A residence permit for financially independent persons (FIP) is a temporary visa that allows a foreigner to live in Spain. It is granted to applicants who have passive income from outside the country. Although this permit provides enough benefits for comfortable living, it does not allow the holder to work in Spain. One advantage of the program is that applicants do not need to start a business or find employment in Spain to obtain a residence permit.
According to last year’s results, approximately 80,000 foreigners lived in Spain with an FIP residence permit, and current dynamics are positive, indicating the program’s attractiveness. Additionally, Spain attracts migrants due to its affordable housing (an average of EUR 680 per month per person), stable economic and political situation, and effective social system.
Who are financially independent persons in Spain?
Under the FIP immigration program, residencia no lucrativa, applicants must have a stable and regular source of income that fully covers all basic needs while living in Spain. An important requirement is that the income must come from abroad at strictly established rates. This category includes individuals who receive a monthly amount equivalent to 400% of the IPREM, an index that indicates the optimal subsistence minimum. As of [current year], the IPREM is EUR 600. If an applicant plans to move with his or her family, then FIP must have an additional amount of 100% of the IPREM for each dependent.
According to the program’s terms, the source of the applicant’s finances does not matter as long as it is outside Spain. A foreigner can manage a company abroad remotely, earn passive income from real estate rentals, or be a rentier and receive interest on securities and bank assets.
Requirements for obtaining a FIP visa
An applicant for a Spanish residence permit based on financial independence must meet the following requirements:
- Not be a citizen or family member of an EU, EEA, or Swiss passport holder;
- Confirm the intention to permanently reside in Spain;
- Have the finances to cover the costs of staying in the country;
- Have no criminal record in any country where the applicant has resided during the past 5 years;
- Have not received entry bans to Spain or other Schengen countries;
- Have public or private health insurance that covers all costs associated with planned and emergency treatment;
- Not have diseases that can easily be transmitted to others and pose a threat to society;
- Pay government fees for the application.
Documents for the FIP visa processing
The visa dossier for financially independent persons includes:
- Two copies of the completed and signed application form;
- A national visa application form;
- A recent, passport-sized, color photograph;
- A foreign passport or other travel document valid for at least one year;
- A certificate of no criminal record issued by the authorized bodies of the countries in which the applicant has lived for the past five years;
- Valid medical insurance;
- A certificate showing that the applicant has passed a medical examination;
- Proof of Spanish address;
- Documents proving the financial resources available to the applicant, in accordance with the amounts established by the program.
All certificates issued by foreign official bodies must be translated into Spanish and notarized.
How to register for a Spanish residence permit for financially independent persons
- Prepare the documents. The applicant must compile a dossier and complete the required forms and questionnaire. At this stage, insurance and a place of residence in the country must already be arranged. If the applicant is moving with family members, they must prepare documents for them, including ID cards and certificates proving kinship with the main applicant, as well as proof of guardianship for children and parents. Within the procedure, a visa application for entry into Spain and a residence permit application are prepared.
- Submit the application. The application is submitted to the Spanish consulate in the foreigner’s place of residence. This process includes taking fingerprint scans. Once the dossier is accepted, the applicant must pay the fees within 10 days of the specified date. If necessary, the consular office may request additional information from the applicant.
- Arrive in Spain and receive a residence permit card. The maximum period for making a decision on an FIP request is 3 months. Within a month of notification, applicants must collect their passports with D visas from the consulate; otherwise, the permits will be revoked. Applicants can come to Spain with a visa, but they must request a residence card within a month of arrival. Applications for identity cards are submitted to the Foreigners’ Office or the local police station. The maximum waiting period for the card is 45 days, so submit the request as soon as possible after arriving in Spain to receive the document before the 90-day visa expires.
