Non-Lucrative Visa Spain: Requirements & Legal Help
If you want to live in Spain without working, the non-lucrative visa is your ideal path. It’s perfect for retirees, remote investors, or anyone with passive income. But while the visa is attractive, the process is strict — and small errors can lead to rejection.
This guide explains the requirements, documents, and how an experienced non-lucrative visa lawyer in Spain can help you secure approval with confidence.
🇪🇸 What Is the Non-Lucrative Visa?
The non-lucrative visa (visado de residencia no lucrativa) allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain for more than 90 days without working.
✅ Ideal for retirees or financially independent individuals
✅ Valid for 1 year, renewable up to 5 years
✅ Leads to permanent residency and possibly citizenship
✅ Includes the right to bring family members
⚠️ Work of any kind — including remote work — is not permitted on this visa.
👤 Who Can Apply?
You qualify for the non-lucrative visa if:
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You are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
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You do not intend to work in Spain
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You have sufficient financial means to support yourself
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You have private health insurance
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You have no criminal record
📊 Financial Requirements
Spain requires proof of stable, passive income. The benchmark is based on the IPREM (Public Income Index).
💶 Minimum Monthly Income
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Main applicant: 400% of IPREM
≈ €2,400/month (approximate) -
Each family member: 100% of IPREM
≈ €600/month (approximate)
Sources of income can include:
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Pensions
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Investment dividends
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Rental income
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Savings (large deposits may qualify)
🔍 A lawyer can help you present the right financial evidence, especially if your income is mixed or comes from non-traditional sources.
📄 Required Documents
You’ll need to gather and submit:
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Valid passport (with at least 1 year validity)
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Non-lucrative visa application form
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Proof of financial means (bank statements, pension, etc.)
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Private health insurance valid in Spain
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Criminal background check (apostilled + translated)
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Proof of residence (e.g. rental contract or hotel reservation)
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Passport-size photos
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Medical certificate (no contagious diseases)
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Payment of visa fee
📌 All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish and apostilled.
🧑⚖️ Why Use a Non-Lucrative Visa Lawyer?
The consulate and Extranjería (immigration office) often reject applications due to:
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Missing or incorrect translations
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Unclear income sources
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Documents not properly legalized
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Confusing presentation of family applications
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Visa overstays during the process
A Spanish immigration lawyer helps you:
✅ Structure and translate your application
✅ Avoid red flags that cause rejections
✅ Handle consulate correspondence
✅ Coordinate appointments in Spain
✅ Assist with NIE and TIE processing after arrival
📍 Where to Apply
You must apply from your home country, at the Spanish consulate with jurisdiction over your residence.
Some Spanish consulates are notoriously bureaucratic. Our lawyers know the specific requirements and processes for:
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Spanish Consulate in Argentina
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Spanish Consulate in USA (e.g. Miami, LA, NY)
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Spanish Consulate in Australia
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Spanish Consulate in Canada
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And more
👨👩👧 Family Reunification on the Non-Lucrative Visa
You can include your spouse and dependent children. Each additional applicant must meet:
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Full medical insurance
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Clean background checks (if over 18)
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Additional income thresholds
A lawyer can ensure smooth group submissions to avoid delays.
🔁 Renewal Process
The initial visa is valid for 1 year. To renew:
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Show continued financial solvency
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Proof of legal residence in Spain
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Renew health insurance
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Provide updated empadronamiento (local registration)
The first renewal grants 2 more years, followed by another 2-year renewal, then eligibility for long-term residency.
🚫 Common Reasons for Rejection
❌ Low or unstable income
❌ Missing apostilles
❌ Incorrect or expired background checks
❌ Applying too early or late
❌ Health insurance not meeting criteria
✅ A lawyer increases your chances of success with expert preparation and timely submissions.
👨⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help
Our immigration lawyers handle the full non-lucrative visa process from start to finish:
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Pre-application eligibility review
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Documentation checklist + translations
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Legal assistance for family applicants
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Consulate communications
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NIE/TIE appointments in Spain
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Renewal and long-term residency support
📞 Book a consultation now to make your move to Spain worry-free.
📌 Final Tips
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Begin preparing your documents 2–3 months in advance
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Confirm requirements with your local consulate (they vary)
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Use legal help to avoid rejections and delays
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Don’t confuse this visa with the digital nomad visa — they are different
💬 Want to Retire or Relocate to Spain Without Working?
The non-lucrative visa could be your ticket to Mediterranean living. Let Borderless Lawyers handle the paperwork while you plan your new life in Spain.