A retired couple enjoying life in Spain
Back to Spain

Non-Lucrative Visa.

Live in Spain on passive income or savings, without working locally.

Who it’s for.

About the Non-Lucrative Visa

Live in Spain on sufficient financial means - pensions, investments or savings - without working locally. A popular route for retirees and the financially independent, with a path to long-term residence.

Who’s eligible

Retirees and the financially independent who can support themselves in Spain without working.

What you can do

  • Live in Spain as a legal resident
  • Travel freely across the Schengen area
  • Bring your spouse and dependent children with you
  • Enjoy Spain's lifestyle on your own means - no job required
  • Renew and build toward long-term residence in 5 years
  • Work toward Spanish citizenship in 10 years (2 for Ibero-American nationals)

Key facts & documents.

Our approval rate98%+
Typical duration2–4 months
ComplexityMedium
Means guideline
From €2,400 / mo
Pathway
5 yrs → residence · 10 yrs → citizenship

Documents required

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of sufficient means (~400% of IPREM, around €2,400/month)
  • Full private health insurance with a Spanish insurer
  • Criminal background certificate (apostilled)
  • Medical certificate
  • Proof of accommodation in Spain
How it works

A clear, guided process.

Six simple steps from first call to fully settled, so you always know what's next.

  1. Two ways to start

    ⏱️ ~2 min

    Get an instant proposal

    Answer a few questions about your situation and we build your personalised proposal from your answers, emailed to you and ready to sign online.

    Take the eligibility test
    ⏱️ 15 min

    Book a free call

    A free 15-minute call with a relocation specialist to go through your options together, no pressure.

    Schedule my call
  2. Get your plan

    🗺️ Within days

    Your dedicated case manager maps out the steps, documents and timeline, tailored to your situation.

  3. We handle it

    ⚙️ We drive it

    We do the legwork and coordinate every party, keeping you updated in your client app at each stage.

  4. Your secure client app

    🔒 Anytime

    Access our app to exchange information and documents safely, with all the security required at every step.

  5. We meet you there

    🤝 On arrival

    Once you arrive, your case manager meets you in person in your destination country, to welcome you and help you find your feet.

  6. You're settled

    🎉 Move complete

    You arrive ready to live, not just survive, with the essentials in place and us a message away.

What’s included.

Everything we take care of for you with your Non-Lucrative Visa.

Dedicated case manager

Your dedicated expert guides you through the entire process: always available, keeping you informed and handling every relocation task with you, hand in hand.

  • Single point of contact
  • Start to finish
  • Personal follow-up

Do it with Viv, not alone.

The same move, two very different experiences.

On your own
With Viv Europe

Coordination

Chase agencies, lawyers and translators
One case manager coordinates everyone

Paperwork

Decode the rules in another language
Lawyer-reviewed docs, plain-language guidance

Appointments

Book and attend every one yourself
We book for you, stay relaxed

Approval odds

Hope you got it right, risk refusal
98%+ success, denial covered at no extra cost

Getting set up

Piece together NIF, bank and housing solo
All set up, tracked in one client app
Real Stories

Clients who made the move with us

United StatesDarrel FroelichApr 14, 2026

Viv Europe assisted my wife and I apply for a D7 Portuguese visa and residence cards. They were extremely helpful in every step of the process. I would recommend them to anyone.

United StatesAnselm A.Jan 20, 2026

Viv Europe exceeded my expectations with their professionalism, clarity, and genuine care. It's rare to find a company that combines expertise with such honesty and warmth.

United KingdomLaurenJan 6, 2026

They have gone above and beyond to assist me with my relocation process to Portugal. Their communication is fantastic, their service is friendly and professional, and they are extremely helpful and supportive.

United StatesPamela B.Dec 10, 2025

The team at Viv Europe are extremely helpful and knowledgeable. I have already recommended them to several people. I couldn't have successfully completed the Digital Nomad visa process without the assistance of Viv Europe.

United StatesMike W.Nov 27, 2025

I feel very lucky that I had their help and guidance as I applied for my D7 visa. You definitely need this team on your side!

United StatesEllen LeonardNov 15, 2025

They made me feel secure in a process that feels completely out of your control. Because of them we now have our D7 Visa for Portugal, a bank account and NIF, and an apartment with working utilities.

United StatesNa'omi MclovenOct 24, 2025

The consulate didn't have a single follow-up question for us, which is a testament to Viv Europe's knowledge of this process.

JapanShintaro NishiharaOct 17, 2025

Moving to Portugal was a big step for me and my family, but Viv Europe made it so much easier. I could focus on settling in without the overwhelming stress of navigating a new country's bureaucracy.

EgyptAhmed MashhourFeb 25, 2025

They genuinely cared about making the experience as stress-free as possible. Viveurope's combination of professionalism, transparency, legal expertise, and personal support is second to none.

CanadaKenneth ColeJul 17, 2024

I am now a permanent resident of the country I had selected as my new home, Portugal, coming from Canada. The Viv Europe team is clearly very knowledgeable as well as experienced.

Why Viv Europe

We treat your move
like it's the only one.

Expert guidance with a personal, human-centered approach, so you navigate the whole process feeling supported every step of the way.

  • Personal & Digital Approach

    A dedicated representative plus a 24/7 client portal, a human touch backed by technology.

  • Pay Per Progression

    You only pay as we advance through each stage, so you see value before any payment.

  • 8 Years of Expertise

    Immigration experience and deep knowledge of local regulations.

  • 98%+ Success Rate

    We handle any denials at no extra cost, appealing or restarting as needed.

  • Everything in one app

    Your messages, documents and updates all live in your client app, so there are no emails to chase.

FAQ

Common questions.

How much income do I need?

The reference is 400% of Spain's IPREM for the main applicant (around €2,400/month), plus an extra amount per dependent. Confirm the current IPREM with the consulate when you apply.

Can I work on the NLV?

No - the Non-Lucrative Visa doesn't permit gainful activity in Spain, including remote work. If you need to work remotely, the Digital Nomad Visa is the right route.

Does it lead to permanent residence?

Yes. After an initial year and 2+2-year renewals, you can apply for permanent residence at 5 years, and citizenship at 10 (2 for Ibero-American nationals).

Do I need private health insurance for the NLV?

Yes. You must hold full private health coverage with a provider authorised in Spain - no co-payments and equivalent to the public system. We help you arrange a compliant policy.

Can my family come with me?

Yes. Your spouse or registered partner and dependent children can be included, with a higher means requirement for each additional family member.

How much time do I need to spend in Spain?

The NLV is for living in Spain, so you should spend more than 183 days a year in the country to renew it and keep it valid - it's not a part-time residence.

Does the NLV lead to Spanish citizenship?

Yes. After five years of legal residence you can apply for long-term residence, and after ten years for citizenship (just two years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea or Portugal).

Do I need to speak Spanish?

Not for the visa itself. Basic Spanish (and a citizenship/culture test) only becomes relevant later, if you decide to apply for Spanish nationality.

Ready when you are.

Book a free 15-minute call and we'll map out exactly how this works for you.