If you’re planning to retire in Spain as a non-EU citizen, your first step is securing the right visa — usually the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV). This visa is designed for retirees with passive income, and it offers a clear path to long-term residence and eventual permanent residency.
This guide walks you through who qualifies, required documents, timelines, and how to apply for Spain’s retirement visa — with or without being in Spain.
🎯 Who Can Apply for the Retirement Visa in Spain?
The Non-Lucrative Visa is ideal if you:
✅ Are not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
✅ Plan to live in Spain long-term
✅ Do not need to work in Spain
✅ Have sufficient passive income (pensions, savings, investments, rental income)
💡 This visa is the most common option for retirees from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, and Latin America.
💰 Minimum Income Requirements (Updated)
To qualify, you must show stable monthly income that exceeds 400% of the IPREM (Spain’s income index).
-
Main applicant: approx. €2,400/month or €28,800/year
-
Each additional family member: +€600/month (approx.)
-
Income can come from pensions, annuities, dividends, rent, or retirement savings
✅ Joint applications (retired couples) must combine income to meet the total threshold.
🩺 Health Insurance Requirement
Applicants must show proof of private health insurance that is:
-
Valid in all of Spain
-
Without copayments or exclusions
-
Issued by an insurer authorized to operate in Spain
Public healthcare access does not qualify during the visa application stage.
📄 Documents Required for the Spain Retirement Visa
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Must be valid for at least 1 year |
| Visa application form | Signed and filled out in Spanish |
| Proof of income or pension | Bank statements, pension letters, rental contracts |
| Private health insurance certificate | Must meet all criteria |
| Criminal background check | From your home country, valid within 90 days |
| Medical certificate | States you’re free from serious infectious diseases |
| Passport-sized photos | As per consulate’s specifications |
| NIE (if available) | Not always required at visa stage, but helpful |
✅ All documents must be translated into Spanish and apostilled or legalized, depending on origin.
🕒 Application Timeline
| Step | Time Estimate |
|---|---|
| Prepare documents & translations | 2–4 weeks |
| Apply at Spanish consulate abroad | Based on appointment availability (1–8 weeks) |
| Visa processing time | 1–3 months |
| Arrive in Spain & get TIE (residence card) | Within 30 days |
👉 Once approved, the initial visa is valid for 1 year, renewable for 2 years, then 2 more years.
🔁 Renewals and Long-Term Residency
-
After 1 year, apply to renew for 2 years
-
Show continued income and health coverage
-
After 5 years in Spain, you may qualify for long-term EU residency
🛡️ You do not need to buy property or invest to renew — just maintain residence and income.
🛡️ Legal Help with Your Retirement Visa
Our lawyers simplify the entire retirement visa process:
✅ Pre-check your eligibility
✅ Prepare and translate documents
✅ Coordinate apostilles and certifications
✅ Book consular appointments
✅ Represent you for residency registration in Spain
✅ Handle renewals and family reunification (if needed)
All with bilingual legal guidance and remote support.
📞 Want to Apply for the Retirement Visa in Spain?
Let our team help you retire in Spain legally — without stress. We handle the paperwork, so you can focus on planning your life in the sun.
👉 Contact our immigration lawyers today for a consultation.