Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

​Frequently asked questions

• How much money do I need for a Non-Lucrative Visa to Spain?

  The applicant for Spain non-lucrative residence must prove a passive income of at least €28,880 per year, plus €7,200 for each dependant.

  Additional expenses include renting or purchasing a residential property in Spain. The price is not limited; any real estate will do. Fees, translation and notarisation services amount to €2,500+ per applicant.

• What documents are required to apply for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa?

  An applicant for Spain non-lucrative residency must submit the following documents:

  • completed D visa application form;

  • valid passport — original and copies;

  • criminal record certificate;

  • proof of passive income of at least €28,880 per year, such as tax returns and bank statements;

  • health insurance with cover of at least €30,000;

  • rental agreement or proof of property purchase in Spain;

  • passport-sized photographs;

  • documents proving family relationships, if including family members in the application.

• What happens if my application for a Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is refused?

  If your application for the Spain financially independent visa is refused, you will receive a written explanation. You can either correct the deficiencies and reapply or file an administrative appeal within 1 month, followed by a contentious-administrative appeal if necessary.

  Using an experienced immigration law firm like Immigrant Invest can reduce the refusal risk to as low as 1% through thorough pre-application checks.

• Can I buy property in Spain with a Non-Lucrative Visa?

  Yes. Moreover, purchasing or renting a residential real estate in Spain is a mandatory condition, as all residents require a registered address.

  You can buy any residential property without a minimum price requirement.

• Can I work remotely for a foreign company while holding a Spain Non-Lucrative Visa?

  The Non-Lucrative Visa does not grant the legal right to work in Spain. If an applicant is of working age, they must present at least one of the following documents: 

  • proof of pension income;

  • letter of termination from their employer, along with a signed statement confirming that they will no longer be employed by the company;

  • notarised affidavit declaring that they will not work while residing in Spain — for self-employed persons.

• Do I have to pay taxes in Spain with a Non-Lucrative Visa?

  If you live in Spain for more than 183 days a year, you become a tax resident and must pay taxes on your worldwide income. Income tax rates for residents are progressive, ranging from 19 to 47%, depending on the autonomous community and income level.

  Property owners also pay local property tax Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles (IBI), which is typically 0.4 to 1.1% of the property’s cadastral value per year.

• How long can I live in Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa?

  The initial Spain FIP permit is valid for 1 year. It can be renewed for 2 years at a time, with the option to apply for permanent residency after 5 years.

• How can I renew my Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, and what are the income requirements for renewal?

  The residence permit is initially issued for 1 year. Renewal applications must be submitted 60 days before or 90 days after the expiry date. 

  For renewal, you must again prove sufficient passive income — typically double the initial requirement, as the renewal period is 2 years: €57,760+ for the main applicant, plus €14,400+ per dependant. You must also maintain health insurance and valid accommodation in Spain.

• Can time spent in Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa count towards citizenship?

  Yes. Time spent under a Non-Lucrative Visa counts towards the 10 years of legal residence required for Spanish citizenship. 

  You must reside in Spain for at least 183 days per year to maintain residency and count it for citizenship.