Non-Lucrative Visa to Spain
The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa is the perfect pathway for becoming a resident in Spain if you have passive income. This visa is specifically tailored for individuals who wish to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle without engaging in professional activities, relying instead on a steady income from sources such as pensions, investments, or other passive means.
Let us help you navigate the complexities of immigration with ease, turning your dream of Spanish residency into a reality.
The Non-Lucrative Visa
Ideal for retirees, remote workers, and those seeking a tranquil life in one of Europe’s most captivating countries, the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa is your ticket to a new beginning in Spain.
Why the Non-Lucrative Visa?
- Access to High-Quality Life: Experience Spain's high standard of living, with access to excellent healthcare, education, and a rich cultural scene.
- Affordable Cost of Living: Enjoy a lifestyle that offers great value for money, with lower living costs compared to many other Western European countries.
- Stunning Locations: Whether you prefer enchanting historical towns, vibrant cities, or serene coastal areas, Spain has it all.
- Favorable Climate: Spain boasts a diverse climate, from the mild Mediterranean to the continental climates inland, perfect for outdoor activities and enjoying the natural beauty of the country.
- Pathway to Permanent Residency and Citizenship: The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa can be a stepping stone towards permanent residency and eventually citizenship, offering you the chance to become a full member of the Spanish community.
Important Documents
Listed below are the documents we will assist you in acquiring:
The National Visa Application Form is a mandatory document for the Non-Lucrative Visa to Spain. It must be completed in full, with accurate personal, financial, and background information. This official form serves as the foundation of your application, providing the Spanish authorities with essential details to assess your eligibility for the visa. It typically includes sections on personal data, details of the intended stay in Spain, and questions regarding the applicant’s past travel and legal history. The form must be signed and dated, affirming the authenticity and veracity of the information provided.
The Non-Working Residence Visa Application Form is a crucial document required for the Non-Lucrative Visa to Spain. This form is specifically designed for individuals who intend to reside in Spain without engaging in any professional activity or employment. It must be accurately filled out with the applicant’s personal details, residence information, and proof of financial means. The form will include sections to declare your financial independence, ensuring you have sufficient funds to support yourself without working. It is essential to complete this form with utmost care, as it provides the Spanish consulate or embassy with the necessary information to determine your residency status. The completed form must be signed to certify the truthfulness of the information provided.
A photograph for the Non-Lucrative Visa to Spain application is a recent passport-style color photo that meets the Spanish government’s specifications. It should be a front-facing image with a plain background, clearly showing your full face with no head coverings (except for religious reasons), and no shadows. The photo must be of high quality to ensure recognizable facial features and should be in the size specified by the visa application requirements, which is typically 2×2 inches (approximately 5×5 cm). This photograph is used for identification purposes and must be attached to the visa application form.
A valid, unexpired passport is a fundamental requirement for the Non-Lucrative Visa application to Spain. The passport must have a minimum validity of at least one year from the date of application and should have at least two blank pages available for the visa and entry stamps. It serves as the primary form of legal identification and proof of citizenship. You must submit the original passport along with a photocopy of the main page containing your photo and personal details, as well as any pages with previous visas and entry/exit stamps.
Proof of financial means is a critical document for the Non-Lucrative Visa to Spain, demonstrating that you have sufficient economic resources to support yourself during your stay without the need for employment. This can include bank statements showing consistent income or savings, investment portfolios, pension summaries, or any other verifiable financial instruments. The Spanish authorities will specify the minimum financial threshold required. It’s important that these documents are up-to-date, typically no older than three months, and clearly show your name as the account holder with the available balance. The documentation should be officially stamped by the issuing financial institution and, if not in Spanish, accompanied by a certified translation.
Health insurance documentation is a requisite for the Non-Lucrative Visa application to Spain, evidencing that you have a comprehensive medical insurance policy from a company operating in Spain. The policy must cover all risks normally insured for Spanish residents, without co-payments or deductibles, for the entire duration of the visa period. It should include medical expenses and repatriation in case of illness or accident. Proof of insurance must be provided in the form of an official certificate or policy document from the insurance provider, detailing the coverage and confirming that the policy is fully paid and active. If the document is not originally in Spanish, a certified translation may be required.
The Criminal Record Check Certificate is an essential document for the Non-Lucrative Visa application to Spain, required to demonstrate that the applicant has no criminal history. This certificate must be issued by the relevant authorities in the applicant’s country of residence or citizenship for the past five years. It should detail any criminal offenses the applicant may have been convicted of, and if none, it should clearly state that the individual has a clean record.
