Libbie Stevens | Spanish Visa Advisor | Wilmer Health | 1st February 2025 | hello@wilmerhealth.com
Spain is a dream destination for many people looking to retire, study, or enjoy a better quality of life. For non-EU citizens, including UK residents after Brexit, the non-lucrative visa offers a chance to experience Spain’s vibrant culture, warm weather, and laid-back lifestyle. However, the process of applying for this visa can seem complicated, with lots of paperwork, unfamiliar terms like “apostilles” and “sworn translations,” and other challenges.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting a non-lucrative visa for Spain in the UK. From who can apply to what documents you’ll need and how to avoid common mistakes, we’ll give you all the tips and advice to make the process as smooth as possible.
A Spanish non-lucrative visa is a residency permit for non-EU citizens who wish to live in Spain without engaging in any work or professional activities. Often referred to as a “retirement visa,” it is best suited for individuals who have sufficient financial resources to support themselves throughout their stay.
One important restriction is that this visa does not allow you to work or conduct any business activities while residing in Spain.
Since Brexit, this visa has become particularly relevant for UK citizens, who now need a visa for long-term residence in Spain. It’s an excellent option for retirees and other individuals who meet the financial eligibility criteria.
Applying for a Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa involves meeting several key requirements and preparing a range of essential documents. Some of these must be apostilled and officially translated, which can make the process feel overwhelming. To simplify things, we’ve broken down everything you need below:
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Spain without engaging in any work or professional activities. The financial thresholds are based on Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM), which is adjusted annually. As of 2025, the requirements are:
Acceptable proof of financial means includes bank statements, pension plans, investment portfolios, or other verifiable income sources. Because the IPREM values are subject to change each year, it’s essential to confirm the latest figures before submitting your application. Proper documentation and up-to-date financial evidence will ensure your application meets the necessary standards.
For UK applicants, a clean criminal record is a crucial requirement when applying for a non-lucrative visa for Spain. You’ll need to provide an ACRO Police Certificate for a Spanish Visa, which details your criminal history (or confirms the absence of any convictions) within the United Kingdom.
The ACRO certificate must meet the following criteria:
If you’d like to learn more about the ACRO Certificate, check out our in-depth guide on ACRO Certificates for Spanish visa applications.
As part of your non-lucrative visa application, you must provide a Medical Certificate for Spanish Visa from a licensed doctor confirming that you are free from any diseases that could pose a risk to public health.
For UK applicants, here are the key considerations:
If you want to learn more about the Spanish Visa Medical Certificate, explore our detailed guide on obtaining a Medical Certificate for Spanish visa applications in the UK.
One of the key requirements for a non-lucrative visa is obtaining private health insurance for a Spanish visa that offers full medical coverage while you reside in Spain. The policy must be purchased from a provider recognised in Spain and should comply with the country’s healthcare regulations. Importantly, the insurance plan must exclude co-payments and deductibles, ensuring that all medical expenses are fully covered. This requirement ensures applicants have access to comprehensive healthcare without burdening Spain’s public health system.
Your Spanish visa health insurance must remain valid for the entire duration of your visa and any renewals. To avoid delays or rejections, carefully review the policy terms and confirm that it meets the Spanish consulate’s requirements before submitting your application.
For applicants including family members in their non-lucrative visa application, certified marriage and birth certificates for a Spanish visa are essential documents. These certificates serve as official proof of relationship with the dependents included in your application and must meet the Spanish consulate’s legalisation and translation requirements.
For UK applicants, the following steps should be taken to ensure these documents are correctly prepared and accepted by the Spanish consulate:
Given that the Non-Lucrative Visa prohibits any work or professional activities in Spain, applicants of working age must provide evidence that they are not currently employed. This can be demonstrated through:
The S1 form is an important document for certain UK applicants applying for a non-lucrative visa, particularly retirees. It allows individuals to access healthcare in Spain as part of their application without needing to purchase private health insurance, provided they qualify under UK state healthcare arrangements.
