How Spain counts your money for the non-lucrative visa

Key rules

• Accepted funds: Bank balances, term deposits and bank-certified investments are the safest proof; property and crypto are often given little weight.
• Passive income: Pensions, rent or dividends can replace capital, and are generally measured against the same yearly threshold.
• Statements: Keep the balance steady and the statements recent; a large deposit just before you apply raises questions.
• Foreign currency: Funds in other currencies are generally accepted and converted to euros, so show the euro equivalent.

What counts as proof of money

You must show you can support yourself without working in Spain. Savings, regular income and other assets can all be used. In practice, consulates accept these most readily:

• Current and savings account balances.
• Term deposits.
• Investment portfolios, shown with a bank certificate.
• Pension income, and sometimes other income.

Property is sometimes accepted, but consulates often give little weight to it because you cannot spend it easily. Crypto gets the same cold response. If most of your wealth is in property or crypto, plan to show other funds as well.

Savings or regular income

Regular passive income, such as pensions, rent or dividends, can count in place of capital.

It is generally measured against the same yearly threshold as savings: 400% of the IPREM, which is 28,800 euros at the 2025 IPREM.

Each dependant adds €7,200 a year, which is 100% of the yearly IPREM.

Many consulates prefer a mix of income and capital. Some ask for extra capital to cover the whole period of the visa.

How recent and how steady the funds must be

No minimum holding period is set. But consulates usually want recent statements, commonly covering the last 3 to 6 months.

Some consulates look for a steady balance. A sudden large deposit just before you apply can raise questions, so keep your balance stable.

Money in another currency

Funds in dollars, pounds or other currencies are generally accepted. The consulate converts them to euros at the exchange rate on or near your application date. Ask your bank for a statement or certificate showing both the balance and its euro equivalent.

Exchange rates move. Some consulates want a safety margin above the minimum.

Timeline and deadlines

• Build up your funds and keep the balance steady, avoiding sudden large deposits: during the 3 to 6 months before you apply

• Ask your bank for recent statements or a balance certificate: shortly before you lodge the application, so they are recent

• Lodge the application with your funds documents: when you submit the application

Documents you need

• Recent bank statements for your current and savings accounts, or a bank certificate showing the balance.

• A bank certificate for any investment portfolio or term deposit you want counted.

• Pension certificates, rental contracts or tax returns, if you rely on regular passive income, together with bank statements showing the money arriving.

• A bank statement or certificate showing the balance and its euro equivalent, if your funds are in a foreign currency.

What if your savings or income fall short?

The funds threshold is fixed, so a consulate cannot lower it for you. If you fall short, you have three options: wait, add savings, or switch route.

Wait and build up your funds

If you are close, the simplest fix is to wait until you have the full amount. The main applicant needs 28,800 euros a year. The funds must be yours and traceable. Money borrowed in a way that hides where it came from will not help.

Add savings or income

You can mix two kinds of proof:

• Capital and passive income together. Savings plus regular income from things like rent or investments can make up the total.
• A joint application. If you apply with a spouse or partner, you can pool your funds. The dependant additions then count toward the combined target.

A consulate looks at whether your evidence is believable, so show a clear paper trail for every euro.

Change route

If you cannot reach the target in a reasonable time, a different visa may suit you better:

• A work or self-employment visa, if you can get a job or build a business in Spain.
• The digital nomad visa, if you work remotely for clients or an employer outside Spain.
• A student visa, if you plan to study.

Each route has its own requirements, so check them before you give up on your first choice.

Non-lucrative funds calculator for your household

Work it out

Figures used

• Yearly IPREM (12 payments): 7,200 EUR (2025)

Worked example (1 family member applying with you, savings of 40,000 EUR, passive income of 1,000 EUR a month)