How to retire to Spain and live there permanently with a valid visa

Who qualifies for the Non-Lucrative Visa?

• Spouses or unmarried partners
• Dependent children
• Dependent relatives in the ascending line (such as parents)

Basic requirements

1. National visa application form: Each applicant must fill out and sign a national visa application form.
2. Non-working residence visa application form: You must also complete the EX-01 form, which is specific to non-working residence visa applicants.
3. Recent photograph: You will need a recent passport-sized colour photo, taken against a light background and showing your full face.
4. Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least one year and contain at least two blank pages. If your passport was issued more than 10 years ago, it will not be accepted.
5. Proof of financial means: To qualify, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself (and any accompanying family members) during your time in Spain. The minimum requirement is 400% of Spain's Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). For each additional family member, you must prove an extra 100% of the IPREM. Applicants of working age may need to provide additional documents, such as proof of a pension or a letter of resignation from their employer, confirming they no longer work. Bank statements from the last three months and the most recent tax return will also need to be submitted.
6. Health insurance: Applicants must provide proof of health insurance (public or private) that covers all risks similar to Spain’s public healthcare system. The policy must be valid for at least one year and should have no co-pays or deductibles. Travel insurance is not accepted.
7. Criminal record certificate: Applicants over the age of 18 must provide a criminal record certificate from their country of residence for the past five years. This document must be legalised with the ‘Apostille of The Hague’ and translated into Spanish.
8. Medical certificate: Applicants must provide a medical certificate confirming that they do not suffer from any illnesses that could pose a serious risk to public health, as outlined by the 2005 International Health Regulations. Like other foreign documents, this must be legalised or apostilled and accompanied by a certified translation into Spanish.
9. Proof of residence: You’ll need to prove that your place of residence is within the consular district of the Spanish consulate where you are applying. This could be a driver’s licence or a utility bill, for example.
10. Visa fee: Applicants must complete the required forms (790 code 052) and pay the visa and residence permit fees. These payments are usually made at the Consular Office, and only money orders are accepted. Ensure that you check the exact fee on the consulate’s website before your appointment.

Documents for family members

Related: Understanding Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa and how to get one

Visa procedure and timeline

After arriving in Spain

Visa refusals and appeals

Why choose Heniam & Associates?

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