What is a non-lucrative visa for Spain? How to get one as a British citizen and why it may be the answer to retirement in Spain

Offering a great climate, culture and scenic views – Spain is undoubtedly an attractive option for residence and even retirement. Many people in the UK who own Spanish properties planned for eventual retirement in the warm climate of Spain. However, after the Brexit departure on 01 January 2021, the Legal Regime for Foreigners now applies to British citizens, which limits the number of days they can remain in Spain. To reside in Spain or retire to Spain, British citizens may apply for a variety of visas, one of which is the non-lucrative residence visa.

In this guide, we explain what a non-lucrative visa is, how a British citizen can obtain a non-lucrative visa and how it compares to the Golden Visa. We also discuss the benefits of obtaining one and why it may be your answer to retirement in Spain.

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What is a non-lucrative visa, and who is it ideal for?
How long is a non-lucrative visa valid for, and how can it be renewed?
The benefits of a non-lucrative visa for Spain
How do you apply for a non-lucrative visa?
How does a Golden Visa compare to a non-lucrative visa?
Frequently asked questions – non-lucrative visas

What is a non-lucrative visa, and who is it ideal for?

Spain’s non-lucrative visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain if they can prove that they have the financial resources to support themselves and their family. A non-lucrative visa can be applied for by third-country nationals who wish to reside in Spain for longer than 90 days and do not intend to work in Spain. This is an ideal visa for foreign nationals who plan to retire to Spain or simply want to live in Spain for long periods of time, for example, in the warmer summer months.

What is the difference between a non-lucrative visa and a Golden Visa?

The non-lucrative visa differs from the Golden Visa in that a Golden Visa requires one of a range of types of investment in Spain, suitable types of investment centre around commercial investments.

Whereas a non-lucrative visa for Spain is an ideal option for British retirees or non-working residents, as the UK is no longer a member of the EU and does not require any form of investment.

How long is a non-lucrative visa for Spain valid, and can it be renewed?

Once you have secured your non-lucrative visa, it will be valid for a period of one year, after which you can apply for renewal for a further period of two years, thereafter your visa can be renewed for an additional two years. Following five years of legal residency you may apply for permanent residency. Renewal of a non-lucrative visa must be submitted in Spain.

Find out more about renewing your non-lucrative visa below.

A non-lucrative visa requires 183 days of residency in Spain each year in order to be renewed at each expiration.

After five years legal residency in Spain, there is the opportunity to apply for a long-term residence permit. Once you have obtained permanent residency after ten years of residency you can then apply to become a Spanish citizen. Obtaining Spanish citizenship will mean you will have to give up your UK citizenship.

What are the benefits of obtaining a Spanish non-lucrative visa?

Obtaining a Spanish non-lucrative visa as a British citizen provides the following benefits:

You are not required to invest in Spanish property

Apply for a family or joint visa

You can include your spouse and other family members, as immediate family members can be included on your visa. Your dependants can attend school or study while living under a non-lucrative visa.

Progress to a working visa if desired

A non-lucrative visa has the flexibility to be amended to a working visa following the successful renewal of the visa after the first year.

Potential to invest

You have the opportunity to invest in a property to use for rental purposes.

Free movement

Non-lucrative visa holders can travel freely within the Schengen Area, which is an area relating to 26 European countries that have officially abolished all border control, including passports, at their mutual borders.

Reside in Spain without having to work in Spanish territory

Do you have hopes for retiring in Spain? A non-lucrative visa is perfect if you are looking to settle down and retire in Spain, as there is no need to work in Spain.

View of houses on a hill in Spain

What documents are required to apply for a non-lucrative visa as a British citizen?

British citizens who wish to apply for the non-lucrative residence visa must meet the following requirements and be able to present the following documents:

Passport with at least one-year validity before its expiry date.
Certificate proving no criminal record in both the UK and Spain, valid for three months.
Have proof of sufficient funds. You require accreditation of sufficient economic means to support the expenses of your stay for one year. Throughout 2021, for monthly support, you must prove that you have €27,115.20 in your account or that you receive a minimum monthly income of €2,259.60. For each dependent, you must provide a further €6,778,80 per year or €564.90 per month.
Should not already be living in a non-legal (irregular) situation in Spain.
Sufficient healthcare insurance.
Medical certificate that proves that you do not suffer from any of the diseases that may have serious public health repercussions in accordance with the International Health Regulations of 2005.

