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Visa-Free Countries
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Thinking about starting a new life in Spain? Citizenmatch is here to make your journey smooth and stress-free. We specialize in helping people like you find the best immigration options for Spain, including the popular Non-Lucrative Visa, which allows you to live in Spain without the need to work. With Citizenmatch, you get expert advice, personalized support, and up-to-date information on visas, residency, and citizenship. Whether you’re drawn to Spain’s sunny beaches, vibrant cities, or welcoming culture, Citizenmatch is your trusted partner for a fresh start. Discover how easy and rewarding moving to Spain can be—with Citizenmatch by your side.
Long-Term Residency
Min Investment Amount (€)
Open to All
If you are longing for a cost-effective life in a diverse country, immigration to the fascinating country of Spain and obtaining its citizenship will make your dreams a reality.
| Age | Visa fees in Euro |
|---|---|
| Adults above 12 years | 90 Euro |
| Children between 6-12 years | 90 Euro |
| Under 6 years old | 90 Euro |
| Service Fee | 15.00 Euro |
The Non-Lucrative Visa is designed for non-EU nationals who want to live in Spain without working or running a business. To qualify, applicants must meet the following requirements:
If you are a non-EU citizen seeking to reside in Spain without working, the Non-Lucrative Visa is your pathway to long-term Spanish residency. Here’s a comprehensive, expert-backed guide to the application process, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compliance with the latest official requirements.
Before starting your application, collect all required documents:
1- Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least one year.
2- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Demonstrate a minimum income of €2,400 per month (or €28,800 per year) for the main applicant. Additional funds are required for each dependent.
3- Private Health Insurance: Fully comprehensive, valid in Spain.
4- Medical Certificate: Certifying you do not have diseases that could pose a threat to public health.
5- Criminal Background Check: From your country of residence, covering the past five years.
All documents issued outside Spain must be officially translated into Spanish and either apostilled or legalized as required. This ensures your application meets Spanish legal standards and avoids unnecessary delays.
Schedule your visa interview with the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country. Appointments are often made online through the consulate’s official website or by contacting them directly. Booking early is essential, as appointment slots can fill quickly, especially during peak application periods.
Attend your scheduled interview in person. Bring all original documents, along with copies and official Spanish translations. Consular staff may ask questions about your financial means, background, and reasons for relocating to Spain. Be prepared to clearly explain your intentions and provide supporting evidence.
Upon visa approval, you can move to Spain. Within 30 days of arrival, you must:
1- Register your address at the local town hall (empadronamiento).
2- Apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, TIE) at the nearest police station.
This step is crucial for legal residency and access to public services in Spain.
Pay the required visa processing fee at the consulate. The fee amount varies by nationality and must be paid as instructed by the consulate (often in local currency or via bank transfer). Retain your payment receipt, as it is part of your application package.
After your interview, your application will be processed. The typical processing time for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is between 1 and 3 months. During this period, the consulate may request additional documentation or clarification. You will be notified once a decision is made.
As of April 2025, Spain has ended its Golden Visa program, which previously allowed individuals to gain residency by making significant investments in real estate. However, other investment options such as capital investments in startups, Spanish businesses, and government bonds remain available for individuals seeking residency.
To qualify for residency under Spain’s investment programs, applicants must meet various criteria depending on the type of investment:
Yes, there are several investment routes available, and each has a different financial requirement:
Yes, under Spain’s investment visa programs, you can include family members such as your spouse, children, and, sometimes, dependent parents or siblings. Each dependent must meet specific requirements, including providing evidence of financial support.
The processing time for Spain’s investment-based residency applications can vary, but typically takes 2 to 6 months. The length of time depends on factors such as the type of investment, the complexity of the application, and the specific consulate or immigration office processing the case.
To apply for Spanish citizenship by naturalization, applicants must meet the following criteria:
While Spain has competitive tax rates for residents, those holding investment visas or residency may also benefit from Spain’s Beckham Law, which allows certain foreign workers to be taxed flat on income generated from Spanish sources. This can help investors and entrepreneurs, as they may be able to reduce their tax liability in Spain, particularly during the early years of residency.
Spain typically does not allow dual citizenship, except for nationals of Ibero-American countries and in specific circumstances. However, Spain does allow multiple residencies and permits investors to retain citizenship from their home country while residing in Spain.
Failure to meet visa requirements or renewing your residency could result in visa revocation or non-renewal. This may lead to the applicant losing their right to reside in Spain. Complying with all residency obligations and meeting the financial and legal criteria for maintaining your residency status is essential.
You could sell the property if you were granted residency through an investment involving property, such as the previous Golden Visa (now closed). Still, your residency status could be impacted depending on the rules in effect at the time. Those opting for business investments or government bonds must maintain the investment for a minimum period, often 5 years.
While the standard time frame for citizenship is 10 years of legal residency, investors and certain individuals from specific countries may be eligible for expedited naturalization under exceptional circumstances, such as having strong ties to Spain or economic contributions that significantly impact the country.
Compare the different programs in a nutshell and discover their features
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