Retiring in Spain with the Non-Lucrative Visa: 2025 Guide

Dreaming of retiring in Spain with a Non-Lucrative Visa? It’s a smart move for those seeking comfort, culture, and a high quality of life. With its sunny climate, affordable healthcare, and welcoming communities, Spain is one of Europe’s most popular retirement destinations, especially for retirees from the US, UK, Australia, and Canada.

For non-EU citizens, the most common way to retire in Spain is through the Non-Lucrative Visa. This visa allows you to live in Spain long-term if you have enough passive income or savings to support yourself without working. But like any move abroad, retiring in Spain comes with key legal and financial responsibilities, from meeting income thresholds to managing taxes and healthcare.

In this guide, our immigration team breaks down what it really takes to retire in Spain with the Non-Lucrative Visa in 2025 so you can secure your residency with clarity and confidence.

(Article Updated May 2025)

What Is the Spain Retirement Visa (Non-Lucrative Visa)?

The Non-Lucrative Visa, often called the Spain Retirement Visa, is the most popular residency option for non-EU citizens who want to retire or live long-term in Spain without working.

This visa is specifically designed for retirees and financially independent individuals who can support themselves with passive income, like pensions, savings, rental income, or investments.

With the Non-Lucrative Visa, you can enjoy life in Spain, access world-class healthcare, and travel freely throughout the Schengen Zone, all while experiencing Spain’s relaxed lifestyle, beautiful climate, and affordable cost of living.

Spain Retirement Visa Requirements

The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is designed for non-EU citizens who want to live in Spain without working. It’s a perfect option for retirees or financially independent individuals with enough passive income or savings to support themselves during their stay.

To qualify for the Non-Lucrative Visa in 2025, you must meet the following requirements:

Minimum Income to Retire in Spain

Applicants must prove they have stable, recurring income, usually from pensions, investments, rental income, or savings. Employment or business income earned within Spain is not allowed under this visa.

2025 Financial Requirements:

• Minimum of €28,800 per year for the main applicant.
• Additional €7,200 per year for each dependent family member (spouse, children, etc.).

Funds can be shown through bank statements, pension letters, investment reports, or proof of rental income.

No Work or Business Activity in Spain

This visa does not allow you to work, be self-employed, or run a business within Spain. However, passive income (investments, foreign pensions, rental income abroad) is acceptable.

Private Health Insurance

Applicants must have comprehensive private health insurance with full coverage in Spain. The policy should cover medical, hospitalization, and repatriation expenses with no co-payments.

Clean Criminal Record

You must provide a criminal background check from your country of residence (and any other country where you’ve lived in the last 5 years) confirming you have no criminal convictions.

Want to know if you qualify? Our Non-Lucrative Visa service page has the full eligibility checklist plus expert tips from our team of lawyers.

Step-by-Step: How to Retire in Spain With The Non-Lucrative Visa

Here’s exactly how to apply for the Spain Retirement Visa (Non-Lucrative Visa) in 2025, broken down into clear, actionable steps:

Step 1: Determine Your Eligiblity

Before applying, make sure you meet the basic requirements. You must have sufficient passive income or savings, private health insurance, and a clean criminal record.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

Prepare the following official documents for your application:

• Valid Passport — Your passport must be valid for at least one year.
• Private Health Insurance — You’ll need full-coverage private health insurance from a Spanish provider.
• National Visa Application Form — Complete and sign the form provided by the Spanish Consulate.
• Medical Certificate — Obtain a medical certificate from a doctor.
• Bank Certificate or Financial Proof — Show proof of sufficient funds for you and your dependents.
• Criminal Record Background Check — Provide a legalized (apostilled) and translated police clearance from your country of residence (and any other country lived in over the last 5 years).

Step 3: Legalize and Translate Documents

All foreign documents must be:

• Legalized with the Hague Apostille or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your home country and later by the competent Spanish Consulate in that country. Remember to check if the country of issuance of these public documents belongs to the Hague Convention to avoid the legalization process.
• Officially translated into Spanish by a certified translator.

This step is essential to avoid delays or rejection.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Book an appointment at your nearest Spanish Consulate in your home country. Applications cannot be submitted from within Spain. Bring all required documents, attend an interview, and pay the visa application fee (costs vary by country).

Step 5: Wait for Approval

Visa processing typically takes 1 to 3 months, depending on the consulate and your specific case. The team at Lexidy will stay in touch with the consulate for updates.

Step 6: Travel to Spain

Once approved, your visa allows you to enter Spain within the specified timeframe.

