Spanish Non Lucrative Visa Essential Information

For expats, flexpats, and nomads aiming to live long term in Spain, visas, the EU 90 day visa exemption, and passport issues can be a damper on dreams of living the life of eternal summer in beautiful Spain. Luckily, the Spanish Non Lucrative Visa provides an easy, straightforward option for nomads and flexpats to live in Spain for 1 year to start, and renewable up to 4 years on the initial visa.

What is the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa: A 1 Year Renewable Visa to stay, but not work, in Spain

The Spanish Non-Lucrative visa is a Spanish residency permit designed for non-EU citizens, allowing expats and nomads to live in Spain for one year and up to four years on a single permit. This visa does not allow working, in Spain or online, and intends to attract financially self sufficient nomads and expats, such as retirees, individuals with passive income, and business owners that do not work actively in their business.

Note, that for online workers, the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, which does allow working online while living in Spain, is a much better choice**. Click here for more information on the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa.

This visa is open to citizens of all countries that aren’t European Union or European Economic Zone Countries

Essential Facts about the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa

• The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa affords visa free travel through all EU countries, beyond the normal limitation of 90 days in a 180 day period of travel in the EU for non-EU citizens
• Spouses, Partners and children can receive the Spanish Non-Lucrative visa under the spouse/partner/parents’ application
• The visa grants access to Spanish public programs, such as education and healthcare
• Minimium income for the Spanish Non-Lucrative visa is €28,800 per year with an additional €7,200 per dependent per year (Note: This is calculated as 4x the “Public Income Indicator for Multiple Effects” (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples or IPREM)
• Prove financial means for at least one year

While the Spanish Non-Lucrative visa does not lead to Spanish citizenship or a passport, it does afford individuals of independent means the opportunity to experience Spain before considering applying for the type of Spanish residency that does lead to citizenship after 10 years of continuous legal stay in Spain. However, after 5 years of legal stay on the Non-Lucrative visa, individuals may apply for Permanent Residency in Spain – and after 10 years of Permanent Residency in Spain, individuals may apply for Spanish Citizenship.

The fine print of the Spanish Non-Lucrative visa is that individuals on the visa may not work in Spain or online during their stay and as such must proof financial means to support their entire stay during the application process. Applications are submitted and interviews are conducted at the nearest Spanish embassy/consulate in person, in your country of residence (based on residency permits, not visas).

Documents Required for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa Application Process

• Application form (accessed via the Spanish Consulate nearest your residence address in your country of residence)
• Passport and copy of passport
• Two passport photos
• Apostilled Criminal Background Check showing no offenses, with official Spanish translation
• Proof of residence in the district of the consulate where you apply (residency permit is required, and applying in a country where the applicant only holds a visa, not a residency permit, is not allowed)
• Proof of a lease or property ownership in Spain
• Proof of passive income for three months minimum, to include bank statements, and proof of financial means for at least one year
• Health insurance valid in Spain covering all issues covered by public Spanish healthcare, with minimum €30,000 per person
• Medical certificate showing clean bill of health
• Affidavit stating applicant and dependents will not work during the visa period in Spain

Qualifying Passive Income for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa

Any income used to quality for the non-lucrative visa must be passive income. As such, only the following income sources qualify:

• Retirement Benefits
• Investment Returns and Dividends
• Real Estate Rental Income
• Business Dividends from non-Active Business Ownership

For Up to Date Detail Information and Alternate Visas, Visit the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Websites

Official, detailed information about the visa, the application process, and best embassy personnel to contact can be found on the website of the individual consulate.

As consular website links change occasionally, making visa information difficult to come by, the following is a summary of official information on the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa. Scroll to the end of the article (or click here to jump below) to find the most recent list of Spanish consular websites, for the non-lucrative visa, with up to date names and addresses.

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The following information has been recorded from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website to provide an evergreen information point for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa to share up to date information and application links for the visa application process.

The information is up to date as of May 5, 2025

Spanish Non-Working (Non-Lucrative) Residence Visa Details

The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa to reside in Spain without carrying out any gainful (work or professional) activity, provided that the applicant has sufficient and guaranteed means to live on. This visa does not constitute a work permit. 

