Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Seems so unfair the amount of saving you have to have for the Non Lucrative Spain Visa, plus guaranteed income as a couple to retire to Spain now. Have worked hard all my life and was looking forward to retirement abroad in a couple of years. Looks like is sunny England for me and the wife.
Insights from Spainguru Facebook Community
A Stroke of Luck: An Irish Passport Advantage
A member reflects: “It’s crazy isn’t it. Im going off my husband’s Irish passport, so a small amount needed. We are lucky.”
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Start the Moving to Spain Hub →Devastated by Savings Denial
Another member’s experience is marked by disappointment as they share: “I was devastated to be denied due to savings.”
Exploring Alternatives to the non lucrative Spain visa: Portugal and Greece
Consider this viewpoint: “Have you considered Portugal or Greece? You don’t need quite as much. Worth looking into, and properties are reasonably priced too. We are going to Crete to explore next year, hoping to maybe move there in a couple of years if we like it.”
One member strongly advocates for Portugal: “Go to Portugal. So much easier. Same benefits. Requirements are less than 1000€ in guaranteed income (2700€ in Spain). 9120 euros a year income, 13680 euros per annum income for a couple so much less and easier than Spain. Cheaper cost of living and lower crime rate.”
The Passport Color Advantage
An ironic remark highlights passport diversity: “Yes, but your passport is a different colour – how good is that?”
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Explore Cities →Brexit Changes Plans: Portugal Beckons
Brexit’s impact is acknowledged: “We have changed our long-held plan to move to Spain as well. Thanks Brexit. Looking at Portugal much easier and a lot less money required.”
Understanding the Host Country’s Perspective
A member offers insights into Spain’s perspective: “I kind of get that the receiving country doesn’t want to accept people who might be a financial burden on their economy and services…”
Clarifying the non lucrative Spain visa Financial Requirements
Misconceptions are addressed: “For anyone who may be thinking they need to have £28k savings up front to even have a chance of applying for a non lucrative Spain visa… you don’t. You need to demonstrate access to an ‘income’ equivalent to 4 times the Spanish IPREM, currently 2,400 eur per month (approx. £2,100 on today’s exchange rate). This can be from a variety of sources including pension or interest on savings. It is not necessary to demonstrate a lump sum of £28k.”
Balancing Fairness and Visa Requirements
The discussion concludes with a reflection: “I feel like it’s a fair and reasonable amount for a visa in which the person isn’t able to gain work income and needs to provide for their cost of living without social burden.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, according to Spainguru Facebook group members, the financial requirements for retiring in Spain under a non lucrative Spain visa can indeed be a challenging hurdle. Many individuals who have diligently worked throughout their lives may find themselves facing the daunting prospect of having to meet substantial savings and guaranteed income criteria. Some members have explored alternative destinations like Portugal and Greece, where the financial prerequisites are comparatively more lenient.
While these requirements may seem stringent, there is also an understanding that Spain seeks to ensure that new residents can support themselves without straining the local economy and services. It’s essential to note that the specific criteria may vary based on individual circumstances. Ultimately, the decision on where to retire abroad involves considering various factors, including financial feasibility and personal preferences.
Spainguru provides these insights from its Facebook group members but assumes no responsibility for their accuracy. Consulting with immigration experts can offer tailored guidance for those pursuing retirement in Spain or other destinations.
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