Applying for a non-lucrative visa in the UK

Where to apply

You need to apply for the non-lucrative visa before you leave for Spain, and the application must be presented at the nearest Consulate General of Spain in the UK.

An application for a non-lucrative visa must be presented by the individual who wants to obtain the visa.

A parent, guardian or duly accredited representative (in extreme cases) can make an application on behalf of a minor.

What to expect

You must be able to present the documents listed above, and a mandatory interview will be held at the consulate office, which will go towards the decision on the visa.

The consulate then has one month to either approve or deny your application. If your application is approved, you then have one month from the date of the notification of your approval to personally collect your permit from the consulate. You will also receive your NIE (Número de identidad de extranjero) together with your visa.

Arriving in Spain

You must arrive in Spain within three months of the notification of the grant of your visa.

You have one month from your date of entry to visit the Foreigners’ Office to apply for your TIE, which is a foreigner’s identity card, also known as a resident card. Also, within one month of arriving you are required to complete a registration at the town hall corresponding to the municipality in which you are residing in Spain.

How do you renew your non-lucrative visa?

To renew your non-lucrative visa, you will need to provide the following documents:

Application Form EX01 (two copies).
Your passport (valid for at least one year).
Copy of all the pages of your passport.
Your current Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjeros or TIE.
Fee Form 790-052 (paid and stamped).
Your address registration in Spain ( padrón ).
Health insurance that complies with the requirements of the Immigration Office.
Proof of an adequate and stable income available for the next two years (monthly, more than four times the current year’s IPREM for the main applicant, and additionally, one IPREM for each family member).

For documents that are not drafted in Spanish you will need to use an officially recognised translation service accepted as compliant by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

How does the non-lucrative visa compare to the Golden Visa?

A Golden Visa is another option for residency in Spain for British citizens. It is an ideal option for investors and entrepreneurs who wish to make substantial investments in Spain, including setting up a business or investing in existing businesses in Spain. It is also ideal for British citizens wishing to increase their property portfolio in Spain or simply buy a substantial property in Spain.

What is required to obtain a Golden Visa?

To obtain a Golden Visa, you need to make an investment value of :

One million euros in company shares or stock of Spanish capital companies undertaking actual business activity Or
One million euros in investment funds, closed-end investment funds or venture capital funds constituted in Spain or one million euros in bank deposits in Spanish financial institutions.

Could this be suitable option for you?

The Golden Visa also brings the advantage of enabling the possibility of working in Spain as it includes the option of work authorisation.

Get assistance from Giambrone and Partner’s Spanish immigration lawyers

Giambrone and Partners' Spanish immigration lawyers can guide you through the process to proceed trouble-free.

Our Spanish immigration lawyers can advise and guide you through the entire procedure of applying for both visas. We will advise you on the viability of your application from the onset and ensure that the accompanying documentation is valid and free from complications for the avoidance of rejection. We can answer any questions you may have about making an application.

Find out more about our Spanish immigration services here.

Frequently asked questions

How long can you stay in Spain as a non-resident?

The tourist visa will allow you to stay in the country for just three months. Ninety days is the maximum amount of time you can legally live in Spain without obtaining a residency certificate.

How much income do you need to retire in Spain?

The cost of living in Spain is relatively low, and you can retire comfortably in Spain on around $25,000 a year. However, this is relative to your lifestyle and also depends on region you chose to live in Spain.

What visa do you need to retire in Spain?

Depending on their financial circumstances, British citizens wishing to retire to Spain will generally apply for a Golden Visa or a non-lucrative visa to stay long-term in Spain.

Is retiring in Spain a good idea?

Spain has many great benefits for people wishing to retire, such as low cost of living, affordable healthcare and rich history and culture - and has always been a popular location for retirement.