Retire or relocate to Spain on passive income — legally and efficiently

The Non-Lucrative Visa is theoretically one of Spain's simpler residency routes — you just need to prove sufficient income and buy health insurance. In practice, applications are frequently rejected or delayed because the income evidence is presented in the wrong form, bank statements are from the wrong period, the health insurance policy has an unacceptable exclusion clause, or the criminal record certificate was obtained before the required 90-day window. Consulate requirements vary by country, and a rejection resets the clock entirely, costing you potentially six months or more.

Since 2010 · 16 years Tax agent AEAT

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Why BM Consulting

Specialised advice and personal service

BMC has a proven track record of successful Non-Lucrative Visa applications across multiple Spanish Consulates worldwide. We prepare a complete, Consulate-ready dossier, verify that your income evidence meets the specific requirements, review your health insurance policy for compliance, and prepare you for the interview if one is required. We also plan your tax position in Spain before you move.

  • The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is Spain's passive income residency route for non-EU nationals — no working in Spain is permitted; managing personal investments and receiving dividends from owned companies is allowed.

  • Income threshold is 400% of IPREM — approximately €2,400/month for a single applicant in 2025, plus ~€600/month per adult dependant; acceptable sources include pensions, dividends, rental income, annuities, and trust distributions (savings alone are insufficient).

  • Physical presence of at least 6 months plus 1 day per year is required to renew — this same threshold triggers Spanish tax residency, so NLV holders typically become Spanish IRPF taxpayers in their first year and must plan pension and investment taxation before moving.

  • After 5 years of legal residence on NLV, long-term EU residency status is available; the initial visa is granted for 1 year, then renewed in 2-year increments — Consulate rejection resets the clock entirely, making error-free applications essential.

How we work

From first contact to case completion

  1. Eligibility and income assessment

    We verify that your income sources (pension, dividends, rental income, savings) meet the current thresholds: approximately 2,400 euros per month for a single applicant, plus 600 euros per month for each additional dependant. We advise on how to present each income type persuasively.

  2. Document preparation and certification

    We prepare the complete application dossier: Form EX-01, passport copies, proof of income (bank statements, pension certificates, investment account statements), apostilled criminal record certificate, private health insurance certificate, and proof of accommodation in Spain.

  3. Consulate submission and liaison

    We submit your application to the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence, monitor progress, attend the appointment with you or prepare you thoroughly, and respond to any requests for additional documentation.

  4. Arrival and annual renewal

    After arriving in Spain on your one-year visa, we guide you through converting it to a two-year residence permit (TIE), obtaining your NIE, completing empadronamiento, and filing your annual renewal before the permit expires.

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The problem

The Non-Lucrative Visa is theoretically one of Spain's simpler residency routes — you just need to prove sufficient income and buy health insurance. In practice, applications are frequently rejected or delayed because the income evidence is presented in the wrong form, bank statements are from the wrong period, the health insurance policy has an unacceptable exclusion clause, or the criminal record certificate was obtained before the required 90-day window. Consulate requirements vary by country, and a rejection resets the clock entirely, costing you potentially six months or more.

Our solution

BMC has a proven track record of successful Non-Lucrative Visa applications across multiple Spanish Consulates worldwide. We prepare a complete, Consulate-ready dossier, verify that your income evidence meets the specific requirements, review your health insurance policy for compliance, and prepare you for the interview if one is required. We also plan your tax position in Spain before you move.

Process

How we do it

1

Eligibility and income assessment

We verify that your income sources (pension, dividends, rental income, savings) meet the current thresholds: approximately 2,400 euros per month for a single applicant, plus 600 euros per month for each additional dependant. We advise on how to present each income type persuasively.

2

Document preparation and certification

We prepare the complete application dossier: Form EX-01, passport copies, proof of income (bank statements, pension certificates, investment account statements), apostilled criminal record certificate, private health insurance certificate, and proof of accommodation in Spain.

3

Consulate submission and liaison

We submit your application to the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence, monitor progress, attend the appointment with you or prepare you thoroughly, and respond to any requests for additional documentation.

4

Arrival and annual renewal

After arriving in Spain on your one-year visa, we guide you through converting it to a two-year residence permit (TIE), obtaining your NIE, completing empadronamiento, and filing your annual renewal before the permit expires.

~2,400
Euros/month minimum income required
1
Year initial visa, then 2-year renewals
5
Years to long-term EU residency

I had tried to apply myself and was rejected because my pension certificate was not apostilled correctly. BMC took over, rebuilt the entire application, and we were approved at the first attempt. Six months later I was living in my dream home in Andalucia.

Margaret O'Brien Retired teacher, Relocated from Ireland

Who is the Non-Lucrative Visa for?

The Non-Lucrative Visa is Spain’s residency route for people who want to live in Spain but do not need (or want) to work locally. It is most popular with:

  • Retirees from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other non-EU countries who receive pensions or live on investment income
  • Early retirees and FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) individuals with sufficient investment portfolios
  • Wealthy individuals who want a base in Spain while managing global assets
  • Parents or family members of people already resident in Spain

The visa is not compatible with local employment, but there is no restriction on continuing to manage your investments, receiving dividends from companies you own, or (in most cases) performing occasional work for foreign entities that is entirely conducted outside Spain.

