Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain: The Ultimate Guide

Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain: The Ultimate Guide

Embark on a new adventure and immerse yourself in the vibrant Spanish culture. The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa allows you to reside in Spain while enjoying a stress-free lifestyle. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about this visa, from eligibility to the application process and more!

Understanding the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa

The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa is designed for individuals who wish to live in Spain without engaging in any work or professional activities. It is not a work permit, but it does allow you to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle as long as you have sufficient financial means to support yourself and any accompanying family members.

Eligibility and Family Members

Your spouse or unmarried partner, dependent children, and dependent relatives in the ascending line who are part of your family unit may also obtain the visa. To be eligible, you must meet specific financial requirements, prove you have no intention to work in Spain, and provide the necessary documentation.

Income Requirement

The Spanish Immigration Department allows passive income as a valid source of income for your application. Passive income is money that comes from sources other than work. 

The Spanish government stipulates that applicants must have a monthly income of €2400, plus an additional monthly income of €600 for each family member they plan to support during their stay.

Passive income includes:

  • Pensions, 
  • Annuities, 
  • Investment income (such as dividends or rental income), and 
  • Royalties. 

Please note that if you need to work in Spain after you move, you can change your immigration status. However, you will need to wait for a minimum of 12 months before doing so. This means that you can apply for a Work Permit or Digital Nomad Visa after one year of residing in Spain.

What if you don’t have the necessary Passive Income?

If you do not have a source of income, you can still apply for immigration to Spain using your savings. 

However, it is recommended that you have at least €60,000 in your bank account, which is double the standard income requirement. The bank account does not necessarily have to be in Spain, although having one in Spain is preferred.

Navigating the Application Process: Key Steps and Timelines

The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa application process involves several steps and specific timelines. Here, we outline the key stages and what to expect during each phase.

  • Eligibility to Apply

Visa applicants must submit their application personally, or by a parent if the applicant is a minor.

  • Submitting the Application

Applications must be submitted in-person at the Spanish Consular Office. Appointments are necessary to do so. Schedule your appointment here

You must apply to the Spanish Consulate or Embassy that you reside within the jurisdiction of. An Honorary Spanish Consulate cannot process visa applications.

 

  • Visa Fees and Payment

The fees for a non-lucrative visa depend on your nationality due to Spain’s reciprocity measures. As of now, the fees are as follows:

United States citizens: €123
Canadian citizens: €507
Other nationalities: €80

Please note that visa fees are non-refundable, regardless of the application outcome or withdrawal.

  • Proof of Receipt & Tracking Your Application

Upon submission of your application, the Consular Office will provide you with proof of receipt containing a unique code. This code allows you to track the status of your application online through this link here

Additionally, the Consular Office will provide a copy of the application form (form EX-01) and, if applicable, the receipt of payment of the fee (form 790-52).

  • Rectifying the Application & Personal Interviews

The Consular Office may request that you submit missing documents, provide additional documents or data, or attend a personal interview to help them reach a decision regarding your application.

  • Decision Period and Visa Collection

The legal decision period is three months from the day after the application submission date. However, this period may be extended if an interview or additional documents are requested. 

Once your visa is approved, you must collect it in person or have your legal representative (if you are a minor) collect it within one month of receiving the favorable decision notification. The Consular Office will inform you about the procedure for returning your passport and any other original documentation.

  • Handling Refusals and Appeals

If your residence permit or visa is refused, you will be notified in writing, stating the reasons for the decision. You may submit an appeal for reconsideration to the Consular Office within one month of receiving the refusal notification. Alternatively, you can file an application for judicial review with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within a two-month period starting the day after receiving the refusal notification or the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal.

  • Visa Validity & Foreigner Identity Card

The Non-Lucrative Visa is valid for 90 days. Upon arriving in Spain, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card within one month of your entry at the Foreign Nationals’ Office or the corresponding Police Station.

