Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) for Americans
Last verified: September 6, 2026
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.
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 work
- Confirm your passive income meets the threshold
- Assemble twelve months of income and asset evidence
- Obtain an FBI background check and apostille it
- Complete a medical certificate
- Arrange private Spanish health insurance
- Get all documents sworn-translated
- Apply in person at your consulate
- Collect the visa and enter Spain within 90 days
- Obtain your NIE, empadronamiento and TIE
- Plan your tax position before year one ends
- Renew and build toward permanent residence
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
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.
Other Spain visas for Americans
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Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.