The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV): More Flexibility for Non-EU Citizens Moving to Spain

Q: How much income do I need to qualify for the NLV in 2025?

For 2025, the minimum income requirement is €2,400 per month (€28,800 per year) for the main applicant, plus €600 per month (€7,200 per year) for each dependent. These funds must come from passive income such as pensions, savings, rental income, or investments.

Q: Do I become a tax resident in Spain with the NLV?

Yes, if you spend more than 183 days in Spain within a calendar year, you are considered a Spanish tax resident. This means your worldwide income and assets may be subject to Spanish taxation.

Q: How long is the Non-Lucrative Visa valid?

Since June 2025, the NLV is issued as a multi-entry visa valid for 12 months. This gives you more time and flexibility when planning your move to Spain. After the first year, you can renew it for two years at a time.

The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) remains the most popular pathway for non-EU citizens—such as Americans, British, Canadians, Australians, and others—looking to settle in Spain.

Designed for individuals who do not intend to work during their initial stay, the NLV allows applicants to gain Spanish residency while bypassing the standard 90-day tourist rule that restricts stays in the Schengen Area.

In recent years, the application process has evolved, with consulates around the world increasingly using third-party agencies (such as BLS International in some regions) to manage submissions. But a major update introduced in mid-2025 now gives applicants far greater flexibility when planning their relocation.

What’s Changed?

Previously, once approved by a Spanish consulate abroad, successful applicants received a visa sticker in their passport valid for just 90 days. This meant you had to enter Spain within three months of issuance.

As of June 2025, the validity has been extended to 365 days, and the visa is now issued as a multi-entry visa. This gives new residents much more freedom when arranging their move.

Why This Matters

No rush to relocate
With the extended validity period, you’re no longer pressured to move within 90 days. If you’re waiting for a property sale, closing down affairs back home, or simply needing more time to prepare, the 12-month window is a huge relief.
Travel flexibility
Because the NLV is now multi-entry, you can travel in and out of Spain during that first year. This is especially useful if you’re renting while house-hunting, or if you have ongoing family or business commitments back home.

Relocation experts confirm this is a positive change: “Moving abroad is a major step which often throws up unexpected issues. The extended visa validity gives applicants more breathing room and avoids unnecessary stress,” notes one Spanish immigration advisor.

Key Deadlines to Keep in Mind

Start of residency: Your official residency date begins when you first enter Spain on the visa (the entry stamp in your passport is proof).
TIE application: Within one month of arrival, you must apply for your TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at the local police station.
Renewal requirements: To renew your NLV after the first year, you must prove you spent at least 183 days in Spain during that period.

⚠️ Important: Spending 183+ days in Spain makes you a Spanish tax resident, meaning your worldwide assets and income may be subject to Spanish taxation. The Spanish tax year runs from January 1 to December 31.

NLV Income Requirements for 2025

To qualify, applicants must show proof of sufficient passive income or savings:

Main applicant: €2,400 per month (€28,800 per year)
Each dependent: €600 per month (€7,200 per year)

Acceptable sources include pensions, savings, rental income, dividends, and investments. Income from employment or freelance work is not permitted under this visa.

Planning Ahead

If you’re considering relocating to Spain in 2026 or 2027, now is the time to familiarize yourself with the NLV process and its financial requirements.

The extended 12-month validity period offers greater flexibility, but careful planning—especially around taxes, property sales, and residency obligations—remains essential for a smooth transition.

👉 Whether you’re from the U.S., Britain, Canada, Australia, or elsewhere outside the EU, the Non-Lucrative Visa continues to be the most straightforward path to enjoying life in Spain—now with more breathing space than ever before.

1. What is the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) in Spain?
The Non-Lucrative Visa is a residency permit for non-EU citizens who want to live in Spain without working. It allows you to stay in Spain long-term, provided you can show sufficient financial means to support yourself and your family.

2. Can Americans and Canadians apply for the NLV?
Yes. The NLV is open to all non-EU citizens, including Americans, British, Canadians, Australians, and others. You apply at the Spanish consulate in your home country before relocating.

3. How much income do I need to qualify for the NLV in 2025?
For 2025, the minimum income requirement is €2,400 per month (€28,800 per year) for the main applicant, plus €600 per month (€7,200 per year) for each dependent. These funds must come from passive income such as pensions, savings, rental income, or investments.

4. Can I work in Spain with the Non-Lucrative Visa?
No. The NLV does not allow employment or freelance work in Spain. However, after holding residency for a certain period, it may be possible to modify your status to a different visa that permits work.

5. Do I become a tax resident in Spain with the NLV?
Yes, if you spend more than 183 days in Spain within a calendar year, you are considered a Spanish tax resident. This means your worldwide income and assets may be subject to Spanish taxation.

6. How long is the Non-Lucrative Visa valid?
Since June 2025, the NLV is issued as a multi-entry visa valid for 12 months. This gives you more time and flexibility when planning your move to Spain. After the first year, you can renew it for two years at a time.