Gecko Towers
If you’ve been following us, you may have seen our recent post on “What Non-European Buyers Need to Know When Purchasing a Property in Marbella.” https://marbellapropertylawyers.com/what-does-a-non-eu-property-buyer-on-the-costa-del-sol-need-to-know/
What I didn’t dive into then—but I’m excited to share with you now—are some very positive updates to the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), often the residency of choice for those planning a retirement move to Spain.
Why the NLV matters
The NLV is designed for people who don’t intend to work in Spain but want to enjoy full residency rights. In practice, it removes the frustrating Schengen Area restriction that limits Non-EU citizens to just 90 days in every 180-day period.
What’s changed in 2025?
Until recently, successful applicants were given a short 90-day entry window after visa approval. That caused headaches for many who needed more time—perhaps to sell a home, wrap up business, or organise their move.
Now, from June 2025, the entry period has been extended to 365 days, with multiple entries allowed. That gives applicants far more breathing space and flexibility to make the move on their own terms.
What you need to know once you’re in Spain
• Start of residency: Your official residency begins the day you first enter Spain with your visa.
• TIE application: Within one month, you’ll need to apply for your TIE card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
• Renewal requirements: To renew after year one, you’ll need to show you’ve spent at least 183 days in Spain. This also makes you a Spanish tax resident and you will be required to file a return declaring your worldwide income for tax purposes. Spanish tax year runs from 1st January to 31st December.
Income requirements for 2025
Applicants must show passive income or savings at these levels:
• Main applicant: €2,400/month (€28,800/year)
• Each dependent: €600/month (€7,200/year)
Accepted sources include pensions, savings, rental income, dividends, and investments. Employment or freelance income isn’t allowed under this visa.
Drafted with the kind assistance of Darren Ashley (www.Holiday-Homes-Spain.com)
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Should you be interested in discussing the process involved in buying a property in the Marbella region, we would be delighted to assist you. We have an experience-qualified and best of breed Associates Network comprising professionals focused on the Marbella region’s property market. Their services include property search, mortgages, legal and tax services, visas, surveying, insurance and currency brokerage. We have done the leg work, testing the quality of our Associates Network and now feel confident in recommending their services to you.
Please note that our posts are for general interest. There is no substitute for proper advice tailored to your specific circumstances as provided by a qualified Abogado who is experienced in the application of the Spanish Law. Nothing contained in this article should be seen or taken as legal, tax or financial advice and cannot be relied upon as such. Neither the writer nor the publisher accepts any responsibility for liabilities arising as a result of reliance upon the information given. All details have been reasonably fact-checked and all efforts have been taken to ensure that facts are accurate as at the date of publication.
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