Non-lucrative residence visa (NLV)

A non-lucrative residence visa is a type of visa that allows nationals to live in Spain without working for a certain period of time. This visa is usually granted to retired people who want to live in Spain or to people who have passive income or people who want to take a sabbatical year.

The NLV visa does not grant a work permit and only works well if the applicant has sufficient financial means to guarantee a stay. Applying for this visa is tedious and a bit complex, so we recommend that you hire a law firm to help you with the non-lucrative visa application process.

Guide for the application of a Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain

All you require for the application process are a medical certificate, bank statements, a valid passport, proof of a private health plan, and proof of enough economic resources like the IPREM (Multiplier for the Public Income Index). These show your previous health and financial status.

The application process begins with visiting the Spanish consulate of your country of origin. Here all the required documents are submitted during the meeting with the consular. Fingerprints and other biometric data are submitted for completion of the process.

The process is cumbersome, and assistance from immigration attorneys is necessary to ensure that all the documents are in place. The process requires you to pay the visa application fee at the Spanish embassy.
Payments can be done via a bank transfer, at the visa appointment, or through a visa application agency.

Once the non-lucrative residence visa has been processed, you are handed a residency card that permits you to go to Spain following the validity of the Visa at hand. Eu citizens can enter Spain and live for about 90 days without Visa.

For visits that take longer than 3 months, even Eu citizens apply for a long-term visa like the non-lucrative residence visa.

Documents necessary for a Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

• Visa Application form: Every participant fills in each of the sections required. After completion, sign out the form correctly. The visa form can be located at the Spanish embassy website or an application centre.
  Two identical photos: You need at least two recent simple passport-sized photos against a light background. These passport photographs are taken following the Schengen visa requirements.
• Medical certificate: An original and a copy of the participant’s medical papers are required. These are for showing that no disease that could cause a public problem, or even a pandemic is carried along. These documents must be legalized, and a copy of the translated version is carried out where possible.
• Passport: As an applicant, you need an original and a photocopy of your passport that can be valid for a year and, at most, ten years. The passports contain your biometric information. It should also have two blank pages.
• Criminal record document: Criminal record check certificate is a requirement. Applicants of legal age
  present a copy and the original certificates given by their home country that shows any criminal activities for the past five years. Foreign documents are legalized and submitted with one copy translated into Spanish.
• NIE number: You are given a unique personal number as a foreigner if you plan to stay in Spain for more than six months. Apply for this number before going for a visa at the consulate.
• Evidence of sufficient financial income: You present your original and copy of documents that prove you have stable financial means or a steady source of income that cover your stay in Spain. This also applies to the family members who tag along with you as an applicant.
• The accepted minimum pay sums to 400% of the IPREM and another 100% of the same for each member. All these documents are legalized and submitted with a Spanish-translated copy where applicable.
• The documents presented here include the following:
• Bank statements: Owning an NLV demands that you present these statements showing information for the last three months.
• Proof of investments: Proof of salary if an employer is issuing it outside of Spain. Attach a letter showing proof of salary.
• A marriage or birth certificate: You should show proof of any dependents, children or spouse. A marriage certificate is a requirement if you have experienced marriage, and a birth certificate if you have a child or more. All these documents are legalized, and a copy is made in Spanish translation.
• Private health insurance: Every applicant provides health medicare from an insurance company in Spain authorized to provide insurance in the country.
• Payment of fees: A fee is required for a residence permit and is done at the office of the consular. The applicant fills in all the required spaces and fields. The applicant also signs two copies of form 790, code 052.
  For applicants who pay online, the link is 790-052. Proof of payment from the site of payment should be attached.

Necessary documents for family members in the NLV

Every family must provide certain documents, for instance:

Documents that attribute proof of family relations with the applicant. A birth or marriage certificate will be a necessity here. An applicant should present the certificate of registration for unmarried couples or any other document showing an unmarried partnership.

Remember to legalize all the documents presented here and translate a copy to Spanish if need be.
Necessary documents like the ones specified in sections 1-10. Parents or guardians take care of their children’s signatures where minors are applicable.

In situations involving relatives or adult children, applicants must present documents proving their children or relatives depend financially on them. The civil status of the relative or the adult child is checked and affirmed whether or not the applicant remains the provider for the adult child or relatives as they stay in Spain.

Any other document may be required according to what the process will entail. This is personal for everybody. The consular may ask for documents or an applicant to go for an interview.

The different types of non-lucrative residence visas are:

Non-Lucrative Visa for Remote Workers

Every worker can apply for a non-lucrative visa so long as they can fend for themselves while staying in Spain. If the remote workers are to abide by these rules, then it is well and good for them. Otherwise, Spanish consulates have rejected every professional activity in the country while on this type of Visa.
However, a new law recently changed the game, a new visa for digital nomads and remote workers. This Visa allows you to live in Spain for up to one year while working remotely for a company outside the country.

To be eligible for this Visa, individuals must have a secure source of income, like a salary or savings, to support themselves while living in Spain without working locally. They must also have a health plan to cover them while in Spain.

Application for the Non-Lucrative Visa involves filling out an application form and gathering many supporting documents, including health care and proof of income, medical papers, and a criminal background check.

The visa application takes several months, so planning and starting the process well before your intended travel date is important.

While considering applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa, it is a good idea to consult with a qualified visa specialist or an immigration lawyer to ensure that you have all the necessary documents and information and fully understand the process.

