Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa (2025): Live Without Working

Are you dreaming of living in Spain without working even a single day there? Have you ever wanted to be in Spain, to enjoy the sun, spend lazy afternoons, and enjoy the beautiful culture, not to mention that you did not need to have a job? And then, yes, a Non-Lucrative Visa might be the best one.

I am Andrés Morales, and I myself helped my clients get through the entire procedure of a Non-Lucrative Visa. I have been posing the same questions as you are probably doing, so what is this visa? Could I get qualified? Is it difficult to obtain? Is there any value in the paperwork? And the answer to all that, in one word, is yes- and I am going to help gradually.

In this blog, I will provide all that you need to know to get a Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain; the exact documents which you will need to provide, how to apply, renew the Visa, and become the legal guest of one of the most favorite destinations in Europe.

What Is the Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain?

The Non-Lucrative Visa Spanish visa is a visa that allows non-EU citizens to remain in Spain without undertaking any professional or economic activity in Spain. It is perfect for those people who aspire to live up to the quality of life that can be found in Spain and that can afford to make it a reality.

Why Choose the Non-Lucrative Visa?

This visa is perfect in case:

You are an old-age retiree and you do not have to live in strife with people in Spain.
Your filler income is the income that you earn from carried-forward income.
You are infatuated with the idea of the slow pace.
You have an office in Spain, though you work remotely, you have your clients and revenues outside of Spain

Spain features sun, history, culture, excellent health facilities, and a reduced cost of living as opposed to several other countries. What is the best of it? Under this visa, you can have it all without requiring a Spain-based job contract.

Why You Should Choose This Visa

It will allow you to live in Spain and travel up and down the coast, make new friends, and have the possibility to live a normal life without trying to locate a job and the suspense of visa persecution. This can also be a ticket in case you are in such type of situation.

Required Documents

The most time-consuming thing for me was getting the paperwork right. However, after arranging everything, the process was completed successfully. This is what you will require in applying:

Basic Personal Documents

Valid Passport: The passport should have a validity of at least one year and two blank pages.
Passport-Sized Photos: Follow the Spanish consulate’s specific size and background requirements.
Application Form (Modelo Nacional): This may be downloaded at the website of the consulate.

Financial Proof

Spain feels it is important that you could be able to live without working. This is how I was able to show that:

Bank Statements: This has to be 400 percent of the IPREM, the minimum amount monthly; this number varies annually. In 2025, its minimum monthly income of, on average, will be at least 2450 EUR.
Savings Accounts: I showed my long-term savings to strengthen my case.
Investment Income: Dividends, rental properties, and stocks were also there to support my application.

Medical and Insurance Documents

Private Health Insurance: Full coverage Spanish-based policy without co-payments. It should be up to date and throughout the visa period.
Medical Certificate: It was a certificate issued by my doctor that I was not infected with any contagious diseases.

An Infographics Explaining Spain Visa Process Steps

Background and Residence Documents

Police Clearance Certificate: It should be translated by a certified translator to Spanish and possess an apostille.
Proof of Accommodation: A Document of accommodation or an official invitation letter from a citizen.

Visa Application Process – How to Get Started Smoothly

The process of applying to obtain a Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is a cumbersome process, and it does not have to be this way. I have prepared it myself, and I can assure you, it gets quite simple as you break it down into easy steps.

Step 1: Book Your Appointment at the Spanish Consulate

The first thing to do in order to start this procedure is to visit the Spanish Consulate of the country where you are a legal resident.

Step 2: Prepare All Your Documents

That is where you should organize. Each of the papers shall:

Translated into Spanish (if not already)
Officially apostilled, where required

Then, simply arrange all these papers in a labeled file.

Step 3: Attend Your Visa Interview

On the day of the appointment, you should be well-dressed and look self-confident; the following questions will be asked of you:

Why you want to move to Spain
How you’ll support yourself
Where do you plan to live

Be honest and be to the point. T

Step 4: Wait for Approval

It was about 4-6 weeks in my client’s case. When my client’s visa was approved, they allowed him a window of 30 days to bring and present my papers prepared to move in.

Step 5: Travel to Spain and Apply for Your TIE

The visa can only take you to Spain. After arriving, you will be required to apply for your TIE, which is popularly known as the foreign identification card.

This should be done within 30 days of arrival. These are the things you should take to the immigration office:

Your visa
Valid passport
Empadronamiento (proof of address in Spain)
Passport-sized photos
Completed EX-17 form
Paid TIE application fee

You’ll be given a temporary receipt after you submit everything, awaiting your card.

Visa Renewal – How to Stay Longer in Spain

The Non-Lucrative Visa lasts one year, and it can be renewed after a period of two years continuously. You become eligible to apply for permanent residency in Spain after 10 years of living in the country.

Here’s how I renewed my client smoothly, and how you can too.

When to Start the Renewal

Apply 90 or 60 days before the expiry of your visa. Been better sooner- never leave it to the last minute!

Documents You’ll Need for Renewal

Ensure you have:

Updated passport
Your current TIE card
Proof of income for the next 2 years
Valid health insurance
Proof of continuous residency in Spain

Mostly Asked Questions

Can I Work in Spain with a Non-Lucrative Visa?

No. This visa will not enable you to work or own a business in Spain. Nonetheless, you can generate revenue in another country-such as freelancing, web work, investments, and rent.

Can I Bring My Family?

Yes! Your children under 18 and your spouse can join you. But as long as you present enough income to support them, that is about 100 percent of the IPREM for each additional family member.

Can I Switch to a Work Visa Later?

After a year of a Non-Lucrative visa, you may apply to convert your status to a work or self-employment one. You will require a legitimate job offer or business plan.

Can I Buy Property in Spain with This Visa?

Yes! A non-lucrative visa will allow you to purchase property legally. You might get into the idea of owning a home as yet another thing by which you may intensify your visa application.

Final Thoughts

This can be the best decision of your life. Yes, there is the paperwork for it. In case you have been fantasizing about coming to Spain, creating a new life, and experiencing all that this stunning place can offer to you, then this is the visa you need to start with.