The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) remains the most popular route for Britons planning a move to Spain.
Designed for those who don’t intend to work (at least during their first year), the NLV allows British nationals to gain Spanish residency and sidestep the 90-day rule post-Brexit.
While small changes have been made to the application process in recent years – such as the involvement of the third-party agency BLS International – a major update this summer brings significantly more flexibility for movers.
What’s changed?
Previously, once approved by a Spanish consulate in the UK, successful applicants received a visa stamped into their passport that was valid for 90 days. This meant that within three months of being granted the visa, you needed to leave the UK and arrive in Spain.
Since around June 2025, that validity period has been extended to 365 days, and the visa is now classified as a multi-entry visa – offering far more breathing room when planning your move.
Why is this good news?
The extended validity means you no longer have to rush your move. If your UK house sale is dragging on (with average conveyancing taking around 185 to 205 days in 2025) or you have a long to-do list for closing up your UK life, the new timeline gives you space to sort everything out.
Because it’s a multi-entry visa, you’re also free to travel between the UK and Spain during that 12-month period. That’s particularly helpful if you’re initially renting in Spain while property-hunting or if family or business commitments require travel back to the UK.
“This has given applicants far more flexibility, so it’s very good news,” says Melanie Radford from the relocation department of My Lawyer in Spain. “If they have a family matter or something to sort out – moving abroad is a major step which often throws up all sorts of unexpected issues – then it means that their visa won’t run out [and cause more problems].”
Key deadlines to watch
Once you officially arrive in Spain with the visa in your passport, that entry date becomes your official start of residency. From that point, you have one month to apply for your TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at the local police station. Officials will check the date on your entry stamp as proof.
But timing your move is crucial for renewing your visa. In order to qualify for your first NLV renewal, you must prove that you’ve spent at least 183 days physically in Spain during your first year of residency.
Bear in mind two things on this: when you spend 183 days in Spain you will automatically become tax resident there. This will have implications on your tax burden as the Spanish tax on worldwide assets. Also, that the Spanish tax year coincides with the calendar year.
It’s quite tricky to time your house sale in parts of the UK in 2025 – the average time is 185 to 205 days - so you will need to be realistic about time frames.
Also beware: if this 183 days is deemed to start from the visa issue date – and you do not move to Spain until over six months later - you could fall short of this 183-day requirement, but it depends if it’s taken from the visa issue date – or entry to Spain passport stamp.
NLV income requirements for 2025
To qualify for an NLV in 2025, you'll need to prove the following minimum income levels:
- €2,400 per month (or €28,800 per year) for the main applicant
- €600 per month (or €7,200 per year) for each additional family member
These funds must be from passive income sources (e.g. pensions, savings, investments) and cannot come from employment or freelance work.
Planning ahead
Thinking about relocating to Spain in 2026 or 2027? Now’s the time to get clued up on your visa options and timelines.
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