How to retire in Spain with a NLV as a UK citizen

Dreaming of retiring in sunny Spain? As a UK citizen, the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) offers a straightforward path to residency—without the need for work or large investments. This visa is perfect for retirees, freelancers with passive income, or anyone seeking a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle. But how does it work post-Brexit? What are the financial requirements, and how does it compare to Spain’s Golden Visa? This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from application steps to tax implications, ensuring a smooth transition to your new life in Spain.

What is a non-lucrative visa and who can apply?

The non-lucrative visa is a type of residency permit that allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain without engaging in any form of work or professional activity. It is primarily intended for individuals who have sufficient financial resources to support themselves without needing to earn income within the country. This type of visa is especially attractive for British citizens looking to retire in Spain, enjoy a better quality of life, or spend extended time in the country after Brexit.

To qualify, applicants must prove they have a stable income or significant savings, secure private health insurance with full coverage in Spanish territory, pass a medical examination, and provide a clean criminal record certificate. It is a non-working visa, which means any form of employment, whether in the private sector or self-employment, is not allowed. The visa is granted for an initial period of one year, after which it can be renewed, eventually leading to long-term residency and even citizenship, depending on your situation.

One of the advantages of this visa is that it also allows the inclusion of family members, such as a spouse and dependent children, provided the applicant can meet the increased financial requirements. The visa is issued through the Spanish Consulate in the UK and must be applied for from outside of Spain.

Can the British still move to Spain after Brexit?

Yes, British citizens can still move to Spain after Brexit, but they are now subject to the same immigration laws as other third-country nationals. The end of free movement means that UK nationals no longer have automatic rights to live, work, or stay in Spain for more than 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.

However, Spain continues to welcome UK nationals under various immigration schemes, and the non-lucrative visa Spain for UK nationals has become one of the most common legal pathways. It offers a clear framework to establish residency in Spain, without requiring investment or employment contracts. With this visa, UK nationals can enjoy life in Spain legally, as long as they comply with the application requirements, including income thresholds, health coverage, and documentation. This makes the NLV an ideal option for retirees, remote individuals with passive income, and those seeking a longer stay in Spain for personal or lifestyle reasons.

NLV vs Golden Visa

There is often confusion between the non-lucrative visa and the Golden Visa, both of which allow foreign nationals to live in Spain. However, they are fundamentally different in purpose, eligibility, and benefits. The following table summarizes the main distinctions:

Feature	Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)	Golden Visa
Work permission	Not allowed	Allowed
Investment required	No	Yes (minimum €500,000 in property or assets)
Financial requirement	28.000€/year + 7.200€ per family member	Must show funds in addition to investment
Initial duration	1 year	2 years
Renewal process	Renew for 2 years, then 2 more, then permanent residency	Renew every 5 years
Work in Spain	Not permitted	Full work and business rights
Ideal for	Retirees, passive income holders	Investors, entrepreneurs
Family members included	Yes	Yes

While both visas offer a route to residency in Spain, the Golden Visa is better suited for individuals with substantial investment capital who wish to have the option to work, whereas the NLV is tailored for those who simply want to live in Spain without economic activity.

How to apply for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa from the UK

Essential Documents for Your Non-Lucrative Visa Application

To begin your application for the non-lucrative visa to Spain from the UK, you will need to gather a complete and well-prepared set of documents. The required documentation is fairly standard but must meet strict formal and legal conditions. Below is a list of the core documents:

• A completed national visa application form, signed and dated.
• A valid passport, with at least one year before expiration, and photocopies of all pages.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs, with a white background.
• Proof of financial means, showing that the applicant can support themselves (and any dependents) without working in Spain.
• A medical certificate, issued within the last 90 days, confirming the applicant does not suffer from any disease that could pose a risk to public health according to OMS regulations.
• A criminal background check, also issued within the last 90 days, showing no criminal record for the past 5 years.
• A full private health insurance policy with no co-payments, valid in Spanish territory for the duration of the stay.
• Documents that prove family relationships, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates for children, if applicable.

All documents must be presented in their original version and be accompanied by an official translation into Spanish. Moreover, documents issued in the UK (like police certificates and medical certificates) must be legalized with the Hague Apostille.

Financial & Insurance Requirements

The core requirement for this residency permit is proving that the applicant has enough economic resources to reside in Spain without engaging in any professional activity. In 2025, the required amount is calculated as 400% of the IPREM. The IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples) is a reference index used in Spain for calculating thresholds in immigration and other legal procedures.