The certificate must be recent—typically issued within three months prior to the visa application—and must be legalized or apostilled, depending on the country of issue, to be recognized as valid by the Spanish authorities. Additionally, it may need to be accompanied by an official translation into Spanish if it’s not already in this language. This document helps the Spanish government ensure the safety and security of its residents by preventing individuals with a significant criminal background from being granted residency.
The Medical Certificate is a compulsory document for the Non-Lucrative Visa to Spain, attesting that the applicant does not suffer from any diseases that could have serious public health repercussions in accordance with the International Health Regulations of 2005. This typically includes a physical examination and may require specific tests or screenings.
This certificate must be translated into Spanish if not already in that language and be legalized or apostilled as appropriate. Furthermore, it should be dated no more than three months prior to the date of the visa application to ensure its validity.
Proof of Residence in the Consular District is a required document for the Non-Lucrative Visa application to Spain, which verifies that the applicant resides within the jurisdiction of the consulate processing the visa application. This document is necessary to confirm that the applicant is applying at the correct consular office.
The proof can be provided in various forms, such as a recent utility bill (electricity, water, gas, internet, or telephone), a lease agreement, or an official government document (like a driver’s license or a voter registration card) that clearly shows the applicant’s name and current address within the consulate’s district.
It is important that this document is current, generally dated within the last three months, to ensure that it accurately reflects the applicant’s current residence. This requirement ensures the proper handling and jurisdictional processing of the visa application.
How Can We Help You?
- We are committed to adding a personal touch to your journey. For your visa application process, a dedicated consultant will be assigned to you, serving as your primary contact and guide through every step.
- Navigating the complexities of assembling the necessary documents for your visa can be daunting. Our team will shoulder the responsibility of acquiring all documents that can be sourced within Spain, lightening your load and ensuring thoroughness.
- Our objective is to compile all essential documents for your visa application within a 4-month period. While we endeavor to expedite this process, please be aware that this timeframe is not guaranteed and may be influenced by various factors, such as the need to secure a property in Spain.
- We provide specialized assistance to ensure your visa application is supported by the strongest possible documentation. Our team, with its deep understanding of Spain's specific visa requirements, offers expert advice to bolster the effectiveness of your application.
Process Stages
The first critical step in the Spanish visa process. This stage involves applying for a Número de Identidad de Extranjero (NIE), which is essential for financial and legal activities in Spain. The NIE is a unique tax identification number required for all foreign residents.
An essential step following the acquisition of your NIE. This phase involves setting up a Spanish bank account, a fundamental requirement for managing your financial transactions in Spain, including proving financial means for the Non-Lucrative Visa.
A vital part of establishing your base in Spain. Our team works closely with reputable real estate agents and landlords throughout Spain to provide a wide range of housing options that suit your preferences and needs, an important step in demonstrating your ties to Spain for the visa.
Our experts conduct a comprehensive review of all necessary documents to ensure they adhere to the strict criteria for a successful Spanish visa application. Our services extend beyond basic review, encompassing assistance with drafting the Letter of Intent, navigating the process for obtaining a local Police Clearance Certificate, and offering detailed guidance throughout the entire application process.
Frequently Asked Questions
You apply for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa at the nearest Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country or country of legal residence.
This visa is ideal for individuals who have sufficient funds to support themselves without working in Spain, such as retirees, individuals with passive income, or those with significant savings.
Required documents typically include a valid passport, proof of sufficient financial means, a criminal background check, health insurance, and a medical certificate, among others.
You can prove accommodation by providing a rental agreement, a property deed, or a letter from a host in Spain stating you will be provided housing.
The processing time varies but generally takes around 1 to 3 months from the date of application submission.
Costs include the visa application fee, potentially the costs for legalizing documents, translations, health insurance, and any service fees if using a visa consultant.
You should travel to Spain once your visa is approved and within the validity period mentioned in the visa.
The exact amount varies yearly. Generally, you must show enough income or savings to cover your living expenses in Spain, which is often benchmarked against the Spanish IPREM (Public Indicator of Multiple Effect Income).
The amount required is based on the IPREM and may be higher if you have dependents. You’ll need to demonstrate a stable source of passive income that meets or exceeds this threshold.
Yes, but there are limitations on how long you can stay outside Spain without affecting your residency status.
Not initially. Holders of the Non-Lucrative Visa must have private health insurance. After obtaining permanent residency, you may access public healthcare.
Hiring a consultant can streamline the application process, ensure all documents are correctly prepared and submitted, and provide valuable guidance through the complexities of immigration law and procedures.