The following family members may also obtain the visa: 

• The spouse or unmarried partner.
• Dependent children and dependent relatives in the ascending line who form part of the family unit. 

Visas Application Process and Details:

​The Spanish Government has signed a contract with an external company (BLS International) for processing visas for Spanish Consular Offices in the United States.  

It is mandatory to request an appointment at a consulate or embassy as the visa processing will take place at a Spanish Consulate or Spanish Embassy.

For Non-working (Non-lucrative) residence visa, applicants must request an appointment through the contracted company at this website: http://usa.blsspainglobal.com. or https://usa.blsspainvisa.com/sanfrancisco/​

Applications must be submitted in person at BLS International Visa service for Spain. The location will vary based on consulate or embassy for which the appointment request and application are filed.

A full list of Spanish Consulates and Spanish Embassies worldwide can be found here.

Documents Required​​ for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa Application Process

1. ​Visa Application form 2024.pdf​. Each applicant must complete and sign the visa application, filling in each of its sections. For minors, the visa application and the residence permit application must be signed by all their parents/legal guardians. ​

2. Photograph.pdf​. Recently issued (not older than 6 months). An updated photo-paper picture, passport size, facing forward, light/white background, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the oval of the face.Photographs of toddlers or babies must not show any part of the adult holding them.

• One picture glued (not stapled) to the National Visa application form 
• Second same picture not glued with the name and last name on the back.​

3. ​Formulario EX01 – solicitud residencia temporal no lucrativa.pdf. The applicant must complete all the fields as follows: 

• ​​1.DATOS DEL EXTRANJERO: This is your address in Spain. If you don´t have an address then the fields for CITY and PROVINCE in Spain must be filled in.
• 2.DOMICILIO A EFECTOS DE NOTIFICACIONES: This is your address in the US or internationally to be notified about your visa.
• 3. TIPO DE AUTORIZACIÓN SOLICITADA: Check INICIAL, check OTROS writing “Residencia no lucrativa”.

Form must be signed by the applicant (For minors, the form must be signed by all their parents/legal guardians)

4. form 790 code 052. Request for Residence Autorizaton permit fees.

• Include a money order to CONSULATE GENERAL OF SPAIN to pay the $11​ fee for the request for residence permit.
• Applicant must complete all the fields with the address of the place of planned residence in Spain.If you   don’t have an address fields for CITY and PROVINCE in Spain must be filled in.
• Check the box 2.1 (initial temporary residence permit).
• ​Form must be signed by the applicant (For minors, the form must be signed by all their parents/legal guardians).

5.Payment of the visa fee.  

• For citizens of the United States of America: reciprocity fee is $140 USD
• For nationals of Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, and the United Kingdom different rates are applied for reasons of reciprocity. In these cases, the amount of the fee must be consulted with the Consular Office.
• ​For other nationals, the visa fee is $94 USD.

In order to simplify the process, send just one Money Order for the total amount to the CONSULATE GENERAL OF SPAIN. This payment is non refundable.

• US CITIZENS IE: $140 + $11 = $151 per person
• OTHER CITIZENSHIPS $94+11 USD = $105 per person

Please check TASAS CONSULARES ENE​RO 2025.pdf or contact the Visa Department of your nearest embassy or consulate for the appropriate fee.     ​

6.Valid, unexpired passport. The original and a photocopy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data must be submitted. The passport must have a minimum validity period of 1 year and contain two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted. 

Adult applicants must be sure to have signed their Passport.

Non-US citizents must also provide: Copy of their U.S. Resident Card or valid U.S. long term Visa.

Holders of B-1 and B-2 Visas, or any other non-resident visas cannot apply in the United States or their current country; they must apply in their country of residence or country of origin.

Applicants holding Student Visas must also present a copy of their I-20 signed by the university on the last page and a copy of their F-1 valid Visa.

Original and a photocopy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data. The passport must have a minimum validity period of 1 year and contain two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted. 

It is an essential requirement that if you wish to process your visa, you must leave the original passport with us. Otherwise, we will not initiate the process. While your application is being processed, you will not be able to travel with your passport. 

