Darrel FroelichApr 14, 2026“Viv Europe helped my wife and I apply for a D7 Portuguese visa and residence cards. They were extremely helpful at every step. I'd recommend them to anyone.”
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.
Two ways to start
⏱️ ~2 minGet 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 minBook a free call
A free 15-minute call with a relocation specialist to go through your options together, no pressure.
Schedule my callGet your plan
🗺️ Within daysYour dedicated case manager maps out the steps, documents and timeline, tailored to your situation.
We handle it
⚙️ We drive itWe do the legwork and coordinate every party, keeping you updated in your client app at each stage.
Your secure client app
🔒 AnytimeAccess our app to exchange information and documents safely, with all the security required at every step.
We meet you there
🤝 On arrivalOnce you arrive, your case manager meets you in person in your destination country, to welcome you and help you find your feet.
You're settled
🎉 Move completeYou 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
Paperwork
Appointments
Approval odds
Getting set up
Real Stories
Clients who made the move with us
Darrel FroelichApr 14, 2026Ellen LeonardFeb 02, 2026“They made me feel secure in a process that feels completely out of your control. We now have our D7 Visa, a bank account, NIF, and an apartment with working utilities.”
Kenneth ColeNov 18, 2025“I'm now a permanent resident of Portugal, coming from Canada. The Viv Europe team is clearly very knowledgeable as well as experienced.”
Olivia HughesMar 09, 2026“From the first call to collecting our residence cards, every stage was clear and on time. Moving from the UK felt genuinely manageable.”
Lucas AlmeidaJan 27, 2026“They handled my NIF, bank account and D7 application without a single hiccup. I always knew exactly what the next step was.”
Sophie BauerDec 03, 2025“Professional, responsive and genuinely caring. Viv Europe turned a daunting bureaucratic process into something I could actually enjoy.”
Why Viv EuropeWe treat your move
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.