How Americans Are Moving to Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa 🇪🇸

What the Non-Lucrative Visa Is and Who It’s For

Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa, often called the NLV, allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain without working or running a business there. While the visa has been around for years, it has gained new attention among Americans looking for long-term options that don’t rely on employment sponsorship or age-restricted retirement programs.

The idea behind the visa is simple. Applicants must be able to support themselves financially and live in Spain without relying on public services. There’s no employer, investment requirement, or business plan involved. Approval is based largely on proving stable income or savings and a clear intention not to work locally.

In practice, the NLV works well for retirees with pensions or Social Security, people living off savings or investments, and Americans taking an extended break from work. Families can apply together if they meet higher income thresholds for dependents. The visa doesn’t require wealth, but it does require clear, well-documented financial stability.

Financial and Health Insurance Requirements for 2026

Spain bases its financial requirement on a government index known as the IPREM. For 2026, Americans should plan to show roughly €28,800 per year for a single applicant, with an additional €7,200 per year for each family member. These funds can come from savings, pensions, or investment income, or a combination of sources. Consulates look beyond the total amount and pay close attention to where the money comes from and how stable it is over time, which is why clear bank records and income documentation matter more than last-minute deposits.

Health insurance is also non-negotiable. Applicants must secure private coverage from a Spanish-authorized insurer that offers full coverage in Spain, with no co-payments and no waiting periods. U.S. health insurance, Medicare, and standard travel insurance do not qualify, and new residents cannot access Spain’s public healthcare system at the outset, making approved private insurance a required part of the application.

What Living in Spain on This Visa Actually Allows

The Non-Lucrative Visa allows holders to live in Spain full-time and travel freely within the Schengen Area. Income from outside Spain is permitted, including pensions, investment income, and rental income from abroad. Managing assets or finances based in the United States is also allowed.

What the visa does not permit is employment or professional activity within Spain. This includes working for Spanish companies or registering as self-employed locally. Remote work for non-Spanish clients exists in a legal gray area, and applicants whose primary income depends on remote work are often better served by Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa instead.

Applying from the U.S., Renewals, and Long-Term Stay

Americans must apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa from the United States through their assigned Spanish consulate. The process involves scheduling an in-person appointment, submitting translated and apostilled documentation, and waiting for a decision. Most applicants receive a response within four to eight weeks, depending on the consulate.

The initial visa is valid for one year. It can then be renewed for two years, followed by another two-year renewal. After five years of continuous residence, applicants may qualify for long-term residency in Spain. For most Americans, eligibility for Spanish citizenship requires ten years of legal residence.

Tax Reality for Americans Living in Spain

Spending more than 183 days per year in Spain generally makes an individual a Spanish tax resident. This can mean Spanish taxes on worldwide income, alongside continued U.S. filing obligations. Because tax residency can have significant financial implications, many Americans carefully plan the timing of their move and consult tax professionals familiar with both systems before relocating.

The appeal of the Non-Lucrative Visa goes beyond paperwork. For many Americans, it aligns with the lifestyle they are actively seeking: walkable cities, accessible healthcare, a lower cost of living in many regions, and a pace of life that feels less pressured.

Rather than promising shortcuts, the visa offers clarity. For Americans who meet the requirements, it provides a reliable and legal way to build a long-term life in Spain without working locally or making large financial investments.

FAQ: Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa for Americans

Is the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa available in 2026?


Yes. The visa remains in effect for 2026 with updated financial thresholds tied to the IPREM index.

Do I need to buy property in Spain to qualify?


No. Renting a home is sufficient.

Can I bring my spouse and children?


Yes. You’ll need to show additional income for each dependent.

Should I show more than the minimum required income?


Many applicants do. While the law sets a minimum, showing a financial cushion can reduce scrutiny.

Do requirements vary by Spanish consulate?


Yes. While the law is national, documentation expectations and appointment timelines vary by consulate.

Can I work remotely on this visa?


Spain does not consider the Non-Lucrative Visa a work visa. Remote work for non-Spanish clients exists in a gray area, and the Digital Nomad Visa is often a better option for those working online.

Is this visa permanent?


No, but it can lead to long-term residency after five years.

Can I switch to another visa later?


Yes. Many people transition to different residency categories if their situation changes.