Guides
Guides for the Non-Lucrative Visa
For Americans who will live in Spain without working: retirees, people living on savings, a pension or investments. The money test, the papers consulates ask for, and the renewal that needs you in Spain most of the year. The Non-Lucrative Visa guide puts it all in one place.
Retiring in Spain from the U.S.: the Visa, the Money, the First Year
The Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees: how much money, Social Security from Spain, why Medicare is not enough, taxes in brief and the first year.
How Much Money You Need for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa, and How to Prove It
€28,800 a year for one person in 2026, €7,200 per family member. What counts, the bank letter consulates want, and why you prepare in euros.
The Bank Letter for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa, With Wording to Bring
Opening date, 12-month average and 31 December balance, signed on letterhead. Sample wording for your branch, timing and the sworn translation.
Health Insurance for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa: What Consulates Accept
An insurer authorised in Spain, full cover, no copays, no waiting periods. What the certificate must say, what gets refused and when to buy.
The Medical Certificate for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa: Wording and Timing
The exact International Health Regulations 2005 wording, who can sign it, the three-month clock and the sworn translation.
Can You Work Remotely on Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa?
No, and it usually surfaces at renewal or in your tax return. What counts as work, what does not, and the visa built for remote workers.
Why Non-Lucrative Visa Applications Get Refused, and How to Avoid It
Means read in euros, recent deposits, signs of work, the wrong FBI apostille, stale papers, insurance and translations: the ten avoidable refusals.
How Long Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa Takes, Consulate by Consulate
The appointment, the one-month decision and the pickup. What silence means, what each consulate is known for and a realistic calendar.
Renewing Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa: the 183 Days and the Two-Year Means
The renewal is filed in Spain, lasts two years and needs more than 183 days a year in the country. Figures, documents and deadlines.
From the Non-Lucrative Visa to Long-Term Residence and Citizenship
Two renewals to five years, long-term residence and its absence limits, then ten years, the DELE, the CCSE and the U.S. passport question.
Spain Ended the Golden Visa. What Americans Use Instead
No new golden visas since 3 April 2025. The Non-Lucrative Visa for savings and pensions, the Digital Nomad Visa for remote work, and what your property still does.