Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

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Your passport must have at least 1 year of validity remaining, at least 2 blank visa pages, and must not have been issued more than 10 years ago.

One recent passport-style photo: color, matte/glossy paper, white background, neutral expression, no dark or reflective glasses.

Complete and sign Spain's National Visa Application form. The exact PDF is published by each consulate; download the version for the consulate covering your country of residence.

Complete and sign the EX-01 form requesting initial authorization for non-lucrative temporary residence under RD 1155/2024. Original plus one photocopy for the consulate.

Print and complete Tasa 790, code 052 — selecting 'Autorización inicial de Residencia Temporal'. Pay at a Spanish collaborating bank or via the Sede Electrónica. Bring the stamped proof of payment to the consular appointment.

A notarized letter in Spanish (or with sworn Spanish translation) covering your professional background, reasons for moving to Spain, planned duration, commitment to not engaging in any labor or professional activity in Spain, and the address you'll occupy for your first 3 months.

The last 3 months of bank statements from every personal account. Translation is not required for the statements themselves.

An official certificate from each bank showing institution details, account identification, opening date, balance as of 31 December of the prior year, and 12-month average balance. Each must be accompanied by a sworn (jurada) Spanish translation.

If you're relying on periodic income to meet the means test, attach documents showing the source and continuation for the next 12 months: pension award letters, dividend distribution statements, rental contracts, royalty statements. Each with sworn Spanish translation.

Copy of your most recent tax return as filed in your country of residence. Translation is not required for the return itself.

Police certificate from your country of citizenship, issued within the last 6 months. Apostilled per the Hague Convention (or legalized via the Spanish consulate if from a non-Hague country). Sworn Spanish translation of certificate + apostille required. US applicants: FBI check only (state/local not accepted), apostille on the FBI signature.

If you've lived in any country other than your country of citizenship for more than 6 months (180+ days) during the past 5 years, you need a police certificate from that country too. Each apostilled and sworn-translated into Spanish. EU-issued checks do not require apostille; non-Hague countries require Spanish consular legalization.

Certificate on hospital/clinic letterhead, signed by a doctor (not a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant), with license number and clinic stamp, attesting you do not suffer from any disease that could cause serious repercussions for public health pursuant to the 2005 International Health Regulations. Issued within 90 days of submission. Sworn Spanish translation required.

Private health insurance from an insurer authorized to operate in Spain, covering all risks insured by Spain's public health system, with no copayments and no waiting periods. Standard travel insurance is not accepted. Provide the original policy plus sworn Spanish translation if not natively in Spanish.

Either a Spanish-language lease agreement signed by both parties (minimum 3 months) or a property deed / Spanish land-registry certificate (certificación registral). Spanish-language documents preferred.

Pay the consular visa fee at the consulate. Amount varies by reciprocity treaty: ~$140 US, ~$691 UK, ~$789 Canada, €80 standard EU consular rate. Confirm with your consulate before the appointment.

Book the appointment at the Spanish consulate (or BLS intake centre where used). Submit originals of every document, complete fingerprints if requested, and sign the consular disclaimer form. Family applications are typically submitted in person by every applicant including minors.

Once approved, the consulate stamps a 3-month entry visa in your passport. Book your flight to Spain within that window — your 1-year authorization begins counting from entry.

The NIE is assigned automatically with the visa stamping. Confirm and record the NIE on arrival — you'll need it for the padrón, TIE booking, and any Spanish administrative interaction.

Visit your local ayuntamiento (city hall) and register at the padrón municipal — Spain's local registry of residents. You'll need your NIE, passport, and proof of address (lease or property deed). The certificado de empadronamiento is required for the TIE appointment.

Schedule a cita previa for the TIE at your local Policía Nacional Oficina de Extranjería. The appointment must take place within the 1-month window from entry into Spain.

Attend the Policía Nacional appointment with originals: passport with entry visa, NIE, padrón certificate, EX-17 form, proof of paid Tasa 790-012 (TIE card fee, ~€16–17), and a recent passport photo. Provide fingerprints.

Pick up your physical TIE card from the Oficina de Extranjería 30–45 days after biometrics. You're a legal Spanish resident.

RD 1155/2024 introduced an explicit physical-presence requirement: you must reside in Spain in a real and effective manner for more than 183 days during the calendar year, or your renewal will be denied. Treat NLV as primary residence, not a back-pocket option.