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Non-Lucrative visa has become a popular choice among Spain’s visa options, especially for retirees, remote workers, and those with passive income. I recently mentioned that I received the Spain Digital Nomad Visa. However, because I receive many questions about other visa types, I decided to write about all visa types one by one. In this guide, I will try to explain all the details about the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, from the application process to required documents, from financial requirements to important points to consider.
What is a Non-Lucrative Visa?
The Non-Lucrative visa is a type of visa designed for non-EU citizens who want to live in Spain without engaging in any economic or professional activities. This visa type, known in Spanish as “Visado de Residencia no Lucrativa,” is valid for one year on initial application. The most important feature of the visa is that it gives its holder the right to legally reside in Spain, but does not provide work authorization within the country.
Visa Validity Period and Renewal
The Non-Lucrative visa is initially granted for one year and can be renewed for two-year periods. After five years, you are eligible to apply for a long-term residence permit. Please note that at each renewal period, you will need to prove that you continue to meet the financial requirements of the initial application.
Who is Eligible for a Non-Lucrative Visa?
One of the most common questions from those dreaming of living in Spain is whether this visa is suitable for them. It’s very important to evaluate if your profile fits this visa before applying. The most important factor that increases the chance of success in Non-Lucrative visa applications is being able to clearly demonstrate your financial independence.
Here are the groups most suitable for this type of visa
Retirees: People with regular pension or investment income.
Passive Income Holders: Those with regular income such as rental income or dividend payments.
Remote Workers: Those earning income from companies outside Spain.
Independent Wealthy Individuals: Those with sufficient savings who want to live without working.
Who Shouldn’t Apply?
This visa is not suitable for those who want to actively work in Spain, engage in entrepreneurial activities, or plan to do business with Spanish companies. In these cases, you should consider alternative options such as work visas or entrepreneur visas.
Non-Lucrative Visa Requirements
As in every country, one of the most important aspects when applying for a visa type in Spain is being able to fully meet the visa requirements. Spanish authorities are particularly meticulous about financial adequacy and health insurance. It’s important not to start the application process without ensuring you meet the visa requirements below, as applications with missing documents or insufficient conditions can be directly rejected.
Financial Requirements and IPREM System
Financial adequacy in non-lucrative visa applications in Spain is calculated based on the national income indicator called IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples – Multiple Effect Public Income Indicator). IPREM is an official reference value used for social benefits, scholarships, and various administrative procedures in Spain.
The IPREM value for 2024 has been set at 600€ monthly. Financial requirements for non-lucrative visa applications are calculated as follows:
Required Amount for Main Applicant
- Annual income or savings of 400% of IPREM
- Calculation: 600€ x 4 x 12 = 28,800€ (yearly)
- Approximately 2,400€ monthly
Additional Requirements for Family Members
- Additional income of 100% of IPREM for each family member
- Per person yearly: 600€ x 12 = 7,200€
- Per person monthly: 600€
Sample calculation for a family of 3
- Main applicant: 28,800€
- For spouse: 7,200€
- For child: 7,200€
- Total required annual amount: 43,200€
You can prove these amounts through
- Regular passive income (rental income, investment returns)
- Money accumulated in bank account
- Pension
- Regular income earned outside Spain
Health Insurance Requirements
- Private health insurance valid in Spain
- Minimum coverage of 30,000€
- Policy without waiting periods
- Coverage valid throughout Spain
Documents Required for Non-Lucrative Visa
The document preparation process in visa application is an important stage that requires patience and attention. Spanish authorities attach great importance to the complete and correct preparation of each document. I would like to point out that some documents require an apostille, while others must not be older than a certain date. When preparing the documents I will list below, you should pay special attention to the fact that the translations are made by a sworn translator and that the necessary documents are apostilled. Considering that the preparation time for each document is different, it may be a good idea to start the document collection process at least two months before the application date.
1. Application Form
Complete and sign the English application form at https://turkey.blsspainvisa.com
2. Letter of Intent
Prepare a letter explaining your purpose for going to Spain and detailing your income sources. You can write the application date as the date.
