Guide to Spanish Visas for Non-EU Citizens 2026

If you’re a non-EU citizen looking to relocate or invest in the idyllic Costa del Sol, understanding your visa options is essential. This page explores three of the most common Spanish visas for non-EU citizens in 2026, so you can easily decide which is best for you.

Do non-EU citizens need a visa to buy a luxury property in Spain?

Non-EU citizens don’t require a visa to buy a luxury property; however, purchasing a home in Spain doesn’t automatically make you a resident.

The good news is that owning a luxury villa or apartment can strengthen your visa applications by demonstrating proof of accommodation.

Visa options for non-EU property buyers in Spain

There are several Spanish visas for non-EU citizens available, each tailored to different resident needs and intentions. Each requests all of the following requirements, plus others specific to each visa type:

Be a non-EU citizen – These visas are specifically for non-EU citizens.
Valid passport – It must be valid for the entire duration of the visa.
Private health insurance – To cover all medical expenses needed.
Medical certificate – Shows you don’t have diseases that are a public health risk.
Have a clean criminal record – You will need to obtain a criminal background certificate from the countries you’ve lived in over the last five years.
Proof of accommodation – You must show evidence of where you plan to live in Spain, which can include property purchase deeds.

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa, often called the retirement visa, is a popular lifestyle-based residence permit for non-EU citizens who desire to reside in Spain for more than three months without working.

As its name suggests, those on a non-lucrative visa are forbidden from gainful or lucrative activity, such as working or conducting business in Spain.

This visa type is perfect for:

Retirees with pensions
Property owners in Spain
Those living off savings or dividends
Individuals on sabbatical
High-net-worth individuals

Specific non-lucrative visa requirements:

Proof of specific financial means – Through bank statements, pension income or rental income documents, you must show you can support yourself and any dependants. The minimum income requirement is based on the Indicador Público de Rentas de Efectos Múltiples (IPREM), which currently equates to €30,000 per year, and €7,500 per year for a dependant.

The initial visa is valid for one year and is renewable for two-year periods if you’ve spent more than 183 days per year in Spain. Plus, after five years, you’ll be eligible for permanent residency.

Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

Ideal in the age of remote working, the Digital Nomad Visa offers non-EU citizens the freedom to live in Spain while working for a foreign company.

DNVs are typically processed quickly, and applicants may apply for an attractive low tax regime for up to six years, commonly known as Beckham’s Law.

A DNV is for:

Remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies
Entrepreneurs
Freelancers

Digital Nomad Visa specific requirements:

Meet the minimum income requirement – This is currently €2,650-€2,700 per month, or 2-3 times the Spanish minimum wage.
Proof of remote work – Provide evidence of either a contract or clients for at least three months.
Demonstrate a history of work – This includes professional qualifications, too.

The initial visa lasts for one year, with renewal available for up to five years.

Entrepreneur Visa

As you’ve likely guessed, an Entrepreneur Visa is intended for individuals looking to launch a business in Spain. Applicants have to demonstrate that their business venture will have a significant economic or innovative impact in Spain. The company must be innovative or scalable, create jobs, attract investment or contribute to the economy.

A Spanish Entrepreneur Visa is for:

Investors launching operations in Europe
Start-up founders

Entrepreneur Visa requirements

A solid business plan – This must include investment needs, expected impact and its potential to create new jobs.

Proof of financial means – You must show you have enough funds to launch and sustain the company. This can include personal funds or loans.

The duration of the initial visa is one year, but it can be renewed for up to two years depending on the outcome of the venture.

Update – The Golden Visa

The Golden Visa scheme, which granted residency with minimal stay requirements to those investing €500,000 or more in real estate, was withdrawn by the Spanish Government in 2025. So, this option will no longer be available to you if this was your preferred method for relocating to sunny Spain.

Why non-EU residents flock to Spain

Spain is hugely appealing to non-EU residents looking to relocate or invest, especially in prized locations along the Costa del Sol, which offers unparalleled scenic views, exquisite cuisine and stunning luxury properties.

Retirees can escape to a coastal residential gem like Sotogrande or a private hillside retreat in La Zagaleta, enjoying the favourable Mediterranean climate and 300+ days of sunshine per year.

Professionals and business owners can work hard and play hard, enjoying the luxurious lifestyle that coveted areas like Marbella and Puerto Banús offer.

Here at Beluxe Properties, our expert estate agents can assist you in finding your perfect Spanish retreat. From premium villas and apartments to quaint townhouses, our portfolio of private havens is extensive, so you won’t struggle to find your dream home.

