The Non-Lucrative Visa is Spain's residency route for people who don't need to work while they're there. Retirees, people living off savings or investments, and anyone who wants to slow down in one of Europe's most livable countries. With the Golden Visa gone since April 2025, the NLV is now the primary legal path for non-working residents. We handle every step of the process.
The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is a Spanish long-stay residence permit for non-EU nationals who have sufficient financial means to live in Spain without working. You can be retired, financially independent, or simply at a stage in life where you want to stop, settle, and enjoy one of the best quality-of-life countries in Europe.
The visa is renewable annually and can lead to permanent residency after five years of legal residence. It grants full access to Spain's public healthcare system after registration and includes Schengen mobility for travel across Europe.
The application is document-intensive and the income threshold is strictly enforced. Consulates in different countries vary significantly in how they process applications, and a poorly prepared file almost always results in rejection. Getting it right from the start matters.
Check my eligibility →Minimum €28,800/year income
400% of Spain's IPREM for the main applicant. Provable via pension, investment income, savings, or a combination.
No working in Spain
The NLV strictly prohibits any employment or self-employment activity in Spain. Violations result in visa cancellation.
Private health insurance
Full coverage via a Spanish insurer, without deductibles. Required for the full duration of the initial visa period.
Proof of accommodation
A rental contract or property deed in Spain. Must be confirmed before you submit your application.
Clean criminal record
From every country of residence over the past 5 years. Apostilled and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
The NLV was designed for a specific kind of mover. Here's who applies most commonly.
Early Retirees
You've left full-time work and have a pension, investment portfolio, or savings that comfortably covers the income threshold. Spain's cost of living makes €28,800/year go further than almost anywhere else in Western Europe.
Most common profilePassive Income Holders
You earn through dividends, rental income, or other non-work sources and want to live in Spain without the complexity of setting up a company or working under a visa. The NLV is a clean, straightforward route.
Growing profileFamilies Relocating Together
One financially independent adult can anchor an NLV application for the whole family. The income threshold increases per dependent, but the process is manageable. We've handled many multi-person NLV filings.
Additional dependents: +€7,200/yrWe handle every step. Typically 2 to 4 months from start to approval.
Free eligibility call
15 minutes. We look at your income sources, current country of residence, and timeline. We'll tell you honestly whether the NLV is right for you and what the consulate nearest you typically expects.
Fixed-price proposal
A clear, all-in scope with no hidden costs. You know exactly what you're paying before anything moves forward.
Document preparation
Bank statements, pension letters, apostilles, sworn translations, insurance policy, accommodation proof. We produce a file that matches what your specific consulate wants to see.
Consulate submission
We manage the appointment process and verify your file is complete before submission. Consulate processing times vary from 1 to 3 months depending on your country of application.
Post-arrival registration
Empadronamiento, TIE card, Certificado Digital, and healthcare registration. Four steps every new resident in Spain must complete. We walk you through all of them.
Annual renewal support
The NLV requires annual renewal for the first two years, then every two years thereafter. We already know your file. Renewal is handled with minimal effort on your part.
"Having never applied for a visa in my life, I assumed it would be easy. After my first attempt got an immediate denial, I realized I needed help. Needless to say, with such a great team, the second attempt was a success."
"I was told it would likely take two months. To my utter shock, it took just TWO DAYS. Ann and her team had prepared me so thoroughly that I was a shoo-in. You changed my life."
"It was only when EasyStart got involved that my problem with the authorities, which had been going on for 2 years, was resolved with a positive outcome."
"If you're thinking of moving, save yourself a lot of heartache and hire EasyStart from the start. I now have a registered company and moved into my new apartment. I couldn't have done it without them."
"They helped me choose the correct visa, guided me through every step, all the way through receiving my visa and getting integrated into the social benefits program."
"With EasyStart you really feel their dedication and attention to you. Everything has a personalized touch, and they reply faster than any other agency I've seen."
Full-service at a fraction of what a Spanish immigration lawyer charges. Everything included from eligibility check to post-arrival registration support.
Solo applicant
€1,690
excl. VAT · consulate fees not included
Couple or family
€2,390
excl. VAT · primary + 1 dependent
NLV Renewal
€790
excl. VAT · reduced scope
Post-arrival bundle +€390
TIE card · Empadronamiento · Certificado Digital · Healthcare registration
Consulate and government fees are separate and vary by nationality.
How much money do I need to qualify?
The main applicant needs to show at least €28,800 per year (400% of Spain's IPREM). Each additional dependent adds approximately €7,200 per year. Income can come from a pension, investment returns, rental income, savings, or a combination. We assess your exact situation on the eligibility call.
Can I work at all on the NLV?
No. The Non-Lucrative Visa explicitly prohibits any employment or self-employment in Spain. If you want to keep working remotely for foreign clients or employers, the Spain Digital Nomad Visa is the right route instead.
How long does the process take?
Typically 2 to 4 months from eligibility call to approval. Processing times vary significantly by consulate. Some US consulates are faster, while others have long queues. We factor this into your timeline from day one.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Spouses and dependent children can be included in the same application. Each dependent raises the income threshold by around €7,200 per year. Our Couple pricing covers a primary applicant plus one dependent, with additional dependents at +€290 each.
Does the NLV lead to permanent residency?
Yes. After five continuous years of legal residence in Spain, you can apply for long-term permanent residency. Maintaining your NLV renewals without gaps is the key. We help you track and manage each renewal cycle.
What happened to the Golden Visa?
Spain ended its Golden Visa program in April 2025. The NLV is now the primary residency route for non-working residents who don't qualify or don't want to go through the Digital Nomad Visa. For those with substantial passive income or retirement funds, the NLV is a clean and well-supported alternative.
Book a free 15-minute eligibility call. No commitment, no pressure. We'll tell you exactly where you stand and what it takes.
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