Understanding Spain Non Lucrative Visa Financial Requirements in 2025: Latest Updates from Consulates

After May 20th 2025, several Spanish consulates around the world have quietly updated the financial documentation requirements for the Spain Non Lucrative visa. These changes have sparked confusion among applicants, particularly due to the nature of the new documents requested—many of which are not common in other countries’ banking systems.

In this article, we break down the updated financial requirements in 2025, why they matter, and how applicants can navigate them.

What Are the New Financial Documentation Requirements?

While the official regulations for the Spain Non Lucrative visa have not changed, consulates—such as the one in Washington D.C.—are asking for new documents under the guise of “proof of financial means.” These additional requirements include:

• A certificate from the bank indicating the full name and address of the bank.
• Full identification of the account, including the account holder’s name and complete account number.
• Account opening date, and where applicable, the closing date.
• Year-end balance as of December 31 of the year prior to the visa application.
• Average balance for the previous calendar year.

This additional paperwork aims to increase transparency and reduce the risk of fraudulent applications, but it creates challenges for applicants whose banks do not normally issue such certificates.

Here’s a screenshot of Washington DC Consulate Spain non lucrative visa requirements:

Why Are Consulates Asking for These Documents?

Consulates are likely acting under internal guidance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, possibly in response to concerns about the legitimacy of financial documents. While this push for transparency is understandable, it can feel excessive—especially when handled by third-party intermediaries like BLS, who are known for requesting documents beyond what the law stipulates.

The aim appears to be verifying the applicant’s financial stability over time, not just at the moment of application. However, as legal experts point out, the actual legal requirement remains simple: having sufficient funds at the time of the visa application.

Watch Spainguru’s interview of Ainhoa Manero, about the new financial requirements for the Spain Non lucrative visa in 2025

Do Applicants Really Need to Show Last Year’s Account Balances?

Yes—some consulates are now requesting proof of your account’s balance as of December 31 of the year before you apply. For example, if you apply in 2025, they want a certificate showing your balance on December 31, 2024. Additionally, they ask for another certificate showing the average balance during that year.

This has raised concern, especially for those who may have only recently acquired their funds (e.g., through selling property). However, the key point remains: if you meet the financial requirement at the time of application, that’s what really matters. Providing additional context—like showing property sale documents—can help explain discrepancies in previous balances.

What If My Bank Won’t Issue These Certificates?

This is a common issue, particularly for applicants from countries where banks do not offer average annual balance statements or will not stamp official documents. In such cases:

• Submit the closest alternative documentation available, such as monthly bank statements.
• Have documents notarized to add legitimacy and formality.
• Include a written explanation stating that your bank does not issue the specific certificate requested.
• Where needed, calculate the average balance yourself, show your calculations, and support them with full-year statements.

Lawyers emphasize that solutions exist—even if it takes extra steps. Consulates should accept reasonable alternatives if the requested documents simply do not exist.

What If the Money Is a Gift or a Loan?

Applicants often ask if they can apply using money that was gifted or loaned to them. The answer depends on whether the funds are genuinely yours and not subject to repayment.

• Gifts: Allowed, but must be formally documented. A notarized declaration should clearly state the money is a gift and does not need to be repaid. This is especially important for adult children applying independently.
• Loans: Not advisable, unless the consulate is provided with strong evidence that the applicant is not obligated to repay the amount, which is difficult to prove in most cases.

What About Adult Children of Applicants?

As per the new Regulation effective on May 20th 2025, Only children under 18 may be included as dependents in a family’s non lucrative visa application. Adult children must apply separately and meet the financial requirements on their own. In practice, this means placing funds in their own name and having a formal declaration if the money is a gift from the parents.

Are These Requirements Official? Will They Be Applied Consistently?

So far, these new financial requirements are not published in the official regulations. Instead, they seem to be internal policies adopted by specific consulates. As such, consistency is not guaranteed. Applicants are encouraged to:

• Follow the specific requirements listed on their consulate’s website.
• Monitor updates in relevant communities and groups.
• Work with immigration experts who stay up to date with these evolving practices.

With time, we may see a more standardized approach. Until then, flexibility and preparation are key.

Is the Spain Non Lucrative Visa Being Phased Out?

Despite rumors circulating in social media and expat groups, there is no official plan to end the Spain Non Lucrative visa program. The visa remains a valid and popular pathway for retirees and remote income earners who wish to live in Spain without working locally.

What’s true, however, is that the application process has become more bureaucratic. This does not signal the end of the program, but rather reflects Spain’s broader administrative style—complex, but not insurmountable.

Conclusion

The financial requirements for the Spain Non Lucrative visa have become more detailed, with new demands for year-end balances, account history, and average annual amounts. While these are not part of the formal regulation, they are being enforced by many consulates.

Applicants should not panic. These hurdles can be overcome with proper documentation, legal guidance, and reasonable substitutions when necessary. The core requirement remains unchanged: having sufficient funds available at the time of application.

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