Last Updated on April 21, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
If I have the amount of €31,000 in my bank account and I want to apply for a Spain Non Lucrative Visa but I don’t have any passive income or a work contract, what are my chances of obtaining that visa?
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
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Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“You need at least €28,800 for the first year, but for renewal in years 2 and 3, you need to show €57,600 in total. If you don’t have additional savings or an income source, renewal will be difficult.”
“You must keep the required funds in your account. Spending them on living expenses will reduce your chances of renewal.”You must keep the required funds in your account. Spending them on living expenses will reduce your chances of renewal.”
“The cost of living in Spain varies, but €28,800 might not be enough to cover all expenses for a year. Some people manage on this amount, while others find it insufficient.”The cost of living in Spain varies, but €28,800 might not be enough to cover all expenses for a year. Some people manage on this amount, while others find it insufficient.”
“Some consulates require proof of savings for just one year, while others demand proof for the renewal period upfront. Be sure to check the specific requirements of your consulate.”
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Explore Cities →“If you don’t have passive income or additional savings, your best option may be to switch to a work visa after the first year. However, this requires an employer willing to sponsor you, and the process can take months.”
“The digital nomad visa could be an alternative if you can secure remote work that meets the eligibility requirements.”
“Some people successfully change their visa type after a year, but it requires planning and meeting specific criteria.”
“Migrating to Spain on the non lucrative visa without sufficient funds for renewal can be risky. You may end up returning home if you can’t meet the financial requirements for years 2 and 3.”
“If you are from a former Spanish colony, you may qualify for Spanish citizenship after two years of legal residency. However, this does not apply to those with irregular status.”
“The arraigo social law allows individuals who have lived in Spain irregularly for two years to apply for legal residence with a 20-hour work contract. However, this is not a recommended route for those seeking legal migration.”
Conclusion
According to Spainguru’s Facebook group members, having €31,000 in savings is enough to qualify for the Spain non lucrative visa for the first year, but it is not sufficient for renewal. To renew the visa for years 2 and 3, applicants need to show a total of €57,600 in savings.
If an applicant does not have passive income or additional savings, they should consider:
- Saving more money before applying to ensure they meet renewal requirements.
- Exploring the possibility of switching to a work visa after one year.
- Looking into the digital nomad visa if they can secure remote work.
Without additional funds or an income source, renewing the NLV beyond the first year will be challenging, and applicants should carefully assess their financial situation before committing to the move.
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