The Non-Lucrative Visa is your gateway to Spain, in just 2-3 months !
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Last updated: January 20th, 2025
What is the Non-Lucrative Visa ?
The non-lucrative visa (NLV) is not just a residency permit; it’s an opportunity to build a new life in Spain. It grants holders an initial one-year residency permit, which can be extended for up to four more years if income and savings requirements are consistently met. After five years, it opens the door to permanent residency and, eventually, Spanish citizenship.
Enjoy an Exceptional Quality of Life
By securing the non-lucrative visa, you gain access to one of the most desirable lifestyles in Europe. Spain offers a Mediterranean climate, and a rich cultural and culinary heritage. Additionally, you’ll benefit from public healthcare systems.
No Employment Requirements
This visa allows you to reside in Spain legally without the need to work or make complex investments. It’s an ideal solution for retirees, individuals with passive income, or those seeking a peaceful lifestyle without employment obligations.
Pathway to Permanent Residency & Citizenship
Once you’ve maintained your residency for five years, you’ll be eligible to apply for permanent residency. This provides long-term stability and the opportunity to remain in Spain indefinitely without needing to renew your visa every 2-years.
Family Inclusion
The non-lucrative visa also enables you to bring your family along. If you meet the financial and other eligibility criteria, your spouse and dependent children can be included in a joint application, allowing you all to enjoy the benefits of life in Spain together. Marriage/Birth are required.
Freedom of Movement
One of the major perks of the non-lucrative visa is the ability to travel freely within the Schengen area. This means you can explore 26 European countries without the need for additional visas, making it perfect for those who enjoy travel and discovering new places.
TerraTours Relocation
Our partner TerraTours offer relocation support, assisting you with registration, local documentation, and even renewals in the future. This long-term relationship ensures that you have peace of mind, knowing you’ll have professional assistance every step of the way.
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How can a lawyer help me with the Spanish Non Lucrative Visa?
The Non Lucrative Residence visa allows non-EU citizens to reside in Spain if they can support their lifestyle without working. This is called having sufficient economic means. Unlike other visa applications in Spain, there’s no need to make an investment in the country. Start by determining your eligibility with a focused consultation. Your dedicated Legal Advisor will understand your situation and explore possible legal paths.
The Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain is the perfect Visa for expats that want to live in Spain without having to work. However, there’s a few requirements that you must meet in order to get this visa. The requirements are:
- You need to be a non-EU citizen without any EU family member and not to be regularly in Spain. This means that you need to be a citizen from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia or any other country that it’s not in the European Union.
- Applicants must be able to support themselves and their family. This means earning at least 2,400€ ($2,588)/month per main applicant, and 600€ ($647)/month per accompanying member. Also, they will need private health coverage. This cannot be a salary as it could be misunderstood that you need to work during your stay in Spain. Typically, the applicant must show bank statements to prove this.
- You need to have private health insurance with full coverage. Only Spanish and EU citizens can use public healthcare in Spain. Some places, like Madrid, restrict access to their healthcare system for the first year of residency.
- You need to show other paperwork like a clean police record and a medical certificate. You could also need paperwork from the civil registry of your home country if you move with your spouse.
Some documentation may need to be translated into Spanish by a certified translator, such as bank statements or marriage certificates.
This Spanish residency visa doesn’t require the applicant or visa holder to have Spanish parents. Also, they don’t need to be born in Spain.
You won’t be able to work, but you will be able to earn passive income from investing or real estate. However, like a student visa, the non lucrative visa allows you for studying and attending classes.
It is important to know that once you get the Visa, you will need to be in Spain at least 6 out of 12 months every year you have the Visa.
1. Collect the documents
Once you have the paperwork, the application is answered within 20 days. Law firms like Lexidy can help you with all the documents needed.
2. Apply at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate
The applicant must appear in person at their Spanish Consular Authority in their home country or where they legally reside. If there is no response to the visa application, then it has in effect been rejected.
The application must be made in person at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in your country of origin or residence. It cannot be applied from Spain. After filing with the Spanish consulate, it usually takes up to 90 days to get an answer.
3. Move to Spain
Once the application has been approved, you will be granted a visa that will allow you to travel to Spain. The visa is granted for one year and can be renewed for two-year periods.
4. Apply for a Foreigner’s ID Card
After entering Spain, they must register at the local Spanish Town Hall. Here they can apply for the Foreign ID Card or residence card, known as a TIE. The applicant has 90 days to apply for the TIE. After 10 years in Spain, the holder can apply for Spanish citizenship.
