Spain Non-Lucrative Visa for British citizens
Last verified: August 31, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 8–16 weeks
- Government fee
- about $655
- Start preparing
- about 6 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 7
- Need an apostille
- 1 document
- Need a translation
- 3 documents
- Job offer
- Not required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 8–16 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
For those living on passive income or savings: 400% of IPREM = €28,800/year (unchanged since 2023), plus €7,200/year per dependent. No work allowed in Spain — including remote work for foreign employers. UK consular fee £516 plus a small BLS service charge.
This page covers British citizens. For every nationality we track, see the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) overview.
Requirements for British citizens
| Minimum annual income | $33,400/year |
| Minimum savings | $33,400 |
| Job offer required | No |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 8–16 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $655. Difficulty: 3/5.
Documents you'll need
- Proof of funds: ~€28,800/year (400% IPREM)Bank statements or pension letters, plus 100% IPREM per family member.
- ACRO police certificate (apostilled)Valid for 90 days.
- Medical certificateA GP letter confirming no diseases of public-health concern, in specific Spanish wording.
- Private health insurance (full coverage)Spanish-authorized insurer, no copayments.
- Consulate appointment & national visa formBook via BLS International; the consular fee is £516 plus about £15 BLS service charge.
- Collect visa & enter Spain within 90 daysVisa is stamped in the passport; entry starts the residence clock.
- Get your TIE card & register (empadronamiento)Registration must be done within 30 days of arrival.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The Non-Lucrative Visa takes about 6 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the Non-Lucrative Visa right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa take for British citizens?
- Typical processing time is 8–16 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Non-Lucrative Visa cost?
- The government fee is approximately $655. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do British citizens need a job offer for the Non-Lucrative Visa?
- No. The Non-Lucrative Visa does not require a job offer from a Spain employer.
- Can I bring my family on the Non-Lucrative Visa?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
- What is the income requirement for the Non-Lucrative Visa for British citizens?
- The minimum income is about $33,400 a year, roughly $2,783 a month, expressed in US dollars. The official threshold is set in local currency and moves with exchange rates, so confirm the current figure with the official source.
Other Spain visas for British citizens
Spain visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.