Knowing the full cost of Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa before you start prevents surprises and helps you budget realistically. This guide breaks down every expense — from government fees to professional services — so you can see exactly what you’ll spend from application to arrival.
NLV Cost Summary Table
| Expense | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application fee | varies | US citizens USD $140; Canadians ~CAD $115; UK/Australian reciprocity fees (check BLS); other nationalities ~€60–80 |
| Renewal authorization fee | €22 | Tasa 790-052 (required for each renewal) |
| TIE card (once in Spain + each renewal) | €16–22 | Tasa 790-012 fee. Both 790-052 and 790-012 are required for renewals (total ~€38–44) |
| Immigration lawyer | €1,500–4,000 | Full-service application handling |
| FBI background check (US) | $18 + $20 apostille | Or ~$50 via channeler for faster results |
| ACRO certificate (UK) | £65 / £115 | £65 standard (10 working days) or £115 premium (2 working days); plus apostille and translation |
| Apostille per document | $20 (US) / varies | Each document requiring apostille |
| Sworn translations | €30–80 per document | Must use a traductor jurado registered in Spain |
| Medical certificate | €50–100 | Required for every NLV application |
| Health insurance (annual) | €720–4,200 | €60–350/month depending on age |
| Document shipping/courier | €30–100 | FedEx, DHL for apostilled originals |
| Total estimated (single applicant) | €2,500–6,000+ | First year, excluding living costs |
The range is wide because a DIY applicant who skips the lawyer and does their own translations will spend far less than someone who uses a full-service immigration firm. Let’s break each cost down.
Government Fees
The visa itself is surprisingly affordable. The consulate visa fee varies by nationality: US citizens pay USD $140 (reciprocity rate); non-US nationals applying from the US pay ~$106; Canadians pay ~CAD $115; UK and Australian applicants pay reciprocity-based amounts set by the Spanish consulate; other nationalities typically pay ~€60–80. Always confirm with your specific consulate or BLS center. Once you arrive in Spain and apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero), you’ll pay an additional €16–20 via the Tasa 790-012 form.
These are the only fees you pay directly to the Spanish government. Everything else goes to service providers, and that’s where costs add up.
Immigration Lawyer Fees
Hiring an immigration lawyer is the single largest optional expense — and the one most applicants say was worth every euro. Expect to pay €1,500–4,000 depending on the scope of service.
At the lower end, you get document review and guidance. At the higher end, a lawyer handles everything: document preparation, consulate submissions, apostille coordination, translations, your TIE appointment in Spain, and annual renewals.
Financial planners who help NLV applicants structure passive income and meet the requirements.
Background Check Costs
Every NLV applicant needs a criminal background check from their home country. For Americans, the FBI Identity History Summary costs $18. The fastest option is the FBI’s own eDO online portal at edo.cjis.gov, which returns results in 3–5 business days. FBI-approved channelers (e.g., Identogo, PrintScan) deliver results in 1–3 business days for a total of $40–60. Mail-in submissions take 8–12 weeks. You’ll then need to apostille it ($20) and get a sworn translation (€30–60).
For British citizens, the ACRO Police Certificate costs £55 (standard, 10 working days) or £95 (premium, 2 working days). You’ll also need a UK FCDO apostille (~£35–45 standard / £75 premium) and a sworn Spanish translation.
Document Preparation: Apostilles and Translations
Several documents need both an apostille and a sworn translation. Budget for 3–5 documents needing apostille and translation: approximately €200–500 total.
Health Insurance
NLV-compliant health insurance is a mandatory ongoing cost that varies dramatically by age. You need a Spanish private insurer with no copays (sin copagos), no waiting periods (sin carencias), and nationwide coverage.
| Age Range | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Under 40 | €60–80 | €720–960 |
| 40–50 | €80–120 | €960–1,440 |
| 50–65 | €100–180 | €1,200–2,160 |
| Over 65 | €180–350 | €2,160–4,200 |
Renewal Costs
After your initial year, you’ll need to renew your NLV. Budget approximately €300–800 per renewal, plus your ongoing health insurance.
The best options for international banking, money transfers, and opening a Spanish bank account.
What About the Financial Requirement?
The financial requirement isn’t a cost you pay — it’s what you need to prove you have. For 2026, a single applicant needs approximately €2,400/month in passive income (400% IPREM). See our financial requirements guide.
How to Minimize Costs
The biggest savings come from deciding whether to use a lawyer. If you’re organized, you can handle the application yourself using our documents checklist and save €1,500–4,000.
Need Help Budgeting Your Application?
An experienced immigration lawyer can give you a precise quote for your specific situation. Many offer a free initial consultation.
Related NLV Guides
- Full NLV Requirements
- Financial Requirements & IPREM
- Health Insurance Requirements
- Documents Checklist
- How to Apply
- Processing Times
Last fact-checked: 18 April 2026