Residency

Spain — Residency: Non-Lucrative Residence Visa

Spain's Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is tailored strictly for retirees, self-sufficient individuals, and passive investors, explicitly prohibiting any remote or local professional work in Spain. Under recently reinstated criteria, NLV holders must remain physically present in Spain for at least 183 days/year to qualify for renewal — which directly triggers Spanish tax residency on worldwide income. 2026 financial thresholds are calculated via IPREM: the main applicant needs 400% of IPREM monthly (~€2,400/month, ~€28,800/year), plus 100% of IPREM (~€600/month, ~€7,200/year) per accompanying family member, provable via passive income only (pensions, annuities, dividends, rental yields) or equivalent liquid capital. Applicants need comprehensive private health insurance with zero co-payments/deductibles, and an apostilled criminal record certificate covering the past 5 years with a sworn Spanish translation.

Ley Orgánica 4/2000 (Reglamento de Extranjería) · Last verified 2026-07-17

Key Facts

  • The Non-Lucrative Visa explicitly prohibits any remote or local professional/economic work activity in Spain.
  • Holders must be physically present in Spain 183+ days/year to qualify for renewal — this also triggers Spanish tax residency on worldwide income.
  • 2026 main applicant income threshold: 400% of IPREM (~€2,400/month, ~€28,800/year); +100% IPREM (~€600/month, ~€7,200/year) per dependent.
  • Income must come from passive sources only: pensions, annuities, investment dividends, or rental yields (or equivalent liquid capital held in a bank account).
  • Requires comprehensive private health insurance with zero co-payments and zero deductibles (sin copagos).
  • Requires an apostilled/legalized criminal record certificate covering the past 5 years, with a sworn Spanish translation.

Related Topics

permanent-residencycitizenship
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