20 May 2026 · 6 min read

Spain Non-Lucrative Visa: 2026 income requirements explained

The Residencia No Lucrativa (NLV) lets non-EU nationals live in Spain on passive income — pensions, savings, dividends, rental income — without working. The number that matters is the income threshold, pegged to the IPREM.

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The 2026 income threshold

  • Main applicant: €28,800/year (400% of the annual IPREM).
  • Each dependant: an extra €7,200/year (100% IPREM).
  • Banks often accept equivalent capital (around €115,000+) as an alternative to recurring income.

What counts as income

Passive sources only: pensions, dividends, interest, rental income, or sufficient savings. You can show it with bank certificates, pension statements and investment records.

The rules that trip people up

  • No working in Spain — including remote work for a foreign employer. If you have employment income, the Digital Nomad Visa is the correct route instead.
  • Apply from your home country at the Spanish consulate — not from inside Spain.
  • Private health insurance with full cover and no co-pay is mandatory.
  • After arriving, you have 30 days to apply for the TIE.

Renewals and the path to permanence

The initial NLV is one year, then renewable in two-year blocks; after five years you can apply for Larga Duración (permanent residence). See the Non-Lucrative Visa route page for the full checklist.

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Frequently asked questions

How much money do I need for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa in 2026?+

€28,800/year for the main applicant (400% IPREM), plus €7,200/year per dependant. Many consulates accept equivalent savings (around €115,000+) instead of recurring income.

Can I work remotely on the NLV?+

No. The NLV prohibits all work, including remote work for a foreign employer. If you have employment income, apply for the Digital Nomad Visa instead.

Can I apply for the NLV from inside Spain?+

No — it must be applied for at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence. After arriving with the visa you apply for the TIE within 30 days.

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