If you’re thinking about retiring to sunny Spain from the UK, one of the most important steps is understanding your visa options. For many UK retirees, the Spain Retirement Visa, also known as the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)1 is one of the more popular routes to long-term residency in Spain.
This article provides an overview of Spain’s retirement visa, including who it’s for, how to apply, and what to expect once you’re approved. Any information in this article is for informational purposes only and subject to change. For the most up-to-date information on Spain’s retirement visa, you should consult the Spanish Government website.
Understanding Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa: the primary retirement option
The Non-Lucrative Visa is designed for non-EU nationals who want to live, but not work, in Spain.
Unlike other visas, the NLV doesn’t require you to invest in property or run a business.1 Instead, you’ll need to show that you can support yourself financially while living in Spain, which makes it an ideal option for those drawing on pensions, savings or other passive income.
Can you still apply for the Golden Visa?
As of April 3, 2025, Spain has officially ended its Golden Visa program, which previously allowed non-EU citizens to gain residency through large investments in property.2 For UK residents, the Non-Lucrative Visa is now the main route to retiring in Spain without working, as long as you can show sufficient financial means.
Spain Retirement Visa requirements
To apply successfully, it’s important to understand the key criteria and documents you’ll need to prepare in advance.
General eligibility criteria
To apply for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa, you must:1
- Be a non-EU/EEA citizen (including UK nationals post-Brexit)
- Have no criminal record
- Hold valid private health insurance with coverage in Spain
- Be able to demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself (and any dependents)
- Commit to living in Spain for at least six months per year
Financial requirements
One of the most important parts of the application is proving that you can support yourself.
In 2025, the minimum income threshold is based on Spain’s IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), a government benchmark for income:1
- Main applicant: approximately €28,800 (around £25,000) annually
- Each dependent: approximately €7,200 (around £6,200) annually
These thresholds are reviewed annually, so you may want to double-check the current IPREM before applying.
Required documents
When applying for the visa, you’ll need to provide:1
- A completed visa Non-Lucrative Visa application form for Spain
- A valid passport (with at least one year before expiry)
- Proof of private health insurance
- Criminal background check from UK authorities (issued within the last 90 days)
- Recent bank statements or other financial documentation
- A medical certificate stating you are free from contagious diseases
- Proof of accommodation in Spain (e.g. rental agreement or property ownership)
You may need to provide additional documents, depending on your circumstances (such as a birth or marriage certificate). Foreign documents will also need to be legalised or apostilled and submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.1
Application process for the Spain Retirement Visa – step-by-step guide
Applying for the Non-Lucrative Visa typically involves the following steps:
- Book an appointment at your nearest Spanish Consulate in the UK. You will need to apply from your home country (not from within Spain).
- Prepare your documents: Ensure all required forms are ready before your appointment.
- Submit your application: Bring both originals and photocopies of your documents. You’ll also need to pay a visa fee (approximately £516 as of 2025, but check the latest consular pricing).3
- Wait for approval: Processing times vary but generally take 4-8 weeks.
- Travel to Spain and collect your residence permit: Once approved, you’ll receive a visa valid for 90 days. After arriving in Spain, you’ll need to register as a resident and apply for your TIE card (Foreigner Identity Card).
- Renew your visa: The NLV is initially granted for one year, then renewed for two years, and again for another two. After five years, you can apply for long-term residency.
Common myths & misconceptions about the Spain Retirement Visa
There’s a lot of outdated or misleading information online. Here are answers to a few of the common myths about the Spain Retirement Visa:
Myth 1: “You can’t travel outside of Spain with the NLV.”
False. You can travel freely within the Schengen Area, as long as your visa and TIE card are valid.4
Myth 2: “You need to buy property to get the visa.”
Not true. Renting is perfectly acceptable, as long as you have a valid address in Spain.1
Myth 3: “It’s only for retirees over 65.”
Also false. There’s no age restriction. If you meet the financial requirements and don’t plan to work, the visa could be a great option even in your 40s or 50s.1
Healthcare for Spain Retirement Visa holders
Private health insurance is a mandatory requirement for the NLV, and it should cover:
- Full treatment with no co-payments
- Coverage throughout Spain
- A minimum duration of 12 months
You can’t rely on UK-based EHIC/GHIC cards, so make sure your insurance is from a provider approved in Spain. Once you become a permanent resident, you may become eligible for Spain’s public healthcare system, but until then, private coverage is needed.
Tax implications for retirement visa holders
What are the tax implications for retirement visa holders? While full tax guidance is covered in our guide to retiring in Spain, here’s what to know at a glance:
- If you live in Spain for more than 183 days per year, you’ll likely become a Spanish tax resident
- Spain has a progressive tax system, and pension income is taxable
- The UK and Spain have a double taxation agreement, which helps prevent paying tax twice on the same income
- If you own real estate in Spain, you may also be liable for local property taxes and fees
Cost of living & financial considerations
While exact costs vary by region, Spain’s cost of living is generally lower than the UK. Retirees often find that their pension or savings stretch further, especially in less tourist-heavy areas.Once in Spain, having a local bank account and setting up direct debits can make daily life much easier. For transferring money abroad, you may want to seek advice from a specialist in international payments who can help you manage exchange rates and avoid unnecessary fees.
Spanish visa requirements – FAQS
How long can retirees stay in Spain?
With the Non-Lucrative Visa, you can stay in Spain full-time. You’ll need to be in the country at least 183 days per year to maintain residency.
How much money do you need to get a retirement visa in Spain?
In 2025, the minimum annual income is approximately €28,800 for an individual, plus €7,200 for additional family members. This equates to 400% and 100% of Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM), respectively.1
Do you have to pay taxes in Spain with a Non-Lucrative Visa?
Yes, if you become a tax resident. Your pension and other income may be taxable in Spain, depending on your residency status.5
Can you buy property in Spain with the Non-Lucrative Visa?
Yes. Property ownership is not a requirement, but you are free to buy property if you wish.
Can retirees bring dependents?
Yes. You can include dependents in your application, but you’ll need to demonstrate additional financial means. Specifically, an extra 100% of the IPREM (€7,200 annually) for each dependent.1
Is the Non-Lucrative Visa right for you?
If you’re looking for a simpler, stress-free way to retire in Spain, the Non-Lucrative Visa can offer a clear path. With manageable requirements and the ability to renew toward permanent residency, it’s one of the most accessible visa options post-Brexit.
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Sources used:
- Spanish Government – Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Non-lucrative residence visa
- Spanish Government – Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Investor Visa
- Spanish Government – Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Consular Fees
- European Commission – Applying for a Schengen visa
- Agencia Tributaria – Spanish Tax Agency – Tax residents in Spain with income from the United Kingdom
Sources last checked on: 30.04.2025
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Lumon or its subsidiaries, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from the relevant professional services. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
