Date Published: 04/10/2024

Non-lucrative residence visa for Spain: A complete guide

How to retire to Spain and live there permanently with a valid visa

If you’re considering moving to Spain and don’t plan to work, the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa (NLV) might be the perfect option for you. This visa allows foreigners to reside in Spain without engaging in any gainful employment or professional activity. It’s ideal for retirees, those with independent wealth, or anyone seeking a life in Spain without working.

Heniam & Associates can help you process this visa and also advise on other visa options, such as the Digital Nomad Visa and student visas. Here’s what you need to know about the non-lucrative residence visa.

Who qualifies for the Non-Lucrative Visa?

The non-lucrative residence visa is available to individuals who can demonstrate that they have sufficient financial means to live in Spain without the need to work. This visa does not grant a work permit, so it's important to note that applicants cannot undertake any form of professional or gainful activity while residing in Spain.

Family members can also apply for this visa, including:

Spouses or unmarried partners
Dependent children
Dependent relatives in the ascending line (such as parents)

Basic requirements

To qualify for the non-lucrative visa, applicants need to meet several requirements and provide specific documents. Here’s a breakdown:

National visa application form: Each applicant must fill out and sign a national visa application form.
Non-working residence visa application form: You must also complete the EX-01 form, which is specific to non-working residence visa applicants.
Recent photograph: You will need a recent passport-sized colour photo, taken against a light background and showing your full face.
Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least one year and contain at least two blank pages. If your passport was issued more than 10 years ago, it will not be accepted.
Proof of financial means: To qualify, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself (and any accompanying family members) during your time in Spain. The minimum requirement is 400% of Spain's Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). For each additional family member, you must prove an extra 100% of the IPREM. Applicants of working age may need to provide additional documents, such as proof of a pension or a letter of resignation from their employer, confirming they no longer work. Bank statements from the last three months and the most recent tax return will also need to be submitted.
Health insurance: Applicants must provide proof of health insurance (public or private) that covers all risks similar to Spain’s public healthcare system. The policy must be valid for at least one year and should have no co-pays or deductibles. Travel insurance is not accepted.
Criminal record certificate: Applicants over the age of 18 must provide a criminal record certificate from their country of residence for the past five years. This document must be legalised with the ‘Apostille of The Hague’ and translated into Spanish.
Medical certificate: Applicants must provide a medical certificate confirming that they do not suffer from any illnesses that could pose a serious risk to public health, as outlined by the 2005 International Health Regulations. Like other foreign documents, this must be legalised or apostilled and accompanied by a certified translation into Spanish.
Proof of residence: You’ll need to prove that your place of residence is within the consular district of the Spanish consulate where you are applying. This could be a driver’s licence or a utility bill, for example.
Visa fee: Applicants must complete the required forms (790 code 052) and pay the visa and residence permit fees. These payments are usually made at the Consular Office, and only money orders are accepted. Ensure that you check the exact fee on the consulate’s website before your appointment.

Documents for family members

If family members are applying, they will need to submit the same set of documents (proof of financial means, health insurance, etc.). Additionally, documents proving the family relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates, are required. These documents must also be apostilled and translated into Spanish.

Related: Understanding Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa and how to get one

Visa procedure and timeline

Applications for non-lucrative visas must be submitted in person at the Spanish Consulate. The Consular Office will issue a receipt with a code that allows applicants to check the status of their visa. If any additional documents or a personal interview are required, the Consulate will notify the applicant.

The processing time for a non-lucrative visa is typically three months, though this can be extended if more information is needed.

After arriving in Spain

Once in Spain, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within one month of arrival. The visa itself is valid for 90 days, but the TIE allows you to stay for the full duration of your visa.

Visa refusals and appeals

If your visa is refused, the Consular Office will inform you in writing and provide the reasons for refusal. Applicants have the right to appeal the decision within one month or file a judicial review within two months.

Why choose Heniam & Associates?

Navigating Spain’s visa process can be complex, but Heniam & Associates can help simplify it. From the non-lucrative residence visa to other visa options like the Digital Nomad Visa or student visa, Heniam & Associates are experts in helping you start your new life in Spain.

Contact them for more information and let them guide you through every step of the application process:

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Heniam & Associates for Conveyancing, paperwork, legal advice and immigration throughout the Region of Murcia

Catering for the needs of expats living all over Spain, and particularly in the Costa Cálida and the Costa Blanca, Heniam & Associates offer a wide range of services including conveyancing, legal and administrative advice.

At the same time, their team of dedicated professionals appreciate the need to assist you in an easy and reliable manner, allowing you as much time as possible to enjoy your freedom, relax and make the most out of life in Spain. Without sacrificing efficiency, they offer personalised services to each and every client, listening to their needs in order to provide exactly the right service and desired outcome.

In the all-important field of Legal and Administrative Services, Heniam & Associates provide help in a wide range of matters including (but not limited to):

Conveyancing
Legal and professional communication assistance
NIE and TIE Applications
Commercial and company set-up and licensing
Spanish health and administrative services
Support and assistance with regulatory bodies
Professional will writing services and advice on intestate inheritance laws (both in the UK and in Spain)
Contract drafting (for businesses and individuals)
Dispute resolution
Digital signatures and certificates

Whether taking advantage of our conveyancing services or any other legal matter Heniam & Associates’ business partner HeniamLegal will represent you in the best possible way, excelling especially in their conveyancing service.

When buying a property in a foreign country it can be challenging to understand all of the steps that have to be taken. Heniam knows that buying a home can be stressful and they want to ensure that you have the resources that you need to make sure that the transaction is as smooth as possible so that you can start to enjoy your new home without worrying about the details and any purchase pitfalls.

HeniamLegal will be on hand to assist you with every part of the process. They have dedicated professionals on hand to assist you every step of the way ensuring that all of the relevant checks and investigations are carried out and, of course, negotiating on your behalf and protecting your interests. You will always have the support you need with HeniamLegal and Heniam & Associates.

Heniam & Associates In addition, translation services are provided either for written documents or for occasions such as visits to the doctor or to administrative offices, and assistance is provided in finding the best deal on foreign currency transfers.