Non-Lucrative Visa Spain: Requirements, Process & Taxes [2026 Guide]

Private health insurance is mandatory for all Non-Lucrative Visa applicants. The policy must meet specific criteria established by Spanish immigration law:

• Full coverage: The policy must cover all risks covered by Spain’s public health system (Sistema Nacional de Salud), including hospitalization, surgery, specialist consultations, emergency care, and prescription medication.
• No copayments or deductibles: The policy must not require the holder to pay any amount at the point of care. Policies with copays, excess clauses, or deductibles will be rejected.
• No waiting periods: Coverage must be effective from day one, with no exclusions or carve-outs for the first months.
• No coverage limits: There must be no annual or lifetime caps on medical expenses.
• Validity: The policy must be valid for at least one year from the date of entry into Spain.
• Spanish provider or authorized insurer: The policy must be issued by an insurance company authorized to operate in Spain.

How much does health insurance for the Non-Lucrative Visa cost? Prices vary significantly depending on the applicant’s age, pre-existing conditions, and the level of coverage chosen. As a general reference for 2026: applicants aged 30–45 can expect to pay between €800 and €1,200 per year; applicants aged 45–60 typically pay €1,200 to €1,800 per year; and applicants over 60 should budget €1,800 to €3,000 or more per year. Insurers commonly used by NLV applicants in Spain include Sanitas, Adeslas, Asisa, MAPFRE, and DKV. Always verify with your insurer that the policy meets all immigration requirements — many standard health policies include copays or waiting periods that will cause your application to be rejected.

UK citizens may be able to use the S1 form (Certificate of Entitlement to Healthcare) instead of private insurance, which grants access to Spain’s public healthcare system. This is available to UK state pensioners and certain other beneficiaries under the UK-Spain bilateral healthcare agreement. If you are a UK citizen and unsure whether you qualify, contact our team for a personalized assessment.

A separate medical certificate, issued by a licensed doctor within 90 days of the visa application, is also required. This must confirm that the applicant does not suffer from any disease that poses a risk to public health in Spain, as defined by the International Health Regulations.

The following documents are typically required by Spanish consulates. Note that specific consulates may request additional or slightly different documentation, so always confirm with the relevant consulate before submitting your application:

1. National visa application form (Solicitud de visado nacional). Each applicant — including children — must complete and sign a separate form.
2. Form EX-01 (Solicitud de autorización de residencia temporal no lucrativa). This is the residence permit application form, completed in Spanish.
3. Form 790, code 052. This is the residence permit fee form. The box “Autorización inicial de residencia temporal” must be ticked. The fee in 2026 is approximately $13 USD when applying from the United States.
4. Valid passport. Original and copy of the biometric data pages. The passport must be valid for at least one year beyond the intended date of entry.
5. Recent passport-sized photographs. Specifications vary by consulate (typically 2×2 inches with white background for US-based consulates).
6. Criminal background check (Certificado de antecedentes penales). Must be obtained from the applicant’s country of residence and any other country where the applicant has resided during the past five years. The certificate must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado).
7. Medical certificate. Issued within 90 days of application, confirming no diseases of public health concern.
8. Proof of financial means. Bank statements for the last 6 to 12 months showing a stable balance above the IPREM threshold, pension payment letters, investment certificates, or tax returns. All documents must bear the official stamp and seal of the issuing institution.
9. Proof of health insurance. Certificate from an authorized Spanish insurer or S1 form (for eligible UK citizens).
10. Proof of accommodation in Spain. A rental contract, property deed, or reservation confirming where the applicant will reside during at least the first three months.
11. Affidavit (Declaración jurada). A sworn statement before a notary including: a brief explanation of the applicant’s professional background and reasons for moving to Spain, the address in Spain, and a commitment not to engage in any gainful work — including remote work — while residing in Spain.
12. Consular visa fee. Paid by money order in most US consulates. Fees vary by nationality — US passport holders pay approximately $140 plus the $13 residence permit fee ($153 total). UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens may have different rates based on reciprocity agreements.

All foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled under the Hague Apostille Convention and, where applicable, submitted with an official Spanish translation by a sworn translator.

The Non-Lucrative Visa must be applied for from outside Spain, at the Spanish consulate with jurisdiction over the applicant’s place of residence. You cannot apply from within Spain if you are present on a tourist visa or visa waiver.

Begin gathering documents at least three to four months before your intended move date. Some documents — particularly criminal background checks and apostilles — can take several weeks to obtain. All documents have an expiration date (typically 90 days for medical certificates and criminal records), so timing is critical.

Most Spanish consulates have outsourced visa appointments to BLS International or VFS Global. Book your appointment as early as possible, as slots can fill up quickly — particularly at high-demand consulates in cities like New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, and Toronto.

You can submit your application up to 90 days before your intended travel date.

Attend the appointment in person with all original documents and copies. The consular officer will review your file and may ask questions about your plans in Spain, your financial situation, and your accommodation arrangements.

Processing times vary significantly by consulate but generally range from two weeks to three months. The legal maximum is three months from the date of submission. If you have not received a decision within three months, the application is considered denied by administrative silence (silencio administrativo negativo).

Once approved, you will be notified to collect your visa from the consulate. The visa is typically valid for 90 days, during which you must enter Spain.

Within 30 days of arriving in Spain, you must apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at the nearest Oficina de Extranjería. The TIE is your physical residence card and is the document you will carry as proof of your legal status in Spain.

To obtain the TIE, you will need to register at your local town hall (empadronamiento), obtain a police appointment (cita previa), and submit your visa along with the required forms and fees.

No. The initial Non-Lucrative Visa application must be submitted at the Spanish consulate in your country of legal residence. If you are already in Spain on a tourist visa, student visa, or visa waiver, you must return to your home country to apply.

The total timeline from document preparation to TIE registration typically ranges from four to seven months:

• Document preparation: 1–2 months
• Consular processing: 2 weeks to 3 months (legal maximum)
• Entry into Spain and TIE registration: 1 month

Working with experienced immigration lawyers can significantly reduce delays by ensuring your documentation is complete and compliant from the start. At Klev & Vera, we prepare every application with consulate-specific knowledge and review every document before submission.

The total cost of a Non-Lucrative Visa application depends on your nationality, the number of applicants, and whether you use professional legal assistance. Here is a breakdown of the main costs:

• Consular visa fee: $140 USD for US passport holders; approximately £130 for UK citizens; varies by nationality based on reciprocity.
• Residence permit fee (Form 790, code 052): approximately $13 USD / €10.71 in Spain.
• Apostille and legalization fees: $20–$50 per document depending on the issuing country.
• Sworn translations: €30–€80 per document.
• Private health insurance: €800–€2,000 per year per person, depending on age and coverage level.
• Legal fees: Professional immigration lawyers typically charge between €1,500 and €4,000 for the complete application process.

In total, a single applicant should budget approximately €2,500 to €5,000 for the complete process, depending on their specific circumstances.

If your Non-Lucrative Visa application is denied, you will receive a written notification (resolución denegatoria) with the specific reasons for rejection. Understanding why applications get denied is essential — and the good news is that most denials are caused by avoidable documentation errors, not fundamental ineligibility.

The most common reasons for NLV denial include:

Insufficient or poorly documented financial proof. This is the number one reason for rejection across all consulates. Bank statements that do not cover 12 months, show inconsistent balances, contain unexplained large deposits shortly before the application, or fail to clearly identify the account holder. Consulates want to see a stable, credible financial history — not a recent lump sum transfer that suggests the funds were borrowed.

Inadequate health insurance. Purchasing travel insurance or a policy with copays, deductibles, or waiting periods instead of a proper private health policy with full coverage. This is one of the most common and easily avoidable errors — yet applicants continue to make it because they assume any insurance will do.