As of 2025, the monthly IPREM is approximately 600€, which means a single applicant must demonstrate an annual income of at least 28.800€. For each additional family member, another 100% of the IPREM must be added — approximately 7.200€ per person. These amounts must be proven using bank statements, pension slips, investment summaries, or any other financial documentation that clearly shows recurring income or available savings.

Regarding health insurance, the policy must be issued by a private Spanish insurer and meet very specific conditions: no waiting periods, no co-payments, and complete medical coverage in all areas, including hospitalization, surgery, and general care. Many UK-based travel insurance plans are not accepted, so it is advisable to choose a policy specifically tailored to Spanish visa requirements.

Background Checks & Medical Requirements

A valid criminal background certificate is mandatory and must be issued by UK authorities (typically from the ACRO Criminal Records Office) and translated and legalized. It must show no convictions over the past five years and be no older than 90 days at the time of submission.

The medical certificate must follow a specific format, stating that the applicant is free from any diseases that may have serious public health implications, as defined by international regulations. This certificate should be issued by a GP or health provider registered in the UK and then translated and apostilled.

Where and How to Apply

All applications for the non-lucrative visa Spain UK must be submitted in person at one of the Spanish Consulates in the UK. There are three locations:

• The Consulate General of Spain in London
• The Consulate General in Manchester
• The Consulate in Edinburgh

Each consulate covers a different geographic area, so it’s important to check which one serves your place of residence. Appointments must be booked online, and slots are often filled weeks or even months in advance, especially during busy periods such as spring and autumn.

At your visa appointment, you must bring all original documents and copies, your passport, your visa application form, and payment for the visa fee, which as of 2025 is around £516. You may also be asked about your intended plans in Spain, such as where you plan to live or if you already have accommodation arranged.

Legalization & Translation of Documents

One of the most frequent reasons for visa rejections is the improper preparation of foreign documents. Every document issued in the UK must be:

1. Legalized via the Hague Apostille system. This is done through the UK Legalisation Office and confirms that a UK public document is authentic.
2. Translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado) recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Translations must be complete and accurate, and all original and translated documents must be submitted together. Without these steps, your application is likely to be rejected on formal grounds, regardless of whether you meet all the substantive residency requirements.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once you have submitted your application at the relevant Spanish Consulate, the processing time is generally up to 30 calendar days, although this can vary depending on the volume of requests. If your application is approved, you will be notified by email or through the consulate’s online system.

You must collect your visa within one month of approval. After receiving the visa, you will have 90 days to enter Spain. Once you arrive, you have 30 days to register with the local town hall (empadronamiento) and request an appointment to apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE). The TIE is your physical proof of residency in Spain and is required for tasks such as opening a bank account, signing a lease, or accessing public services.

Failure to obtain the TIE on time can lead to legal complications and may affect future residency renewals, so it is strongly recommended to begin the process as soon as you arrive.

Top legal tips for UK Citizens who wish to move to Spain

How do taxes work in Spain with a NLV visa

Once you hold a non-lucrative visa and spend more than 183 days per year in Spain, you are automatically considered a Spanish tax resident, regardless of whether you maintain financial ties to the UK. This legal status comes with obligations: you must declare your worldwide income to the Spanish tax authorities, including pensions, dividends, rental income from UK properties, and returns on investments.

While the idea of double taxation may concern some applicants, it's important to know that the UK and Spain have a tax treaty that prevents you from being taxed twice on the same income. However, how and where the tax is applied depends on the type of income and its source. For example, private pensions from the UK are usually taxed only in Spain once you become a resident. In contrast, some government pensions may remain taxable in the UK.

Additionally, Spanish tax law requires residents to report foreign assets over 50,000€ through the Modelo 720 form, which includes bank accounts, property, investments, and pension funds located outside Spain. Failing to file this form correctly can result in significant fines, so professional tax advice is strongly recommended.

Ensure your health insurance meets visa requirements

A large percentage of non-lucrative visa applications are rejected due to non-compliant health insurance policies. The Spanish immigration authorities require applicants to hold private health insurance that is issued by a company authorized to operate in Spain, includes no co-payments, and covers primary care, specialist consultations, diagnostics, surgery, hospitalization, and emergencies. It must also cover the entire period of your intended stay, typically one year initially.

Policies designed for travelers or short stays—even those from reputable UK providers—are usually not accepted. To avoid rejection, it is best to contract your insurance with a Spanish insurer familiar with visa applications. Companies such as Adeslas, DKV, Sanitas, and Asisa offer visa-compliant policies, and many even provide assistance in English.

