Why Kiwis Are Heading to Spain
New Zealanders are some of the most well-travelled people on the planet, and Spain has long been on many Kiwis’ radar as a dream destination. The combination of Spain’s extraordinary food culture, warm climate, rich history, and relatively affordable European lifestyle makes it uniquely appealing. For Kiwis who have experienced Spain on holiday and found themselves daydreaming about staying longer, the Non-Lucrative Visa provides that possibility.
New Zealand’s geographic isolation is one of its greatest challenges. At the far end of the world, 18–26 hours of flying from Europe and the Americas, New Zealanders increasingly see living in Europe as a way to shrink that distance — to be truly “in the world.” Spain provides excellent flight connections to the rest of Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. Weekend trips to Paris, Rome, Morocco, or Lisbon become feasible in a way that is simply impossible from Auckland or Wellington.
New Zealand also has some of the world’s highest house prices relative to incomes — particularly in Auckland — and many Kiwis find they can release equity from their NZ property and live extremely well in Spain on the resulting passive income. The NLV income requirement of approximately €2,400/month is achievable for many retired Kiwis on New Zealand Superannuation combined with investment income.
The Non-Lucrative Visa: Your Primary Option
New Zealand citizens can visit Spain as part of the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. To stay longer — to actually live in Spain — you need a long-stay visa obtained at the Spanish consulate before you leave New Zealand.
For most Kiwis who want to retire in Spain or live there on passive income, the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is the correct route. It is designed for non-EU citizens who can support themselves without working for Spanish employers or serving Spanish clients. The visa is initially valid for one year and can be renewed for two-year periods.
New Zealanders who work remotely for NZ companies should investigate the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV), introduced by Spain in 2023. The DNV permits remote work for non-Spanish employers and has separate income thresholds and application requirements. However, note that the NLV prohibits any work for Spanish or non-Spanish employers or clients — it is strictly for those living on passive income, pensions, or investments.
NLV income requirements for New Zealanders in 2026
- Primary applicant: approximately €2,400 per month (roughly NZD $4,300–$4,600 at current rates), or €28,800 per year
- Each dependent: approximately €600 per month
New Zealand Income Sources That Count for the NLV
New Zealand Superannuation (NZ Super)
New Zealand Superannuation — the state pension paid from age 65 — is one of the most relevant income sources for retired Kiwis applying for the NLV. The good news: NZ Super can be paid to New Zealanders living abroad, provided you have been ordinarily resident in NZ and physically present in NZ for specified periods. In 2026, the general rule is that you must have lived in NZ for at least 10 years after age 20 (and at least 5 years after age 50) to qualify. There is no residency test after you qualify — once you’re entitled, you receive NZ Super regardless of where in the world you live.
Payments can be directed to a New Zealand or Spanish bank account. A statement from Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ) confirming your NZ Super entitlement and current payment rate is accepted as income documentation for the NLV.
KiwiSaver and private superannuation
KiwiSaver funds can only be accessed at age 65 (or earlier in very limited circumstances). Once you are eligible to withdraw from KiwiSaver, regular or structured withdrawals can form part of your passive income stream. Portfolio investment entity (PIE) fund income is also acceptable. You will need statements from your KiwiSaver or investment provider.
Investment income and rental income
Dividends from NZ shares, interest from term deposits, managed fund distributions, and rental income from NZ property are all accepted. Bank statements and investment portfolio statements are the standard documentation.
Tax Considerations: NZ and Spain Without a DTA
This is one of the most important aspects of the NZ-to-Spain move and one where good professional advice makes a significant difference. New Zealand and Spain do not have a comprehensive Double Taxation Agreement (DTA). This means that without a formal treaty, the allocation of taxing rights between the two countries relies on each country’s domestic law rather than a bilateral agreement.
New Zealand’s approach: non-resident status
New Zealand taxes on residency basis. When you move to Spain and cease to be ordinarily resident in New Zealand (generally when you are absent for more than 325 days in a 12-month period), you become a New Zealand non-resident for tax purposes. As a non-resident, you are taxed by Inland Revenue (IRD) only on NZ-source income — meaning investment income, rental income, KiwiSaver withdrawals, and NZ Super that arise in or from New Zealand.