Criminal records not properly legalized. Background checks that are not apostilled, not translated by a sworn translator (traductor jurado), or that have expired by the submission date. Each country has different procedures for issuing and legalizing criminal records, and timelines vary significantly.

Applying with expired documents. Medical certificates and criminal records typically have a 90-day validity. If your consular appointment is delayed — which is common at busy consulates like New York or London — these may expire and need to be renewed, adding cost and delay.

Failing to include the notarized affidavit. Some applicants overlook the requirement for a sworn statement committing to not work in Spain (including remotely), or submit it without proper notarization or without the required content (address in Spain, professional background, commitment not to work).

Incomplete Form EX-01. Missing fields, incorrect Spanish address format, or unsigned forms. This form must be completed entirely in Spanish.

Can you appeal a denied Non-Lucrative Visa? Yes. You have two legal options: a recurso de reposición (administrative appeal) filed within one month before the same body that issued the denial, or a recurso contencioso-administrativo (judicial appeal) filed within two months before the Spanish courts. In many cases, denials based on documentation errors can be resolved by resubmitting a corrected application rather than pursuing a formal appeal. Our litigation team at Klev & Vera assesses the viability of each option based on the specific denial reasons and advises on the fastest path to resolution.

For a detailed analysis of denial patterns and appeal strategies, see our dedicated guide: Non-Lucrative Visa Spain Denied: Why It Happens and What to Do.

For complex cases — particularly those involving multiple dependents, self-employed income sources, or prior visa denials — professional legal guidance can make the difference between approval and rejection.

No. The Non-Lucrative Visa carries an absolute prohibition on all gainful work or professional activity in Spain. This restriction is a fundamental condition of the visa and is clearly stated in the application requirements.

Holders of the Non-Lucrative Visa may not:

• Work for any employer in Spain, whether full-time or part-time
• Register as self-employed (autónomo) in Spain
• Provide services to Spanish clients or companies
• Conduct any business activity in Spain

Violation of these restrictions constitutes a serious breach of residence conditions that can result in revocation of the visa, expulsion from Spain, and a potential entry ban to the Schengen Area.

The answer is clear: remote work is not permitted under the Non-Lucrative Visa. The application process requires a notarized affidavit specifically committing to not engage in any gainful work “by any means, either on-site or remotely (online).”

Our recommendation at Klev & Vera is clear: if you need to work remotely, apply for the Digital Nomad Visa. It is designed precisely for this purpose.

One of the strategic uses of the Non-Lucrative Visa is as a pathway to a work permit. After your first year of residence, you may apply for a modification of status (modificación de residencia) to convert your Non-Lucrative Visa into a work permit or self-employed authorization.

This is particularly useful for individuals who want to establish themselves in Spain first — find accommodation, learn the language, build a network — before entering the labor market or starting a business.

The modification process requires meeting the standard requirements for the target visa type (for example, a job offer from a Spanish employer for a work permit, or a viable business plan for a self-employed visa). The advantage is that you can complete the entire process from within Spain, without returning to your home country.

Important update (2026): The UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos) has clarified that it is not possible to modify from a Non-Lucrative Visa to a Digital Nomad Visa. This eliminates a pathway that many applicants previously assumed was available. If you intend to work remotely from Spain, you must apply for the Digital Nomad Visa directly from your home country — you cannot first enter on an NLV and then switch. The modification from NLV to a standard work permit (cuenta ajena) or self-employed authorization (cuenta propia) remains available after the first year.

For guidance on this transition, see our guide: How to Switch from Non-Lucrative Visa to Work Permit in Spain.

Working while holding a Non-Lucrative Visa is a serious legal violation. The consequences may include:

• Revocation of your residence permit by the immigration authorities.
• Expulsion proceedings (procedimiento sancionador de expulsión) that can result in removal from Spain.
• Entry ban to the entire Schengen Area for a period determined by the authorities (typically 3 to 5 years).
• Impact on future applications: A prior revocation or expulsion makes it extremely difficult to obtain any visa for Spain in the future.

