The Basis of the Calculation: A Percentage of the IPREM
As explained on the non-lucrative residency page, the main applicant must prove the equivalent of 400% of the IPREM per month (approximately €2,400 per month, or around €28,800 per year), plus an additional 100% of the IPREM (around €600 per month, €7,200 per year) for every other family member who moves with them.
| Family Composition | Minimum Monthly Income | Minimum Annual Income |
|---|---|---|
| Main applicant only | Approx. €2,400 | Approx. €28,800 |
| Applicant + spouse | Approx. €3,000 | Approx. €36,000 |
| Applicant + spouse + one child | Approx. €3,600 | Approx. €43,200 |
The exact IPREM amount changes every year. The figures on this page are based on the 2026 approximation; before submitting your application, check the current official figure with us.
Example 1: A Retiree with a Pension
Mr. "A", 62 years old, is retired from a state-owned company in Tehran and receives the equivalent of €2,650 per month in pension payments through his pension fund. He is married and his wife will also move to Spain with him.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Minimum required (applicant + spouse) | Approx. €3,000 per month |
| Mr. A's documented pension | €2,650 per month |
| Shortfall against the minimum required | Approx. €350 per month |
In this case, the pension alone is not enough. Mr. A must cover the monthly shortfall through documented bank savings or supplementary income (for example, renting out a property) so that the total documented income reaches or exceeds the minimum required.
Example 2: A Landlord with Rental Income
Ms. "B", single and without dependents, owns three apartments in Tehran, each rented out for the equivalent of €850 per month.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rental income, unit 1 | €850 per month |
| Rental income, unit 2 | €850 per month |
| Rental income, unit 3 | €850 per month |
| Total monthly rental income | €2,550 |
| Minimum required (applicant only) | Approx. €2,400 |
| Surplus over the minimum | Approx. €150 per month |
In this case, Ms. B can only meet the income requirement with a small surplus by proving official rental contracts together with ongoing bank statements showing the rental payments deposited over the past 12 months. However, given the small surplus, it is advisable to also present part of her savings as an additional backing.
When income only slightly exceeds the legal minimum, any delay in a rental payment or a unit temporarily standing empty can become a problem during the embassy's review. Keeping a safety margin of at least 15 to 20% above the legal minimum is recommended.
Example 3: An Investor with Dividends and Deposits
Mr. "C" holds an investment portfolio worth €750,000 which pays an average annual cash return of 4% (dividends and interest). He is moving to Spain with his wife and a young child.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Investment portfolio value | €750,000 |
| Annual return (4%) | €30,000 per year |
| Monthly equivalent | Approx. €2,500 per month |
| Minimum required (applicant + spouse + child) | Approx. €3,600 per month |
| Monthly shortfall | Approx. €1,100 |
In this case, the investment return alone is not enough for a family of three. Mr. C has two options: add a cash balance certificate (additional savings) as supplementary backing, or show the actual returns of recent years, which may have been above 4% in some years, provided each is officially documented.
Documents Required to Prove Each Type of Income
- Pension income: an official certificate from the pension fund + bank statements from the last 12 months showing the deposits
- Rental income: an official rental contract + bank statements recording the ongoing rental deposits
- Investment returns: a certificate from the brokerage or bank on the portfolio's value and the returns paid + a record of the deposited returns
- Supplementary savings: a bank balance certificate dated close to the date the application is filed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add up income from several different sources?
Yes. The embassy takes into account the total documented income from different sources (pension, rental, investment returns, savings), provided each source is proven with official, ongoing documentation.
What happens if my monthly income is exactly equal to the minimum?
Technically it is enough, but in practice it is advisable to show an amount above the legal minimum so there is a safety margin against currency fluctuations or the annual change in the IPREM.
Is savings alone, without monthly income, enough?
Yes, in some cases a lump sum of savings sufficient to cover several years of expenses can be presented instead of ongoing income, but many cases are strengthened by combining stable income with additional savings.