Non-resident withholding tax (NRWT) applies to most NZ-source income paid to non-residents:
- Interest: NRWT at 15% (or 10% for some countries) applies to interest from NZ banks
- Dividends: NRWT at 15% (or 0% if fully imputed with resident withholding tax credits)
- NZ Super: Taxed in NZ at non-resident tax rates as a NZ-source government benefit
- Rental income: You must continue to file NZ tax returns for NZ rental income, as it is NZ-sourced
You must notify IRD of your non-residency by updating your details in myIR and filing an IR3NR (non-resident return) for NZ-source income each year.
Spanish IRPF as a Spanish tax resident
Once you spend more than 183 days per calendar year in Spain, you become a Spanish tax resident and must file a Spanish income tax return (declaración de la renta) declaring your worldwide income. Without a DTA, Spain may assert the right to tax your NZ income — and NZ has already taxed it via NRWT.
In practice, Spain’s domestic law allows you to credit foreign taxes paid against Spanish tax liability on the same income, though the mechanism is less clean than under a bilateral treaty. You will need specialist advice from a tax professional who understands both NZ and Spanish tax systems — these are rare but exist, particularly among Spanish lawyers and accountants who work with English-speaking expats.
Key practical point
The absence of a DTA makes the NZ-to-Spain tax situation more complex than, say, the UK-to-Spain or Canada-to-Spain move. Budget for ongoing professional tax advice and accept that you will file tax returns in both countries for NZ-source income. The costs of doing so are typically modest compared to the tax savings from planning correctly.
The Application Process
NLV applications for New Zealanders are made at the Spanish consulate in Wellington or Sydney (if the Wellington consulate does not have appointments). Check both consulates’ websites as appointment availability varies.
Document checklist
- Valid New Zealand passport (at least 12 months validity beyond your intended stay)
- NLV application form (consulate-specific)
- NZ Police clearance certificate (from the NZ Police vetting service, apostilled by the NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
- Medical certificate confirming no contagious diseases (apostilled)
- Proof of income (NZ Super statements, KiwiSaver/investment portfolio statements, bank statements, rental income evidence)
- Private health insurance valid in Spain (no copayments, comprehensive coverage for the full visa period)
- Proof of accommodation in Spain (lease agreement or property deed)
- Two passport photographs
- Consulate fee (to be confirmed with the consulate at time of application)
Documents in English are generally accepted without translation for NZ applicants, though the consulate may request sworn Spanish translations of certain documents. Confirm this with the consulate when booking your appointment.
Timeline from New Zealand
The NZ-to-Spain move has an additional logistical challenge that other English-speaking countries do not face: the distance. Allow 5–7 months for the full process:
- Months 1–2: Research accommodation in Spain, confirm income meets requirements, gather documents
- Month 2: Apply for NZ Police clearance (apostille takes time); commission medical certificate
- Months 2–3: Purchase private health insurance for Spain; book consulate appointment
- Month 3: Attend consulate appointment and submit application
- Months 4–5: Wait for visa decision
- Month 5–6: Book flights, finalise shipping of belongings (start this early given sea transit times)
- After arrival: Register at town hall, apply for TIE within 30 days
The Long Journey: Shipping from New Zealand to Spain
Moving from New Zealand to Spain involves one of the longest international shipping routes in the world. This requires advance planning — particularly for sea freight.
Sea freight timelines
Sea freight from Auckland to European ports (Valencia, Barcelona, or Bilbao) takes approximately 6–8 weeks depending on the route and shipping line. Freight typically transits through Singapore, Port Klang, or a Middle Eastern hub before reaching Europe. Less-than-container loads (LCL) for a typical apartment’s contents cost approximately NZD $6,000–$12,000. Full container loads (FCL) for larger households cost NZD $12,000–$22,000 depending on container size and destination port.
