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Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (Retirement Visa): Ultimate Guide 2024

Updated: Oct 18

Here's the ultimate guide to the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa (Retirement Visa), with everything you need to know about costs and requirements in order to retire in Spain. The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa allows you to live in Spain without having to work. It is specifically geared towards non-EU nationals, and is the perfect option for retirees or anyone with sufficient passive income to support themselves while enjoying life in Spain.


retired couple eating tapas in Spain


Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) Overview


The Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain is an ideal option for individuals who wish to relocate to Spain and are not citizens of an EU Member State. This visa is specifically designed for those who have sufficient financial means to support themselves and their families without the need to engage in any work or professional activity while residing in Spain. It offers the opportunity to live in Spain for an extended period, allowing applicants to enjoy the lifestyle, culture, and environment of Spain without being tied to employment. This visa is particularly suitable for retirees, individuals with independent financial resources, or anyone looking for a long-term stay in Spain for personal or leisure purposes.

Visa Length

1 year

Possible to Extend?

Yes, for periods of 2 years at a time

Who Can Apply?

Non-EU/EEA citizens

Minimum Financial Means 

€28,800 (EUR) per year

Time for Visa Applications

Minimum 3 months 


Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) for Retirees


The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa is also known as the “Retirement Visa”. It was introduced in 2000 by the  Organic Law 4/2000 Rights and Freedoms of Foreigners in Spain and Their Social Integration which allows non-EU/EEA nationals that have sufficient financial means to support themselves and their families without the need to engage in any work or professional activity to live in Spain.


This visa allows you to apply for a Residency Permit for up to 1 year, renewable for periods of 2 years at a time, as long as you continue to meet the requirements. After five years of legally residing in Spain, you can apply for Permanent Residency (other requirements apply). After 10 years of legal and continuous residence in Spain (or only 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries) you may be eligible to apply for Citizenship.


Currently, most non-EU/EEA citizens can enter Spain as a tourist for 90 days. The Non-Lucrative Visa is an incredible solution for anyone who not only wants to stay in Spain for more than 90 days, but also wants to start on the path to Permanent Residency and, ultimately, Citizenship.


In order to apply, you must earn a minimum of €28,800 (EUR) per year, plus more if dependents join you. The following family members may also obtain a visa: 

  • ​Your spouse or unmarried partner

  • Children and adult children who are financially dependent upon you 

  • Relatives in the ascending line under your care

Who can apply for the NLV (Retirement Visa)?


Anyone who has sufficient financial means to support themselves and their families (if applicable) without the need to engage in any work or professional activity while residing in Spain, who is not a citizen of the EU or EEA, can apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa including citizens of:

  • United States

  • Canada

  • Australia

  • United Kingdom

  • + more


Special Notes About Applying for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa (Retirement Visa)


You have to apply from your country of residence, at the Spanish Consulate assigned to your domicile. The Visa allows you to legally live in Spain for up to one year.


 

Need help applying? Our visa experts are here to help!

 

outdoor cafe in a Spanish plaza

How to Apply for the Spanish NLV (Retirement Visa):  Step-By-Step Instructions


You can apply for Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa from the United States by following these simple steps:


Step 1: Gather Required Documents


You must collect all the necessary documents. Please refer to this list of required documents

.

The NLV application must be done at the Spanish Consulate corresponding to your domicile. For US applicants, please be aware that even though the list of documents is exhaustively set by law, consulates may require different or even extra documentation for the visa application. Please check the specific list of documents required by the Spanish Consulate of your domicile. 


Depending on the Consulate, you may either have to request an appointment via email and provide documents in person, book an online appointment and provide documents in person, or simply send your documents by mail.


Step 2: Schedule an Appointment


Locate the Nearest Consulate: Find the Spanish consulate or embassy responsible for your region in the US. Click here to see what is your assigned Spanish Consulate based on your place of residence. 


Book an Appointment: Every Consulate is different. While some Consulates require you to schedule an online appointment through their website (e.g. Spanish Consulate in Los Angeles), others require you to request an appointment via email (e.g. Boston), the majority of Consulates outsource the visa processing to BLS International (e.g. Houston). Check here for all the Spanish Consulates in the US with their respective jurisdictions and visa application requirements. 


Step 3: Prepare for the Interview and Attend the Consulate Appointment


Organize Your Documents: Ensure all documents are complete and correctly prepared, including the signed application form.  

Review Your Application: Be ready to explain your plans and financial situation.

Pay the Fee: Pay the visa application fee if not done online.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

It typically takes between 1 and 3 months to process your Non-Lucrative Visa application. The wait may be longer if you are asked to provide more information or documents.


Step 5: Receive Your Visa


You can collect your visa once it’s approved. The visa must be collected within a maximum period of 1 month, counted from the day after the date on which the favorable decision is notified. The visa is valid for 90 days, which means that you have three months to enter Spain. 