Step 7: Register Locally and Apply for Your Residency Card

After arriving in Spain, you’ll need to:

1. Register your address at the local Town Hall (empadronamiento).
2. Apply for your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) within 30 days at the local immigration office.

This card proves your residency status in Spain.

Can You Renew The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa or Get Permanent Residency?

Yes, the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is designed for long-term living in Spain, and there’s a clear path from temporary residency to permanent residency and eventually Spanish citizenship.

Here’s what the general renewal timeline looks like for non-EU applicants:

Initial Residence Permit: 1 Year

Once approved, your first Non-Lucrative Visa allows you to live in Spain for 1 year.

First Renewal: 2 Years

Before your first year ends, you’ll need to renew your visa for an additional 2 years. To renew successfully, you must:

• Continue to meet the financial requirements. However, this time you must cover them for 2 years.
• Provide updated documents (health insurance, proof of income, proof of address in Spain)
• Prove that you have spent at least 183 days per year living in Spain (this is critical for renewals and future residency options)

Second Renewal: 2 More Years

After completing your first renewal, you can apply for another 2-year renewal following the same process.

Long-Term Residency: After 5 Years

Once you’ve legally resided in Spain for five consecutive years, you may qualify for long-term residency.  Absences of up to six consecutive months are allowed, as long as they don’t exceed a total of ten months within the five years.

Long-term residency allows you to stay in Spain indefinitely without needing further renewals every 2 years. You also gain access to more rights, including easier access to healthcare and the possibility of working in Spain.

Spanish Citizenship: After 10 Years

For most non-EU nationals, Spanish citizenship is possible after 10 years of legal residency, as long as you meet all the requirements, including language skills and integration.

Important: Nationals from some Latin American countries and citizens of Andorra, Portugal, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Puerto Rico may be eligible for Spanish citizenship after just 2 years.

Taxes in Spain for Retirees: What to Know

If you plan to retire in Spain with the Non-Lucrative Visa, understanding your tax obligations is essential, especially if you’ll be spending most of the year living in Spain.

When Do You Become a Tax Resident in Spain?

In general, you’re considered a tax resident in Spain if you spend more than 183 days in the country within a calendar year. However, other factors can also trigger tax residency, such as having your main economic or personal ties in Spain.

Once you’re considered a tax resident, you must declare and pay taxes on your worldwide income. This includes pensions, rental income, dividends, and investments from abroad.

Income Tax Brackets in Spain for 2025

Spain applies a progressive income tax system; the higher your income, the higher the rate.

Here are the national tax rates for 2025 (regional rates may vary slightly depending on where you live):

How Are Foreign Pensions Taxed in Spain?

Foreign pensions are generally taxable in Spain once you become a tax resident.

However, Spain has tax treaties with many countries, including the US, UK, and Canada, to avoid double taxation. These treaties determine where your pension should be taxed and help prevent you from paying taxes on the same income in both countries.

For example, under the Spain–U.S. tax treaty, American citizens can avoid paying tax in Spain on pensions earned from previous public service jobs, such as work in government or law enforcement.

If you receive a pension from abroad, it’s important to check how your specific income will be treated under the relevant tax treaty.

Why Early Tax Planning Is Essential

Moving to Spain without understanding the tax implications can lead to surprises, especially for retirees with multiple income streams.

An experienced tax advisor can help you:

• Understand how your pension and savings will be taxed.
• Comply with Spanish tax rules (including reporting foreign assets, if applicable).
• Tax planning to minimize your tax burden.
• Plan for tax residency and potential obligations like Modelo 720 (foreign asset reporting) and Wealth Forms.
• Proper tax planning before your move can save you time, stress, and money in the long run. 

Interested in learning more? Check out our comprehensive article on Taxes in Spain for Pensioners, or contact us through the form below for a free consultation.

Health Insurance Requirement for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

When applying for the Non-Lucrative Visa, you must have private health insurance from a Spanish provider.

This insurance must:

• Provide full coverage within Spain.
• Include medical care, hospitalization, and emergency services.
• Have no co-payments or coverage limits.
• Be valid for the duration of your visa.

This requirement ensures that visa holders don’t rely on Spain’s public healthcare system during their first years in the country.

Can Retirees Access Spain’s Public Healthcare?

Yes, but usually after you’ve lived in Spain for a certain period and become a long-term resident.

Once you’ve lived in Spain for 5 years (and have obtained long-term residency), you may become eligible to register with the Spanish public healthcare system (Seguridad Social).

Until then, you’ll need to maintain private health insurance to cover your medical needs.

