Residence in Spain: The Non-Lucrative Visa
You want to live in Spain on money you already have. Spain's route on this site is the non-lucrative visa, an income-based route: means of EUR 28,800 a year for you in 2026, and no work of any kind, including remote work.
Why Spain's visa needs a close read
The Spanish non-lucrative visa bans every kind of work, including remote work for a foreign employer. We read each official page and date it, so you can see how current a figure is.
The route in brief
| Non-lucrative visa | |
|---|---|
| Type | Income-based |
| Money | Means of 400% of IPREM: EUR 28,800 a year for you in 2026, and EUR 7,200 more for each family member |
| Key rule | No work of any kind, including remote work; unlimited-coverage health insurance for one year |
| Page | Spain non-lucrative visa |
Spain's investment golden visa is not covered here; every route we list is checked on an official page.
Is the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa right for you?
An honest answer before you move funds.
| A good fit if | Consider another route if |
|---|---|
| You can show means of at least EUR 28,800 a year for you and EUR 7,200 for each family member | You want to work in Spain, including remotely: the visa bans it |
| You can take out unlimited-coverage Spanish health insurance for a year | You cannot show regular means or savings |
| You can sign an affidavit that you will do no work in Spain, on site or remote | You want a route that needs no insurance with full cover |
| You can prepare a clean FBI-style record certificate with an Apostille | You want a passport soon: residence is the first step only |
Not sure Spain is the best fit? Compare all European routes, or use Find my program and we match your goals to the right one.
What you need
You need means of 400% of IPREM, full health insurance, a clean record and a sworn statement that you will not work. The Washington consular district page lists the documents below, and other consulates can differ.
Full details, with the official source for each rule, are on the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa page.
What it costs, and what waiting costs
You pay no investment, and the government fees are small. Set them against the cost of a wrong start: a refused file and a lost year.
| Fee (from 1 January 2026, Washington district) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Visa fee, most nationalities | USD 106 |
| Visa fee, US citizens | USD 140 |
| Visa fee, Canadian citizens | USD 789 |
| Residence permit fee | USD 13 |
Source: Embassy of Spain consular page, Washington district. Fees are revised quarterly and differ by consulate. Insurance, translations and professional fees are on top.
Status: what changed and when
Reviewed 22 October 2026. Sources: Embassy of Spain consular page (Washington district), Royal Decree 1155/2024.
- Means rule: EUR 28,800 and EUR 7,200 a year in 2026
- Legal basis: Royal Decree 1155/2024, in force since 20 May 2025
- Consulates: requirements vary by district
After you have the card
You keep the card by keeping your means, your insurance and your promise not to work. The first card is valid for one year and is renewable.
Full details, with the official source for each rule, are on the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa page.
How Spain compares with other routes
These are the closest alternatives to the Spain route. The money column shows the lowest qualifying route, in the currency of each programme, so it does not move with exchange rates. Use the family cost calculator for your household.
| Programme | Money you need | Type | In one line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (this page) | No investment; income of EUR 28,800 a year (2026 test) | Income or retirement | The non-lucrative visa asks for means of 400% of Spain's public income indicator, which is EUR 28,800 a year in 2026, and it bans all work, including remote work. |
| Portugal Passive Income Visa | No investment; income of EUR 920 a month for the first adult (2026 test) | Income or retirement | A residence visa for people who live on passive income or a pension, with the income test set on the 2026 minimum wage. |
| Portugal Golden Visa | EUR 250,000 (culture and heritage route); other routes start at EUR 500,000 | Investment | The Portugal Golden Visa is a temporary residence permit that starts at EUR 250,000 in a qualifying investment. |
| Italy Investor Visa | EUR 250,000 (innovative start-up); other routes start higher | Investment | The Italy Investor Visa lets non-EU investors make an investment or donation in Italy and then apply for residence. |
Which route fits your family?
Answer eight short questions and the finder ranks all 17 residence programmes against your goals, funds and family. You see your shortlist and the cost for your family first, and a form only if you want it emailed with a fact sheet.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases. 3rd generation in the immigration industry. We bring in qualified local partners in each country, so you deal with one accountable team from first question to filing.
One point of contact
We qualify your case first, then bring in the right local partner. You deal with us throughout.
A strategy built for your family
We match routes to your goals, funds and family, not a template.
Application accuracy
Document and source-of-funds review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track rule, fee and regulator changes across every program for you.
End-to-end support
From your first question to your permit in hand, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
What our clients say
Real reviews from clients we have guided across borders.
Frequently asked questions
Which Spain route can I use?
This section covers the non-lucrative visa, a residence visa for people who live on their own means and will not work in Spain.
Can I work remotely from Spain on this visa?
No. The visa does not allow any work or professional activity, including remote online work.
Who files my application?
We qualify your case and stay your point of contact. When your case is qualified, we bring in a local partner who guides the file with your consulate.
How much do I need to show?
In 2026, 400% of IPREM for you (EUR 28,800 a year) and 100% (EUR 7,200 a year) for each family member. Proof includes the last 3 months of bank statements and your latest tax return.
Does it lead to citizenship?
It is a residence route. Citizenship follows separate rules that this page does not cover.
What insurance do I need?
A policy that covers all the risks of Spain’s public health system, with unlimited coverage, no copayment and a one-year term. Travel insurance is not accepted.
Do all Spanish consulates ask for the same documents?
No. The requirements vary by consulate, so we check your district’s checklist before we file.
Do you recommend where to live in Spain?
No. We explain what the official page requires and bring in a local partner when your case is qualified.
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Last reviewed: 22 October 2026 · Last updated: 22 October 2026