3. Form 790-052
Ensure the address section is filled with your current address. Access the form at https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es
4. EX-01 Form
Complete and sign the form at https://www.inclusion.gob.es. Write your current address in address sections and make sure to select Impreso de solicitud de autorización de residencia no lucrativa
5. Criminal Record
- Record must not be older than 3 months
- Must have notarized Spanish translation
- Must have “La Haye” Apostille stamp from the Governor’s office
- Both original and photocopy required
6. Health Report
- Must include this statement: “The person named (person’s name) who applied to our hospital does not have any diseases that could pose a public health risk according to the World Health Organization International Health Regulations (2005)“
- Must have sworn Spanish translation
- Must have “LA HAYE” apostille stamp from Governor’s office
- Must be submitted with photocopy
7. Health Insurance
- Must be from an institution operating or authorized to operate in Spain
- Must have minimum 30,000 EUR coverage
- Must cover one year
- Insurance policy and payment receipt must be submitted together
- Insurance companies: Asisa, Universitas Mundi, Axa, Generali, Adeslas, Sanitas, Cigna, DKV and Mafre
8. Formula A and B Showing Family Ties
- Formula A: For children (No translation needed, only apostille required)
- Formula B: For spouse (No translation needed, only apostille required)
9. Documents Showing Financial Income
- Bank statements (must have wet signature and stamp from bank)
- Documents showing regular income source
- Proof of income or savings meeting IPREM criteria
- Original and photocopy of all documents
10. Population Registration Sample
Must be obtained from e-government, family population option must be selected and contain QR code.
11. Residence Document
Must be obtained from e-government and contain QR code.
12. Passport, ID or Residence Card Photocopy
Keep photocopies of all pages of your passport and both sides of your ID just in case.
13. Accommodation Document
Document showing where you’ll stay in Spain, such as hotel reservation or rental agreement.
14. Flight Ticket
Flight ticket dated 35 days after application date.
How to Get a Non-Lucrative Visa
You have prepared all the documents and are now ready to apply, now the exciting part begins! If you have successfully completed the document preparation process, you have overcome the most difficult part of the job. The next steps are more systematic and clear. The Spanish authorities manage the application process in a very transparent manner and inform the applicants at every stage. The most important thing to pay attention to in the next part of the process is to comply with the appointment dates and not to miss the specified periods.
Visa Application Process
Preparation of Documents
All documents must be prepared completely and apostille procedures must be completed. Document preparation is usually the longest stage, so it is important not to make an appointment before completing this step.
Making an Appointment
When all your documents are ready, an application appointment is made at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate. In Turkey, you now need to do this through BLS. Since appointments are usually limited, making an appointment without your documents can be risky.
Making the Application
The application is made with all documents on the appointment day. The originals and photocopies of the documents must be prepared in an orderly manner.
Evaluation Process
The application is usually evaluated within 1-3 months. During this period, you can follow the status of your application online.
After Visa Approval
Once you have received your visa approval, you must enter Spain within 30 days. After entering the country, first obtain your Empadronamiento (residence registration) document and then complete your TIE (residence card) application.
Important Information About the Visa Process
Application: As the applicant, you need to appear in person for both the visa application and passport collection.
Application Timing: It’s beneficial to apply at least 35 days before your planned entry date.
Evaluation Process: During the evaluation process, the embassy may request additional documents, ask for changes to existing documents, or you may need to go to the consulate for an interview if deemed necessary. Your application result usually becomes clear within 1 month.
Your Appeal Rights If rejected, the reason is given to you in writing and you can appeal the rejection decision within 1 month.
The key point to pay attention to in this process is that all documents must be prepared completely and correctly. Incomplete or incorrect documents may lead to rejection of the application. I hope the information I’ve shared is helpful for your visa application process. I will continue to update this article as visa requirements change.
Also, if you want to get information about Spain Digital Nomad Visa, you can review the article.
This article about the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa has been prepared based on current information from my lawyer and official institutions.