Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) for Americans
Last verified: September 6, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 4–12 weeks
- Government fee
- about $150
- Start preparing
- about 6 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 12
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Not required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 4–12 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
The passive-income route, popular with American retirees and people living on investments. You need EUR 2,400 a month — 400% of the IPREM — plus EUR 600 for each family member. Because Spain passed no national budget for 2026 the IPREM rolled over unchanged, so unlike the digital nomad visa this threshold did not rise, making the NLV comparatively more accessible this year. The catch is absolute and frequently misunderstood: the NLV prohibits all work, including remote work for a US employer. If you intend to keep working you need the digital nomad visa instead, and getting this wrong can mean losing your residency. It does count toward permanent residence after five years and citizenship after ten.
This page covers Americans. For every nationality we track, see the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) overview.
Requirements for Americans
| Minimum annual income | $32,000/year |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | No |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | Yes |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 4–12 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $150. Difficulty: 2/5.
Documents you'll need
- Confirm you will genuinely not workThe NLV prohibits all work, including remote work for a US employer.
- Confirm your passive income meets the thresholdEUR 2,400 a month for the main applicant in 2026 (400% of IPREM), plus EUR 600 per family member.
- Assemble twelve months of income and asset evidencePension statements, investment income, rental income or bank balances covering twelve months.
- Obtain an FBI background check and apostille itFBI Identity History Summary plus State Department apostille, valid roughly six months.
- Complete a medical certificateFrom a licensed physician, confirming no diseases of public health concern under the IHR.
- Arrange private Spanish health insuranceFull coverage from an insurer authorised in Spain, no copays or waiting periods, valid for a full year.
- Get all documents sworn-translatedEvery non-Spanish document needs translation by a sworn (jurado) translator.
- Apply in person at your consulateSubmitted in person at the Spanish consulate covering your US state.
- Collect the visa and enter Spain within 90 daysYou must collect the visa in person and enter within the visa validity.
- Obtain your NIE, empadronamiento and TIEForeigner number, town hall registration, then the residence card via a fingerprint appointment.
- Plan your tax position before year one endsAfter 183 days you are a Spanish tax resident on worldwide income; the Beckham Law does not apply.
- Renew and build toward permanent residenceThe initial permit is one year, then renewable for two-year periods.
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 (NLV) 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 (NLV) right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) take for Americans?
- Typical processing time is 4–12 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) cost?
- The government fee is approximately $150. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Americans need a job offer for the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)?
- No. The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) does not require a job offer from a Spain employer.
- Can I bring my family on the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
- What is the income requirement for the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) for Americans?
- The minimum income is about $32,000 a year, roughly $2,667 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 Americans
Other destinations for Americans
Spain visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.