Important note: To apply for the visa you must be in the USA and wait in the USA for approval of your visa.​

7.Proof of residence within this Consulate jurisdiction of the Spanish Consulate of San Francisco (original and photocopy). You can provide one of the following documents: U.S. Driver license, State I.D. card.

8. Proof of financial means. The applicant must submit the originals and a copy of the documents proving that they have sufficient financial means (of their own) to cover the expenses of residing in Spain for the initial year of the residence permit, or accrediting that they have a regular source of income, for themselves and, where applicable, for the family members accompanying them. The minimum required amount is equivalent to 400% of Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). To this amount must be added 100% of the IPREM for each family member in the applicant’s care. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish. ​

Documentation in original form with an official stamp an​d seal of the issuing agency that verifies sufficient economic means for the period of residency in Spain or certifies the availability of a non-working monthly income (eg. pension) that satisfies the minimum financial requirements. 

If you are of working age, you will need to prove receipt of a pension or provide a termination letter from your employer stating that you will no longer work for that company or, in case of self-employment, you will need to provide an affidavit before a Notary stating that you agree not to work while residing in Spain. In the case of retirees, the applicant must be a beneficiary of a State pension in convertible currency or be a beneficiary of a life annuity, not capitalizable, payable by a public or private institution in convertible currency and / or investment accounts. Attach bank statements from the last three months and a copy of the last tax return.

For retired individuals:

• Social Security Benefits or/and Private of Public retirement benefit (Army Veteran, Teacher`s union, etc.).
• Bank statements of the last 3 months from all bank accounts with the transaction details(account summary will not be accepted) and any other source of income totaling the minimum required. Investment accounts will not be accepted.
• Notarized in Spanish letter committing not to work while in Spain, not even online​

For non-retired people, add:

• Last 3 years of TAX IRS returns
• If the applicant works in a local company, a le​tter must be presented where they ensure that as soon as the visa is approved the contract will end and the applicant will not work even online. 

Foreign documents must be translated via an official translation into Spanish. 

9. Health insurance.Certificate in Spanish issued by an Insurance Company operating in Spain specifying:

• Name of applicant.
• Start date of the coverage.
• The insurance must cover all risks normally covered for nationals and must be maintained for the entire duration of the authorization.
• The health insurance must not have a deficiency-exclussion due to pre-existing conditions, copayment, or coverage limit; it must cover 100% of the medical, hospital, and out-of-hospital expenses.
• An Insurance card will not be accepted as proof of coverage.
• Travel insurance is not accepted. 

10. Criminal record check certificate. Applicants over 18 must present original and copy of the criminal record certificate(s) issued by their country or countries of residence for the past 5 years.The Criminal record check certificate cannot be issued more than 6 months preceding the submission of the visa application.

Residents in the US:

– Criminal background check certificate must be based on fingerprints and issued by FBI and legalized with the Federal Apostille of the Hague Convention requested to the Department of State in Washington DC and translated via an official Translators – Sworn Interpreters (exteriores.gob.es)

FBI Background Check:  Information on the FBI background check is available here: https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks . Additionally, information on the apostile process is available here: https://abrotherabroad.com/fbi-background-check-apostille.

Apostille: All foreign documents must be apostiled. Information on the apostille process can be found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/records-and-authentications/authenticate-your-document/apostille-requirements.html
Translations: All non-Spanish language documents must have certified translations via sworn translators. Details on the translation process and requirements can be found here: Translators – Sworn Interpreters (exteriores.gob.es)

If the country in which the applicant has lived in the past 5 years does not subscribe to The Hague Convention of 1961, the background check must by authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country and then by the Consulate of Spain in said country.

Note: Criminal record check certificates issued by US Local/State authorities will not be accepted. Applicant will be informed in the cases when they can be required in addition to the FBI records.

Apostilles are required: Contact Official Apostille authorities to get an estimate on processing times before submitting your visa application.

 

​11.Medical Certificate.pdf ​Applic​ants must submit the original and a copy of a recently issued medical certificate, cannot be older than 3 months, accrediting that they do not suffer from any disease that could cause serious repercussions for public health pursuant to the 2005 International Health Regulations.It must have the Doctor’s Stamp, or can be printed on medical center´s letterhead​, must be signed by an MD – Medical Doctor: name,last name and license number of the MD must clearly appear in the document,  also contact information.​It is recommended to use our template.​If the certificate is only in English it will be required to provide a translation in Spanish via official translator.