Here’s what you need to know about the S1 form:
For those eligible, the S1 form is an excellent alternative to private health insurance and can simplify your application process. Always verify with the consulate if the S1 is accepted as a substitute for private insurance in your case.
You must have a valid passport with a minimum validity of one year from the intended date of entry into Spain. The passport should have at least two blank pages and must not be older than ten years.
Two application forms need to be completed and signed:
Two recent passport-sized color photographs are required. The photos should be taken against a light background, with the applicant facing forward, and without any accessories that obscure the face.
Spanish consulates in the UK (London, Manchester, and Edinburgh) typically require at least 6 months of bank statements to prove financial self-sufficiency for the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV). However, some applicants have been asked for 12 months, so it’s best to check with your consulate or provide a full year’s worth to avoid delays.
Your statements must clearly show that you meet the minimum financial threshold of €28,800 per year (plus €7,200 per dependent), with funds held in your name and readily available.
Proof of residence in the UK is typically required when applying for a Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa. The Spanish consulate needs to confirm that you are applying through the correct consular office based on your UK address.
To prove your UK residency, you may be asked to provide one of the following:
While this requirement may not always be listed on official consulate checklists, many applicants are asked for proof of residence at their visa appointment. To avoid delays, it’s best to include a driving licence, bank statement, or utility bill with your application. If unsure, check with your consulate before submitting your documents.
Many Spanish visa documents require an apostille stamp and a sworn translation, which can be confusing. If you’re unsure what these are, check out our Guide to Apostilles & Sworn Translations for Spanish Visa Documents in the UK for a clear explanation.
Once you’ve arranged all the necessary documents for your non-lucrative visa application, it’s time to move forward with submitting your application. The Spanish consulate you must visit depends on your place of residence in the UK. There are three main consulates:
Submitting your non-lucrative visa application involves attending an in-person appointment at the Spanish consulate. Appointments must be booked online through the official booking system available on the consulate’s website. It’s essential to secure your slot as early as possible, as these appointments are in high demand and can fill up quickly.
Proper preparation is key to ensuring your non-lucrative visa appointment goes smoothly. Before your scheduled visit, make sure all your documents are ready and well-organised. You’ll need to bring both the originals and photocopies of each required document. Arranging everything neatly in a folder will make it easier to access during your appointment.
At the consulate, the staff will review your documents, and take your visa application fee.
The visa application fee must be paid at the consulate during your appointment. The fee varies slightly depending on the consulate but is typically around £500, plus a processing fee of £10.
After submitting your application, processing times vary but typically take 1 to 3 months. During this period, the consulate may contact you for additional information or to correct any errors in your application.
Congratulations — once your non-lucrative visa is approved, you’re ready to begin your new life in Spain! However, there are several important steps to take upon receiving your visa to formalise your residency and ensure compliance with Spanish regulations.
The non-lucrative visa is initially issued as a 90-day visa, allowing you to enter Spain and begin the residency process. You must relocate to Spain within this three-month period, as the visa expires if not used within this time frame.
Once you arrive in Spain, your next important step is to apply for the Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) — your official residency card. This document confirms your legal status in Spain and is essential for everyday tasks such as opening a bank account, signing rental agreements, and accessing healthcare.
You must apply for your TIE within 30 days of entering Spain on your visa. Failing to meet this deadline may result in complications with your residency status.
Here’s how to apply for your TIE:
You must schedule an appointment at your local immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) or police station that handles foreign resident applications. This can be done online through the official Spanish government website. Due to high demand in some areas, it’s advisable to book your slot as early as possible.
Before attending your appointment, ensure you have the following:
During the appointment, your fingerprints and biometric data will be taken, and your documents will be reviewed. Once everything is verified, you’ll receive a receipt confirming that your TIE is being processed.
The TIE is initially valid for 12 months, after which you must renew it before it expires.
Applying for your TIE is a straightforward but essential step in establishing your residency in Spain. Make sure to complete the process within 30 days of arrival to avoid any legal complications.