Processing times for the Spanish FIP residence permit
The process of obtaining a Spanish residence permit for financially independent individuals takes approximately six months. You can estimate the timeframe step by step using the data in the table below.
| Procedure stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| Document preparation and consulate appointment | Up to 45 days |
| Submission of documents and processing of the case, including visa issuance | 1-3 months |
| Arrival in Spain and registration of a residence permit card | 30-45 days |
To complete each stage as quickly as possible, consider using the help of . Lawyers take care of all formalities and provide clients with ready-made instructions, which helps you avoid delays.
Registration costs
The following fees are required for the registration process of a residence permit for a foreigner with the status of a financially independent person:
- Visa issuance — EUR 80;
- For the residence permit — EUR 28;
- For the card itself — EUR 16.
Additional expenses may be required for document preparation, translations, and notary fees. Legal support services are paid for separately at the rates of the selected company.
Benefits of the Spanish residence permit for financially independent persons
Advantages of a Spanish residence permit for FIP:
- The opportunity to immigrate with your family;
- No need to look for income sources in a foreign country if you have income from abroad;
- Access to high-quality medical care under state or private insurance;
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen area;
- Use of financial services in the country, including opening bank accounts and obtaining loans;
- The opportunity to educate your children in local kindergartens and schools.
FIP taxation
A tax resident of Spain is a person who lives in the country for at least 183 days per year. This status is not associated with obtaining a residence permit; that is, an applicant may have a residence permit but, if he stays in the country for less than 183 days and does not work or have a business in Spain, he will not be considered a tax resident with obligations to pay fees.
In theory, a financially independent resident must live in Spain for fewer than 183 days to avoid taxation. If a foreigner intends to settle in Spain for permanent residence and spend a longer period of time in the country, he or she can reduce tax payments in accordance with the agreement on the avoidance of double taxation.
If a person pays taxes on profits received in a country where they do business and Spain has an agreement with that country on double taxation, they can pay taxes to only one treasury. Since the Kingdom has signed agreements with over 80 countries, financially independent individuals have a good chance of avoiding double taxation.
Obtain a Spanish residence permit and unlock new opportunities:
- Live in a developed country;
- A residence permit for all family members;
- Prospects for obtaining permanent residence and citizenship;
- Traveling around Europe without visas.
Leave an application and get a consultation with an immigration specialist
Best immigration programs in Spain for FIP 2025
Obtaining Spanish residency through financial independence is a popular option among foreigners who wish to immigrate to the EU. This option is ideal for those with passive income who simply want to live comfortably in a European country without the need to work there.
A significant benefit of the Spanish residence permit is the option to bring your family with you. Along with the FIP program, other immigration methods are in demand among various applicants.
Startup residence permit
This option is ideal for those who want to access the international market with relatively small investments and grow their business in a stable European economy. Unlike the Golden Visa, there is no need to invest any fixed amounts to obtain residency. Applicants only need to present a promising business plan that justifies the project’s benefits for the Spanish market. Then, they can implement their goals for developing as an independent entrepreneur with the freedom to distribute capital as they see fit.
The residence permit is issued for 3 years at once, and family members can be included in the application. The permit can be extended by demonstrating business activity or by choosing another basis according to your current circumstances.
Residence permit for digital nomads
This immigration method is for specialists who work remotely and want to live in Spain. Applicants must demonstrate their qualifications and experience, as well as a current employment contract with a company for at least three months, which confirms their ability to perform their duties remotely. Digital nomads can also plan to move with their families. The initial residence permit is valid for a year but can be extended if the requirements still apply.
Assistance with residence permit registration
When registering for a FIP residence permit, international law specialists independently collect the necessary documents, complete the required translations and certifications, register the client at the consulate, and provide clear instructions on the application process. They also offer consultation before submitting a visa request. They monitor the case processing, quickly provide clarifying data if necessary, and respond to additional requests. Thanks to constant monitoring of the situation by specialists, foreigners can pick up a visa and leave for Spain as quickly as possible. They will also inform you of how and where to request a residence card upon arrival, accompany you during a visit to a government agency, and stay in touch until the procedure is complete.
