We advise companies, relocated employees and individuals on all aspects of their international move to Spain or Portugal. Our approach brings together the key elements — taxation, immigration status and family implications — into a single, coherent, well-planned strategy.
We have a broad network of collaborators in other countries that allows us to coordinate cross-border operations with global reach. We also work closely with other practice areas of the Firm, such as Tax and Business Law, to provide comprehensive support aligned with each client’s needs.
Initial validity of the permit, renewable for two successive years
Estimated period from preparation to resolution
Family included: spouse, children and dependent relatives
The Non-lucrative Residence Visa is a residence permit aimed at people who wish to live in Spain without carrying out any employed or self-employed activity in the country. The initial application is always processed through the Spanish consular office corresponding to the applicant’s place of residence.
It is granted for a period of one year and it is renewable for successive two-year periods as long as the requirements continue to be met. It is the most common residence route for individuals living off investment income, investors and retirees who want to settle in Spain without joining the labor market.
Initial validity of the permit, renewable for successive two-year periods.
Legal, effective and continuous residence → eligibility for Spanish nationality for nationals of Ibero-American countries.
Continuous legal residence → long-term residence authorization (or EU long-term residence), subject to more flexible requirements.
Individuals living off investment income, investors, retirees or persons with sufficient savings who wish to establish their residence in Spain without carrying out any economic activity in the country — from non-EU retirees to high-net-worth professionals seeking a change of lifestyle.
Spouse or partner, minor children or dependent adult children, and dependent relatives in the direct ascending line who wish to accompany the main applicant, included in the same procedure and under the same strategy.
In Spain and in the countries of residence over the last five years, for offences recognised under Spanish law.
Public or private, with no co-payments or waiting periods, providing coverage equivalent to that of the National Health System.
The applicant must not suffer from any disease with the potential to have public health implications, in accordance with the International Health Regulations (2005).
To support themselves and, where applicable, the family members included in the application — without needing to carry out paid work in Spain.
400% of the monthly IPREM
100% of the monthly IPREM
* We recommend adding a margin above the legally required minimum.
An indicative list of the base case file. We confirm and adjust it with you before starting the process.
1 – Valid passport with sufficient validity for the requested period.
2 – Criminal record certificate, apostilled or, if necessary, legalized.
3 – Medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases with public health implications.
4 – Medical insurance policy with no co-payments or waiting periods.
5 – Documented proof of sufficient financial means.
6 – Proof of accommodation or housing in Spain.
*The exact documentation required varies depending on the competent consular office and the particularities of each case. We confirm the applicable checklist for your case before opening the file and support you throughout the collection process.
Processing from the country of residence
Formalisation in Spain
Gathering the required documentation and completing legal formalities.
Submission of the application at the consulate or through BLS.
Visa approval.
Entry into Spain within the visa's validity period.
Registration with the municipality of residence before fingerprinting.
Fingerprinting at the Immigration Office, requiring the applicant to attend in person.
The permit holder must attend in person again to collect the card.
Gathering the required documentation and completing legal formalities.
Submission of the application at the consulate or through BLS.
Visa approval.
Entry into Spain within the visa's validity period.
Registration with the municipality of residence before fingerprinting.
Fingerprinting at the Immigration Office, requiring the applicant to attend in person.
The permit holder must attend in person again to collect the card.
Non-lucrative residence authorisation
Form 790, code 052
Consular fee for visa issuance
Depends on the consulate or reciprocity agreement
Foreign Identity Card (TIE)
Form 790, code 012
| Nationality | Consular fee |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | GBP 516 or equivalent in local currency |
| United States | USD 140 or equivalent in local currency |
| Example — application in the United States | USD 106 |
| Example — application in Mexico | MXN 1,902 |
| Other nationalities without a reciprocity agreement | Depends on the competent consulate |
Non-lucrative residence rarely stands alone: it usually intersects with tax, family and estate-planning decisions. We coordinate all of it from a single point of contact.
We coordinate your immigration case file with tax planning — including the special regime for inbound expatriates (the “Beckham Law”) where applicable.
We support you from preparing the file at the consulate through to collecting your TIE (foreign resident ID card) once in Spain — with no handovers between firms.
We integrate spouses, children and dependent relatives into the same strategy and timeline, avoiding uncoordinated applications.
Experience with the specific documentary requirements and timelines of different consular offices depending on the country of origin.
Non-lucrative residence is one of several mobility solutions we handle. Here are some of the most frequently asked about.
For those who will actually work in Spain, under the entrepreneur regime.
Mobility of employees within the same corporate group.
Residence for international remote work, whether employed or self-employed.
For business projects of economic interest to Spain.
Training stays and internships linked to professional activity.
Residence by investment in the neighbouring country, coordinated with our team.
No. The non-lucrative residence permit does not authorise employed or self-employed activity in Spain. If your goal is to work, other routes exist — such as the highly qualified professionals visa or an intra-company transfer.
Yes. A spouse or partner, minor children or dependent adult children, and dependent relatives in the ascending line can be included in the same procedure, provided the corresponding additional financial means are evidenced.
From preparing the case file to the visa resolution, it typically takes between 4 and 6 months, plus the formalisation steps once in Spain: municipal registration and the TIE application/collection.
It is renewed for successive two-year periods, as long as the required legal conditions continue to be met.
Nationals of Ibero-American countries can apply after two years of legal, effective and continuous residence. Nationals of other countries can apply for a long-term residence authorisation (or EU long-term residence) after five years, under somewhat more flexible requirements.
As a reference for 2026: approximately €2,400/month for the main applicant (400% of the IPREM), plus €600/month for each additional dependent family member (100% of the IPREM). We recommend adding a margin above these legal minimums.
Tell us about your situation and we’ll let you know, with no obligation, whether the non-lucrative residence visa is the right option for you and your family.