After Arriving in Spain: Obtaining the TIE


Step 1: Apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identificación Extranjera)


Once in Spain  you will have one month to apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identificación Extranjera) . The system is notorious for being backlogged, so it may take much longer to get. The TIE is your identification card and residency permit, which contains all relevant information such as residence type, duration, NIE etc.


Note about the NIE: This is a number that you’ll need in order to proceed with your TIE application. It’s often assigned to you when you apply for the TIE, but it's best to confirm the process with local authorities. You can find more information here about how to get your NIE.


Find the Office: Locate the local Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjería) or police station where you can apply for the TIE. You can find more detailed information here about how to get your TIE.


Step 2: Make an Appointment Here


This process must be done at the police station nearest you, so you will need to select this option to activate the drop-down menu.


Step 3: Gather Required Documents


  • Completed TIE Application Form: Obtain this from the office or online.

  • Passport and Visa: Your passport with the Non-Lucrative Visa and a copy.

  • Proof of Address: Documentation showing your Spanish address (e.g., rental agreement). Please be aware that while “empadronamiento” is not required to get your first TIE (it will be required for your renewals) some Police Stations require it, please make sure you are bringing the necessary documents depending on the place of presentation. Get more information about how to get empadronamiento.

  • Proof of Payment: Payment receipt for the TIE application fee.

  • Passport Photos: Recent passport-sized photos.


Step 4: Attend the Appointment

Here you will provide all required documents and complete any biometric procedures.

Step 5: Wait for Processing


This typically takes a few weeks.


Step 6: Collect Your TIE


Once processed, you will be notified to pick up your TIE card.


 

Need help applying? Our visa experts are here to help!

 

Spanish coast for retirees

Required Documents for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (Retirement Visa)


To apply for the Spanish NLV, several documents are required.


  • National visa application form. Each applicant must complete and sign a visa application.

  • Non-lucrative residence visa application form. Each applicant must complete and sign a copy of the EX-01 form.

  • Photograph. A recent, passport-sized, colored photograph, taken against a light background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses or any garments concealing the face.

  • 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. In some Consulates passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted. 

  • Proof of financial means. The applicant must submit the originals and a copy of the documents proving that they have sufficient financial means 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. Minimum 2024: €28,800 (single), €36,000 (couple).

  • Health insurance. Original and a copy of the certificate accrediting the public or private health insurance with no co-pay (or deductible) contracted with an insurance entity authorized to operate in Spain. The insurance policy must be valid for 1 year and must cover all the beneficiaries of the visa for the risks insured by Spain's public health system. No travel insurances with medical assistance coverage will be accepted.

  • Criminal record check certificate. Applicants of legal age must submit the original and a copy of the criminal record check certificate(s) issued by their country or countries of residence for the past 5 years. Obtain a background check verified by fingerprint comparison. (This document is valid for a maximum of 90 days after the issue date mentioned on it). Depending on the Consulate you are applying from, the background check can be issued by either: 

    1. The U.S. Justice Department- FBI Federal Bureau of Investigation and must be legalized with the "Apostille of The Hague" by the Secretary of State in Washington D.C. or 

    2. The State Justice Department (all states where the applicant has resided in the last 5 years) and the document must be legalized with the "Apostille of The Hague" by the Secretary of State of said state.

  • Medical certificate. Applicants must submit the original and a copy of a medical certificate accrediting that they do not suffer from any disease that could cause serious repercussions for public health pursuant to the 2005 International Health Regulations. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish. 

  • ID Card that proves your place of residence is within the jurisdiction of the Spanish Consulate where you are applying. 

  • Visa and residence permit fees. To pay the fee for the residence permit at the Consular Office, the applicant must complete all the fields of, and sign, two copies of form 790 code 052, ticking box 2.1 (initial temporary residence permit).


If you are applying with your family you also have to provide the following for each family member: 

  1. All the required documents specified in sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10. For minors, the visa application and the residence permit application must be signed by one of their parents. 

  2. Documents constituting proof of family relationship with the applicant accrediting financial means: birth or marriage certificates issued 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. 

  3. In the case of 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.

  4. 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


Frequently Asked Questions

Does Spain have a Retirement Visa (Non-Lucrative Visa)?

Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, also known as “Retirement Visa” was introduced in 2000 and allows non-EU/EEA nationals who have sufficient financial means to support themselves and their families without the need to engage in any work or professional activity to live in Spain for up to one year

How long is the Spain Retirement Visa valid?

Is it possible to extend the Spain Retirement Visa?

How long does it take to complete the entire application process?

Can you apply for the Spain Retirement Visa while abroad?

In what currency should you pay for the Spain Retirement Visa?

Can you work for a Spanish company while on the Retirement Visa?

What is the minimum financial requirement for the Spain Retirement Visa?

Which neighboring countries of Spain also offer the Retirement Visa?

Can the Spanish Retirement Visa (NLV) lead to residency or citizenship?

What kind of assistance do I need to get the Spanish Retirement Visa?




 

Need help applying? Our visa experts are here to help!

 

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