The income requirement in detail

The income threshold is linked to Spain’s IPREM index and is updated annually. For 2025, a single applicant needs approximately 2,400 euros per month in demonstrated regular income. This can come from multiple sources combined: a pension, dividend income, and rental income from a property abroad, for example.

The critical issue is how this income is documented. A bank statement showing transfers is not the same as a pension certificate or an investment account statement showing regular distributions. BMC reviews how each income source should be presented and what documentation each Consulate requires before you spend weeks gathering the wrong evidence.

Tax residency: plan before you move

Most Non-Lucrative Visa holders spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, triggering Spanish tax residency. This means your worldwide income — including your foreign pension, foreign dividends, and foreign rental income — becomes potentially taxable in Spain.

Spain has double tax treaties with most countries that prevent full double taxation, but you will still need to file a Spanish income tax return and may pay additional Spanish tax on income that was previously taxed only in your home country. Effective pre-move tax planning can significantly reduce this impact.

The five-year path to permanent residency

After five years of continuous legal residence in Spain on Non-Lucrative Visa renewals, you qualify for long-term EU resident status (residencia de larga duracion). This provides significantly greater rights: you can work, you are harder to expel, and your status is more portable across EU countries. After ten years you can apply for Spanish nationality — one of the most powerful passports in the world.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

The Non-Lucrative Visa (Visado de Residencia para Estancia de Larga Duracion no Lucrativa) allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain without working for a Spanish employer or clients. It is primarily designed for retirees, people living on investment income, and those with passive income from abroad. You may not work in Spain under this visa, but you can invest and manage personal assets.
The income threshold is set at 400% of the IPREM (the Spanish public income reference index). In 2025 this works out at approximately 2,400 euros per month for a single applicant. For each additional adult dependant, add 100% of the IPREM (approximately 600 euros per month). For each child, add 75% of the IPREM (approximately 450 euros per month).
Acceptable income includes pensions from any country, dividends from investments, rental income from properties abroad or in Spain, interest income from savings or bonds, annuities, and regular transfers from a personal or family trust. Savings alone are generally not sufficient as the primary income source — you need ongoing regular income. We advise on how to present each income type to satisfy the specific Consulate handling your application.
No. Working in Spain for a Spanish employer or Spanish clients is prohibited under the Non-Lucrative Visa. You may manage your own investments, receive dividends from companies you own, and work remotely for foreign clients in exceptional cases with a specific modification. If you want to work, the Digital Nomad Visa or a work permit is the appropriate route.
Yes. To renew the Non-Lucrative Visa, you must have been physically present in Spain for at least six months plus one day in each twelve-month period. This is also the threshold for Spanish tax residency, which means most Non-Lucrative Visa holders become Spanish tax residents in their first year. Understanding the tax implications before you move is essential.
Yes. Your spouse or civil partner and dependent children under 18 can join your application or apply for family reunification. The additional income requirements apply for each dependant added. Dependent parents (yours or your spouse's) can also qualify in certain circumstances.

Related services

Retire Spain Golden Visa Alternatives Tax Residency Spain
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Frequently asked questions

Questions about Non-Lucrative Visa Spain: Live in Spain Without Working

The Non-Lucrative Visa (Visado de Residencia para Estancia de Larga Duracion no Lucrativa) allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain without working for a Spanish employer or clients. It is primarily designed for retirees, people living on investment income, and those with passive income from abroad. You may not work in Spain under this visa, but you can invest and manage personal assets.
The income threshold is set at 400% of the IPREM (the Spanish public income reference index). In 2025 this works out at approximately 2,400 euros per month for a single applicant. For each additional adult dependant, add 100% of the IPREM (approximately 600 euros per month). For each child, add 75% of the IPREM (approximately 450 euros per month).
Acceptable income includes pensions from any country, dividends from investments, rental income from properties abroad or in Spain, interest income from savings or bonds, annuities, and regular transfers from a personal or family trust. Savings alone are generally not sufficient as the primary income source — you need ongoing regular income. We advise on how to present each income type to satisfy the specific Consulate handling your application.
No. Working in Spain for a Spanish employer or Spanish clients is prohibited under the Non-Lucrative Visa. You may manage your own investments, receive dividends from companies you own, and work remotely for foreign clients in exceptional cases with a specific modification. If you want to work, the Digital Nomad Visa or a work permit is the appropriate route.
Yes. To renew the Non-Lucrative Visa, you must have been physically present in Spain for at least six months plus one day in each twelve-month period. This is also the threshold for Spanish tax residency, which means most Non-Lucrative Visa holders become Spanish tax residents in their first year. Understanding the tax implications before you move is essential.
Yes. Your spouse or civil partner and dependent children under 18 can join your application or apply for family reunification. The additional income requirements apply for each dependant added. Dependent parents (yours or your spouse's) can also qualify in certain circumstances.
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