Why Spain?
Live in Spain without working — The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa is ideal for those who want to live in Spain without working—while enjoying one of the fastest paths to citizenship for Latin American nationals.
LatAm Citizens — Become eligible for Spanish citizenship in just 2 years.
Non-LatAm Citizens — Enjoy long-term residence with eligibility for permanent residency after 5 years and citizenship after 10.
The Process
Step 1: Apply for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa
Apply at a consulate in the country where you have legal residence.
Step 2: Renew Your Residence in Spain
Renew your residence in Spain before the end of year 1. This renewal is valid for 4 additional years. No need to return to your home country — all renewals and applications are handled from within Spain.
Step 3: Apply for Spanish Citizenship
Apply for Spanish citizenship based on your nationality pathway.
- LatAm Citizens: Apply for Spanish citizenship at the start of year 3
- All Other Nationalities: Apply for permanent residency at the end of year 4 and for citizenship at the beginning of year 10
Requirements
Completed national visa application form — Required for submission
Completed EX-01 form — Required for submission
Recent passport-size photograph — Must be recent
Valid passport — Copy of all relevant pages required
Proof of financial means — Approximately €30,000
Spanish private health insurance — No co-pays or deductibles; must be a Spanish policy
Long-term rental contract — Must be a rental contract in Spain
Criminal record clearance — From your country of residence
Medical certificate — Stating you are free of contagious diseases
Proof of residence in the consular district — Required for consulate submission
Payment of the consular fee — Form 790, Code 052
What's Not Included
Government fees paid at the consulate — Varies by nationality
Fee for NIE application — Paid separately at time of application
Timeline
| Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Enter Spain after visa approval | Within 90 days |
| Apply for NIE after arrival | Within 30 days |
| First renewal (valid 4 years) | Before end of year 1 |
| LatAm: Citizenship eligible | Start of year 3 |
| Non-LatAm: Permanent residency eligible | End of year 4 / year 5 |
| Non-LatAm: Citizenship eligible | Start of year 10 |
Important Notes
Entry requirement — You must enter Spain within 90 days of visa approval.
Apply for your NIE — Obtain your Spanish foreigner ID and tax number within 30 days of arrival.
Time in Spain matters — You are expected to spend at least 6 months per year in Spain to maintain eligibility for renewal and citizenship.
First renewal is for 4 years — No need to reapply from your home country.