Holding a non-lucrative visa allows you to visit the other Schengen countries. Consider exploring travel insurance possibilities tailored for those with Spanish residence permits.

Non Lucrative Visa Spain: The Verdict

Embarking on a new life in Spain is within reach with the Non-Lucrative Visa. With the information provided in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to navigate the application process and begin your Spanish adventure!

We’ve had several The Blogler community members apply for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa to start living in Spain. We had the chance to correspond with them in writing this guide and we’re looking forward to producing a case study written by one of our community members soon.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prove my financial means?

Provide bank statements and other original documentation with an official stamp and seal from the issuing agency that verifies your economic means for residency in Spain or certifies the availability of a non-working monthly income.

Who is eligible for a non-lucrative visa in Spain?

Non-EU citizens who have sufficient economic means to support themselves and their family members without engaging in any work or business activities in Spain are eligible to apply for a Spain non-lucrative visa.

Is it possible to renew a non-lucrative visa for Spain?

Yes, you can renew a non-lucrative visa for Spain. However, since this type of visa is valid only for one year, you must renew it if you wish to stay in Spain for a longer period. To renew the visa, you need to submit an application in Spain along with the following documents: proof of having lived in Spain for at least six months, evidence of increased financial means for two years, proof of no criminal record, private health insurance, and proof of no debts. If you have family relatives, you must also prove that you have an additional 100% of the IPREM.

Can you obtain a work permit after having a non-lucrative visa in Spain?

Yes, you can obtain a work permit after having a non-lucrative visa in Spain. In fact, this is something that many foreigners do. After applying for and renewing the non-lucrative visa, individuals transition into a work permit. This is because it is much easier to obtain a work permit in Spain after having the non-lucrative residence, rather than starting from scratch. It is possible to obtain a work permit as an employee or as a self-employed individual.

Can I have loans or mortgages in the United States when applying for a residence permit in Spain?

No, you cannot have or leave loans or mortgages in the United States when applying for residence permit in Spain.

What types of health insurance are accepted for the visa application?

You must submit the original and a copy of the certificate accrediting public or private health insurance with no co-pay (or deductible) contracted with an insurance entity authorized to operate in Spain. Travel insurances with medical assistance coverage are not accepted.

How long is the criminal record check certificate valid?

The criminal record check certificate is valid for a maximum of 90 days after the issue date mentioned on it.

Can B1/B2 visa holders apply for the Spanish Non Lucrative Visa?

No, B1/B2 visa holders must apply for the visa in their country of legal residence.

Is it possible to invest under the non-lucrative residence permit in Spain?

Yes, it is possible to invest under the non lucrative residence permit in Spain. Although this type of visa does not authorize individuals to carry out professional activities, they can still make any kind of investment, such as in company shares, and generate an additional source of income. So, while you may not be able to work, you can still invest with this visa.

Does the non lucrative residence visa in Spain allow for studying and non-paid internships?

Yes, the non-lucrative residency visa in Spain allows for studying and non-paid internships. Similar to the student visa, individuals with the non lucrative residence visa can enroll in an educational center and study. Additionally, as internships are created for educational purposes, individuals with non-lucrative visa can also participate in non-paid internships in a company.

What is the difference between a non lucrative visa and a Golden Visa in Spain?

A Spanish Golden Visa requires a certain level of investment in Spain, usually in the form of purchasing a property worth over €500,000 or making commercial investments. On the other hand, a Spanish non-lucrative visa is an ideal option for British retirees or non-working residents, as it does not require any form of investment, since the UK is no longer a member of the EU. In essence, the main difference between the two visas is that one requires investment, while the other does not.

How do I apply for a Spain non-lucrative visa?

You can apply for a Spain non-lucrative visa at the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country. You need to collect the necessary documents including the medical certificate and health insurance, and others. Contrary to popular belief, you do not need to have a Spanish bank account prior to getting Spain's non lucrative visa.

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