New Zealand international removal specialists who regularly handle Spain-bound shipments include Crown Relocations, Santa Fé Relocation, and Allied Pickfords. Book your shipping at least 12 weeks before your planned arrival in Spain — ideally earlier — to ensure your belongings are not too far behind you.
What to ship vs what to leave behind
Given the cost and timeline, many New Zealanders adopt a “start fresh” approach, shipping only irreplaceable items (family heirlooms, artwork, specific furniture pieces) and buying most household goods in Spain. Spanish IKEA, El Corte Inglés, and local furniture stores offer excellent value and remove the logistics headache. Electronics are generally compatible (New Zealand and Spain both use 230V electricity, so most appliances work directly — check plugs).
Driving Licences, Pets and Other Practical Matters
Driving licence exchange
New Zealand and Spain have a bilateral driving licence exchange agreement in force. New Zealand residents who become Spanish residents can exchange their NZ driving licence for a Spanish one without sitting a new driving test. This is a significant advantage — take your NZ licence to the Jefatura de Tráfico within six months of becoming a Spanish resident to make the exchange.
Bringing pets from New Zealand to Spain
New Zealand is classified as a rabies-free country at the highest level of equivalence with the EU. This means bringing dogs and cats from New Zealand to Spain is significantly simpler than from countries that are not rabies-free. The process involves:
- Microchipping (15-digit ISO 985 chip)
- Rabies vaccination (after microchipping)
- Official health certificate (NZVET certificate, completed by a registered NZ veterinarian) — must be endorsed by the NZ Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) within 10 days of travel
- EU-format pet passport or equivalent documentation
No rabies antibody titre test or quarantine is required when travelling from New Zealand directly to Spain (a significant advantage over countries that are not on the EU’s “listed” countries). Pets must enter Spain through a designated Border Inspection Post (BIP) — major airports and ports in Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, and others. Flights with pets from New Zealand typically route through Asian hubs (Singapore, Hong Kong, Dubai) — confirm pet transport policies with your airline well in advance, as policies vary significantly by carrier and route.
Arriving in Spain: Your First 30 Days
Empadronamiento
Register your address at the local ayuntamiento (town hall) as soon as you have a fixed address. Bring your passport, visa, and lease or property deed. The padrón certificate is needed for the TIE application and many other official purposes.
TIE (residence card)
Apply within 30 days of arrival at the local Oficina de Extranjeros or police station. The TIE is your legal proof of Spanish residency. You will be fingerprinted and photographed; the card is collected 4–8 weeks later.
Opening a Spanish bank account
Spanish banks are accessible to new residents with passport, NIE/TIE, and padrón certificate. For ongoing NZD-to-EUR transfers, Wise (formerly TransferWise) is by far the most popular and cost-effective option for Kiwi expats, offering mid-market exchange rates with minimal fees.
Popular Destinations and Kiwi Expat Communities in Spain
New Zealanders are found throughout Spain, but tend to cluster in the same English-speaking expat hubs as other Anglophone nationals:
- Barcelona: The most popular Spanish city for English-speaking professionals and creatives. A large international community, excellent lifestyle, and good connections to the rest of Europe make it first choice for many Kiwis.
- Madrid: Appealing to Kiwis working remotely or in international roles; great culture, food, and transport links.
- Valencia: Consistently voted one of the best cities in Europe for quality of life. Excellent beaches, affordable housing, and a growing international community make it very popular with Kiwi retirees.
- Costa del Sol and Málaga: Outstanding climate, large English-speaking community, and a natural fit for Kiwis who prioritise outdoor lifestyle and beach access.
- Seville: Deeply authentic Spanish experience, lower cost of living than Barcelona or Madrid, and increasingly popular with younger Kiwi expats.
The time zone difference between New Zealand and Spain (12–13 hours, depending on daylight saving) is one of the few genuine challenges of the NZ-to-Spain move. Maintaining close family contact across that gap requires coordination, but WhatsApp video calls, shared family photo albums, and NZ family visiting Spain during the NZ winter (which is Spanish summer) help many Kiwi expats stay connected.