Non-Lucrative Visa Spain (2025): Retire in Spain Requirements & Guide

• You are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss national.
• You plan to live in Spain without working locally.
• You can show sufficient funds or passive income for yourself (and dependents).
• You can obtain private health insurance that meets Spanish requirements.
• You are ready to make Spain your main home (most applicants spend 183+ days per year in Spain and become tax resident).

In 2025 the income threshold equals 400% of Spain’s IPREM for the main applicant, plus 100% per dependent. IPREM, which stands for Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples, is a public income indicator used in Spain to determine eligibility for various government aids, subsidies, and benefits, such as unemployment benefits and grants. For 2025, this is:

• National visa application form and fees
• Valid passport (with sufficient validity and pages)
• Proof of funds/income meeting the threshold above
• Private health insurance valid in Spain, no copays, full coverage
• Clean criminal record certificate (with apostille, if applicable)
• Medical certificate (per consulate wording)
• Recent photos meeting biometric specs
• Proof of residence in your consular jurisdiction
• For dependents: marriage/birth certificates (legalized and, if needed, translated)

1. Confirm your consulate: You apply in your home-country (or legal residence) consulate. Each consulate can vary slightly in wording and document formatting.
2. Prepare documents: Gather originals plus copies, translations, and legalizations (apostilles) where required.
3. Submit and attend your appointment: Bring your complete file and expect questions about your plans in Spain.
4. Decision and visa issuance: If approved, the visa is stamped in your passport.
5. Travel to Spain and finalize your residency card (TIE): After arrival, complete your municipal registration (empadronamiento), then fingerprinting for the TIE.

The non lucrative visa does not allow employment in Spain. Many retirees only need the right to live in Spain, not to work. If you later decide you want to work or start a business in Spain, there are legal pathways to modify your status after you’ve been a resident for a while. Gazelle can assess your options and timing.

• Tax residency: If you spend 183+ days a year in Spain, you are generally treated as a Spanish tax resident. Plan ahead so your pensions and investments are structured tax-efficiently.
• Healthcare: Private insurance is required at the visa stage. Once you are a long-term resident, other options may open.
• Where to live: Many retirees choose the Costa del Sol, Valencia, or the Balearic Islands for climate and community. Barcelona and Madrid appeal if you want city culture and flight connections.
• Cost of living: It varies by region but is often lower than many U.S./UK cities, especially outside the big centers.

The initial non lucrative visa is typically granted for one year, then renewals are for two years at a time (assuming you continue meeting requirements). After five years of continuous residence, many people are eligible to apply for long-term residence. If you hope to work in Spain later, we can review timing to modify your status to a suitable work permit after meeting eligibility rules.

Applying for a non lucrative visa in Spain involves many moving parts, and even small oversights can cause delays or outright refusals. Here are some of the most frequent issues we see — and how our team helps you avoid them:

• Financial evidence that doesn’t match consular expectations
  Many applications get delayed because bank statements are in a spouse’s name, funds aren’t seasoned long enough, or large unexplained transfers raise red flags. Gazelle reviews your financial documents line by line, flags potential issues early, and advises how to present your funds clearly and convincingly.
• Health insurance that doesn’t meet the fine print
  Some applicants unknowingly submit policies with deductibles or copays, which most consulates reject. We’ll connect you with insurers that meet consular standards and check the policy wording before submission to avoid costly last-minute changes.
• Missing apostilles, legalizations, or sworn translations
  This is one of the top reasons for rejection. We create a personalized document list for your consulate, timeline each legalization step, and track translations so nothing slips through the cracks.
• Submitting to the wrong consulate or outdated forms
  Spain’s consular network isn’t standardized, and each office has slightly different requirements. Gazelle checks jurisdiction, books your appointment correctly, and updates your file with the most recent consular wording.
• Arrival steps poorly timed (empadronamiento and TIE)
  Even approved applicants can run into trouble if they don’t book appointments in time after arriving in Spain. We coordinate your post-arrival steps so you can register locally and get your TIE card before deadlines.

With Gazelle Immigration, you don’t just get a checklist, you get a team that anticipates problems before they happen and walks you through every step to keep your application on track.

• Spain-specific expertise: We handle non-lucrative applications every week and stay current with 2025 criteria.
• Retiree-friendly guidance: We translate the legalese into clear steps and help with the “life setup” questions that matter.
• Start-to-finish support: From your first consult and document plan to your TIE, you’ll have a single point of contact.

€28,800 per year for the main applicant, plus €7,200 per dependent. You can show recurring income, sufficient savings, or a combination.

Yes. Earning passive income is fine. The restriction is on working in Spain for a Spanish employer under the NLV.

Plan on spending at least 183 days per year in Spain if you want a smooth renewal path and to comply with tax residency rules.

Timelines vary by consulate and season. Build a complete file early, and we’ll advise realistic expectations for your consulate.

Many residents can apply for long-term residence status if they meet the continuous residence criteria.

Book a consultation, and we will map your 2025 non lucrative visa Spain plan, gather the exact documents your consulate wants, and guide you all the way to your TIE.