The content of this page is for guidance purposes only. Only the provisions set out in the regulations in force at the time of submitting the application shall apply.
Non-lucrative residence
Initial authorization of non-lucrative temporary residence
Topics
Description
The non-lucrative residence is an authorization that allows non-EU citizens to reside legally in Spain without engaging in any labor or professional activities. It is intended for individuals who have sufficient financial means to support themselves in the country without the need to work.
Avantages
✨ Allows legal residence in Spain without engaging in any labor activity
✨ Possibility to include family members from the start of the application
✨ Access to the healthcare system through private insurance
✨ Can be renewed and serve as a basis for future residence modifications
✨ Possibility to apply for long-term residence after the legally required period
How to apply? (including family members)
✔️ Profile of the main applicant
Foreign nationals who are not citizens of a Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, and who wish to reside in Spain without engaging in any labor or professional activity.
✔️ Who must be the main applicant
The application must be submitted by the individual concerned at the Spanish diplomatic mission or consular office in their country of residence. This applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial means and have medical insurance.
✔️ Family members who may accompany the main applicant in the same application
The following may be included in the same application as dependents of the main applicant:
🔹 The spouse or officially recognized partner
🔹 Minor children
🔹 Adult sons and daughters of the applicant or of the applicant's spouse, registered partner, or stable partner who have a disability requiring support or who are objectively unable to meet their own needs due to their health condition.
Requirements
- Not be a citizen of a Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, nor a family member of citizens of these countries to whom the EU citizen regime applies.
- Be of legal age (18 years or older).
- Not be unlawfully present in Spanish territory.
- Have no criminal record in Spain or in the countries where the applicant has resided during the last five years, for offenses under Spanish law.
- Not be prohibited from entering Spain and not be listed as inadmissible in the territorial space of countries with which Spain has signed a relevant agreement.
- Have sufficient financial means to cover the costs of stay and return, and, if applicable, those of accompanying family members. The applicant must demonstrate monthly income equivalent to 400% of the IPREM. For each accompanying family member, 100% of the IPREM must be demonstrated monthly.
- Have public or private health insurance contracted with an insurance company authorized to operate in Spain.
- Not suffer from any of the diseases that may have serious public health implications in accordance with the International Health Regulations of 2005.
- Not be within the period of the commitment not to return to Spain, if previously assumed under a voluntary return program.
- Have paid the fee for processing the procedures.
Required Documents
📌 For the main applicant:
Valid and complete passport
Criminal record certificate
Medical certificate in accordance with the requirements of the International Health Regulations
Documentation proving financial means (e.g., bank statements, income, investments, etc.)
Health insurance policy and proof of payment with coverage in Spain
National visa application form
Proof of payment of the corresponding fee
📌 For family members (if included in the application):
Documents proving the family relationship (marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc.)
Medical and criminal record certificates, as applicable
Duration and Renewal
📌 Initial validity:
The initial non-lucrative residence authorization is valid for 1 year.
📌Renewal:
It can be renewed for 2 years, provided that the conditions that justified the initial authorization are still met, including:
Sufficient financial means
Health insurance
Effective residence in Spain for at least 183 days per calendar year
Application Process
Document Gathering
The applicant must collect all required documents and comply with the established requirements.
Submission of the application
The application must be submitted in person at the Spanish diplomatic mission or consular office in the applicant’s country of residence.
Decision and visa issuance
The consulate will issue a decision within a period of up to 3 months. If approved, the visa will be issued.
Entry into Spain and final procedures
The applicant must enter Spain during the visa’s validity period and apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within one month of arrival.
Normative
Organic Law 4/2000 of January 11 on the Rights and Liberties of Foreigners in Spain and Their Social Integration (Articles 30 bis and 31)
Regulation of Organic Law 4/2000, approved by Royal Decree 557/2011 of April 20 (Articles 45 to 49)
