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.
Application Process & Required Documents
Application process involves submitting several forms & documents:
- * National visa application form (signed and completed)
- * Non-working residence visa application form (signed & completed)
- * A recent, passport-size, color photograph
- * Unexpired passport with 1-year+ validity and two blank pages
- * Proof of financial means, including original documentation of a regular source of income, pension, or life annuity
- * Health insurance that covers all beneficiaries of the visa and is authorized to operate in Spain
- * Criminal record check certificate
- * Medical certificate proving you don't suffer from any serious diseases
- * ID card proving your place of residence is within the jurisdiction of the Spanish Embassy or the Spanish Consulate
- * Visa and residence permit fees
- Additionally, family members require their own set of documents to be submitted.
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.
Tax Implications of a Non Lucrative Visa
When you hold a non-lucrative residence visa in Spain, you are required to spend a minimum of 183 days a year in the country to renew it. This means you will become a tax resident and will be obligated to pay income tax on your worldwide income. However, there are many double taxation agreements with Spain that prevent you from paying taxes twice for the same income.
If you decide to invest and generate a profit from your investments, you will be required to pay capital gains tax. Additionally, if you plan to buy a property in Spain, there may be taxes associated with the transaction.
It is recommended that you seek advice from a tax lawyer to get more information about the taxes you will need to pay based on your particular circumstances.
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?
Who is eligible for a non-lucrative visa in Spain?
Is it possible to renew a non-lucrative visa for Spain?
Can you obtain a work permit after having a non-lucrative visa in Spain?
Can I have loans or mortgages in the United States when applying for a 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.