Moving to Spain · Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

SPAIN VISAS · NON-LUCRATIVE VISA

Live in Spain without working there.

For people funded by pensions, investments, rental income or savings. Spain’s main route to residency without local work.

Main applicant

€28,800 a year (€2,400 a month)

Each family member

+€600 a month (100% of IPREM)

Physical presence

At least 183 days a year

Processing

1–3 months; 3–6 with preparation

THE RULE THAT CATCHES PEOPLE OUT

No work means no work. Including remote work for a foreign employer.

Consulates and courts are explicit, and in 2026 they are looking more closely at applicants who quietly work remotely after arrival. Any active-work income points to the Digital Nomad Visa instead.

THE THRESHOLD

A formula, not a fixed number.

The requirement is 400% of the annual IPREM for the main applicant, plus 100% for each additional family member. The IPREM is reviewed every year, so check the current figure before you budget.

Income or savings
Main applicant400% of IPREM, €28,800 at €600 a month
Each family member100% of IPREM, €7,200 at €600 a month

IPREM for 2026 is €600 a month (€7,200 a year). A couple with two children needs €4,200 a month, or €50,400 a year. The IPREM is reviewed each year.

WHAT COUNTS

Income that is passive, regular and seasoned.

Accepted

  • Pensions: state, workplace or private
  • Rental income, with tenancy agreements
  • Regular investment and dividend income
  • Savings held over time

Not accepted

  • Employment income of any kind
  • Freelance income, even from abroad
  • A lump sum deposited just before applying

THE REQUIREMENT THAT CAUSES MORE REFUSALS THAN INCOME

Health insurance. Full private cover from an insurer authorised in Spain, with no co-payments, no deductibles and no waiting periods. A policy with an excess will be rejected.

Coaching and guidance only, not legal advice. Not an immigration lawyer or agent. Every pathway goes through the official channel of the destination country.

The guide for this

Retiring to the Costa Blanca

€12.99 · See the guide →

Does your income genuinely qualify as passive?

Start with a short call and leave with a clear next step for your situation.

Where to go next

The NLV income requirement, explained

Why it is higher than you think.

Spain Digital Nomad Visa

Keep your job. Change your life.

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Brexit, healthcare, driving and the tax questions.