Are you dreaming of moving to the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol or retiring in the Spanish countryside?
The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is the primary residency authorization for non-EU citizens who wish to live in Spain without working. I recently interviewed Daniel Bertomeu, a legal expert from Expat Abogados, to clarify the regulations for 2025-2026.
Here is what you need to know to secure your residency.
- The Strict "No Work" Rule The defining feature of the NLV is in the name: Non-Lucrative. You cannot be employed or self-employed in Spain, nor can you work remotely for a foreign company. If you plan to telework, you should apply for the Digital Nomad Visa instead. The NLV is strictly for retirees or those with sufficient passive income.
- Financial Requirements for 2025 To be approved, you must prove you can support yourself. Generally, you need approximately €30,000 available in a bank account for the main applicant.
- Family Applications: It is not double for a couple. A family of three (e.g., husband, wife, child) requires around €40,000–€45,000.
- Source of Funds: This can be proven via bank savings or passive income, such as rent from properties abroad.
- Residency and Citizenship The visa is initially granted for one year. You then renew it for two years, and then another two years. After five years, you can obtain permanent residency, and after ten years, you may apply for Spanish citizenship. Note that to renew the visa, you must be a tax resident, spending more than 183 days a year in Spain.
Watch the full interview to learn about health insurance requirements and avoid common application mistakes.
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