Non-Lucrative Visa Lawyer | For Americans Moving to Spain

The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) lets Americans with passive income — retirees, pensioners, and investors — live in Spain without working. It requires €28,800/year in passive income (400% of the IPREM), does not permit any work activity in Spain, and is filed through BLS International in New York, not the consulate directly.

Book a Strategy Call — Starting at $2,500

Constantin Razvan Gospodin, Spain-licensed attorney — ICATF Colegiado No. 5961. Over a decade of practice in Spanish immigration, nationality, and real estate law.

Who qualifies for the Non-Lucrative Visa

Requirement	Detail
Minimum income	€28,800/year (400% of the IPREM), from passive sources — pensions, investment income, or rental income
Dependents	+€7,200/year per additional dependent (spouse, children)
Work in Spain	Not permitted — no employment, no self-employment, no remote work for any employer
Health insurance	Private Spanish health insurance with no co-payment, deductible, or waiting period, covering 100% of costs for the full duration of the visa. Travel insurance is not accepted.
Background check	FBI background check (or equivalent), apostilled and translated
Initial duration	1 year, renewable for 2-year periods
Path to permanent residency	Yes — after 5 years

Sources: exteriores.gob.es, AEAT (IPREM 2026). Figures as of 2026.

Do you have to spend 183 days a year in Spain to keep the NLV?

Royal Decree 1155/2024, effective May 20, 2025, reinstated the requirement that NLV holders spend at least 183 days per year in Spain to maintain and renew the visa. This is a significant planning consideration for Americans who may still have financial ties, property, or family obligations in the United States.

Important: The constitutionality of this rule is contested. The Spanish Supreme Court struck down a similar rule in 2023. While the current decree is in effect, the legal landscape may change. We treat this as planning information — not as a settled, absolute rule — and structure your residency strategy accordingly.

Source: RD 1155/2024, BOE. Discussed as planning information, not legal advice.

Step-by-step: applying from New York

Applications are filed through BLS International, not the Spanish consulate directly. The NYC BLS center serves NY, NJ, CT, and PA.

Eligibility assessment

We review your income sources, assets, and timeline to confirm the NLV is the right fit.

Document checklist

FBI background check, medical certificate, proof of passive income, health insurance, and passport validity.

Financial verification

Bank statements, investment portfolios, or pension letters establishing €28,800/year in passive income.

BLS appointment

We coordinate your appointment at the NYC BLS center. NLV demand typically runs higher than DNV, which can extend the wait for a slot.

Application submission

In-person submission at BLS. Biometrics collected. For US citizens: $140 consulate visa fee + $20 BLS service fee ($160 total, plus an optional $13 residence fee). Fees are non-refundable and subject to change without notice.

Consulate processing

8–12 weeks for a decision. We monitor and respond to any requests for additional documents.

Visa issuance

Passport returned with visa sticker. You have 90 days to enter Spain.

TIE appointment

Within 30 days of arrival, apply for the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) at the local Extranjería office.

One-year compliance

We provide a compliance checklist for renewal, including the 183-day rule and financial maintenance requirements.

What's included in the Non-Lucrative Visa service

Eligibility assessment and income documentation review
Document checklist tailored to your income sources (pension, investments, rental income)
Application form review and filing guidance
BLS appointment scheduling support (NY/NJ/CT/PA)
Follow-up through consulate processing and TIE issuance
One-year post-approval compliance checklist, including the 183-day rule

$2,500Starting atBook a Strategy Call

Planning to work remotely instead?

The NLV does not permit any work. If you need to keep working remotely for a non-Spanish employer or clients, the Digital Nomad Visa is the correct path.

See the Digital Nomad Visa

Comparing all your visa options?

See how the NLV and DNV compare side by side, plus alternative routes now that the Golden Visa has been abolished.

Read: Golden Visa Alternatives 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while on the Non-Lucrative Visa?

No. The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) explicitly prohibits any work activity in Spain, including remote work for a non-Spanish employer. It is designed for retirees and passive-income holders. If you intend to work remotely, the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) is the correct route instead.

How much income do I need for the Non-Lucrative Visa?

The NLV requires proof of €28,800/year in passive income (400% of the IPREM), such as pensions, investment income, or rental income. Add €7,200/year for each additional dependent included in the application (spouse, children).

Do I have to spend 183 days a year in Spain to keep the NLV?

Royal Decree 1155/2024, effective May 20, 2025, reinstated the requirement that NLV holders spend at least 183 days per year in Spain to maintain and renew the visa. The constitutionality of this rule is contested — the Spanish Supreme Court struck down a similar rule in 2023 — so we treat it as planning information, not a settled, absolute rule, and structure your residency strategy accordingly.

What happens if my NLV application is denied?

Denials are rare when the application is well-prepared, but they do happen. If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal (recurso de reposición) within one month of the denial notification. Spain Law NYC handles the appeal process, identifies the deficiency, and refiles with corrected documentation.

Ready to start your Non-Lucrative Visa application?

Book a free 15-minute Spain Strategy Call. We'll review your income sources, confirm eligibility, and outline your timeline.

Book a Strategy Call