Spain's non-lucrative visa: the 2026 rules

For retirees and people living on savings or passive income who want to live in Spain without working. The income test, the health insurance rules, the no-work rule, tax, and how renewal works.

Spain’s non-lucrative visa (NLV) is for people who want to live in Spain on savings, a pension or other passive income, without working. It is the main route for retirees from the US, Canada and the UK, especially since Spain closed its investor visa to new applicants in April 2025. The test is simple to state: enough money, private health insurance, a clean record, and no work at all. This guide explains each part and what happens after the first year.

Who it fits

The NLV fits you if you can live on money you already have or receive without working. That includes:

• retirees with a state or private pension
• people living on savings, investments, rent or dividends
• people who have stopped working and can show it

It does not fit anyone who plans to keep working, even remotely for an employer or clients back home. Remote workers use Spain’s digital nomad visa (international teleworker) instead.

The income test

You must show enough money to live in Spain for the first year, either as savings or as regular income. The amount is set as a share of IPREM, Spain’s benchmark income index:

IPREM is EUR 600 a month in 2026. A couple therefore needs EUR 3,000 a month, or EUR 36,000 for the year.

Consulates want original bank documents with an official stamp. For accounts abroad, the documents must show the bank’s name and address, the account details, and the balance on 31 December of last year plus the average balance for that year. The Los Angeles consulate also asks for bank statements for the last three months and your latest tax return.

If you are of working age, you must show that you have stopped working. The Los Angeles consulate asks for a termination letter from your employer or, if you are self-employed, a notarised statement that you will not work in Spain. It also says applicants cannot have loans or mortgages in the US when they apply.

Health insurance

You need health insurance from an insurer authorised to operate in Spain. The Los Angeles consulate sets these conditions:

• it covers you for one year
• it covers the risks Spain’s public health system covers
• it has no deductible, no co-payment, no waiting period and no coverage limit
• it covers 100% of medical, hospital and out-of-hospital costs

Travel insurance with medical cover is not accepted.

UK pensioners have another option. The London consulate accepts proof that an S1 form is registered with Spanish Social Security in place of private insurance.

The no-work rule

“Non-lucrative” means no gainful activity at all. The visa is not a work permit, and the Los Angeles consulate states that it does not allow teleworking. That covers employment in Spain, self-employment, and remote work for a company or clients abroad.

If your income comes from shares in a Spanish company, you must certify that you do not work in that company.

If you want to work later, you need to change to a permit that allows it. Plan for that before you move rather than after.

How to apply

1. Gather documents at home. You need the national visa form, the EX-01 residence form, a passport valid for at least a year, proof of funds, insurance, a medical certificate issued within 90 days and a criminal record certificate.
2. Get your criminal record check right. US applicants need an FBI check issued within six months, with a federal apostille from the State Department and a certified Spanish translation. A state apostille is not accepted. UK applicants submit an ACRO certificate with an apostille and a sworn translation. You need certificates from every country you lived in over the last five years.
3. Apply at your consulate. Apply in person at the Spanish consulate that covers where you live. The legal deadline to decide is three months, which can be extended if they ask for more documents.
4. Enter Spain. The visa is valid for 90 days. Within one month of arrival, apply for your foreigner identity card (TIE).

Fees depend on nationality. From 1 January 2026, the Los Angeles consulate charges US citizens USD 140 for the visa, plus a USD 13 residence permit fee. UK and Canadian applicants should check the fee list of their own consulate.

Spouses or partners and minor children can apply with you. Each family member submits the same documents, plus proof of the relationship.

Renewal and the path to permanent residence

Since 20 May 2025, the NLV follows RD 1155/2024:

1. First permit: one year.
2. Renewal: two years. Apply in the two months before your permit expires. You still need the funds and health insurance, and you must have lived in Spain for more than 183 days in the calendar year.
3. Second renewal: two more years.
4. Long-term residence after five years. After five years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for long-term residence.

Renewals are decided within three months. If you hear nothing in that time, the renewal counts as approved.

Tax

The renewal rule and the tax rule use the same number. Spain treats you as tax resident if you spend more than 183 days there in a calendar year. To renew the NLV, you must have lived in Spain for more than 183 days in the calendar year. In practice, most NLV holders become Spanish tax residents.

Spanish tax residents pay Spanish income tax on their worldwide income, including foreign pensions, interest and dividends. Speak to a tax adviser who knows both Spain and your home country before you move.

US citizens stay liable for US tax on worldwide income wherever they live. Foreign tax credits can reduce double tax, but you still file a US return.

What catches people out

• Remote work counts as work. A US, Canadian or UK employer does not make it non-lucrative.
• The 183-day rule cuts both ways. You need it to renew, and it makes you tax resident.
• Insurance with co-payments is refused. Many standard international policies have a deductible or co-pay. Check the policy wording before you buy.
• Paperwork goes stale. The FBI check must be under six months old and the medical certificate under 90 days when you apply.

For every route to Spain, including the routes that have closed, read our guide to moving to Spain.

This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Confirm every requirement with your Spanish consulate before you apply.