Your Path to Living in Spain

Who it fits

• Retirees living on pensions from abroad
• People with savings or passive income who will not undertake gainful activity in Spain
• Applicants without a Spanish job offer or business project
• Main applicant may include dependents subject to additional means — confirm current rules

Economic means

• Spain sets minimum income/savings thresholds based on IPREM multiples — confirm the current official figure on exteriores.gob.es and your consulate checklist.
• Additional amounts apply per dependent family member — verify the current official figure before filing.
• Bank statements, pension certificates, or investment portfolios must show stable, accessible funds.
• Means must cover the intended stay period stated in your application.

Typical documents

• Valid passport and national visa application form
• Proof of economic means (bank statements, pension letters, investments)
• Private health insurance with full coverage in Spain — no co-payments or waiting periods as consulates require
• Criminal-record certificate from countries of residence (apostilled/legalised)
• Medical certificate when requested by consulate
• Proof of accommodation (lease, ownership, or hospitality declaration)

Process overview

1. Gather means, insurance, and legalised civil documents.
2. Apply at the Spanish consulate with jurisdiction over your legal residence.
3. Enter Spain within visa validity and apply for the TIE (foreigner identity card) at immigration/police within the legal deadline.
4. Obtain NIE as part of TIE issuance or separately if required earlier.
5. Renew before expiry with updated means and insurance proof.

Restrictions

• Professional activity in Spain is generally prohibited on this visa — remote work for foreign employers may fall under separate digital-nomad rules instead.
• Switching to work or entrepreneur routes requires a change of status with inclusion.gob.es / immigration authorities.
• Minimum stay requirements apply for long-term residence and nationality — confirm current law.

Official links

• exteriores.gob.es — visas & consular information
• inclusion.gob.es — residence authorisations
• policia.es — TIE / NIE procedures

How EOB helps

• Calculate means packages against current IPREM-based consular thresholds
• Source compliant health insurance accepted by Spanish consulates
• Prepare legalisations and TIE appointment strategy after arrival
• Plan family inclusion and renewal timelines from the first application