Retirement requirements for Spain in 2025

The requirements for retiring in Spain will first depend on whether you are a European Union (EU) citizen or not.

If you are an EU citizen, it is relatively straightforward to retire in Spain as you won’t need a visa to live in Spain. But if you plan to stay in Spain for more than 3 months a year you will need to apply for a residence document confirming your right to live in the country.

However, if you are a non-EU citizen, you will need to apply for a residence visa to stay in Spain for longer than 3 months and, consequently, apply for a residence permit. In both cases, you are not required to speak Spanish or take any language exam for Spanish residency. This is, however, a requirement if you decide to apply for Spanish nationality. That said, we strongly advise you to start learning the language, as it will help you enjoy Spain even more.

There are two main options when looking at retirement visas in Spain. Let’s look at the requirements for both scenarios:

What are the requirements for EU citizens retiring to Spain?

As an EU national, during the first 90 days of your stay in Spain, it is not necessary to apply for any visa or residence document. However, after 3 months in Spain, if you wish to stay, you will be required to register your residence with the relevant authority, Oficina de Extranjeros, or the Immigration Office. In order to do this, you will need to book an appointment online.

Once you have your appointment, you will need to bring along the following documentation:

• A census certificate (Certificado de Empadronamiento) from your local council. It is commonly known as 'El Padrón'. This effectively certifies where you live. Find out how to apply for your Padrón here.
• Passport or ID card
• A completed Model EX-18, as well as a copy.
• Receipt of payment for the Tax 790 fee - stamped by the bank.
• Evidence of full health insurance for the duration of your stay in Spain or proof of eligibility for Spain’s public health system.
• Evidence that you can support yourself without government help. This can be through income or savings. In 2025, you must prove you have the minimum required funds to live in Spain based on the annual income index called the IPREM, which is €600 a month or €7,200 a year for basic needs. However, for residency applications, typically 400% of the IPREM is required, amounting to €28,800 annually. It is essential to confirm the specific requirement for your situation.

Once you have completed your registration and presented all the necessary documents, you will be given an EU Registry Certificate. This document certifies your right to continue living in Spain indefinitely. Your registration certificate will be issued on the same day and will include your NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero). It does not need to be renewed, however, if you do change your address this needs to be reported to the local authorities. It is important to remember once you register for this certificate you will be considered a tax resident in Spain as the address you provide will be considered your main address.

What are the requirements for NON-EU citizens retiring to Spain in 2025?

Non-EU citizens will need to apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa, which is the most popular choice for retirees. The Non-Lucrative Visa requires you to prove that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself without working. Until now, retirees have also been able to apply for the Golden Visa, but this programme will be phased out in April 2025. Until then, applications will continue to be processed.

Here are the main requirements for the Non-Lucrative Visa:

You must provide evidence of an annual income equivalent to four times the public income index IPREM, which in 2025 is set at €28,800 after tax. For each additional dependent, you must add another €7,200 (IPREM x 1). This income can come from pensions, savings, dividends, rental income, or other sources. Additionally, you will need to:

• Contract private medical insurance valid in Spain for at least one year.
• Present a medical certificate confirming you are in good health.
• Provide a criminal record certificate to prove you are not a danger to the population.
• Submit a valid passport and completed visa application forms.

Updates for 2025: Non-Lucrative Visa holders must now reside in Spain for at least 183 days per year to qualify for visa renewal. This aligns residency with tax obligations, as staying over 183 days typically establishes tax residency in Spain. Additionally, the initial Non-Lucrative Visa remains valid for one year, but subsequent renewals now extend to four years, replacing the previous two-year renewal period. Family regrouping is now permitted after just one year of residence, compared to the previous rule that required applicants to wait until the first renewal.

The Non-Lucrative Visa allows you to live in Spain and travel freely to other EU or EEA countries.

It's important to note that the requirements for living in Spain can change. Therefore, it's highly recommended to verify the latest information with the Spanish consulate in your country of origin before taking the next steps.

If you have read this article, it's because you have been thinking about retiring to Spain, and as you have learned it is not very complicated. With the right financial planning and a little bit of luck, you could be enjoying your golden years in no time at all!