Spain — Residency & Investment Planning
Spain remains one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations for internationally mobile investors and families seeking a high-quality base, EU access, and long-term lifestyle flexibility.
- Spain Residency
- Non-Lucrative Visa
- EU Access
- Lifestyle & Investment
Programs Available in Spain
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain without taking up employment, provided they can demonstrate sufficient passive income to support themselves and any accompanying family members. It is not an investment program. It is designed for retirees, pension holders, and individuals living on dividends, rental income, or other foreign-sourced passive income.
The visa is initially granted for one year, renewable for two-year periods, and after five years of continuous residence, holders may apply for permanent residency.
Key Highlights:
- Minimum passive income for the main applicant and for each dependent family member required, based on Spain’s 400% + 100%-of-IPREM threshold.
- No work of any kind is permitted
- Full family inclusion: spouse, dependent children, and dependent parents
- Free short-term travel across the Schengen Area
- Private health insurance valid in Spain required for all applicants
- Clean criminal record required
- Proof of accommodation in Spain (rental or property ownership) required
- Spending more than 183 days per year in Spain establishes tax residency, with progressive income tax rates applying to worldwide income.
- After five years of continuous residence you may apply for permanent residency, and after ten years for Spanish citizenship, subject to passing Spanish language and culture tests
Real Estate + Alternative Residency Pathways
Spain's Golden Visa closed in April 2025, meaning property purchase no longer creates immigration rights on its own. However, buying property in Spain remains a practical and strategic decision for those relocating through other routes. Owning a home satisfies the accommodation requirement for residency applications and demonstrates a genuine intention to reside in the country.
INGWE supports clients through the property purchase process in Spain alongside their residency application, ensuring both are structured and coordinated from the start.
Spain offers a range of residency pathways for non-EU nationals that can be combined with a property purchase. Some options include:
- The Non-Lucrative Visa for retirees and individuals with stable passive income from outside Spain.
- The Digital Nomad Visa for remote workers and freelancers employed by or serving clients outside Spain.
- The Entrepreneur Visa for those looking to launch or develop a business project in Spain.
Each route has its own eligibility criteria, income thresholds, and documentation requirements. Contact INGWE to assess which pathway fits your profile and how a property purchase fits into your overall relocation plan.
Why Spain With INGWE
Strong appeal for clients seeking a high-quality lifestyle base with EU mobility access.
Relevant for families and investors comparing Spain within a broader European planning conversation.
Well-suited to clients with passive income or investment-backed financial structures.
Benefits from a consultative, strategy-led presentation rather than a commodity visa approach.
Complements Portugal, Malta, and Cyprus in INGWE's European country cluster.
Interested in Spain?
Let's Talk.
All submissions are strictly confidential. A member of our team will be in touch within 48 hours.
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