In 2025, Spain updated its non-working residence visa rules, maintaining a pathway for financially independent individuals to live in the country without engaging in any employment. The visa allows applicants to reside in Spain if they meet income and insurance requirements, with recent changes reflecting stricter guidelines and the end of the Golden Visa option.
What’s New in the Application Process?
The revamped process comprises three critical stages:
1# Appointment Request by Email Only
There will be no walk-ins. All visa appointment requests must now be submitted via email, including the applicant’s full name, nationality, and the form of visa requested. Importantly, appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, with a recommended advance time of 2 months for Schengen visas and 3 months for national visas, including the Non-Working Residence Visa.
2# In-Person Application Submission
Once the appointment is granted, applicants must physically visit the Spanish Consulate at Level 7, 564 St. Kilda Road, Melbourne VIC 3004, with all required documents in hand.
- Schengen Visa Appointments: Tuesdays and Thursdays
- National Visa Appointments (including Non-Working): Fridays
- Visa Submission Window: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- The sole permissible payment methods for the visa fee are cash and money orders.
3# Document Collection
Passports and documents must also be collected in person. No mail returns. Collection windows mirror appointment days and do not require separate appointments.
What is the Non-Working Residence Visa?
The Non-Working Residence Visa allows an individual to legally stay in Spain without employment rights. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial self-sufficiency—specifically, income or assets worth at least 400% of Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM) for the primary applicant and 100% of IPREM per accompanying family member. Health insurance and background checks are mandatory.
Who Can Apply Alongside You?
Eligible family members include:
- Spouse or registered/unregistered partner
- Dependent children
- Dependent parents
They must each submit a full application package similar to the main applicant, with added proof of the family relationship and financial dependence.
Check Also: U.S Special Immigrant Visa Guide – Application Process
Essential Documentation Checklist:
Applicants must prepare:
- Completed National Visa Form and EX-01 Form
- Passport that has been issued within the last decade and is valid for a minimum of one year
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- Evidence of financial resources
- Spanish health insurance policy that is comprehensive
- Certificate of criminal record for the previous five years (translated and apostilled)
- Medical certification attesting to the absence of communicable diseases
- Evidence of local domicile (in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, or Tasmania)
- Visa fees: $470 + €18 = approximately $488; rates vary for Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Bangladesh. Form 790 Code 052 is required for the payment of residence permit fees.
Processing Timeline and Outcome:
- 3 months is the standard processing time, although extensions may be granted for interviews or additional documentation.
- Applicants are issued a receipt that includes a monitoring code that allows them to monitor their application online.
- Applicants are required to enter Spain and register for their Foreigner Identity Card during the 90-day validity of their approved visas.
In case of denial, the Consulate will issue a written explanation. Appeals may be filed within 1 month (administrative) or 2 months (judicial).
A Strategic Move for Spain?
The streamlined policies in countries such as Spain are indicative of a broader endeavor to reconcile immigration control with openness to well-supported residents, as these countries attract lifestyle-driven migrants. The Non-Working Residence Visa is experiencing a surge in popularity worldwide, particularly among retirees, remote workers with passive income, and global citizens desiring a high quality of life, due to Spain’s culture, world-class healthcare, and mild climate.
Prospective applicants are encouraged to act promptly and guarantee that their documentation is faultless, as applications are now exclusively accepted via appointment and no in-person or email inquiries are entertained. Spain may not be providing you with employment opportunities; however, it is surely providing you with a lifestyle.
References:
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What is the Spain Non‑Lucrative Visa (NLV)?
The NLV allows non‑EU nationals to reside in Spain long‑term without working. It’s intended for individuals with sufficient passive income or savings (e.g. retirees, investors, pensioners). It is not a work permit.
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What are the Updated Financial Requirements for 2025?
Primary applicant must show at least €2,400/month or €28,800/year (400% of IPREM).
Each dependent needs an additional €600/month or €7,200/year.
→ A couple with no dependents needs €28,800/year; a family of three needs ~€43,200/year.
From May–July 2025, consulates in cities like Washington D.C. and Manchester now require:
Account balance as of Dec 31 of the prior year,
Average balance over that year,
Bank name/address, account opening date, and recent tax returns.
If your bank cannot provide this, monthly statements and a notarized accountant summary are acceptable. -
What Is the Health Insurance Requirement?
Must have private health insurance valid in Spain.
Coverage must be equivalent to Spanish public healthcare, with no co-payments or deductibles, zero waiting periods, and repatriation coverage.
The insurer must be licensed in Spain or recognized within the EU.
