Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
Has anyone applied for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa with a domestic partner instead of being married? We have been in a serious relationship for several years in the U.S. and have lived together for most of that time, but marriage isn’t planned in the near future.
Just wondering if that is a deal breaker for the NLV if we apply together, assuming all other requirements are met without issue.
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These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“Do you have a registered partnership in your state?” – “We do in our county, but our state officially does not recognize it.”
“If you have a legal document from your county signed by a county official, you should be able to get that apostilled, which would make it recognized internationally. Spain isn’t going to do a search to see if your state recognizes your relationship or not.”
“My understanding is that a stable relationship should be sufficient. I’d appreciate your comments on that.”
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“The requirements say spouse or registered partner (which is what PdH is). Pretty sure for an NLV, you need to apply separately otherwise. Maybe someone has different info.”
“Partners in a stable relationship are considered ‘family members’ under document 2004_38, but this applies to EU citizens’ family members. For the Spain Non Lucrative Visa, which applies to third-country citizens, the rules are different. Two separate systems.”
“My partner and I have successfully done that. We had to prove that we lived together. I can’t remember the minimum number of years required, but there is one. We provided documentation showing joint insurance on a property for 10+ years and that I was listed as a dependent on his medical insurance for 10+ years.
We were told that only selected provinces in Spain recognize this kind of partnership for Spain Non Lucrative Visa purposes. I know Alicante and Valencia do, and there may be others. Your best approach is to get an appointment with your local Spanish embassy, bring your documentation, and get their opinion on whether you qualify. Rules can change often and quickly in Spain!”
Conclusion
Applying for a Spain non-lucrative visa with a domestic partner instead of being married is possible, but it can depend on specific circumstances. Registered partnerships, if recognized by a county or state and apostilled, may be accepted.
However, some members note that Spain’s recognition of partnerships for NLV purposes varies by province, with Alicante and Valencia being examples of more accommodating regions.
For those considering this route, it’s essential to gather proof of a stable relationship, such as joint property or financial documentation, and consult with your local Spanish consulate to understand the current requirements and their interpretation. As visa rules in Spain are subject to frequent changes, early and thorough preparation is key.
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