Despite its work restriction, the Non-Lucrative Visa offers significant advantages that make it one of the most popular residence permits for non-EU nationals moving to Spain.

After registering with the Spanish Social Security system, NLV holders can access Spain’s public healthcare through the Convenio Especial. This requires a monthly payment (approximately €60 for those under 65, or €160 for those over 65) and provides access to the full public healthcare system, which is consistently ranked among the best in Europe.

Alternatively, many NLV holders maintain their private health insurance — which is required for the application anyway — for faster access to specialists and private facilities.

Your NLV residence card (TIE) allows you to travel freely within the 27 countries of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without needing additional visas.

The Non-Lucrative Visa is one of the clearest pathways to permanent residence and ultimately Spanish citizenship:

• After 5 years of continuous legal residence: Eligible for permanent residency (residencia de larga duración), valid for 10 years and renewable indefinitely.
• After 10 years of continuous legal residence: Eligible for Spanish citizenship. Citizens of Latin American countries, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Andorra, and Portugal may apply after just 2 years.

Spanish citizenship grants an EU passport, offering visa-free access to over 190 countries.

Immediate family members can be included in the initial application or added later through family reunification (reagrupación familiar) after the main applicant has completed one year of legal residence. Eligible family members include spouses, registered partners, minor children, dependent adult children, and dependent parents.

The Non-Lucrative Visa follows a structured timeline:

• Initial period: 1 year.
• First renewal: 2 years (applied from within Spain).
• Second renewal: 2 years.
• After 5 years: Eligible for permanent residency.

One of the most searched questions about the NLV concerns how much time you must physically spend in Spain. The answer is clear: you must reside in Spain for at least 183 days per calendar year to maintain your residence status.

This minimum stay requirement serves two purposes. First, it is the threshold that determines your Spanish tax residency under Article 9 of the Ley del IRPF. Second, under the new Immigration Regulation (RD 1155/2024, in force since 20 May 2025), immigration authorities explicitly verify physical presence in Spain as a condition for renewal.

Prolonged absences exceeding six months in a single year can result in denial of your renewal application, loss of your residence permit, and — critically — a reset of the clock toward permanent residency and citizenship. If you need the flexibility to spend significant time outside Spain, the Non-Lucrative Visa may not be the best option; discuss alternatives with an immigration lawyer.

At Klev & Vera, we advise clients to keep records of their entries and exits from Spain (boarding passes, stamps, flight bookings) to demonstrate compliance at renewal.

To renew your Non-Lucrative Visa, you must apply at the Oficina de Extranjería in Spain between 60 days before and 90 days after the expiration of your current permit. Renewals are processed domestically — you do not need to return to your home country.

The renewal requirements, as regulated under Real Decreto 1155/2024 (Article 64, referencing Article 62), include:

• Updated proof of sufficient passive income or savings meeting the IPREM thresholds for the two-year renewal period. For a single applicant, this means demonstrating access to approximately €57,600 (€28,800 × 2 years).
• Valid private health insurance or enrollment in the Convenio Especial.
• Physical presence in Spain for at least 183 days during the preceding year.
• Clean criminal record from Spain (and any other country of residence during the renewal period).
• Proof of registered address in Spain (empadronamiento).

Renewal decisions are issued within three months, and the fee is approximately €21.84.

You can renew the Non-Lucrative Visa following the 1+2+2 pattern until you reach five years of continuous legal residence, at which point you become eligible for permanent residency. Permanent residency is valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely, and does not impose the same financial requirements as the NLV.

Tax planning is a critical aspect of relocating to Spain that many NLV applicants overlook. Once you reside in Spain for more than 183 days per calendar year, you become a Spanish tax resident and are subject to taxation on your worldwide income.

