The Independent Means Visa in Spain (also known as Non-Lucrative Visa) offers temporary residency to qualified individuals who can demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves without engaging in any work activities in Spain.
MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT
The Independent Means Visa program in Spain provides a pathway to temporary residency for individuals with sufficient financial resources. This program is designed to attract retirees, digital nomads, and other individuals looking to establish residency in Spain without the need to work.
Overview
A pathway to temporary residency for qualified individuals with sufficient financial means in Spain
Eligibility Requirements
Individuals with passive income from a foreign source
Anchor Ancestor restrictions
Months to citizenship
Length of Visa
1 year, renewable for 2-year periods
Months to Visa
1-3 months
Physical Presence Requirement
183 days per year
Availability
Moderate
Family Allowance
Spouse and children
Overview
Submit application in person at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country of residence
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?
Can I work with the Independent Means Visa?
How often do I need to renew my residency permit?
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for permanent residency?
benefits
Independent Means Visa in Spain
The program offers numerous advantages for individuals looking to establish their presence in Spain's vibrant culture and lifestyle.
Access to EU markets
High quality of life
Affordable cost of living outside major cities
Fast Processing Time
No minimum investment required
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Average monthly income requirement
Visa-Free Travel Countries
162
Passport Validity
5 years
Overview
Spain offers a high quality of life, rich culture, and excellent infrastructure for foreign residents.
Benefits:
Advantages:
Questions?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
How long does it take to process an Independent Means Visa application?
Can I include my family members in my Independent Means Visa application?
Can I work with the Independent Means Visa?
How often do I need to renew my residency permit?
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for permanent residency?
REQUIREMENTS
Check if you qualify based on your family history
Not applicable
Minimum Income or Savings: Pensions, Investments, Rental income+Regular Income Stream: Monthly pension payments, Annuities, Proof of Financial Independence
Not applicable
Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required
REQUIREMENTS
To qualify for the Independent Means Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria demonstrating their financial means.
PROCESS
Initial Assessment
• Verify passive income sources
• Confirm income thresholds
• Review healthcare requirements
• Complete financial documentation
Selection Phase
• Choose destination country
• Review residency requirements
• Assess tax implications
• Select optimal visa category
Application Preparation
• Gather proof of income
• Obtain health insurance
• Prepare bank statements
• Complete background verification
Submission
• Submit residency application
• Pay visa fees
• Schedule interview (if required)
• Provide biometric data
Residency Setup
• Receive residency permit
• Register with local authorities
• Set up banking/utilities
• Complete residency registration
PROCESS
DOCUMENTS
Passport+State issued ID+Passport-sized colour photograph
Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)
Not applicable
Original and a copy of the criminal record check certificate(s) issued by their country or countries of residence for the past 5 years.
The applicant must submit the originals and a copy of the documents proving that they have sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of residing in Spain for the initial year of the residence permit, or accrediting that they have a regular source of income, for themselves and, where applicable, for the family members accompanying them
DOCUMENTS
Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences
Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization
Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates
Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)
Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests
Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees
Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services
Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services
Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates
Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees
Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees
Rankings
115
Overall Rank
Cost
Based on application fee
Residency Requirements
Based on residency requirements
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Residency Privileges Length
Based on programs’s term
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Processing Speed
Based on estimated processing time
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Eligibility Requirements
Based on entry requirements
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Program Stability
Based on years of activity
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Time to Permanent Residency
Based on permanent residency timeline
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Rankings
Safety
23
Cost of Living
40
Quality of Life
18
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Healthcare Quality
9
Internet Speed
11
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Human Freedom
31
IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS
Explore alternative pathways to live and work
Learn about living costs, culture, healthcare, and other essential information about relocating to Ireland. Explore all available immigration pathways and find the best option for you.
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