Renewing your non-lucrative visa is an essential part of maintaining your residency in Spain. The renewal process is straightforward but requires careful preparation and timely action to ensure your residency remains valid. Here’s what you need to know:
Your initial non-lucrative visa is valid for 12 months. Before it expires, you must apply for a renewal to extend your stay. The first renewal grants you a 2-year residency permit, provided you continue to meet the requirements.
At the end of your first renewal (year three), you’ll need to apply for a second renewal. This will extend your residency for another 2 years. The process and requirements are similar to the first renewal, and you must continue to meet the financial and health insurance criteria.
Once you’ve legally resided in Spain for 5 consecutive years, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency. A permanent residency permit is valid for 10 years and comes with the added benefit of fewer renewal requirements. While you still won’t be allowed to work on a non-lucrative visa, permanent residency offers greater stability for long-term residents.
Applying for a non-lucrative visa for Spain can be a complex process, and many applicants encounter common challenges along the way. Understanding these potential obstacles and how to address them can save time and frustration while improving the likelihood of a successful application.
By addressing these challenges proactively, you can minimise delays and reduce the likelihood of problems with your application. Proper planning and working with experienced professionals — such as sworn translators or FCDO-registered doctors — can make the process much smoother.
While the majority of non-lucrative visa applications are approved, rejections can occur if certain requirements are not met. Understanding the common reasons for rejection and how to handle them can help you navigate this process with confidence.
If your application is denied, the consulate will provide a written explanation outlining the reasons for the rejection. This clarity allows you to address the specific issues and take corrective action.
In most cases, you have 30 days to appeal the decision. During this period, you can gather any missing documents, rectify errors, or submit additional evidence as needed. Appeals should be submitted directly to the consulate or as instructed in the rejection letter.
Although rejection is rare when applications are properly prepared, it’s essential to remain diligent and thorough throughout the process. If you encounter any issues, appealing promptly and addressing the consulate’s concerns can often lead to a successful outcome.
Applying for a Spanish non-lucrative visa can feel overwhelming, with multiple documents to gather, translations to arrange, and legalisations to complete. At Wilmer Health, we take the stress out of the process by offering a convenient, all-in-one visa support service that ensures your documents meet Spanish consulate requirements — quickly and efficiently.
Instead of navigating multiple services, let us handle everything for you. Here’s how we can help:
Getting a visa medical certificate in the UK can be frustrating, especially when trying to find a doctor who is FCDO-registered. With Wilmer Health, you can rest easy. We provide:
No need to chase after doctors, translators, or legalisation offices — we take care of it all.
Obtaining an ACRO Police Certificate is another important step in your visa application. However, it also requires an Apostille legalisation and a sworn translation into Spanish before it’s accepted by the consulate.
With Wilmer Health, we handle the entire process for you:
This saves you time and effort while ensuring your documents meet all legal requirements.
If you are including a spouse or dependent children in your application, you’ll need up-to-date birth and marriage certificates that have been apostilled and translated. Instead of dealing with government offices and complex paperwork, let us take care of it for you:
This ensures your dependent-related paperwork is correct, avoiding delays or rejections.
One of the key requirements for a non-lucrative visa is private health insurance that meets strict Spanish government standards — no co-payments or deductibles, full coverage, and recognition in Spain.
Through our exclusive partnership with ASSSA Health Insurance, we can help you:
Applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain may seem complex, but with the right preparation, it can be a smooth and straightforward process. By ensuring that you have all the required documents — properly translated and legalised — you can avoid delays and increase the chances of a successful application.
Whether you’re planning to retire, study, or enjoy an extended stay in Spain, the non-lucrative visa provides the perfect opportunity to experience the country’s culture, lifestyle, and sunny climate. If you need assistance with obtaining and preparing your essential documents, we’re here to help with Spanish visa medical certificates, ACRO police checks, birth and marriage certificates, apostille legalisation, and Spanish private health insurance for visa purposes.
Spain is waiting — start your journey today with confidence!
Same-day medical certificates and doctor’s letters, all from the comfort of your home — quick, easy, and hassle-free.
hello@wilmerhealth.com
All certificate requests submitted before 9pm (BST) are issued the same day.