Required documents for family members.​ For each family member it will be necessary to submit:​

• All the required documents specified in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, ​9, 10 if applicable and 11.
• For minors: all 3 forms (National visa application forms and residence permit application froms: EX01 Form and Form 790 052) must be signed by all their parents/legal guardians. 
• Documents constituting proof of family relationship with the applicant accrediting financial means: birth or marriage certificates must be recently issued (cannot be issued more than 6 months ago) by the civil registry, certificate of registration as an unmarried couple or any other document substantiating an unmarried partnership with the applicant. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
• For adult children, documents proving financial dependence, the adult child’s civil status and that they continue to form part of the family unit. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
• In the case of relatives in the ascending line, documents proving financial dependence and that they form part of the family unit. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish. 

​When necessary to assess the application, the Consular Office may request additional documents or data and may also ask the applicant to come in for a personal interview.

Procedure​ 

This Consular Office is competent to accept visa applications from individuals residing in the consular district.

All non-working residence visas require the obtainment of an initial residence permit, which is processed at the same time as the visa application. 

• Who can apply for a visa: Visa applications must be submitted in person by the applicant, or by one of their parents if the applicant is a minor. 
• ​Proof of receipt: The Consular Office will provide the applicant with proof of receipt of the application with a code that enables them to check the status of the dossier through the following link: https://sutramite​consular.maec.e​s/Home.aspx. The Consular Office will also provide a copy of the application form (form EX-01) and, where applicable, of the receipt of payment of the fee (form 790-52). 
• Rectifying the application: The Consular Office may ask the applicant to submit any missing documents, or to provide additional documents or data that are necessary for a decision regarding the application. The applicant may also be called in for a personal interview. 
• Decision period: The legal period for reaching a decision is of 3 months from the day after the application submission date, but this period may be extended if an interview or additional documents are requested. 
• Refusal of the residence permit or visa: Refusals of the residence permit or visa will always be notified in writing, setting forth the grounds on which the decision adopted was based. 
• Appeals: If a residence permit or visa is refused, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consular Office within 1 month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal is received. An application for judicial review may also be filed with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within the 2-month period beginning the day after the date on which the applicant receives notification of the refusal of the visa or residence permit or of the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal. 
• Validity period of the visa: The visa will be valid for 90 days. Once in Spain, a Foreigner Identity Card must be applied for within a period of 1 month from the applicant’s entry into Spain, at the Foreign Nationals’ Office or the corresponding Police Station.

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The steps in the process are generally applicable to all applicants regardless of nationality, however, details of steps are tailored to US citizens. For details such as locations for application, apostille process standards in countries besides the US, and nuances to the process, please visit the Spanish Consulate website for the Spanish Consulate nearest to you and search “Non-Working (Non-Lucrative) Residence Visa.”

List of all Spanish Embassies and Consulates by Country

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Links to Top Spanish Consular Sites for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa

• Los Angeles, USA Spanish Embassy: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/losangeles/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-residencia-no-lucrativa.aspx
• San Francisco, USA Spanish Embassy: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/sanfrancisco/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-residencia-no-lucrativa.aspx
• Manchester, UK Spanish Embassy: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/Manchester/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-residencia-no-lucrativa.aspx
• New York, USA Spanish Embassy: http://exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/nuevayork/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-residencia-no-lucrativa.aspx
• Sydney, Australia Spanish Embassy: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/sydney/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-residencia-no-lucrativa.aspx
• Houston, Texas Spanish Embassy: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/houston/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-residencia-no-lucrativa.aspx
• Washington, D.C., USA Spanish Embassy: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/washington/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-residencia-no-lucrativa.aspx
• Chicago, USA Spanish Embassy: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/chicago/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-residencia-no-lucrativa.aspx
• London, UK Spanish Embassy: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/londres/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-residencia-no-lucrativa.aspx
• Seoul, South Korea Spanish Embassy: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/seul/ko/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-residencia-no-lucrativa.aspx

Additional Data Sources:

• Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs homepage