You are considered a Spanish tax resident if any of the following apply:

• You spend more than 183 days in Spain during a calendar year.
• Your center of economic interests is in Spain (i.e., the majority of your income or assets are managed from Spain).
• Your spouse and/or minor children reside in Spain (unless you can prove tax residency elsewhere).

Personal Income Tax (IRPF): Spanish tax residents pay progressive income tax on worldwide income, with rates ranging from 19% to 47% depending on the autonomous community where you reside. Pension income, rental income from abroad, dividends, and capital gains are all subject to IRPF.

Wealth Tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio): Spain imposes a wealth tax on net assets exceeding €700,000 (the threshold varies by region). Some regions, such as Madrid, have historically exempted residents from this tax, while others apply it in full.

Modelo 720 — Declaration of Overseas Assets: If you hold assets abroad worth more than €50,000 in any category (bank accounts, securities, or real estate), you are required to declare them annually using Modelo 720. Failure to file this declaration can result in significant penalties.

Inheritance and Gift Tax (Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones): This tax applies to inheritances and gifts received in Spain, with rates and allowances varying considerably between autonomous communities.

Spain has double taxation agreements (Convenios de Doble Imposición) with over 90 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France, and Germany. These agreements are designed to prevent you from being taxed twice on the same income.

However, the interaction between Spanish tax rules and your home country’s tax system can be complex, particularly for US citizens (who are taxed on worldwide income regardless of residence) and UK citizens dealing with post-Brexit complications.

Our tax team at Klev & Vera specializes in international tax planning for expatriates and can help you structure your finances before and after your move to minimize your tax burden legally.

The first few weeks after arrival are critical for establishing your legal and administrative status in Spain. Here is a checklist of essential steps:

Register at your local town hall (Ayuntamiento) within the first few days of arrival. This registration is required for virtually every administrative process in Spain, including applying for your TIE, opening a bank account, and enrolling children in school.

Apply for your TIE within 30 days of entering Spain. You will need a police appointment (cita previa), which can be booked online through the Sede Electrónica del Gobierno de España. Bring your passport, visa, empadronamiento certificate, Form EX-17, Form 790 code 012 (fee), and biometric photographs.

Spanish banks will require your passport, NIE (which is included in your visa), and proof of address (empadronamiento) to open an account. Some banks may request additional documentation such as proof of income. Having a Spanish bank account is essential for paying rent, utilities, taxes, and insurance premiums.

If you arrive before June 30, you may need to file a tax return for the partial year. Consult with a tax advisor early to determine your obligations and plan accordingly.

The Non-Lucrative Visa allows family members to join the main applicant either as part of the initial application or through a subsequent family reunification process.

The most straightforward approach is to include all family members in the initial visa application. Each person must submit a separate set of documents, and the financial requirement increases by €7,200 per dependent per year. All family members attend the consular appointment together.

If your family members are not included in the initial application, you can sponsor them through the family reunification process (reagrupación familiar) after completing one year of legal residence in Spain. Eligible family members include:

• Your spouse or registered partner (pareja de hecho).
• Minor children (under 18) of either spouse.
• Dependent adult children who are financially reliant on you.
• Dependent parents or parents-in-law.

The reunification process is initiated from within Spain and requires demonstrating that you have sufficient income and adequate housing to support the joining family members.

Since the end of the Brexit transition period on January 1, 2021, UK citizens are treated as third-country nationals for the purposes of Spanish immigration. This means that UK citizens must now apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa through the same process as citizens of any other non-EU country.

Key considerations for UK applicants:

• S1 form: Eligible UK citizens (particularly state pensioners) can use the S1 Certificate of Entitlement to Healthcare instead of purchasing private health insurance. This provides access to Spain’s public healthcare system.
• Consular fees: UK citizens pay approximately £130 for the visa application, though exact fees should be confirmed with the Spanish consulate in London or Edinburgh.
• Pension income: UK state pensions and private pensions are widely accepted as proof of financial means. The current full UK State Pension (2025/26: approximately £230 per week, or roughly €14,000 per year) is below the €28,800 threshold, so most applicants will need supplementary income or savings.
• Double taxation: The UK-Spain double taxation agreement remains in force post-Brexit, preventing double taxation of pension and investment income.

