Spain is our favourite place to move abroad, and the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is the most popular visa for Britons doing so.
Designed for those not planning to work in Spain – for at least a year – it allows movers to gain residency rather than being tied to the 90-day rule.
Hundreds of Britons have applied for this visa, and relocation agents report being even busier with applications than at the same time last year.
You may have read about the process of applying for one and the requirements, but we thought we would bring you up to date on some positive aspects as we head into 2026.
1. Income requirements for Spain’s NLV in 2026
Income requirements have not increased with inflation
The financial resources you need to show for the visa application are based on IPREM (a government income benchmark), and this did not increase on 1 January. In fact, it has not been increased since 2022.
So, the requirement remains at €28,800 per year for the main applicant, plus €7,200 for each dependent. Contrast this with increases to the UK state pension, thanks to the ‘triple lock’: 10% in April 2023, then 8.5% in 2024, and 4% in 2025.
2. NLV application times in 2026
Application times are speeding up
If you apply via the London or Edinburgh consulates, you will be pleased to know that the time between visa appointment and approval has decreased, according to agents. One example in December took about six weeks.
If applying via Manchester, allow more time – there are so many people moving to Spain from the north of England that there is a backlog.
3. Greater flexibility for NLV applicants
More flexibility on the NLV timeline
We reported this in the autumn, but to recap: when you first receive your visa, you now have 365 days to move to Spain, not 90 days from the date of the stamp in your passport, as was the case until last summer.
When your application has been approved at the Spanish consulates in the UK, you now have more wiggle room to plan your move, sell up in the UK, or finish paperwork. Find out more here.
A word of caution for NLV renewals
Make sure you stay in Spain for the minimum time required (183 days per year), or you may have a problem renewing.
Now that the EU’s new Entry-Exit System (EES) is being phased in across Spanish airports, it will be easy for the authorities to see when you entered and exited via airports.
Do not assume it is 180 days in Spain – renewal may be refused.
Planning your move to Spain
Considering a move to Spain in 2026 or 2027? Why not join us at A Place in the Sun Live in Manchester this February, where expert-led seminars cover visas such as the Non-Lucrative Visa, alongside the practical steps and timelines involved in making the move. It’s a great opportunity to get your questions answered and begin planning with confidence.
FIND OUT MORE AND GET TICKETS