Some clients struggle with the language, so our immigration attorneys can accompany the applicant to the appointment.
The Spanish government asks applicants to supply evidence that they can support their lifestyle. Most Consulates ask for a bank certificate. It must show the account bank and must have a date close to when the application was filed.
The applicant will need:
- Six months of bank statements.
- The funds must be held by the name of the main visa applicant.
The funds don’t need to be in a local bank. However, every person in Spain needs a local bank account when moving to the country.
Most non lucrative visa applicants require the following documentation to obtain residence in Spain:
- Private healthcare insurance from a Spanish provider
- National Visa Form
- Bank certificate showing proof of sufficient income
- A Passport
- A Criminal Record Background check that is legalized
- A medical certificate
- Proof of accommodation for the first three months
- Feees ($140 for the visa, $12 for the residence permit)
The process is much easier and faster with an immigration lawyer. We can help you gatter all the documentation needed and help you in every step of the process. Contact us now to get a free consultation of your case!
In conclusion, the Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain is the perfect Visa for those looking to relocate to Spain, either alone or with family, without having to work in the country.
If you’re ready to start your journey in Spain or have any questions about the Non Lucrative Visa in Spain, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of lawyers is ready to assist you and provide the legal support you need to succeed.
Important Considerations for the Non-Lucrative Visa
The Non Lucrative Residence visa allows non-EU citizens to reside in Spain if they can support their lifestyle without working. This is called having sufficient economic means. Unlike other visa applications in Spain, there’s no need to make an investment in the country.
If you reside in Spain for more than 183 days a year, you will be considered a tax resident and must comply with Spanish tax obligations.
For visa renewal, it is crucial that you can demonstrate that you have met the residency and financial means requirements during your stay in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are interested in obtaining a non-lucrative visa in Spain and need professional advice to manage the entire process, do not hesitate to contact us. Our team of experts is here to help you make your dream of living in Spain come true without complications.
The whole process takes three to four months. Though this can be longer for some embassies.
Some consulates and embassies reject the application if you work remotely. If you are planning to work remotely in Spain, you will need the new Digital Nomad Visa for Spain.
You can reapply after fixing the errors. You can also appeal the decision with the Spanish courts but this process can take several years.
Unmarried partners who can prove a long-term relationship can also apply as dependants.
Your family can apply with you. You need to show that they can financially support themselves. You will need to provide extra documentation such as marriage or birth certificates.
Unmarried partners who can prove a long-term relationship can also apply as dependants.
The most common reason is for not showing sufficient funds to support themselves. The conditions vary depending on the autonomous community or Consulate.
Our immigration attorneys work with appeals and can position your resubmission for success. Lexidy’s lawyers will even assist with court action to overcome rejections.
We can also prepare you for any visa interviews.
This visa is a residence card. The holder is to reside in Spain for at least 183 days a year. However, this also meets the threshold for becoming a Spanish tax resident. So you will pay income tax on your worldwide income.
This includes rental income and profits from investments, which also attract capital gains tax. Our team of tax lawyers can help you understand your tax requirements.
This visa is a residence card. You will need to reside in Spain for at least 183 days a year. The residence permit is initially issued for a period of 1 year and can be renewed for a period of 2 years.
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We've tailored our processes to be 100% online for your convenience!
1. Eligibility Assessment :
A lawyer will confirm your visa eligibility, provide you with a list of the needed documents, and evaluate the different options you may have. The analysis will delve deeply into your situation, including a thorough document check.
2. Applying: A lawyer will take full ownership of your application, from start to finish. We assist with acquiring and preparing documents, ensure they are properly written, submit your application on your behalf, and offer support in responding to the Government as needed.
3. Relocation: Our TerraTours Relocation team will contact you to organize your trip and relocation in Europe. Several group departures are planned each month in 2025. Join one of them for more fun!
4. Doctor on demand : We always offer to our clients a 30 minutes FREE TELE-MEDICINE session with one of our licensed Doctor of medicine, to ask any questions you might have. Get convenient, high-quality virtual care including 24/7 urgent and mental health care.
5. Notary Public on demand : Connect online with our Notary Public. Simply ask for an appointment, verify your identity and upload your documents. Whether it is to legalize your passport or the acquisition of a beachfront apartement in Europe, we have you covered!
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Non-resident Mortgages
As a non-resident, you can borrow up to 70%. Our staff members are specialsts with helping international buyers, offering a complete service!
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Every financial situation is different, our team will help you understand which mortgage suits you best and then get you the best deal!
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