where we’ll explore what retiring in Spain looks like for American expats. You’ll learn about Social Security and private healthcare, the best cities for retirees, property considerations, and tips for enjoying a comfortable lifestyle. With the right preparation, Spain can become more than a destination, it can become a place where you truly belong.

Author: Aaron Randolph | LinkedIn