Non-Lucrative Residence Visa in Spain 2026 for Colombians
Complete Guide: Requirements, NIE, NIF, Deadlines, Renewal, and Citizenship
What Is the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa?
The Non-Lucrative Residence Visa (RNL) allows a foreign citizen to live legally in Spain without working.
It is ideal for retirees, passive-income holders, or families with stable savings and pensions.
For Colombian citizens, this visa is the fastest route to Spanish citizenship, since after two years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for citizenship by residence.
Legal Framework and 2025 Updates
- Organic Law 4/2000 and Royal Decree 557/2011 (Title II)
- Spanish Consulate in Bogotá Announcement (May 10, 2024): externalized visa applications to BLS International (active 2025)
- IPREM 2025: €600/month (€7,200/year)
- Golden Visa eliminated in 2025
Official Requirements Explained
Financial Means (IPREM 2025)
You must prove financial solvency equal to 400% of IPREM for the main applicant and 100% for each dependent.
| Family Composition | Formula | Total Annual Required | |--------------------|----------|-----------------------| | Single applicant | 400% × €7,200 | €28,800 | | Couple (2 adults) | 500% × €7,200 | €36,000 | | Family (2 adults + 2 children) | 700% × €7,200 | €50,400 |
Valid financial proof includes:
- Bank statements (last 12 months)
- Investment, pension, or passive income certificates
- Funds in Colombia or abroad declared to DIAN
Note: Income from employment or remote work for Spanish companies is not accepted.
Health Insurance in Spain
You must purchase a private Spanish health policy that:
- Covers 100% of Spain’s national health system
- Has no copayments or waiting periods
- Is valid for at least one year
Recommended insurers: Adeslas, Sanitas, DKV, Mapfre, Asisa
Required Personal Documentation
- Valid passport (minimum one-year validity)
- Two recent passport-size photos
- National visa form and Form EX-01
- Medical certificate (under WHO’s 2005 IHR standards)
- Criminal record certificate, apostilled (last 5 years)
- All apostilles and sworn translations into Spanish
Application Process (BLS International – 2025 Valid)
Since May 17, 2024, the Spanish Consulate in Bogotá has outsourced the application process to BLS International Services Ltd.
Address: Carrera 13 #93-19, Ed. Contesa, Office 201, Bogotá
Website: colombia.blsspainvisa.com
Fees and Payments (2025)
| Concept | Amount (COP) | Notes | |----------|---------------|-------| | Form 790-052 | $49,800 | Initial authorization | | National visa fee (Colombians) | Exempt | Bilateral agreement | | BLS service fee | $110,000 approx. | Application submission | | Optional services | $10,000 – $30,000 | Copies, SMS, courier |
Travel Deadlines and Validity
- Visa validity: 90 days from issuance to enter Spain
- Must travel within those 3 months
- The first year starts on the entry date (passport stamp)
- Within the first month, apply for your TIE (Foreigner ID Card)
Tip: Travel within 30 days to avoid renewal issues.
NIE and NIF: Key Differences
| Document | Meaning | When Obtained | Issuing Authority | |-----------|----------|----------------|------------------| | NIE | Foreigner Identification Number | Automatically upon visa approval | National Police / Immigration | | NIF | Tax Identification Number | Needed for tax procedures before NIE | Spanish Tax Agency |
Example:
If buying property or opening a bank account before arrival, you can request a temporary NIF.
Once you obtain your TIE, you’ll receive your definitive NIE.
Residence Renewal
- Renewable 60 days before or 90 days after expiration
- Requirements:
- Maintain financial solvency and valid health insurance
- No absence from Spain longer than 6 months per year
Renewal timeline:
- First renewal: +2 years
- Second renewal: +2 years
- After 5 years: eligible for long-term residence
Spanish Citizenship After 2 Years (for Colombians)
Requirements
- Two years of continuous legal residence
- Clean criminal record
- Active registration (empadronamiento)
- Pass CCSE and DELE A2 exams (Instituto Cervantes)
Expert tip: Keep invoices, tax receipts, and registration certificates to prove continuous residence.
Practical Tips for a Successful Application
- Show stable and traceable financial history
- Buy your health insurance in Spain
- Apostille and translate all documents before your appointment
- Avoid recent bank transfers or third-party funds
- Travel within 90 days of visa approval
- Apply for your TIE within 30 days of arrival
- Maintain continuous residence (no over 6 months abroad per year)
- Renew early and keep copies of all payments
Common Reasons for Visa Denial
- Unverifiable or recent funds
- Health insurance with copayments
- Expired or non-apostilled certificates
- Working or invoicing from Spain
- Failure to travel within 90 days
Key Statistics 2024–2025
- 226,195 long-term visas approved in 2024
- Non-Lucrative Visa remains the most requested by Latin Americans
- Spike in applications after Golden Visa removal
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the application submitted?
At BLS International, Bogotá (Cra 13 #93-19). The Consulate makes the final decision.
How much money do I need in 2025?
€28,800 for the applicant + €7,200 per dependent.
When does the first year start?
On the entry date into Spain (passport stamp).
Do I need a NIE or NIF?
NIE is assigned automatically; NIF is only for tax-related actions before arrival.
How long do I have to enter Spain?
You must travel within 90 days from the visa issuance date.
Legal Immigration Assistance
At LS Consulting, we guide you throughout the entire process:
- Full documentation and financial review
- IPREM 2025 verification
- Valid Spanish health insurance
- Apostilles, translations, and BLS scheduling
- Renewals and citizenship application