⏳ Can You Renew the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa?
Yes — the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is renewable, allowing you to stay in Spain legally for up to 5 years, after which you can apply for long-term residency.
📆 NLV Residency Timeline
| Period | Type | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Initial NLV Residence | 1 year |
| Years 2–3 | First Renewal | 2 years |
| Years 4–5 | Second Renewal | 2 years |
| Year 6+ | Long-Term Residency (PR) | 5 years or indefinite |
📌 After 5 years of legal stay, you may apply for permanent residency (residencia de larga duración) in Spain.
📋 NLV Renewal Requirements
To renew your Non-Lucrative Visa, you must show:
✅ You still reside in Spain legally
✅ You have not worked or engaged in Spanish economic activity
✅ You have sufficient financial means (usually double the amount for 2 years)
✅ You have valid private health insurance
✅ You’ve lived in Spain at least 183 days/year
➡️ You must apply for renewal 60 days before or 90 days after your residence card (TIE) expires.
💶 Financial Requirements for Renewal (2-Year Period)
| Household Size | Required Income (Estimated) |
|---|---|
| 1 Adult | ~€60,000–€64,000 |
| Couple | ~€75,000–€80,000 |
| Family of 3 | ~€90,000–€96,000 |
You must submit updated bank statements or proof of income covering the full 2-year renewal period.
➡️ [Link to Article 2 – Income Requirements]
🧾 Documents Needed for Renewal
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| ✅ Renewal Form (EX-01) | Fill out and sign |
| ✅ TIE (Foreigner ID card) | Current card (not expired) |
| ✅ Passport + Copies | All pages |
| ✅ Empadronamiento Certificate | Updated proof of address |
| ✅ Bank Statements | Showing full 2-year financial support |
| ✅ Private Health Insurance | No copay, valid for full 2 years |
| ✅ Tax Declarations (if any) | If applicable for foreign income |
📌 All documents must be in Spanish or accompanied by official translations.
🖥️ Where to Submit the Renewal?
You can renew through:
🏢 In-Person:
-
At your local immigration office (extranjería)
-
Appointment required through Sede Electrónica
💻 Online (with digital certificate):
-
Through Spain’s Mercurio Platform
-
Requires Cl@ve or digital NIE certificate
📌 Renewals do not require consulate appointments — you apply from within Spain.
🕐 Processing Time
-
Renewal decisions typically take 1–2 months
-
You can legally remain in Spain while waiting, even if your current card expires
-
Once approved, you’ll receive a 2-year TIE (residence card)
🔁 How Many Times Can You Renew?
-
First renewal: 2 years
-
Second renewal: another 2 years
-
After that, you can switch to long-term residency
🧭 Tip: You can also switch to another residence permit (e.g. work permit, entrepreneur visa) after your second renewal.
🛂 Permanent Residency in Spain (After 5 Years)
You may apply for residencia de larga duración if:
✅ You’ve resided in Spain legally for 5 consecutive years
✅ You have not left Spain for more than 6 months at a time or 10 months total in 5 years
✅ You show continued financial means
✅ You submit a criminal background check and basic paperwork
📌 Long-term residency allows you to work in Spain and simplifies future renewals.
➡️ [See future article on switching visas and permanent residency]
❗ Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Applying too late — don’t wait until your TIE is expired
🚫 Using outdated financial documents
🚫 Missing proof of continued Spanish address (empadronamiento)
🚫 Letting your health insurance lapse
🚫 Leaving Spain for more than 183 days per year (may void renewal)
🧑⚖️ Need Help Renewing Your NLV?
At Borderless Lawyers, we assist with every part of your NLV renewal — from document prep to extranjería appointments.
✅ Multilingual legal team
✅ Expert knowledge of local immigration offices
✅ Digital & in-person support for renewals and long-term residency