Visa Requirements For Living in Spain as a Non-EU Citizen in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide for British and Americans

Visa requirements for living in Spain as a Non-EU Citizen in 2025:

We will explain each visa option clearly and factually.

Different Visa Options:

1. Non-Lucrative Visa

2. Digital Nomad Visa

3. Family Reunification Visa

4. Student Visa

   
   

Spain remains a top-tier destination for non-EU citizens, whether your retiring or not, especially Britons (post-Brexit), Americans, Canadians, and others drawn to its Mediterranean lifestyle. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, world-class healthcare, and a rich cultural fabric, Spain offers retirees an exceptional quality of life.

However, as of 2025, visa requirements for living in Spain permanently as a non-EU national requires careful planning and legal compliance. The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) has become the primary residency path for retirees not seeking employment in Spain.

Why Move to Spain?

• Mild Mediterranean climate with sunshine year-round

• Lower cost of living than many parts of the US and UK

• Access to excellent healthcare both public and private

• Cultural richness, from tapas to flamenco to historic cities

• Well-integrated expat communities, especially along the Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol, and Balearic Islands

• Safe, relaxed lifestyle with a strong focus on family and wellbeing

Option 1. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

Aimed at Retirement for Non-EU Citizens in 2025

1. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) – The Preferred Route for Retirees

The Non-Lucrative Visa is the most suitable option for non-EU citizens looking to retire in Spain without engaging in paid work or business activities.

NLV Requirements in 2025:

• ✅ Financial means:

  • Minimum annual income of €30,000 for a single applicant

  • Add €7,200 per year for each dependent

  • Acceptable sources: pensions, savings, annuities, or passive rental income

• ✅ Private health insurance:

  • Must be from a Spanish provider

  • Should offer full coverage and the policy must have "no co-payments" option

• ✅ Clean criminal background check

  • Typically from your country of origin and any country lived in during the last 5 years

• ✅ Proof of accommodation in Spain

  • Deed of ownership or a long-term rental agreement, of 12 months

• ✅ Stay requirements:

  • Must reside in Spain for at least 183 days/year

  • Cannot work or run a business in Spain

• Visa duration & renewals:

  • Initial approval for 1 year

  • First renewal: 2 years

  • Second renewal: 2 more years

  • After 5 years: Eligible for permanent residency

Note: Spouses and dependent children can be included on the same visa application if financial requirements are met.

Annual income requirements for non-lucrative visa 2025Golden Visa – No Longer Available as of April 2025

The Golden Visa, previously available for property investors spending €500,000+, was discontinued in April 2025. Retirees must now consider the NLV or other legal routes.

Option 2. Digital Nomad Visa

Digital Nomad Visa (new for 2024–2025) While not designed for retirees, this visa may suit semi-retired individuals with remote income from outside Spain. Strict tax and employment conditions apply.

Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa (Visado para Teletrabajadores Internacionales) is part of the Startup Act (Ley de Startups), designed to attract remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs from outside the EU/EEA. By 2025, it has become a popular residency option for non-EU citizens with foreign-sourced income who want to live in Spain while continuing to work for companies or clients based abroad.

Key Features (2025)

• Live in Spain while working remotely for a foreign employer or clients

• Stay up to 5 years (initially granted for 1–3 years, renewable)

• Access to public healthcare (via social security contributions or private insurance)

• Fast-track residency card (TIE) process upon arrival

• Eligible for permanent residency after 5 years

• Tax incentives for eligible applicants (see below)

Eligibility Requirements (2025)

To apply for the Spanish Digital Nomad Visa, you must:

✅ Be a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen

This visa is specifically for third-country nationals.

✅ Work remotely

• Be employed or self-employed with clients or a company located outside Spain.

• If you work for a foreign employer, no more than 20% of your income may come from Spanish clients.

✅ Prove income stability

• Minimum income requirement: ~€2,650/month or €32,000/year (for one person).

