Spain is a popular choice for expats due to its favorable climate, affordable living costs, and laid-back lifestyle. The country boasts a rich gastronomic culture and is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you're considering moving to Spain, the Non-lucrative Visa can be your pathway to a new life. This guide offers essential information on the visa application process, including income requirements and application procedures.

Overview of the Spanish Non-lucrative Visa

The Spain Non-lucrative Visa, also known as the Visado de Residencia No Lucrativa, is a residency permit introduced by the Spanish government to stimulate the country's economy. This visa option is specifically tailored for non-EU citizens who possess sufficient financial resources and wish to retire or live in Spain without engaging in employment or business activities that require a work permit.

To be eligible for the non-lucrative residence visa, applicants must meet certain requirements, which include:

• Demonstrating a minimum income or savings to ensure they can sustain their living expenses in Spain without seeking employment.
• Obtaining private medical insurance to cover any healthcare costs during their stay.
• Providing a criminal record certificate to demonstrate good conduct.
• Presenting a medical certificate attesting to their overall health.
• Fulfilling the minimum residency requirement, which entails spending a specified number of days in the country.

Once applicants meet the criteria for the Non-lucrative Visa, they have the opportunity to renew the visa until they become eligible for permanent residency after five years.

Step-by-Step Guide: Applying for a Spanish Non-lucrative Visa

If you're a third-country national (non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss) looking to live in Spain long-term without engaging in any work activities, the Spanish Non-lucrative Visa may be the right option for you. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the application process, including the necessary requirements and documents you'll need to provide.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before applying for a Spanish Non-lucrative Visa, make sure you meet the following eligibility criteria:

• You are a third-country national (non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss).
• You intend to reside in Spain for an extended period.
• You have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependents without seeking employment.
• You have a clean criminal record.
• You possess adequate health insurance.
• You are free from any illnesses listed under the World Health Organization (WHO) International Health Regulations 2005.
• You are willing to spend a minimum number of days in Spanish territory.

Step 2: Include Family Members (if applicable)

Under the Non-lucrative Visa, immediate family members such as your spouse or common-law partner and dependent children can be included in your application. However, you must demonstrate additional income to support each family member.

Step 3: Understand Income Requirements

The income requirements for the Non-lucrative Visa are updated annually and depend on the current value of the monthly IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which is a reference index for economic support in Spain. As of 2023, the minimum income requirements are as follows:

• Main Applicant: €2,400 ($2,619.12) per month or €28,800 ($31,450) per year
• Each Dependent: €600 ($654.78) per month or €7,200 ($7,864) per year

These income requirements can be met through various sources such as foreign employment, business earnings, monthly income from non-work activities like pensions and rental income, or through savings.

Step 4: Gather Required Documents

To complete your Spanish Non-lucrative Visa application, you will need to prepare the following documents:

• National visa application form: Ensure you use the correct Spanish application form and not one related to the EU or Schengen visa.
• Valid passport: Your passport should have a minimum validity of one year and at least one blank page.
• Recent passport photograph: Provide a recent photo with a white background.
• Criminal record certificates: Obtain criminal record certificates from all countries of residence within the last five years.
• Health insurance: Provide proof of a public or private health insurance policy that covers your stay in Spain.
• Medical certificate: Obtain a valid medical certificate confirming your overall health.
• Financial means documents:
  • Bank account statements for the past three months.
  • Employment contract (if applicable) to demonstrate salary.
  • Proof of investments.
  • Evidence of other sources of income, such as rental income.
• Non-lucrative Visa application form (EX-01).
• Marriage certificate or document proving a common-law partnership (if applicable).
• Sworn translations: All non-Spanish documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator or interpreter registered in Spain. Family members included in the application must also provide translated versions of their documents, including a medical certificate, health insurance, and criminal record certificate (if over 18).

