Non-Lucrative Visa — Requirements [2026]
Last updated: April 2026
Spain's Non-Lucrative visa (NLV) is designed for individuals with passive income who wish to live in Spain without working. Pensions, rental income, dividends, or significant savings are considered the primary financial sources for this visa. The visa is initially granted for 1 year, can be renewed, and after 5 consecutive years of residence opens the path to permanent residency.
Financial requirements
The financial requirement is calculated based on Spain's Public Income Indicator (IPREM). For 2026, the main applicant's monthly income must equal 400% of the IPREM.
Accepted income sources: pensions, property rental, investment dividends, royalties, bank deposit interest, or sufficient savings.
For each additional family member, the required amount increases by 100% of the IPREM (~600 EUR/month).
Eligibility criteria
- You must be a citizen of a country outside the European Union
- You must have sufficient passive income or savings
- You must agree not to work in Spain during the visa period
- You can bring family members (spouse and children) with you
- You must provide a criminal record clearance certificate
- You must have valid health insurance in Spain
No-work rule — what does it mean?
Non-Lucrative visa holders cannot engage in any employment activity in Spain — neither as an employee nor as a self-employed person (freelancer).
This is a fundamental condition of the visa.
If you work remotely or plan to work, the Digital Nomad visa is a more suitable option.
Required documents
- Passport (valid for at least 12 months) and copy
- Income verification documents (pension, bank statements, investment reports)
- Bank account statement (last 6-12 months)
- Criminal record clearance certificate
- Health insurance policy (comprehensive, no co-payment)
- Proof of accommodation in Spain (rental agreement or property deed)
- Medical certificate (confirming no communicable diseases)
- Passport-size photographs
- Visa application form (EX-01)
All documents must be translated into Spanish and apostilled.
Application process and timeline
Document preparation
Gathering financial documents, obtaining health insurance, and translations — approximately 2-4 weeks.
Consulate application
For Azerbaijani citizens, the application is made through the Spanish Embassy in Ankara (Turkey) or the Istanbul Consulate General.
Waiting for a decision
Application review typically takes 1-3 months. Additional documents may be requested.
Arrival in Spain and registration
After receiving the visa, you must enter Spain within 90 days and complete local registration (empadronamiento).
TIE card application
Within 30 days of entering Spain, you must apply for your residence card (TIE).
Renewal and permanent residency
The Non-Lucrative visa can be renewed (as long as financial requirements continue to be met). After 5 consecutive years of residence, you can apply for permanent residency.
Important: For renewal, you must live in Spain for at least 183 days per year. Extended periods abroad may negatively affect your renewal.
Official sources
- Spanish Consulate (Istanbul) — Non-Lucrative visa requirements
- Boletin Oficial del Estado (BOE) — Official IPREM values
- Spanish Embassy (Ankara) — For Azerbaijani citizens
- Spanish Consulate General — Istanbul
Start with a Free Consultation
Check your financial eligibility for the Non-Lucrative visa and start the process with professional support. The first consultation is completely free.
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