Retirement Visa Spain (Non-Lucrative Visa) 2026
The Retirement Visa Spain — officially known as the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) — is the most popular residency option for retirees, pensioners and financially independent expats relocating to Spain from the US, UK, Canada and Latin America.
This 2026 guide explains all official requirements, income thresholds, documents, health insurance rules, application steps, renewals and what to do after arrival — clearly and without unnecessary complexity.
Ideal for retirees seeking long-term residence, quality of life, legal stability and a clear path to permanent residency in Spain.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Retirement Visa Spain?
- Who Can Apply (Eligibility 2026)
- Retirement Visa Spain Requirements
- Income Requirements (2026 Updated)
- Required Documents Checklist
- How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- After Arrival in Spain
- Renewals & Permanent Residency
- Bringing Family Members
- External Official Resources
- Related Spain Visa Guides
- FAQs — Retirement Visa Spain
- Get Visa-Approved Retirement Health Insurance
What Is the Retirement Visa Spain?
(Non-Lucrative Visa Explained)
The Spain Retirement Visa is a long-stay residence permit for non-EU citizens who wish to live in Spain without working.
It is designed for people who can support themselves financially through pensions, investments, savings or passive income.
Key facts:
- Initial validity: 1 year
- Renewals: 2 + 2 years
- After 5 years: Permanent residency
- After 10 years: Spanish citizenship (shorter for some nationalities)
- Private health insurance is mandatory
- Working in Spain is not allowed
For a complete overview of all Spanish visas, see: Spain Visas Guide.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Requirements 2026)
You may apply if you are:
- A non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss citizen
- Retired or financially independent
- Able to live in Spain without working
- Able to meet the minimum income requirements
- Able to provide visa-compliant private health insurance
- Holding a clean criminal background
You are not eligible if:
- You intend to work in Spain
- Your income depends on Spanish employment
- You plan to run a local business
Eligibility criteria follow the requirements established by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC), which oversees long-stay visa applications through Spanish consulates worldwide.
Retirement Visa Spain Requirements (2026)
These Non-Lucrative Visa Spain requirements focus primarily on passive income, financial independence and full private health insurance.
A. Financial Requirements (IPREM-based)
Applicants must prove sufficient income to live in Spain independently.
Minimum amounts:
- €30,000/year — main applicant
- + €7,500/year — each dependent
Accepted income sources:
- State or private pensions
- Investment income
- Rental income
- Annuities
- Significant savings (often €50,000+ strengthens applications)
Financial thresholds are calculated using IPREM, Spain’s official income index for residency and social benefits.
B. Health Insurance Requirements (Mandatory)
Spain requires full private health insurance equivalent to the public system:
- No copayments
- No waiting periods
- Full hospital & specialist care
- Nationwide coverage
- Insurer authorised to operate in Spain
Travel insurance is not accepted.
If you want to understand how health insurance and healthcare access actually work in Spain for expats — including public vs private coverage, when private insurance is legally required, and how this affects retirees — see our complete guide to Health Insurance in Spain for Expats.
Visa-compliant options:
Legal explanation:
C. Criminal Background Certificate
- From all countries lived in during the last 5 years
- Must be apostilled or legalised
D. Medical Certificate
Confirms absence of diseases with serious public health impact.
E. Proof of Accommodation in Spain
Accepted documents include:
- Rental contract
- Property deed
- Temporary booking
- Notarised invitation letter
Applicants aged 70 or older should note that visa approval depends on access to Senior Health Insurance (70–75+), as only a limited number of Spanish insurers accept these age ranges with full, visa-compliant coverage.
Income Requirements for the Retirement Visa (2026)
The Spain retirement visa income threshold is updated yearly and must be met consistently to obtain and renew the permit.
- Individual applicant → €30,000/year
- Couple → €37,500–€40,000/year
- Each child → + €7,500/year
Consulates usually accept:
- Bank statements (3–6 months)
- Pension letters
- Investment certificates
- Proof of savings
Financial thresholds for the Non-Lucrative Visa are calculated using IPREM, Spain’s official income index used for residency and social benefit assessments.
Spain Visa Requirements
Required Documents (2026 Checklist)
Most consulates require:
- Passport (12+ months validity)
- National visa application form
- EX-01 form
- Criminal background certificate
- Proof of income
- Pension or financial letters
- Private health insurance certificate
- Medical certificate
- Proof of accommodation
- Passport photos
- Visa fee receipt
- Sworn translations & apostilles (if required)
How to Apply for the Retirement Visa (Step-by-Step)
Background checks and apostilles take time.
Required before applying.
Must be done from your country of legal residence.
Processing time: 10–60 days
Typically valid for 90 days.
Within 30 days of arrival.
After Arrival in Spain
You must complete:
Register your address at the local town hall.
Required to receive your residence card.
Not required for NLV holders (no work allowed).
Full relocation steps:
Renewals & Path to Permanent Residency
- Year 1 → renew for 2 years
- Year 3 → renew for 2 years
- Year 5 → apply for permanent residency
- Continued financial means
- Valid private health insurance
- Proof of living in Spain (183+ days/year)
Permanent residency and renewals fall under the authority of Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.
Bringing Family Members
You may include:
- Spouse or registered partner
- Dependent children
- Dependent parents (case-by-case)
Income thresholds increase accordingly.
Official Government Sources
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) — exteriores.gob.es
- Ministry of Inclusion, Migration & Social Security — inclusion.gob.es
- IPREM – Official reference BOE — boe.es
Spain’s immigration framework is regulated under Spanish Immigration Law and published in the BOE.
FAQs — Retirement Visa Spain
Can I work with this visa?
No.
How long does approval take?
10–60 days depending on the consulate.
Is private health insurance mandatory?
Yes — no copays, no waiting periods.
Can it be denied?
Yes — most denials relate to income or insurance errors.
For broader questions about residency, healthcare, taxes and daily life in Spain, see our Spain Expat FAQ (2026).
Get Visa-Approved Retirement Health Insurance
Private health insurance trusted by all Spanish consulates:
- No copays
- No waiting periods
- Full hospitalization
- Same-day visa certificate
Clear guidance. No pressure. Real human support.
