Retired and non-active EEA nationals don’t need a long-stay visa before moving to Spain, but a residence permit (residencia) is necessary, and an application should be made within one week of your arrival.   Non-EEA nationals require a residence visa (visado de residencia) to live in Spain for longer than three months, and should make a visa application at their local Spanish Consulate well before their planned move.

All non-employed residents must provide proof that they have an adequate income or the financial resources to live in Spain without working.   The minimum income necessary for EU nationals is roughly equivalent to the Spanish statutory minimum wage (salario mínimo interprofesional), although there’s no official figure.   A recipient of an EU state pension qualifies.

A new residential visa (visado de residencia sin finalidad lucrativa) has been introduced in recent years for “wealthy” foreigners.   Applicants must not have a criminal record, and must have sufficient funds or income for accommodation, living expenses and healthcare for their family.   Non-EU pensioners must show proof of an annual income in the form of a pension, in addition to owning a home in Spain.   Non-EU nationals who aren’t pensioners must be able to show an annual income of US$75,000 and proof of accommodation in Spain.