Living in Spain without working
Non-lucrative residence
A permit for people who want to live in Spain without initially carrying out any employment or professional activity and who have sufficient financial means.
Is this the right option for you?
It is ideal for people with savings, investments, pensions or other sources of income that allow them to live in Spain without needing to work.
We advise on both the initial application at the relevant consulate and the later steps in Spain.
If you want to keep working remotely for companies or clients outside Spain, the right route is usually the digital nomad visa.
Main requirements
These are the essential requirements. The specific documents may vary depending on your nationality, your personal situation and changes in the law.
Financial means
Sufficient resources for the whole period: 400 % of the monthly IPREM (Spain’s public income reference index) for the main applicant and 100 % of the monthly IPREM for each family member.
Health insurance
Public or private insurance with an insurer authorized to operate in Spain.
No work activity
The permit allows you to live in Spain, but not to carry out employment or professional activities.
Criminal record
No criminal record in Spain or in the countries where you have lived in the last five years.
Public health
Not having any disease with serious public health implications under the International Health Regulations.
Personal situation
Not being a citizen of the EU, the EEA or Switzerland and not being in Spain irregularly.
Duration
The initial permit lasts one year from your entry into Spain. The renewal is granted for two years if you keep the financial means and insurance and have lived in Spain for more than 183 days in the calendar year.
Family
Your family members can apply with you, showing 100 % of the monthly IPREM for each of them.
How can we help?
- Initial eligibility review.
- Immigration strategy.
- Personalized checklist.
- Legal review of your documents.
- Preparing and filing your application.
- Follow-up with the authorities.
- Responding to requests for documents where applicable.
- Assistance with the steps after approval.
Usual documents
- Valid passport.
- Proof of financial means: bank statements, pensions, income or investments.
- Health insurance with an insurer authorized in Spain.
- Criminal record certificate.
- Medical certificate.
- Documents proving your relationship with the family members coming with you.
The final documents will depend on the applicant’s personal circumstances, nationality and the applicable procedure. After the initial review you will receive a personalized checklist.
Related procedures
- Digital nomad visaIf you work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain.See procedure
- Family reunificationIf you live legally in Spain and want to bring your family.See procedure
- Renewals and extensionsBefore renewing, we check that the requirements of the previous period have been maintained.See procedure
Tell us about your situation
We will review your case and explain which route may fit your circumstances.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s personal circumstances and the legislation in force at the time of the application.