Step 5: Comply with Photo Requirements

When submitting your visa application, ensure that your photo meets the specific requirements set by the consulate or embassy where you apply. While these requirements may vary slightly, the following guidelines are commonly observed for Spanish visa photos:

• Size: The photo should be 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm (1.38 inches x 1.77 inches).
• Color and quality: The photo must be in color, clear, and high-quality with no visible pixels, blurring, or distortion.
• Background: The background should be plain white, free of patterns or distractions.
• Facial expression: Maintain a neutral facial expression with both eyes open and directly facing the camera. Keep your mouth closed.
• Head position: Ensure your head is centered in the photo, covering around 70 to 80 percent of the image.
• Lighting: The photo should have even lighting without shadows on the face or background.
• Attire: Wear everyday clothing, avoiding uniforms. Headwear is generally not allowed unless worn for religious or medical reasons.
• Headgear and accessories: Unless for religious or medical purposes, avoid wearing headgear or accessories that may obscure your facial features. If you wear glasses for medical reasons, make sure your eyes are clearly visible without any reflections or glare from the lenses.
• Recent photo: The photo should be taken within the last six months to represent your current appearance accurately.

Remember to verify the specific photo requirements provided by the consulate or embassy where you will submit your Spanish visa application.

Conclusion

By following this step-by-step guide, you should have a clear understanding of the process involved in applying for a Spanish Non-lucrative Visa. Ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements, gather the necessary documents, and comply with the photo specifications.

Understanding Spanish Non-lucrative Visa Application Fees

The application fees for a non-lucrative Spanish residency visa vary based on the country you are applying from. These fees are determined by Spain's reciprocal measures with certain countries.

Here are the current application fees for a non-lucrative residence visa in Spain:

• Citizens of the United States: €123
• Canadian citizens: €507
• Citizens of all other nationalities: €80

Please note that these fees are subject to change, and it's advisable to consult with the appropriate authorities or consulate for the most up-to-date information.

Application Process for a Spain Non-lucrative Visa

The following information provides a detailed guide on the application process for a Spain Non-lucrative Visa, including important details and formatting for better clarity.

When and Where to Apply for the Non-lucrative Visa

The first step in applying for a Spain Non-lucrative Visa is to gather all the required documents. It is important to note that you can apply for this residency permit up to 90 days before your intended travel date to Spain.

A Spanish Non-lucrative Visa can be applied for through the following channels:

• Spanish Embassy: Visit the Spanish Embassy in your country of residence to submit your application.
• Spanish Consulate: Alternatively, you can apply at a Spanish Consulate that serves your area.
• Third-party Organizations: Some countries offer the services of third-party organizations that assist in visa applications on behalf of Spain. You can check if such services are available in your country.

The Visa Application Process

The application process for a Spain Non-lucrative Visa typically follows these steps:

Step 1: Qualified Applicant

The main applicant, who intends to reside in Spain under the Non-lucrative Visa, must submit the application on behalf of themselves and any accompanying family members.

Step 2: Appointment and Document Submission

To submit your non-lucrative residency application, you must schedule an appointment in advance. These appointments are typically available at Spanish Embassies or Consular Offices.

During the appointment, you will need to submit all the required documents as specified by the visa application guidelines.

Step 3: Proof of Receipt

Upon submitting your Non-lucrative Visa application, the Spanish Embassy will provide you with confirmation of receipt. They will issue a code that allows you to check the status of your application through a designated web portal.

Step 4: Rectifying the Visa Application

The embassy may request applicants to provide any missing documents or additional documentation they consider necessary for the application review. In some cases, a second appointment or interview may be required.

Step 5: Await a Decision

The decision stage for a Non-lucrative Visa generally takes around 90 days. However, this timeframe may be extended if further due diligence or additional documents are required for the review process.

Step 6: Collecting the Non-lucrative Residence Permit

Once approved, the main applicant must collect the non-lucrative residence permit in person within one month of its availability. The embassy or consulate will provide instructions on where and how to collect the permit.

Step 7: Denial of the Residence Visa

If your application for a Spanish Non-lucrative Visa is denied, you will receive written notification specifying the grounds for the decision.

Step 8: Appeals of Refusal

In the event of a denial, you have the option to appeal for reconsideration at the same Spanish Consular Office within one month of receiving the refusal notification. Alternatively, you can file an appeal with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within two months of receiving the refusal or dismissal of the reconsideration appeal.

