Spain Non-Lucrative Visa — Free guided application
The Residencia No Lucrativa (NLV) is for people with passive income — pensions, dividends, savings — who want to live in Spain without working. Applied via Spanish consulate in your country of residence. Pathway checks eligibility and produces the consulate-ready document pack.
Who this route is for
- ✓Non-EU national
- ✓Annual passive income €28,800+ (400% IPREM) for the main applicant
- ✓Additional €7,200/year per dependant (100% IPREM)
- ✓Private health insurance with no co-pay, full Spanish coverage
- ✓Will not work in Spain (employee OR self-employed)
Documents you'll need
- •Passport
- •Proof of passive income (pension statements, dividend records, savings)
- •Bank certificates showing €28,800+ available + €7,200 per dependant
- •Private health insurance certificate
- •Criminal record certificate (apostilled + sworn translated)
- •Medical certificate (FCDO doctor format)
- •Application fee
Pathway pre-fills the Application via consulate (outside Spain) and writes the Spanish cover letter — free.
10 minutes. No signup. No upsell. The same document pack a Spanish consultancy charges €350 for.
Start free diagnostic →Frequently asked questions
Can I work remotely on the Non-Lucrative Visa?+
Officially no. The NLV expressly prohibits any work activity, including remote work for foreign employers. In practice, enforcement varies, but admitting to remote work during renewal can cause refusal. If you have employment income, the Digital Nomad Visa is the correct route.
Can I apply for the NLV inside Spain?+
No. The NLV must be applied for at the Spanish consulate covering your country of legal residence. Once granted, you enter Spain with the visa stamp and apply for the TIE within 30 days.
How does NLV renewal work?+
Initial NLV is 1 year. Renewals are 2 years, then 2 more years. After 5 years total you qualify for permanent residence (Larga Duración). Each renewal requires proof of continued income and 183+ days physical presence in Spain.
What's the income threshold for 2026?+
€28,800 per year for the main applicant (400% of IPREM, which is €600/month in 2026). Each dependant adds €7,200/year. Income must be passive — pensions, dividends, rental income, savings (typically banks ask for capital of €115,000+ as alternative proof).