What Is the Non-Lucrative Residence Permit?
The non-lucrative residence permit (residencia no lucrativa) is a long-stay visa for non-EU/EEA citizens who want to live in Spain without working.
This visa is ideal for:
-
🌍 Retirees
-
👨👩👧 Families relocating to Spain
-
💼 Remote income earners (with limitations)
-
✈️ Individuals seeking long-term relocation
⚠️ You cannot carry out any work or professional activity under this visa.
✅ Main Requirements for the Non-Lucrative Visa
To qualify, you must meet the following:
💰 Financial Means
Prove sufficient funds to support yourself:
-
Minimum: 400% of IPREM (~€2,400/month for the main applicant)
-
Add 100% of IPREM (~€600/month) per family member
✔️ Bank statements, investments, or pension proof are accepted
🏠 Accommodation in Spain
You must show a residential address:
-
Rental agreement, property deed, or invitation letter
🩺 Private Health Insurance
You need Spanish-based private health insurance:
-
No co-payments
-
Valid for the full duration of the visa
-
Provided by an insurer operating in Spain
🧾 Clean Criminal Record
-
Criminal background check from your country of residence (last 5 years)
-
Apostilled and translated into Spanish
📄 Required Documents (Initial Application)
You must apply in your country of residence at a Spanish consulate:
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| ✅ National visa application form | Official Form EX-01 |
| 🛂 Valid passport | At least 1 year validity |
| 🧾 Financial proof | Last 6–12 months |
| 🏥 Private insurance policy | Must meet national health coverage |
| 🏠 Proof of accommodation | Rental, home ownership, etc. |
| 📑 Criminal record certificate | Apostilled & translated |
| 🖼️ Passport photos | 2 recent photos |
🕐 Processing Times & Validity
-
⏱️ Application time: 1–3 months
-
📅 Initial permit validity: 1 year
-
🔁 Renewable for 2 years + 2 years → then long-term residency
-
Must live in Spain at least 183 days/year
📍 Renewals happen inside Spain at your local Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjería)
👨👩👧 Family Reunification
You may bring:
-
Spouse or partner
-
Minor children
-
Dependent parents (in some cases)
Each family member must meet financial and insurance requirements.
🚫 Work Restrictions
You may NOT:
-
Work for a Spanish company
-
Offer services or freelance in Spain
You MAY:
-
Hold passive income (dividends, pensions, rental)
-
Manage investments
-
Work for companies abroad (gray area—case-by-case)
✳️ We offer legal structuring advice if you’re a remote worker or entrepreneur.
🧑⚖️ Example Case: South African Couple in Valencia
A retired couple from Cape Town wanted to settle in Valencia. We:
-
Helped gather documents and get apostilles
-
Coordinated their visa interview at the consulate in Pretoria
-
Drafted a compliant lease agreement in Spain
-
Provided sworn translations and health insurance options
They received approval in 6 weeks and now enjoy Spain full-time.
🛡️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
We guide you through every step:
-
📋 Eligibility review & financial planning
-
📝 Visa form preparation & document check
-
🔄 Translation & apostille support
-
🧾 Insurance quotes and tax residency guidance
-
💼 Optional remote income structuring
-
👨👩👧 Family reunification management
✈️ Ready to Start a New Life in Spain?
The non-lucrative visa offers a path to long-term residency in Spain—without the stress of business or employment requirements.