Non-Lucrative Visa for Retirees

Suppose you are a retiree and are interested in obtaining a non-lucrative visa for Spain. You are to meet the rules set by the Spanish government and present documentation to show that you have the financial capability to support yourself while in the country.

As a retiree, to apply for a non-lucrative visa for Spain, you will need to provide certain documents, for instance, a completed visa application form, a valid passport, a recent photograph, and proof of sufficient economic capability to fend for yourself while you are in the country.

You may also be required to provide proof of a private Medicare plan and a medical certificate.
In addition to the general requirements for a non-lucrative visa, you may be required to provide additional documentation as a retiree, such as proof of your retirement status and evidence of your financial means.

This may feature the provision of investment portfolios, bank statements, or other financial documents to show that you have sufficient economic means to support yourself while in Spain.
With a non-lucrative visa, you can stay in Spain for a maximum of 3 months. If you wish to stay in Spain for longer, you must apply for a long-term visa or residence permit.

The Fee for Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

€500 is the fee for a non-lucrative visa for Spain. This Visa is meant for individuals who wish to stay in Spain for more than 3 months for reasons other than employment, such as to study, retire, or engage in other activities.

Please understand that this fee is subject to change and varies depending on the circumstances of your application. It is always best to check with the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country of residence for the most up-to-date information on requirements and visa fees.

How much bank balance is required for Spain visa?

The specific type of Visa you are applying for a Visa to Spain will depend on the amount of money you have in your bank account and your circumstances.
For non-lucrative visas, you will generally have to show that you have enough financial resources for financial support while living in Spain without engaging or working in any economic or business activity.

The specific amount of money you need in your bank account to meet this requirement will depend on factors such as family size, age, and planned duration of stay in Spain.
As a general guideline, it is normally recommended that you have enough money in your bank account to cover at least one year of living expenses in Spain. This should include enough savings to cover your food, accommodation, Medicare plan transportation, and other necessities.

Generally, it is good to carefully review the requirements for the specific type of Visa you are applying for, and to gather all necessary documentation, including proof of financial resources, before submitting your application.

Suppose you have any questions about the requirements for a Visa to Spain. In that case, it is advisable to contact the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country of residence for more information.

Can You Renew a Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain?

Yes, it is possible to renew a non-lucrative visa for Spain. The Visa is usually valid for one year and can be renewed for additional one-year intervals.

You must apply for a renewal at the Spanish consulate in your home country to renew a non-lucrative visa for Spain before your current Visa expires. You will need to present the same documents as you did for your original visa application and any additional documentation that may be required.

This may include proof of stable financial means to support yourself during your stay in Spain, a criminal background check, and proof of health plan coverage.
It is crucial to understand that the renewal process normally takes several months, so it is recommended to start the process well before your current Visa expires.

How Long It Takes to Process a Spain Non-Lucrative Visa.

Processing this type of Visa takes about an estimated three months, and the actual processing time may vary depending on several factors like the completeness of the application, the volume of applications being processed, and any additional documentation that may be needed.

It is crucial to understand that the processing time for a Spain non-lucrative visa can be affected by various external factors, such as holidays or other events that may bring about delays. If you plan to apply for a Spain non-lucrative visa, start the process as early as possible to allow for any potential delays.

Benefits of a Spain Non-lucrative Visa

The benefits are:

1. A chance to reside in Spain for an extended time: An NLV allows you to live in Spain for a year and can be renewed for additional one-year intervals. With this allowance, you fully immerse yourself in Spanish culture and enjoy all the country offers.
2. A travel opportunity within the Schengen Area: As an owner of a Spain Non-lucrative Visa, you are privileged to move freely within the countries of the Schengen Area for 3 months. This grants you access to other European countries while staying in Spain.
3. The chance to learn Spanish language skills: Residing in Spain is an excellent opportunity to learn Spanish language skills. You will have the chance to practice your language skills daily, and you can join language classes or find a tutor to assist you in working on your skills.
4. Access to Spanish healthcare services: You are eligible to access the country’s healthcare system as a resident of Spain. Spain’s world-class-quality healthcare system is availed to all residents, regardless of their employment status.
5. Good life: Spain has a name for its sunny climate, rich culture, and delicious food, making it an attractive destination for suitors. You can enjoy all the country has to offer, from its charming towns and beautiful beaches to its rich history and vibrant cities.

Setbacks of a Spain Non-lucrative Visa

Potential drawbacks to keep in mind when applying for a Spain Non-lucrative Visa:

1. You are forbidden to work or conduct any business activity: The NLV is meant for individuals who do not intend to conduct business in or work in Spain. With this, you will need enough financial means for your upkeep while residing in the country.
2. No long term stay: As is limited by the regulations.
3. Complex and lengthy procedures: Applying for a Spain Non-lucrative Visa involves a multi-step process that is time-consuming and tedious as it requires the submission of various documents. To avoid complications or delays, gather all necessary documents and carefully review the requirements.
4. Sufficient financial resources: You must prove you have sufficient financial resources for your stay in Spain to be eligible for a Spain Non-lucrative Visa. This may involve presenting evidence of your assets, income, or other financial means.
5. Need for private health insurance: You must purchase private health Medicare plan to obtain a Spain Non-lucrative Visa. With this Visa, you are granted access to Spain’s healthcare system as a resident.
6. Ban of family members with you: Following your circumstances, it may be impossible to carry them along to Spain on a Spain Non-lucrative Visa. For example, you may not be able to bring a dependent relative or a dependent child who does not meet the requirements for a dependent visa.