American citizens represent one of the largest groups applying for the Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain. US-specific considerations include:

• Consulate jurisdiction: The US has multiple Spanish consulates (Washington DC, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Miami, Chicago, Boston). You must apply at the consulate that covers your state of residence.
• BLS International: Most US consulates use BLS International for appointment scheduling. Book early, particularly at high-demand locations.
• Tax obligations: US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they reside. You will need to continue filing US federal tax returns and potentially state returns. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) does not apply to passive income, but the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) can offset Spanish taxes paid on the same income.
• FATCA and FBAR: US citizens must comply with FATCA reporting and file FinCEN Form 114 (FBAR) if foreign accounts exceed $10,000 at any point during the year.
• Social Security: US Social Security benefits can be received while living in Spain under the US-Spain Totalization Agreement.

At Klev & Vera, we advise a significant number of US clients through the Spain-U.S. Chamber of Commerce and regularly present at their events on visa and investment topics. Our team understands the specific tax and compliance challenges faced by American expatriates.

Canada is among the top five countries of origin for NLV applicants. Key considerations for Canadians:

• Consulate jurisdiction: Canadian residents apply through the Spanish consulates in Ottawa, Toronto, or Montreal (Embassy or Consulate General), depending on their province of residence.
• Financial proof: Canadian pensions (CPP/QPP and OAS) are accepted as proof of passive income. However, the combined maximum CPP + OAS benefit (approximately CAD $23,000/year in 2026) may fall short of the €28,800 threshold, depending on exchange rates. Most Canadian applicants supplement pension income with RRSP/RRIF withdrawals, TFSA savings, or rental income.
• Criminal record check: Canada issues criminal background checks through the RCMP. Processing times can reach 8–12 weeks, so apply well in advance. The certificate must be apostilled by Global Affairs Canada and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
• Healthcare: Canada does not have a bilateral healthcare agreement with Spain equivalent to the UK’s S1 form. Canadian applicants must purchase private health insurance from a Spanish-authorized provider.
• Tax treaty: The Canada-Spain double taxation agreement prevents double taxation on pension and investment income, though Canadians should consult a cross-border tax specialist to understand the interaction between Canadian and Spanish tax obligations.

Klev & Vera is a member of the Cámara de Comercio Canadá España, giving us direct insight into the needs and challenges faced by Canadian clients relocating to Spain.

Yes. Any non-EU, non-EEA, and non-Swiss citizen can apply for a Non-Lucrative Visa to live in Spain, provided they meet three core requirements: proof of passive income or savings of at least €28,800 per year (€36,000 for a couple), private health insurance with full coverage from a Spanish-authorized insurer, and a clean criminal record. There is no age limit, no property requirement, and no investment threshold — unlike the now-discontinued Golden Visa. The application must be submitted at the Spanish consulate in the applicant’s country of residence, and processing typically takes two weeks to three months.

To prove income for the Non-Lucrative Visa, applicants must submit official bank statements covering the last 6 to 12 months, showing a stable balance that consistently exceeds the minimum threshold of €28,800 per year (400% of the IPREM). Accepted passive income sources include state and private pensions, rental income from property abroad, investment dividends, interest from savings or bonds, annuities, royalties, and trust distributions. All documents must bear the official stamp and seal of the issuing institution. If income comes from multiple sources, consulates expect a clear, consolidated picture — not a last-minute lump sum deposit. Pension payment letters, IRS or HMRC tax transcripts, and investment account certificates are particularly well received. Documents issued in a language other than Spanish must be translated by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) and apostilled.

