Spain’s NLV income floor stays put

Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa still requires €28,800 a year for a single applicant, equal to 400% of the frozen IPREM rate of €600 a month. The threshold hasn't changed because the IPREM has stayed flat since 2023.

Applicants must show passive income or savings for the first year. Spain also asks for €7,200 per family member, plus private Spanish health insurance with no deductibles or copays, a recent medical certificate, an apostilled FBI criminal record check and proof that working-age applicants have stopped employment.

Who this visa fits and who it rules out

The visa is aimed at retirees and other financially independent residents who can cover their stay without working in Spain. Family members can be included, though they raise the income bar.

Digital nomads aren't a match for this permit. Spain doesn't allow remote work on the NLV and consulates are said to scrutinize US LLC arrangements and freelance income closely, so remote workers need a different route, such as the Digital Nomad Visa. Tourists are unaffected and still fall under the Schengen 90-day limit.

What applicants need to line up

Applications go through the Spanish consulate or BLS office in the applicant’s home jurisdiction and processing can take up to 3 months. The visa lets holders enter Spain for 90 days, then apply for a TIE card within 1 month.

The first permit lasts 1 year, with renewals for 2 years at a time. Renewal rules now require 183 days of physical presence in Spain during the year. Read our full Spain guide for the complete picture and check our visa updates page for more.