Choosing Private Health Insurance in Spain

When selecting private insurance, look for:

• Coverage that meets visa requirements.
• Providers with English-speaking support.
• Plans that cover pre-existing conditions (if possible).
• Flexibility in hospitals or clinics you can use.

Many providers offer expat-friendly plans, including Sanitas, Feather, Adeslas, ASSSA.

Retiring in Spain means peace of mind, knowing that you’ll have access to excellent medical care. But it’s crucial to plan your health coverage carefully, especially in your first years of residency.

Where to Retire in Spain?

Spain offers an incredible variety of retirement destinations — from beach towns to island life to lively cities. Your choice will largely depend on lifestyle preferences and budget.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the best places to retire in Spain, and what you can expect to spend each month.

Average Cost of Living for Retirees in Spain (2025)

*Total costs include rent, utilities, groceries, transport, and private health insurance.

Best Places to Retire in Spain

Valencia

Valencia is often ranked as one of the best cities in Europe for expats and retirees. It offers a perfect balance between coastal living and urban amenities, with a lower cost of living compared to Spain’s larger cities.

Best for: Retirees looking for a mix of beach life, culture, and an active but affordable city atmosphere.

Alicante & Costa Blanca

This region is famous for its sunny weather, charming coastal towns, and a slower pace of life. It’s one of the most affordable areas to retire in Spain, especially for those who want to live near the sea without the price tag of bigger tourist hubs.

Best for: Beach lovers, relaxed lifestyles, and those looking for well-established expat communities.

Málaga & Costa del Sol

Known for its beautiful coastline, mild winters, and modern healthcare facilities, the Costa del Sol is ideal for retirees seeking convenience, sunshine, and a large social scene. Prices here are slightly higher than in inland areas but balanced by the quality of life.

Best for: Retirees who want beachfront living with excellent infrastructure and plenty of social activities.

Balearic Islands (Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza)

The Balearics offer stunning natural beauty and island living, but with a higher cost of living due to tourism demand. Mallorca is the most developed, while Menorca offers a quieter, rural lifestyle.

Best for: Those seeking Mediterranean island life, nature, and a peaceful retreat, with a higher budget.

Madrid & Barcelona

These vibrant cities offer world-class healthcare, international airports, and endless cultural attractions. The cost of living is the highest in Spain, but it comes with the benefits of city convenience and excellent services.

Best for: Retirees who want an active urban lifestyle with access to top healthcare, culture, and international travel.

Northern Spain (Galicia, Asturias, Basque Country)

Northern Spain is known for its cooler climate, green landscapes, and slower pace of life. Living costs are lower here compared to southern Spain, and the lifestyle is more traditional.

Best for: Retirees seeking peace, nature, cooler weather, and authentic Spanish culture — away from tourist crowds.

How a Lawyer Can Help With Retiring to Spain

Applying for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa comes with strict financial requirements, extensive paperwork, and detailed legal steps. Any mistakes, like missing documents, translation errors, or incorrect forms, can cause costly delays or even rejection.

That’s why working with immigration lawyers makes the process faster, easier, and stress-free. At Lexidy, our legal experts handle everything, from document preparation and eligibility checks to communicating with Spanish authorities. 

Here’s how we can support your journey to Spain with the Non-Lucrative Visa:

1. Expert Guidance on the Application Process

Our expert lawyers will handle your Non-Lucrative Visa application from start to finish, ensuring that all documents are correctly prepared, translated, and legalized. 

2. Tax and Financial Advice for Retirees

Spanish tax rules for expats can be complex. We have a team of trusted tax advisors to help you understand:

• How your foreign pension will be taxed
• How to declare foreign assets
• How to plan for tax residency in Spain
• Double taxation treaty benefits

3. Support with Renewals and Long-Term Residency

Visa renewals in Spain have their own rules, including proof of financial means and minimum stay requirements. Our team will ensure your renewal process is stress-free so you remain compliant with Spanish residency laws.

Need Help Retiring in Spain with the Non-Lucrative Visa?

Retiring in Spain is more than a dream. With the Non-Lucrative Visa, it’s a realistic path for non-EU citizens seeking a relaxed lifestyle, quality healthcare, and Spain’s incredible culture.

But moving abroad comes with legal and financial requirements. That’s where expert guidance makes all the difference.

At Lexidy, our immigration lawyers handle the entire Non-Lucrative Visa process, so you can focus on planning your new life in Spain while we take care of the paperwork.
Whether you’re ready to move forward or just exploring your options, you’ll find everything you need on our Non-Lucrative Visa service page, or simply fill out the form below to speak with our team.