Non-lucrative residence visa for Spain: A complete guide
How to retire to Spain and live there permanently with a valid visa
If you’re considering moving to Spain and don’t plan to work, the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa (NLV) might be the perfect option for you. This visa allows foreigners to reside in Spain without engaging in any gainful employment or professional activity. It’s ideal for retirees, those with independent wealth, or anyone seeking a life in Spain without working.
Heniam & Associates can help you process this visa and also advise on other visa options, such as the Digital Nomad Visa and student visas. Here’s what you need to know about the non-lucrative residence visa.
Who qualifies for the Non-Lucrative Visa?
The non-lucrative residence visa is available to individuals who can demonstrate that they have sufficient financial means to live in Spain without the need to work. This visa does not grant a work permit, so it's important to note that applicants cannot undertake any form of professional or gainful activity while residing in Spain.
Family members can also apply for this visa, including:
- Spouses or unmarried partners
- Dependent children
- Dependent relatives in the ascending line (such as parents)
Basic requirements
To qualify for the non-lucrative visa, applicants need to meet several requirements and provide specific documents. Here’s a breakdown:
- National visa application form: Each applicant must fill out and sign a national visa application form.
- Non-working residence visa application form: You must also complete the EX-01 form, which is specific to non-working residence visa applicants.
- Recent photograph: You will need a recent passport-sized colour photo, taken against a light background and showing your full face.
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least one year and contain at least two blank pages. If your passport was issued more than 10 years ago, it will not be accepted.
- Proof of financial means: To qualify, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself (and any accompanying family members) during your time in Spain. The minimum requirement is 400% of Spain's Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). For each additional family member, you must prove an extra 100% of the IPREM. Applicants of working age may need to provide additional documents, such as proof of a pension or a letter of resignation from their employer, confirming they no longer work. Bank statements from the last three months and the most recent tax return will also need to be submitted.
- Health insurance: Applicants must provide proof of health insurance (public or private) that covers all risks similar to Spain’s public healthcare system. The policy must be valid for at least one year and should have no co-pays or deductibles. Travel insurance is not accepted.
- Criminal record certificate: Applicants over the age of 18 must provide a criminal record certificate from their country of residence for the past five years. This document must be legalised with the ‘Apostille of The Hague’ and translated into Spanish.
- Medical certificate: Applicants must provide a medical certificate confirming that they do not suffer from any illnesses that could pose a serious risk to public health, as outlined by the 2005 International Health Regulations. Like other foreign documents, this must be legalised or apostilled and accompanied by a certified translation into Spanish.
- Proof of residence: You’ll need to prove that your place of residence is within the consular district of the Spanish consulate where you are applying. This could be a driver’s licence or a utility bill, for example.
- Visa fee: Applicants must complete the required forms (790 code 052) and pay the visa and residence permit fees. These payments are usually made at the Consular Office, and only money orders are accepted. Ensure that you check the exact fee on the consulate’s website before your appointment.
Documents for family members
If family members are applying, they will need to submit the same set of documents (proof of financial means, health insurance, etc.). Additionally, documents proving the family relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates, are required. These documents must also be apostilled and translated into Spanish.
Visa procedure and timeline
Applications for non-lucrative visas must be submitted in person at the Spanish Consulate. The Consular Office will issue a receipt with a code that allows applicants to check the status of their visa. If any additional documents or a personal interview are required, the Consulate will notify the applicant.
The processing time for a non-lucrative visa is typically three months, though this can be extended if more information is needed.
After arriving in Spain
Once in Spain, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within one month of arrival. The visa itself is valid for 90 days, but the TIE allows you to stay for the full duration of your visa.
Visa refusals and appeals
If your visa is refused, the Consular Office will inform you in writing and provide the reasons for refusal. Applicants have the right to appeal the decision within one month or file a judicial review within two months.
Why choose Heniam & Associates?
Navigating Spain’s visa process can be complex, but Heniam & Associates can help simplify it. From the non-lucrative residence visa to other visa options like the Digital Nomad Visa or student visa, Heniam & Associates are experts in helping you start your new life in Spain.
Contact them for more information and let them guide you through every step of the application process: