Non-lucrative residence in Spain
To live legally in Spain without carrying out work or professional activities. Find out about the requirements, financial means, health insurance, EX-01, visa, TIE and the new renewal rules.
Non-lucrative residence is designed for living without carrying out work or professional activities. If you intend to continue working remotely for a foreign company or foreign clients, first check the authorization for international teleworkers.
See international remote workWhat is non-lucrative residence?
It is a temporary residence authorization for foreign nationals and certain family members who wish to settle in Spain without carrying out work or professional activities.
Legal residence
It allows you to reside in Spain for the period during which the authorization is valid.
Without needing to work
You must show that you have sufficient resources to support yourself and, where applicable, your family, without needing to carry out work or professional activities.
Application from abroad
The initial application is made by applying for the relevant visa at the competent Spanish consular office.
Which family members can be included?
The regulations expressly define who qualifies as a family member for this authorization.
Spouse
The applicant’s spouse can be included.
Registered or unmarried partner
A registered partner or a duly documented unmarried partner can also be included.
For an unmarried partner, a durable relationship is considered established if the couple has lived together continuously for at least one year, unless they have a child together.Minor children
Unmarried minor children who have not formed their own family unit, belonging to the applicant or their spouse or partner.
Disability or health condition
Certain adult children who require support because of a disability or are objectively unable to meet their own needs due to their health condition.
Remember: the minimum financial means you must prove increase for each family member included.
Requirements for non-lucrative residence
Not be subject to the EU free movement regime. You must not be a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland, or a family member to whom the EU free movement regime applies.
Not be irregularly present in Spain. The initial authorization is intended to be applied for from outside Spain.
Criminal record. You must meet the requirements concerning Spain and the countries where you have lived during the previous five years.
Public order, security and public health. There must be no circumstances that are incompatible with the authorization.
Sufficient financial means. You must have enough to cover the entire period of residence without undertaking employment or professional activity.
Health insurance. You must have public or private health insurance with an insurer authorized to operate in Spain.
Health requirement. You must not have any disease that could have serious public health consequences under the International Health Regulations of 2005.
Commitment not to return. If applicable, you must not be within the period covered by a commitment made as part of a voluntary return.
Payment of the fee. The authorization is subject to the applicable fee under Form 790, Code 052.
How much money do you need to prove you have?
The regulations use the IPREM in force when you apply for the visa or renew your authorization. That is why we show the legal percentage rather than a fixed amount in euros that could become outdated.
Per month for the main applicant.
Per month for each dependent family member included.
The total amount must cover the entire period of the requested authorization.
One person: 400 % of the IPREM. One person plus one family member: 500 % of the IPREM. One person plus two family members: 600 % of the IPREM.
How can you prove that you have sufficient funds?
The availability of funds can be demonstrated using any means accepted by law. The regulations include, among other things, financial documents, property deeds, certified cheques and certain credit cards accompanied by a bank certificate.
If you submit accounts or financial instruments held abroad, the regulations specify additional information that must accompany them.
See the official evidence requirementsHealth insurance and medical certificate
These are two separate items in the application file and should not be confused.
Health insurance
You must provide proof of public or private health insurance taken out with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain.
Medical certificate
The initial application documents include a medical certificate, and you must meet the requirement concerning diseases that may have serious public health implications.
Also check the instructions issued by the consulate where you will submit your application. The consulate may provide additional guidance on practical documentation and how to prove certain matters.
Documents for non-lucrative residence
Form EX-01 duly completed and signed.
Full passport or travel document recognised as valid in Spain, with a minimum validity of one year.
Criminal record certificate from your country of origin and any countries where you have lived during the five years before entering Spain.
Documents proving sufficient financial means for the requested period.
Health insurance documents.
Medical certificate.
Foreign documents: may require a sworn translation and legalization or a Hague Apostille, unless an applicable exemption applies.
How to apply for non-lucrative residence
The process begins outside Spain, and applying for the visa also constitutes an application for residence authorization.
Make sure non-lucrative residence is the right option for you
It must match your intention to live in Spain without engaging in employment or professional activities.
Prepare Form EX-01 and the supporting documents
Gather proof of financial means, insurance, criminal record certificates, a medical certificate, your passport and any other applicable documents.
Submit your application at the consulate
The application is submitted to the Spanish consular office responsible for the area where you live, or through the methods authorized by that consulate.
Pay the 790-052 fee
For the initial authorization, Sheet 6 currently lists item 2.1.1 .
Decision on the authorization
The competent authority has a maximum of one month from receiving notification from the consular office to issue a decision.
Collect your visa
If the visa is granted, you must collect it in person within the specified time limit.
Enter Spain
You must enter Spain while your visa is valid.
Apply for your TIE
After entering Spain, you must apply in person for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).
The validity period begins on the date you enter Spain.
Unless you are already eligible for long-term residence or EU long-term residence.
Renewing non-lucrative residence
Renewal does not simply involve repeating the initial application. The current regulations set out specific requirements and deadlines.
More than 183 days of actual and effective residence
To renew, you must have actually and effectively resided in Spain for more than 183 days during the calendar year.
Application period
During the two months before expiry.
You can also apply up to three months afterwards, without prejudice to the possible initiation of sanctioning proceedings.Financial resources
You must demonstrate sufficient resources for the entire period covered by the renewal.
Health insurance
It must have been maintained throughout the authorization period and remain valid.
School enrollment
If you have dependent children of compulsory school age, you must meet the corresponding requirement.
Submitting through Mercurio
Information Sheet 7 provides for online submission through the government online portal via Mercurio.
Renewal fee
Form 790 Code 052 , item 2.2.1 .
Non-lucrative residence, remote work or a work permit
No working
To live in Spain with sufficient financial means, without carrying out work or professional activities.
EX-01Working remotely
For certain third-country nationals moving to Spain to work remotely for companies based outside the country.
View official route ↗Employed or self-employed
If you want to carry out ordinary employment or business activities in Spain, you should look into an authorization that expressly allows you to work.
View residence options →Verified information
This guide is for general guidance only. Before submitting an application, always check the regulations and official instructions in force at the time.
Questions about non-lucrative residence
Can I work with a non-lucrative residence authorization?
This authorization is intended for living in Spain without carrying out work or professional activities. If you intend to work, you should check which authorization expressly allows you to do so.
Can I work remotely from Spain with non-lucrative residence?
Non-lucrative residence requires you to live in Spain without carrying out work or professional activities. If you intend to work remotely from Spain, check the specific rules for international remote workers or another authorization that applies to your situation.
How much money do I need for non-lucrative residence?
As a general rule, you must show monthly financial means amounting to 400 % of the IPREM for the main applicant, plus an additional 100 % of the IPREM for each family member included. The total amount must cover the period of the requested authorization.
Which form should I use?
The official form for temporary non-lucrative residence authorization is EX-01.
Where do I apply for non-lucrative residence?
The initial application is submitted from abroad to the competent Spanish consular office for the district where the applicant resides, without prejudice to any application submission procedures the consulate may have in place.
How long is the initial non-lucrative residence authorization valid for?
The initial authorization is valid for one year, starting on the date of entry into Spain.
How long is the renewed authorization valid for?
The renewed temporary non-lucrative residence authorization is valid for two years, unless the applicant is eligible for long-term residence or EU long-term residence.
How many days do I have to live in Spain to renew?
Under the regulations in force, you must have actually and effectively resided in Spain for more than 183 days during the calendar year.
When can I apply for the renewal?
During the two months before the permit expires. You can also apply within the following three months, although this may lead to the relevant penalty proceedings being initiated.
What happens if I do not receive a response to my renewal application within three months?
If no decision is notified within three months, the renewal application may be considered approved under the rules on administrative silence.
Check whether non-lucrative residence is right for you
If you need to work, work remotely or your right to reside is based on another reason, there may be a more suitable route.