The non-lucrative visa is one of the most popular visas among those of independent means who either want to live full time in Spain or at least spend most of the year in the country.
It is not just one of the easiest visas to obtain, but also one of the most affordable. In addition, it leads to permanent residence (which grants almost the same rights as Spanish citizenship)or full citizenship.
Requirements for a Spanish non-lucrative visa:
- A recent, passport-size photograph.
- Original unexpired passport and a photocopy of the biometric data pages. It must be valid for at least one year.
- Criminal record certificate for any country where you have lived for the past 5 years. This document must be legalised or apostilled and translated into Spanish.
- Proof of health insurance. It can be from a private insurer authorised in Spain, or from coverage from the National Health Service, provided you are entitled to it. The latter usually applies to retired applicants.
- Proof of financial means. In 2025 this must be €28,800 for the main applicant’s initial one-year residence. Funds may come from a passive source of income or must be held at a financial institution.
- Medical certificate which has to certify that the applicant does not suffer any disease posing a threat to public health. If this certificate is not issued by a doctor in Spain, it must also be legalised or apostilled and translated into Spanish.
- Forms: A National Visa Application Form along form EX-01 duly filled.
- Fees: Form EX-01 carries a fee of €10.94 which can be paid online. The visa fee for US citizens is US $140.
When family members are to be included in the application, most of the above requirements will apply, as well as the stated below.
Requirements for additional applicants:
- Proof of relationship, such as marriage, birth or adoption certificates. Must be legalised or apostilled and translated.
- Additional funds must be added to the above required proof of funds for each family member in an amount of €7,200.
Once issued your visa must be used to enter Spain within three months and will grant an initial residence period of one year. After that, it can be renewed twice, each time for a two-year period. After five years, you may be able to apply either for long term (permanent) residence, or, alternatively, long term (EU) residence. The latter lets you establish in any Schengen country.
Book now an appointment to discuss your non-lucrative visa application. I am a practising Spanish lawyer who specialises on immigration law and will advise on your circumstances. In addition, if you decide to proceed with the application and use my services, I’ll help you gather the required documents, fill in the forms, and check everything to guarantee that your application is approved.
The process for an extension of the non-lucrative residence permit requires fewer documents, and you must only provide proof of continuing availability of funds or income and proof of continuing health insurance. The visa fee will not apply to the renewal and you will only have to pay the €10.94 fee for form EX-01.
Requirements for a two-year residence permit renewal:
- A recent, passport-size photograph.
- Original unexpired passport and a photocopy of the biometric data pages. It must be valid for at least one year.
- Proof of health insurance. It can be from a private insurer authorised in Spain, or from coverage from the National Health Service, provided you are entitled to it. The latter usually applies to retired applicants.
- Proof of financial means. In 2025 this must be €28,800 for the main applicant’s initial one-year residence. Funds may come from a passive source of income or must be held at a financial institution.
- Form EX-01 duly filled.
- Fees: Form EX-01 carries a fee of €10.94 which can be paid online..
If you are already living in Spain and need to renew your non-lucrative visa or apply for long term residence, I’m able to complete the whole process online. Just contact me below, explaining your circumstances, and I’ll be happy to provide a quote.
Do you want to apply for a non lucrative visa or the extension of an existing one? A fully qualified Spanish lawyer can assist you during the process, ensuring that your application is successful.