Make sure to get written confirmation from the insurer that the policy is valid for immigration purposes and does not include co-payments or waiting periods.

Why you need a Spanish Will (even if you already have a UK one)

Even if you have a legally valid will in the UK, it's crucial to have a Spanish Will if you own property, assets, or plan to reside permanently in Spain. Under Spanish inheritance law, local regulations may apply to your assets in Spain regardless of what your UK Will says, especially if no choice of law clause is included. Spanish law has a system of forced heirs, meaning certain portions of your estate may be automatically assigned to children or relatives, even against your wishes.

A Spanish Will, registered in a Spanish notary office, ensures that your assets in Spain are distributed according to your preferences and avoids costly legal complications for your heirs. If you want to learn more, read this article on the importance of a Spanish Will, which outlines common legal pitfalls and how to avoid them. Preparing one is a simple and relatively inexpensive step that provides long-term peace of mind.

Obtaining Spanish residency

The non-lucrative visa is initially valid for one year. After this period, you may renew the residency permit for two years, and then for an additional two years. As long as you continue to meet the financial and health insurance requirements and can prove that you have spent at least six months per year in Spain, the renewals are generally straightforward.

After completing five years of continuous residence, you can apply for long-term residency, which gives you the right to live and work in Spain indefinitely. This status also simplifies access to public services, such as healthcare, employment, and social benefits. After ten years of legal residence, you may apply for Spanish citizenship, provided you meet the integration criteria, including language skills and civic knowledge.

Buying vs renting a property

Deciding whether to buy or rent a property in Spain depends on your financial situation, long-term goals, and level of commitment. Renting is often the most practical choice for the first year, as it allows you to get to know different areas without making a long-term financial decision. It also meets the visa requirement for providing accommodation, provided you have a valid rental contract in your name.

However, many UK citizens choose to buy property in Spain to establish stronger ties with the country and create a sense of stability. Owning a home may also be advantageous during visa renewals and when applying for permanent residency. It shows you have a genuine intention to settle. That said, buying comes with responsibilities—property taxes, maintenance, and legal procedures. You should always seek guidance from a Spanish lawyer who specializes in real estate to ensure your purchase is legally sound.

FAQ by UK Citizens about Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa

Can you still work with a NLV visa?

No. The non-lucrative visa explicitly prohibits all forms of employment and self-employment in Spain. You are not allowed to carry out work for Spanish companies or clients, even remotely. If you wish to engage in economic activity, you must switch to a different residency status, such as a work permit, entrepreneur visa, or digital nomad visa. Working while under an NLV is considered a legal violation and can lead to revocation of your permit.

What should I do if I have a property in Spain?

Owning property in Spain does not exempt you from the residency requirements. Even if you own a home, you still need to submit a complete visa application with all the required documentation. However, owning property can support your case during renewals and show long-term intention to remain. You may include your property deeds (note simple) in your file to support your financial and personal ties to the country.

How long does the process take?

The entire visa process can take around two to four months, depending on document preparation, appointment availability at the Spanish Consulate, and processing times. You must account for:

• Time to gather, translate, and legalize documents (3–6 weeks)
• Booking and attending the consular appointment
• Up to 30 days for a decision
• 1 month to collect your visa
• 30 days after entry to apply for your residency card (TIE)

Planning ahead is essential to avoid delays or invalidated documents.

What if my visa request is rejected?

If your visa request is denied, the Consulate General of Spain will provide a written explanation. The most common reasons include:

• Insufficient financial documentation
• Non-compliant health insurance
• Missing apostilles or translations
• Expired documents

You can file an administrative appeal (recurso de reposición) within one month, or correct the errors and reapply. In complex cases, working with an immigration lawyer is advisable to strengthen your application.

Can I travel to other EU countries with the NLV?

Yes. Once you hold a non-lucrative residency permit, you may travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, just like any other Spanish resident. However, these trips must not interfere with your primary obligation to reside in Spain for more than 183 days per year.

How much income do you need to retire in Spain?

In 2025, the minimum income required for a single applicant is around 28.800€ per year, and around 36.000€ for a couple. However, to live comfortably, especially in large cities or coastal areas, you may want to aim for 40.000€–50.000€ per year. This ensures you can afford healthcare, housing, travel, and maintain a good quality of life. Keep in mind that proving income is not just about meeting the number—you must present clear, consistent, and well-documented proof.