Spain has become an increasingly popular destination for Pakistanis seeking a better quality of life in Europe. One of the easiest ways to move to Spain is through the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV), which allows individuals to live in Spain without working. This visa is ideal for retirees, remote workers with independent income, or those who simply want to experience a European lifestyle at a lower cost than in many Western countries.
In this article, we will explore how Pakistanis can move to Spain using the Non-Lucrative Visa, the cost of living in Spain, and how it compares to Pakistan.
The Non-Lucrative Visa is a residency permit that allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain without engaging in any local employment or business activities. This visa is ideal for people who have passive income sources such as rentals, savings, pensions, or remote work earnings from outside Spain.
To qualify for this visa, applicants need to prove they have enough financial means to sustain themselves without relying on the Spanish job market. The financial requirements are based on the IPREM (Public Indicator of Multiple Effects Income), which is used to determine the minimum income required to qualify.
As of 2024, applicants must show:
For Pakistani applicants, this means having roughly PKR 9,000,000 per year in savings or passive income, depending on the exchange rate.
Many Pakistanis are drawn to Spain due to its affordable cost of living, high quality of life, and access to European residency benefits. When compared to cities like Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad, many Spanish cities offer a significantly higher standard of living at a reasonable cost.
Here’s a comparison of average monthly costs between Spain and Pakistan:
| Expense Category | Spain (Madrid) | Pakistan (Karachi) |
| Rent (1-bedroom apartment) | €800-€1,000 | €200-€350 |
| Groceries | €250-€400 | €100-€200 |
| Public Transport | €50-€80 | €10-€20 |
| Dining Out (per meal) | €10-€20 | €2-€5 |
| Internet & Utilities | €100-€150 | €40-€80 |
Although rent is higher in Spain, other living expenses such as healthcare, transportation, and groceries can be comparable to or even lower than in Pakistan. Moreover, Spain offers better infrastructure, safety, and public services than most Pakistani cities.
Many Pakistanis choose to live in smaller cities like Valencia, Alicante, or Seville, where rent and expenses are much lower than in Madrid or Barcelona. A couple can comfortably live on €1,500-€2,000 per month in these cities.
The application process for the Non-Lucrative Visa is straightforward but requires careful preparation. Here are the steps:
Applicants must submit:
Pakistani applicants must apply at the Spanish Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulate in Karachi. The processing time is usually one to three months.
Once the visa is approved, applicants have 90 days to enter Spain and apply for their residency card (TIE - Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
The Non-Lucrative Visa is initially granted for one year and can be renewed for two additional years at a time. After five years, residents can apply for permanent residency.
The Non-Lucrative Visa does not allow employment in Spain, but remote work for foreign companies is generally permitted. Many Pakistanis on this visa work remotely as freelancers, online business owners, or IT professionals earning money from outside Spain.
For those who eventually want to work in Spain, it is possible to convert the Non-Lucrative Visa to a work visa after one year by securing a job offer from a Spanish employer.
Spain has many affordable and beautiful cities where Pakistani expats can settle. Here are the top choices:
While Spain offers many advantages, there are also challenges:
Despite these challenges, many Pakistanis have successfully settled in Spain and enjoy a comfortable life with lower expenses compared to Western Europe.
Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa is an excellent option for Pakistanis who have passive income and want to enjoy a European lifestyle at a reasonable cost. With a good financial plan, careful city selection, and an understanding of Spanish culture, living in Spain can be an affordable and rewarding experience.
Whether you're a retiree, a digital nomad, or simply someone looking for a better quality of life, Spain offers an excellent balance of cost, safety, and comfort.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. The requirements and policies for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa may change, so applicants should check with official Spanish authorities or consult a professional immigration advisor before making any decisions.
Emily
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2025.04.02
