Spanish non-lucrative residence: handled directly by a local law firm, with no intermediary mark-up.

This visa/residence route is mainly intended for applicants who can demonstrate sufficient financial means and lawful sources of funds, allowing them to reside in Spain without carrying out gainful work or professional activities. It does not permit employment in Spain. After one year, the holder may seek authorization to work or start a business by converting to self-employed residence.

Processing time: approval is generally issued within 2–4 months from submission, and entry into Spain may usually be arranged within approximately 6 months.

Non-lucrative residence does not require purchasing property, starting a business or making an investment. It is currently one of the most cost-effective routes for an entire family to relocate to a major European country. After holding residence for 5 years and meeting the requirements, an applicant may apply for Spanish long-term residence; after 10 years and upon meeting the nationality requirements, naturalization may be requested.

 

Document checklist for Spanish non-lucrative residence:

1. Visa application form

2. Completed and signed EX-01 form

3. Passport photo and passport。The passport must be valid for at least one year，and have at least two blank pages。

4. Household register，original, copy and translation。

5. Medical certificate（translation and legalized/certified copy）

6. Proof of financial means，bank statements for the past 12 months（original and translation）

7. Other proof of financial capacity，（deposits, real estate and lease agreements，original, copy and translation）

8. Criminal record certificate

9. Proof of accommodation

10. Spanish insurance certificate（original）

Additional supporting documents may be required depending on the applicant’s circumstances and will be confirmed during handling.

 

Once the non-lucrative visa is approved, the applicant is generally issued a 90-day type D visa. During this period, the applicant completes accommodation arrangements, fingerprinting and residence-card procedures in Spain. This process takes approximately 45 days; after fingerprinting, it usually takes about 30–40 days to collect the one-year temporary residence card.