Spain Non-Lucrative Visa 2026: Financial Requirements and the Health Insurance Rule
Key Takeaways
The Non-Lucrative Visa requires minimum funds based on IPREM: 400% for the main applicant, plus 100% for each dependent. Health insurance must be from an insurer authorised in Spain, usually valid for 1 year, covering the same risks as the public system, and many consulates require no copay or deductible. Travel medical policies are often rejected.
- Financial requirement: 400% of IPREM for main applicant + 100% per dependent
- Consulates look for your own financial means for the first year
- Health insurance must be from an insurer authorised in Spain
- Policy must be valid for 1 year with no copay – travel insurance rejected
- Always check your specific consulate's checklist for exact requirements
The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is the "live in Spain without working" residence visa. In 2026, the core decision point is still the same: can you show enough financial means for the first year, and can you provide the right health insurance certificate.
This guide focuses on financial requirements first, then explains the insurance requirement in the way Spanish consulates describe it. Always check the exact checklist published by your consulate, because wording and document preferences can differ slightly.
Financial Requirement in 2026: The IPREM Formula
Consulates set the minimum financial requirement using IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples). The formula is widely stated on official consulate pages:
Main Applicant
400% of IPREM
Each Dependent
+100% of IPREM
Because IPREM changes each year, you should use the IPREM value published for your application year and then apply the percentages.
How to Calculate Your Minimum Funds
- 1Find the current IPREM figure (monthly or annual) used by your consulate for the NLV
- 2Multiply by 4 for the main applicant
- 3Add one extra IPREM for each dependent
Some consulates publish a worked example using the then-current IPREM and explicitly note that IPREM changes annually.
What Counts as "Financial Means" for a Non-Lucrative Visa
Consulates generally want proof that you can cover living costs for the initial year without working in Spain. Official pages describe this as showing sufficient means for the first year, either by proving a regular income or holding assets/estate that guarantee that income.
In practice, applicants usually support their case with:
- Pension income
- Investment income or dividends
- Bank balances and savings
- Other passive income streams (documented and consistent)
Be Careful with Work Income
Be careful with anything that looks like "employment income" that continues while living in Spain. Some consulates require a signed commitment that you will not do lucrative work, including remote work.
Documents: What Consulates Usually Expect to See
Your consulate's checklist is the source of truth, but official pages commonly mention originals and copies proving funds, plus identifying details of the accounts and institutions when using foreign accounts.
Common Supporting Documents
Try to keep your evidence simple: clear account holder name, clear dates, and a clear trail that supports the required minimum for the first year.
Health Insurance Requirement: What "Accepted for NLV" Means
The NLV health insurance requirement is not "any travel medical cover". Consulates specify insurance contracted with an entity authorised to operate in Spain, covering the risks insured by Spain's public health system.
Many Consulates Also State:
Travel Insurance is NOT Accepted
Travel insurance with medical assistance is explicitly rejected by many consulates. You need a proper private health insurance policy from an insurer authorised in Spain.
If you want the insurance details explained in depth, see our related guides:
Common Mistakes That Cause Delays or Refusal
Expert reviewed
Written and reviewed by licensed insurance agents Maya Kallio and Marco Elsinger, who have helped over 15,000 expats in Spain since 2012.
Maya Kallio
Licensed Insurance Agent
Since 2012
Marco Elsinger
Licensed Insurance Agent
10+ years
Languages: English, Finnish, Spanish, German
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Check these answers or get in touch.
How much money do I need for the Non-Lucrative Visa in 2026?
Use the official IPREM formula: you must show 400% of IPREM for the main applicant and add 100% of IPREM for each dependent family member. Because IPREM changes each year, your consulate may publish the exact euro amount for your application year or reference the current IPREM value. The safest approach is to calculate the requirement based on the IPREM figure your consulate uses, then submit evidence that clearly exceeds that minimum for the first year.
What proof of funds is usually accepted?
Consulates typically ask for original documents that prove you have sufficient means for the initial year, either through a regular source of income or assets that guarantee that income. Bank statements, pension letters, and investment statements are common. If your accounts are abroad, official guidance may require the bank's identity and address and full account identification, plus legalisation or translation when needed. The goal is clarity: your name, the balance history, and documents that are easy for the consulate to verify.
What health insurance is required for the Non-Lucrative Visa?
Consulates require private or public health insurance contracted with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, covering the same risks as Spain's public health system. Many consulates also require no copay or deductible and a policy valid for 1 year, and they explicitly reject travel insurance with medical assistance coverage. If your certificate wording does not match your consulate's checklist, you risk delays, so match the policy and certificate to the exact requirement.
Related guides
You might also find these useful:
Ready to get covered?
When you're ready, compare real insurance options in Spain and request a personalised quote in English.
Get Health Insurance Quote
Need visa-compliant health insurance for Spain? Get no copay policies from €38/month with English-speaking support.