With the imminent elimination of the Golden Visa, the non-lucrative temporary residence permit is increasingly attracting those who wish to live in Spain without the need to invest large sums of money. This permit is ideal for individuals who have sufficient financial resources to support themselves in Spain without engaging in any professional or work-related activity and those who seek to enjoy living in the country.
Key features of the Non-Lucrative Residence permit:
✅ Allows legal residence in Spain.
✅ Initially granted for one year, with the option of renewal.
✅ Possibility to include family members in the application.
✅ Must be applied for from the country of origin; it cannot be initiated while being in Spain.
❌ Does not permit any work or professional activity.
In this guide, we explain the application process, requirements, and steps to follow.
⏺️ Who can apply for a Non-Lucrative Residence permit in Spain? Non-Lucrative visa requirements:
This permit is aimed at non-EU foreign nationals who wish to reside in Spain without engaging in any professional or work-related activities but who possess sufficient financial resources to support themselves autonomously in the country. The ideal profile for this residence permit includes individuals with stable passive income, such as pensioners, rentiers, investors, or property owners generating rental income, or those with enough savings to cover their stay without needing to work in Spain.
Below are the requirements that must be met to apply for a non-lucrative residence permit in Spain:
✔ Prove sufficient economic means for the maintenance and residence of the applicant and their family, if applicable, for the entire period of residence in Spain.
🚨 To obtain a non-lucrative residence permit in Spain, it is essential to demonstrate sufficient financial means. The regulations require the applicant to have at least 400% of the monthly IPREM, which amounts to €2,400/month (€28,800/year).
✔ Hold valid health insurance.
✔ Not be within the period of prohibition from returning to Spain.
✔ Not pose a threat to public order, security, or health.
✔ Pay the administrative fees associated with the application process.
⏺️ Which family members can be included in the Non-Lucrative Residence permit in Spain?
If you wish to obtain a non-lucrative residence permit in Spain and have your family accompany you, it’s important to know which family members can be included in the application. The regulations allow certain family members to be grouped under this residence authorization:
- Spouse, registered partner, or stable partner.
- Minor children or dependent adult children with disabilities.
To include family members in the application, you must demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover the maintenance of both the residence permit holder and their family during their stay in Spain.
The regulations require that the primary applicant have at least 400% of the annual IPREM (€28,800/year), while an additional 100% of the annual IPREM (€7,200/year) must be demonstrated for each family member.
The residence granted to family members will be linked to the primary applicant’s permit, meaning it will need to be renewed under the same terms and within the same deadlines. Additionally, family members will not be allowed to work in Spain while residing under this permit.
⏺️ Procedure for obtaining a Non-Lucrative Residence permit in Spain
From outside Spain: Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
The application must be submitted from the applicant’s country of origin. It is not possible to initiate this procedure from within Spain.
Documents proving compliance with the requirements
To obtain a non-lucrative residence permit, a series of requirements must be met to demonstrate the applicant’s ability to support themselves without working. These requirements ensure that the foreign national and their family, if applicable, have economic stability, healthcare access, and comply with immigration regulations.
The following are the essential documents and conditions for submitting a valid application:
✔ Official application form.
✔ Valid passport with at least one year of validity.
✔ Payment of administrative fees for visa and residence authorization processing.
✔ Proof of legal status in Spain and absence from any rejection lists in the Schengen area.
✔ Criminal record certificate from all countries where the applicant has lived in the last five years.
✔ Medical certificate as per the International Health Regulations of 2005.
✔ Health insurance valid in Spain.
✔ Documentation proving family relationships if family members are accompanying the applicant.
✔ Documentation proving sufficient economic means for both the applicant and any accompanying family members.
📌 Spanish consulates may request additional documents, clarifications, or personal interviews during the process. At ARC Legal, we provide each client with a detailed checklist tailored to the specific requirements of the relevant consulate, ensuring the complete and accurate submission of all necessary documents and minimizing the risk of delays or denials.
Where to apply for the Spain´s non-lucrative visa and residence authorization?
At the Spanish Diplomatic Mission or Consular Office in the applicant’s country of residence.
Processing time for the Spain´s visa and residence authorization
The visa application automatically includes the request for residence authorization.
The maximum processing time for the non-lucrative residence authorization is one month from the submission of all required documentation. If granted, the consular office will then process the visa, which has an additional maximum processing time of one month. The applicant must collect the visa within two months of notification; otherwise, it will be considered abandoned, and the procedure will be closed.
Entering Spain and post-arrival procedures
Once in Spain, the non-lucrative residence visa allows for legal entry and residence. If the authorized stay exceeds six months, the applicant must apply for a Foreigners’ Identity Card (TIE) at the relevant Immigration Office or Police Station. This procedure must be completed within one month of entry into Spain and is necessary to validate legal residence.
💡 Obtaining an appointment to process your TIE can be time-consuming and challenging, especially in some cities where appointment slots are limited due to high demand. At ARC Legal, we manage all appointments for our clients, accommodating their schedules and facilitating the process so they don’t have to worry about planning or securing appointments.
⏺️ FAQs about the Spain´s Non-Lucrative temporary residence visa and authorization
How long is the permit valid?
The initial non-lucrative residence permit is granted for one year. After this period, it can be renewed for two additional years, and then for another two years. After five years of legal residence in Spain, the applicant may apply for long-term residence, provided they meet all the necessary requirements.
How is the Spain´s non-lucrative residence permit renewed?
The permit must be renewed before its expiration to maintain legal residence in Spain without engaging in work-related activities. The applicant must continue to meet the requirements, including sufficient financial means, valid health insurance, and compliance with residence periods in the country.
To renew the non-lucrative residence permit, you must:
✔ Hold a valid non-lucrative residence permit or be within three months after its expiration.
✔ Have sufficient economic means for yourself and your family, if applicable.
✔ Pay the administrative renewal processing fees.
✔ Maintain valid health insurance throughout the residence period.
✔ Ensure that minors of compulsory school age are enrolled in school.
✔ Reside in Spain for more than 183 days in a calendar year.
✔ Hold a valid passport.
💡 During the renewal process, tax and social security obligations, as well as the applicant’s integration into Spanish society, will be assessed.
Can I work with a non-lucrative residence permit?
No. This permit does not allow you to work in Spain. If you wish to work, you will need to change your status to a work authorization.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, you can include your spouse and children in the application. You must demonstrate additional financial means to cover their maintenance during your stay in Spain. However, family members included under this permit are also not allowed to work while residing in Spain.
Submit your Spain´s Non-Lucrative residence visa and authorization with ARC Legal
If you want to live in Spain without working, the non-lucrative residence permit is an excellent option. It must be requested from your country of origin, providing proof of sufficient financial resources and complying with all the established requirements. At ARC Legal, we guide you through every step of the process, managing your documentation and ensuring you meet all the criteria. Contact us for more information.