Our team are here to answer all of your questions

If you have any questions about any of the properties listed on our website and would like to find out more, our team will be happy to help! Fill out the form and one of our team will be in touch ASAP, or contact us directly by phone or email.

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Client Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it

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   Sally Watson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Made the whole process really simple and easy to understand, very thorough and helpful, would highly recommend
  
 
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   Paul Nigol 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Holli provided us with first rate services for buying an apartment in Malaga, Spain. Not only does she possess an intimate knowledge of the area, her advice was thoughtful and timely. As Canadian buyers, Holli provided detailed information on how the the Spanish real estate system operates which is very different than home. I simply cannot imagine how we would have navigated our purchase without Hollli's input and advice. I highly recommend BeLuxe Properties to any real estate purchaser from Canada.
  
 
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   Marbella MesaGreen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. It is always a pleasure to work with Ryan (BeLuxe Properties), an exceptional real estate agent. Highly professional, extremely dedicated and always willing to go and do far more than is required. He combines deep knowledge with an exceptional level of commitment and personal attention. Always available and fully involved in every detail of the process. It is clear that he truly enjoys and believes in what he does. I would gladly recommend him.
  
 
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   Helen R 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely blown away by our experience in finding a holiday home with Ryan. He is truly amazing at his job, he works incredibly hard to make sure he finds the perfect properties to show you. His communication is incredible, he is always available to chat and to answer any questions. We were really unsure what exactly we wanted from our holiday home and within a few days Ryan had helped us narrow it down to just a couple of areas that were truly perfect for us, and helped us work out what our absolute “must haves” were and where we could make compromises! I love the personal touch he brings to the job and how patient and considerate he is in knowing how big a decision it is. He also recommended some amazing lawyers and other professionals to us along the way which is invaluable to us.
I couldn’t recommend Ryan highly enough, we would never buy a holiday home on the Costa del Sol with anyone else and we would recommend him with complete confidence to anyone. Thank you so much Ryan!
  
 
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   Lisa Boron 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is to express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Holli for not only her professional expertise, extreme knowledge, wise guidance and genuine care, but her constant effort and diligence in working with us to secure our new home.

We traveled to Malaga from the States in March for a week of travel with Holli along the Costa Del Sol.
I had established a start to working with Holli via email months prior. From the moment of introduction I felt a sense of connection, confidence and knew we were in good hands.  Holli began collecting information on exactly our interests, type of home we were interested in, lifestyle and budget. She assisted us with setting our travel itinerary, making wonderful recommendations for lodging and had our entire week carefully and thoughtfully laid out. For five consecutive days we looked at properties thoughtfully curated to our needs and wants. On the last day, we knew we walked into our beautiful apartment in the charming old town of Estepona.
Holli’s work did not stop there. She aligned us with all of the like minded and skilled colleagues she works with to continue to assist us in the transaction. A Spanish Lawyer to a Currency Exchange Broker, both of which have made this absolutely effortless for us and have given us a total peace of mind.

It is quite rare in todays world to find someone who gives it their all, not only in their work professionally, but also personally.
I would refer Holli to anyone thinking about or looking to make this step. It has truly been an amazing and wonderful, stress free and fun experience.

We look so forward to our new life in Estepona and in addition to having a dear new friend in Holli.

Warmly,

Lisa and Greg
  
 
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   Nakhil Mahra 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The team were great to deal with - this is the second purchase I've made with them and Holli was an asset from start to finish.
  
 
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   Tara Branson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ryan is truly a star wouldn’t have been able to do this without him so helpful and found us the perfect property in record time
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Brian Köster 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Outstanding service

I first met Ryan at a house we were viewing, where he was the seller’s agent. Before we had time to make a decision, he had already sold the place. But we thought he seemed like a great agent, so we asked him to be our buyer’s agent instead – and that turned out to be an understatement. He’s not just a good agent – he’s an excellent one.

For over a year, Ryan has been helping us find the perfect home – and it wasn’t an easy task, since we had a long list of specific requirements and a limited budget. But Ryan never gave up, and we’ve just bought our dream house in Marbella – the one he found for us.

Throughout the process, Ryan has again and again gone the extra mile for us. He’s been incredibly helpful, always quick to answer our many questions, keeping us updated and in the loop, and offering recommendations for everything from mortgage advisors and lawyers to contractors and car dealers – all of which made us feel safe during such a big investment in a market we didn’t know that well.

On top of being helpful and professional, Ryan is also simply a pleasure to be around – which makes all the house viewings a much nicer experience.

I can honestly give my highest recommendation to Ryan and the whole team at Belux Properties.

View our reviews on Google