After five years of continuous legal residence on a Non-Lucrative Visa, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency (residencia de larga duración). Permanent residency is valid for 10 years, renewable indefinitely, and removes the financial proof requirements and work restrictions of the NLV — meaning you can work freely in Spain. After ten years of total legal residence, you may apply for Spanish citizenship, which grants an EU passport with visa-free access to over 190 countries. Citizens of Latin American countries, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea, Andorra, and Portugal benefit from a reduced two-year residency requirement for citizenship. To qualify, you must have maintained the 183-day minimum stay in Spain each year and have a clean criminal record throughout the entire period.

No. Despite being commonly called the “retirement visa,” the Non-Lucrative Visa is available to anyone who meets the financial requirements, regardless of age. Young professionals taking a sabbatical, entrepreneurs planning their next venture, and families seeking a lifestyle change all qualify, provided they can demonstrate sufficient passive income or savings.

Yes. There is no restriction on purchasing property in Spain as a Non-Lucrative Visa holder. In fact, many NLV applicants purchase property as part of their relocation plans. However, owning property is not a requirement for the visa — a rental contract is equally acceptable as proof of accommodation.

For legal guidance on property transactions in Spain, see our Real Estate services page.

Yes. The Non-Lucrative Visa does not restrict educational activities. You are free to enroll in university programs, language schools, vocational training, or any other educational institution in Spain.

You must spend at least 183 days per year in Spain to comply with the minimum stay requirement under RD 1155/2024. Absences exceeding six months per year may result in denial of renewal and reset your path toward permanent residency and citizenship. Keep detailed records of your entries and exits — boarding passes and flight bookings are the simplest proof. For full details, see the Minimum Stay section above.

No. As of 2026, the UGE has clarified that modifications from Non-Lucrative Visa to Digital Nomad Visa are not permitted. If you wish to work remotely from Spain, you must apply for the Digital Nomad Visa directly from your home country. You can, however, modify from NLV to a standard work permit (cuenta ajena) or self-employed authorization (cuenta propia) after your first year of residence.

Yes. You can make passive investments — purchasing property, stocks, bonds, or other financial instruments — without violating the terms of your visa. What you cannot do is actively manage a business or provide professional services. The distinction is between passive investment (permitted) and active work (prohibited).

Form 790, code 052 (Tasa Modelo 790) is the official Spanish government form used to pay the residence permit fee. It must be completed for each applicant and submitted with the visa application. The fee can also be paid online through the Spanish government’s electronic portal.

At Klev & Vera International Law Firm, our immigration team has guided clients from over 100 countries through the Non-Lucrative Visa process. As English-speaking lawyers in Spain with more than 20 years of combined experience, we understand the challenges and uncertainties of relocating internationally — because our founding partner, Anna Klevtsova, went through the same process herself.

Personalized Initial Assessment. We begin every engagement with a thorough review of your personal and financial situation to determine the optimal visa strategy. Not every client should apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa — sometimes the Digital Nomad Visa, a work permit, or an entrepreneur visa is a better fit. We advise you honestly.

Document Preparation and Review. Our team prepares your entire application file, ensuring every document meets the specific requirements of your target consulate. We coordinate translations, apostilles, and certification to avoid the delays and rejections caused by non-compliant documentation.

Consulate-Specific Guidance. Requirements and practices vary between consulates. Our team has direct experience with Spanish consulates across the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, and we tailor every application to the specific consulate where it will be submitted.

Tax and Financial Planning. Our fiscal team works alongside our immigration lawyers to help you understand your tax obligations before you arrive in Spain, ensuring you are properly structured from day one.

Post-Arrival Support. From empadronamiento and TIE registration to opening bank accounts and finding healthcare providers, we support you through every step of settling into your new life in Spain.

Renewal and Long-Term Strategy. We stay with our clients beyond the initial visa, guiding them through renewals, modifications of status, permanent residency applications, and ultimately citizenship if desired.

To discuss your Non-Lucrative Visa application, contact our team at info@klevvera.com, call us at +34 93 17 60 190 (Spain), +44 203 868 94 90 (UK), or +1 646 475 67 89 (USA), or visit www.klevvera.com to book a consultation.