• Add ~€9,600/year for a spouse and ~€3,600/year per child.

Income can come from:

• Remote employment contracts (min. 3 months old)

• Freelance/consulting work (long-term clients)

• A mix of both

✅ Professional experience or degree

You must meet one of the following:

• Hold a university degree, or

• Have at least 3 years of relevant work experience

✅ No criminal record

• Background checks required from your country of residence and past countries lived in during the last 5 years

✅ Full health insurance coverage

• Private Spanish health insurance or enrollment in Spain’s Social Security system (if paying autónomo contributions)

Application Process

You can apply either from abroad (at a Spanish consulate) or within Spain if you’re already on a tourist visa or Schengen stay:

From Abroad:

• Apply at your local Spanish consulate

• Initial visa issued for 1 year

• Once in Spain, apply for the TIE (residence card)

From Within Spain:

• Apply within the first 90 days of your stay as a tourist

• You will be granted a 3-year residence permit

• Renewal for 2 more years, then eligible for permanent residency

Tax Benefits (Beckham Law Regime)

Digital nomads under this visa can apply for Spain’s special expat tax regime, often called the “Beckham Law”, which allows:

• Flat 24% income tax rate on earnings up to €600,000/year (instead of progressive rates up to 47%)

• Valid for 6 years

• Must apply within 6 months of your move to Spain

Option 3. Family Reunification Visa

Although the Non-Lucrative Visa is the primary option for retirees, the following pathways may apply in certain cases:

• Visado de Reagrupación Familiar (Family Reunification Visa)If you have a close family member legally residing in Spain, you may apply for family reunification after they meet certain residency thresholds.

Family Members

You can include spouse and dependent children under your application (called “family reunification”), provided you meet additional income thresholds.

Digital Nomad Visa vs. Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

Option 4. Student Visa

Student Visa (for retirees seeking academic or language programs)Not a retirement visa, but it allows temporary residence if you plan to attend long-term study or cultural programs.

Feature	Digital Nomad Visa	Non-Lucrative Visa
Can you work remotely?	✅ Yes (foreign income only)	❌ No work of any kind allowed
Minimum income (1 adult)	~€32,000/year	~€30,000/year
Can you access public healthcare?	✅ Yes (if paying into social security)	❌ No (requires private insurance only)
Can bring family?	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Initial residence duration	1–3 years (renewable)	1 year (then renew for 2+2 years)
Path to permanent residency	✅ After 5 years	✅ After 5 years
Tax benefits available?	✅ Yes (Beckham Law)	❌ No special tax benefits

How “Spanish Prime Property” Makes Moving to Spain Seamless

Whether you’re purchasing a coastal villa in Costa Blanca or seeking a tranquil inland retreat, Spanish Prime Property offers end-to-end support for retirees:

Property Search & Legal Guidance

• Tailored property selection based on lifestyle and budget

• Due diligence on titles, taxes, and urban licenses

• Transparent advice on investment vs. lifestyle options

Visa & Immigration Assistance

• Our legal partners imont legal, manage your Non-Lucrative Visa or Golden Visa application, NIE and setup of a Spanish bank account

• Assistance with background checks, document translation, apostilles, and appointments

Financial Support

• Connections to international mortgage providers for non-EU citizens

• Currency exchange services to protect against rate fluctuations

• Help opening a Spanish bank account

Relocation Services

• Partnerships with international removal companies

• Help with setting up utilities, registering at the town hall (empadronamiento), and navigating the health and tax systems

Is Spain Still a Retirement Paradise for Non-EU Citizens?

Despite post-Brexit changes and the complexity of visa processes, Spain remains one of the most welcoming destinations for global retirees. With careful planning, it is entirely possible to enjoy a high quality of life, excellent infrastructure, and a warm, inclusive community.

And with a partner like Spanish Prime Property, your dream of retiring in Spain can become a well-supported and secure reality.