Spain Non-Lucrative Visa — guide for American retirees
Residency visa for people with sufficient passive income (~€28,800/year). Does NOT allow working in Spain. Application process at Spanish consulate in US, medical requirements, and conversion to permanent.
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa — guide for American retirees
The Non-Lucrative Visa (also called “Visado de Estancia No Lucrativa”) is the most common option for American retirees wanting to move to Spain. Designed for people who will NOT work in Spain and support themselves with passive income.
Economic requirements (2024-2025)
Must show passive income of 400% IPREM per year:
- Main applicant:
**€28,800/year ($31,000 USD)** = ~€2,400/month - Per dependent (spouse, children): +100% IPREM = ~€7,200/year additional
You must NOT work in Spain, not even remotely for a US employer. For remote work, use the Digital Nomad Visa.
Required documents
- ☐ Current US passport (minimum 1 year validity)
- ☐ Form EX-01
- ☐ Recent passport-size photo
- ☐ Proof of economic means (bank statements, SSA letters, tax returns)
- ☐ FBI background check apostilled + translated to Spanish
- ☐ Medical certificate (specific format)
- ☐ Private health insurance with full Spain coverage (mandatory first year)
- ☐ Marriage and birth certificates apostilled + translated
The process
- Appointment at Spanish consulate in US — wait 2-6 months for slot
- Attend appointment — submit dossier + pay ~$140 USD
- Decision — 30-90 days
- Enter Spain within 90 days of visa
- Get TIE at local police station within 30 days
- Initial validity: 1 year
Renewals
- First renewal: 2 years
- Second renewal: 2 years
- After 5 continuous years: can apply for Long-Term Residency (permanent)
Total approximate costs
- Consulate fees: $140 USD
- Apostilles + translations: $300-$500 USD
- Medical certificate: $50-$150 USD
- Health insurance (first year): €700-€1,500
- Immigration attorney (recommended): $1,000-$2,500 USD
- Total initial: ~$2,000-$4,500 USD
Critical restriction: NO working
The Non-Lucrative Visa expressly PROHIBITS working in Spain, including:
- ❌ In-person employment in Spain
- ❌ Remote work for foreign company (technically prohibited)
- ❌ Self-employment in Spain
Time in Spain required
To renew and eventually get permanent residency, you must live in Spain at least 183 days/year.
Official source: Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores
Last verified: 2026-05-25.
General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.
Related procedural information
- USCIS Form I-407 — abandonment of LPR status — formal renunciation procedure
- IRS tax obligations as a US citizen abroad — citizens file regardless of residence
- Social Security totalization agreements — avoiding double SS coverage
- Find an international tax attorney — for renunciation and exit-tax cases
- Consulate of your destination country — pre-departure documentation
The rules change. Hear about it first.
Monthly digest of USCIS, IRS, and consulate fee, form, and deadline changes — no spam.
General information, not legal advice. MigrantUSA is an independent publisher and is not a law firm; using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship, and this content is not a substitute for advice from a licensed attorney about your specific situation. US federal, state, and local government procedures, fees, and forms change. Always verify current details directly with the relevant agency before acting. For immigration, tax, or other legal matters specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney or BIA-accredited representative.