The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) in 2026: what you need

The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) lets non-EU citizens live in Spain without working, provided you can support yourself. It's a favourite for retirees and the financially independent.

The 2026 money requirements

The financial threshold is tied to Spain's IPREM index. For 2026 you need to show:

• €2,400 per month (about €28,800 per year) for the main applicant
• An additional €600 per month (€7,200/year) for each dependent family member

You can prove this through income or savings. Many applicants use savings, and a common rule of thumb is to show the annual figure multiplied across the visa term — roughly €144,000 for a single applicant planning for the long term.

The other essentials

• Private health insurance with full cover in Spain (no co-pays)
• A clean criminal record certificate
• A medical certificate
• You cannot work in Spain on this visa

Getting it right first time

NLV applications are detail-heavy and rejections often come down to the wrong income evidence or insurance policy. I help you understand exactly what's needed and connect you with a trusted immigration lawyer for the application itself — so you're not gambling on a costly mistake.