💶 How Much Money Do You Need for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa?
To be approved for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), you must demonstrate that you can financially support yourself (and any dependents) without working in Spain.
Spain requires applicants to meet a minimum income threshold based on the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which is adjusted annually.
📊 2024–2025 Income Thresholds (Approximate)
| Applicant Type | IPREM Multiplier | Approx. Minimum (EUR/year) |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant | 400% IPREM | ~€30,000–€31,752 |
| Per dependent | 100% IPREM | ~€7,500–€8,000 |
🔎 These values change slightly each year. Always check the current IPREM before applying.
➡️ [Link to official IPREM source]
🧾 What Counts as Valid Proof of Income?
To satisfy the Spanish consulate, you must provide clear, verifiable proof of your financial means. This typically includes:
✅ Accepted Forms of Proof:
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Personal bank statements (3–6 months history)
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Savings or investment accounts
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Proof of pension income
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Dividends or rental income (if recurring and documented)
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Employment contracts from non-Spanish companies (for remote workers)
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Certified translations if not in Spanish or English
🚫 Not Typically Accepted:
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Crypto or unverifiable digital assets
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Cash deposits without explanation
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Business income without formal payroll or contracts
💡 Tip: If you’re applying as a family, make sure your financial proof clearly shows the full amount required, including dependents.
🏦 Bank Statement Requirements – Format & Best Practices
Spanish consulates are strict about presentation and clarity. Here’s what your bank statements should show:
| Required Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ Applicant name | Must match passport |
| ✅ Account balance | Must meet or exceed IPREM |
| ✅ Consistent income flow or high balance | Passive income preferred |
| ✅ Clear bank logo + statement date | Avoid screenshots |
| ✅ Translations | If needed for language |
📌 Pro Tip: If you’re showing savings, keep funds in the account for at least 3 months prior to application.
👨👩👧 Financial Requirements With Dependents
If you’re applying with a spouse or children, the income threshold increases.
Example Calculation:
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Main applicant: €30,000
-
Spouse: €7,500
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Child: €7,500
Total for family of 3: €45,000+
💬 Many consulates prefer savings over employment income for dependents. Use fixed deposits, retirement funds, or pension statements if possible.
💡 Can You Use Remote Work Income?
Yes — as long as:
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Your employer is not based in Spain
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You can prove stable income above the threshold
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You show a valid contract or freelance agreements
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You clarify that you will not engage in Spanish economic activity
🛑 Warning: Some consulates may reject applications from digital nomads under the NLV — they may be encouraged to apply under Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa instead.
➡️ [Link to NLV vs Digital Nomad comparison article]
📎 Additional Financial Documents to Include
Consider including the following supporting evidence to strengthen your application:
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Annual tax returns (especially for self-employed or retirees)
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Proof of real estate ownership or rental income
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Notarized letters explaining fund origin
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Bank letters verifying account ownership
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Letters from pension providers or employers
📂 Organize all documents in a folder, clearly labeled and translated where necessary.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Submitting bank statements with your spouse’s name (if you’re the applicant)
🚫 Applying with insufficient income or borderline thresholds
🚫 Forgetting to apostille or legalize your financial documents (if required)
🚫 Providing assets without liquidity (real estate alone isn’t enough)
🗂️ Summary: Minimum Income by Family Size
| Household Size | Estimated Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| 1 adult | €30,000–€32,000 |
| 2 adults | €37,500–€40,000 |
| 2 adults + 1 child | €45,000–€48,000 |
| 2 adults + 2 children | €52,500–€56,000 |
📌 Always check your local Spanish consulate website, as some impose slightly higher thresholds or prefer savings over employment income.
📞 Need Help Proving Your Income?
At Borderless Lawyers, we specialize in helping NLV applicants from around the world prepare compliant, stress-free financial documentation.
✅ We review and translate bank documents
✅ We help structure your financial profile for approval
✅ We know the nuances of each consulate