Living in Madrid without working

Non-Lucrative Visa for Madrid

Retiring to Madrid, or living on savings or passive income? The non-lucrative visa allows non-EU nationals to settle here without working. We help you prepare a consulate-ready file and then sort out your padrón and TIE in Madrid when you arrive.

PriceFrom 300 € + VAT

Typical timeframeDepends on your consulate

ServiceOnline, Madrid city and Community

WhatsApp us Call +34 673 374 567 Send an enquiry

Rowing boats on the large pond in El Retiro Park, with the Alfonso XII monument behind

What it is

The non-lucrative residence visa is for people who can support themselves and their family without any work in Spain. You apply at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence, proving sufficient financial means, private health insurance without co-payments and a clean criminal record, among other requirements.

Once the visa is granted and you arrive in Madrid, you register on the padrón and apply for your TIE at a police station in the Community within the deadline. Renewals are later handled by the foreigners’ office for Madrid.

Who needs it

Retirees with a pension or savings.
People living on rental income, dividends or investments.
Families moving to Madrid without needing to work here.
People planning a sabbatical year or longer stay in Madrid.

Documents you will usually need

Passport valid for the whole stay.
National visa application form and photographs.
Proof of sufficient financial means for you and your family.
Private health insurance from an insurer authorised in Spain, without co-payments.
Criminal record certificate, legalised and translated.
Medical certificate in the format required.

Each consulate has its own checklist and appointment system. We work from the list of the consulate you will use.

How we do it

Means check. We check your income and savings against the current threshold.
Consulate checklist. We adapt the document list to your consulate.
File review. We review everything before your consulate appointment, including translations.
Arriving in Madrid. We organise your padrón and your TIE fingerprint and collection appointments.
Renewal reminder. We remind you when the renewal window opens.

How long it takes

Consulates usually decide within a few weeks or months, depending on the country. After you arrive in Madrid, allow around one to two months for the padrón and the TIE.

Price

From 300 € + VAT, plus 100 € + VAT for each additional family member. Consulate fees, translations and legalisations are separate.

Questions we often get

Can I work remotely on this visa?

No. The non-lucrative visa does not allow any work. If you work remotely, look at the digital nomad route.

Do I have to buy a home in Madrid first?

No, but the consulate will ask where you are going to live. A rental agreement or reservation is common.

Can I apply from Spain?

As a rule, the initial non-lucrative visa is applied for at the consulate in your country of residence.

How long is it valid?

The first authorisation is for one year and can then be renewed for longer periods if you still meet the requirements.

More services in Madrid

NIE numberThe foreigner number you need in Madrid to rent, buy, open a bank account or sign a work contract.From 90 € + VAT TIE cardFingerprints at a Madrid police station, the fee and collection of your card, all booked for you.From 200 € + VAT EU registration certificateRegistering as a resident in Madrid if you hold an EU, EEA or Swiss passport.From 200 € + VAT Padrón registrationSigning on the Madrid municipal register at your new address, and getting the certificate.From 60 € + VAT Social Security numberYour NUSS for your first job in Madrid, for going self-employed and for public healthcare.From 60 € + VAT Digital nomad visaSettling in Madrid while you keep working remotely for employers or clients abroad.From 450 € + VAT Autónomo registrationStarting out as a freelancer in Madrid: Tax Agency and Social Security registration.From 90 € + VAT Brexit TIEThe Withdrawal Agreement card for British nationals living in the Community of Madrid.Ask for a quote Residence renewalsRenewing your Madrid residence before it lapses, including the new card appointment.From 300 € + VAT

Get in touch

Moving to Madrid? Tell us what you need

Write to us with your nationality, your current situation and where in the Community of Madrid you will be living. On working days we usually answer within one business day, with the route that fits and a fixed quote.

WhatsApp+34 673 374 567
Phone+34 673 374 567
Emailcontact@expatinmadrid.com
WhereOnline service: we handle your Madrid paperwork remotely and book your appointments