What to Do After Arriving in Spain with a Non-lucrative Residence Permit

Once you arrive in Spain with a non-lucrative residence permit, there are certain obligations you need to fulfill:

• NIE Application: All foreign nationals, including each family member over 18, holding a Spanish Non-lucrative Visa or any other residence card must apply for their NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) within one month of their arrival in Spain.

What is an NIE Number?

An NIE number is a Spanish identification and tax number given to foreign residents in Spain. It serves as a form of national ID and is required for various legal or official activities in Spain. Some of the activities that may require an NIE number include opening a Spanish bank account, registering as an international student, paying taxes, or engaging in any other legal or professional activity.

Validity Period of a Spanish Non-lucrative Visa

The initial Non-lucrative Visa is valid for one year. It can be renewed twice for two additional years, allowing a total of five years of residency. To renew the visa, you must spend at least 183 days per year in Spain and demonstrate sufficient economic means to support yourself.

After completing five years of residency, you become eligible to apply for permanent residence in Spain.

Possibility of Spanish Citizenship through the Non-lucrative Visa

When considering the submission of an application for a Spanish Non-lucrative Visa, it is important for applicants to understand that this visa does not automatically grant Spanish citizenship.

In order to obtain citizenship in Spain, one must go through the process of naturalization, which typically requires a ten-year period of residency. However, after maintaining non-lucrative resident status for five years, applicants are eligible to apply for permanent residency in Spain.

By continuing their permanent residence for an additional five years, individuals can meet the requirements for Spanish citizenship, as long as they enter Spain at least twice a year and do not spend more than five and a half to six months between each visit for a total period of ten years.

For individuals from countries that were once Spanish colonies, Spanish citizenship law may provide an opportunity to apply for naturalization after residing in Spain for two years.

FAQ

Is it necessary to pay taxes in Spain with a Non-lucrative Visa?

Yes, individuals living in Spain under a non-lucrative residency visa are considered Spanish tax residents and are required to pay income tax on their worldwide income. This includes income from overseas sources, such as rental income and earnings from foreign businesses.

In addition to income tax, non-EU citizens with Spanish residence permits, whether temporary or permanent, are also obligated to pay capital gains tax, wealth tax, and inheritance tax to the Spanish government. Spain has double tax treaties with several countries, so depending on your country of origin, you may have access to tax relief schemes as a Spanish tax resident.

Is the Spanish Non-lucrative Visa suitable for UK nationals?

The Spanish Non-lucrative Visa, also known as the Non-profit Visa, is an ideal residence permit for UK nationals. Since the UK's withdrawal from the European Union (Brexit) in January 2020, many British expats living in Spain without permanent residency faced uncertainties. The introduction of the Non-lucrative Visa provided a straightforward way for UK nationals to legally continue residing in Spain or relocate there.

The current cost of the Spanish Non-lucrative Visa for UK nationals is €80 (£70). UK applicants, as well as their family members, can apply for this visa at the Spanish Consulate in Manchester, the Embassy of Spain in London, or any other Spanish Immigration Office in the UK.

Can digital nomads apply for a Spanish Non-lucrative Visa?

There are no restrictions on who can apply for a Non-lucrative Visa for Spain. As long as you can present the required documents and demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself without seeking employment, you are eligible for a non-lucrative residency visa as a digital nomad. You will also need to have a Spanish bank account.

To obtain a Non-lucrative Visa, applicants must provide bank statements showing a monthly income of at least €2,400 ($2,619.12) or savings of €28,000 ($31,450), have private health insurance, and spend at least 183 days per year in Spanish territory to maintain the visa.

Does a Non-lucrative Visa for Spain grant the right to work?

No, a Non-lucrative Visa for Spain is a non-working visa and does not come with a work permit or permission to engage in professional activities within Spain. The Non-lucrative Visa is specifically designed for non-EU citizens who have sufficient financial resources to support themselves without working while residing in Spain.

To obtain a work permit or engage in professional activities in Spain, foreigners must apply for specific Spanish visas such as a Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo) or Self-Employed Visa (Visado de Trabajo por Cuenta Propia).