Can Couples Apply for a Non-Lucrative Visa Together?

If you’re planning to move to Spain with your partner or spouse, you’ll want to know how the NLV process works for couples. The good news is that couples can absolutely apply together — but the process isn’t always as simple as filing a single application.

How NLV Applications Work for Couples

Each person needs their own visa. There is no single “couple’s visa” in the Spanish system. Both you and your partner will submit individual applications, each with their own set of documents.

However, your financial documentation can be linked. If one partner has the income or savings and the other is a dependant, the main applicant’s financial proof can be used to support both applications. The key is meeting the combined income threshold.

Income Requirements for Two Applicants

The main applicant needs to meet the standard NLV threshold (400% of the IPREM). For each additional family member, you add 100% of the IPREM. So for a couple, the combined requirement is approximately 500% of the IPREM — around €3,000 per month or €36,000 per year.

If both partners have independent income, this can be straightforward. If one partner has no income, the other must demonstrate enough to cover both.

Married Couples vs Unmarried Partners

Married couples have a clearer path. A marriage certificate (apostilled and translated) establishes the family unit, and the consulate will assess the couple’s finances together.

Unmarried partners face more complexity. Spain recognises pareja de hecho (registered partners) in some circumstances, but this status is granted at regional level and may not be recognised by the consulate in your home country. In practice, unmarried couples often need to apply as two completely separate applicants, each meeting the full income threshold independently.

If you’re not married and don’t have a registered partnership, consider whether formalising your relationship before applying would simplify the process.

What About Children?

Children under 18 can be included as dependants on a parent’s application. Each child adds approximately 100% of the IPREM to the income requirement. You’ll need to provide birth certificates (apostilled and translated) and may need consent from both parents if only one is applying.

Applying as a couple or family?

We’ll help you structure your application to cover everyone. Get a personalised assessment of your situation.

Tips for a Strong Couple’s Application

Submit both applications at the same time to the same consulate. This helps the consulate assess them together and avoids one partner being approved while the other is still waiting.

Make sure the financial proof clearly covers both applicants. A cover letter explaining the family unit and how the finances support both applications can help.

Ensure all shared documents (marriage certificate, joint bank statements) are consistently referenced across both applications.