NON-LUCRATIVE RESIDENCE VISA FOR SPAIN: WHAT IT IS AND HOW TO GET IT
If you are a non-EU citizen (from third countries), including people of Mexican, Peruvian, American, Argentine, Chilean, Russian, Uruguayan nationality, among many other nationalities who genuinely wish to obtain legal residence in Spain for more than 90 days, you can apply for a variety of visas for Spain, one of which is the non-lucrative residence visa. This type of visa will allow you to live in Spain without working directly in the country, and you can also include some family members.
Keep in mind that anyone who can demonstrate sufficient financial funds can apply for this type of residence permit.
What is the Spanish Non-Lucrative Residence Visa?
The non-lucrative residence visa is a type of Spanish visa that can be granted to citizens of third countries outside the EU who dream of and wish to live in Spain for more than three months. An important point to note is that this visa does not allow you to work in Spain or engage in any professional activities. This means that no work or other professional activities are permitted under the non-lucrative residence regime in Spain, although you can travel within the Schengen area with minimal requirements.
So, there are many advantages to opting for this non-lucrative visa (for you and your family members).
With this visa, you can reside in Spain as a temporary resident for at least one year from your date of entry into Spain. If you wish, you can also renew your non-lucrative visa or residence permit for Spain before it expires (60 days before the expiration date). Additionally, you can renew it up to 90 days after the expiration date, although from MigraVisas, we recommend applying for renewal well in advance and not waiting until the last moment. If you need advice, remember that you can contact us or schedule an online appointment directly with us.
Another aspect to clarify about the process is that each renewal will last up to two years (first and second renewals). If you are looking to move permanently to Spain, you can achieve this with the third renewal of the non-lucrative residence permit, as it will be granted for five years.
This visa is ideal for non-EU citizens who have sufficient funds or means, including retirees, and wish to live in Spain without working or engaging in professional activities.
Main Benefits of the Non-Lucrative Residence Permit for Spain
With this type of visa, you can:
- Work remotely (telecommuting or freelancing) for your clients or a company based abroad.
- Live with your family members, including your partner and other family members.
- Travel freely within the Schengen area without needing a tourist visa.
- Invest in properties in Spain.
- Among other benefits.
Main Requirements for a Non-Lucrative Residence Visa in Spain
Non-EU citizens who wish to apply for the non-lucrative residence visa for Spain must meet the following requirements:
- Passport with at least one year of validity remaining before its expiration date.
- Not having exceeded the stay of a previous visa or having stayed illegally in Spanish territory.
- No criminal record in your current country of residence or in Spain.
- Proof of sufficient financial funds or means.
- Not being banned from entering Spain, or not being a national of a country with which Spain has a specific agreement.
- Not suffering from any diseases that could have serious repercussions on public health according to the International Health Regulations of 2005.
Procedure for Applying for a Non-Lucrative Residence Visa in Spain
Submit the application at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence.
The non-lucrative residence visa application must be submitted at the nearest Spanish General Consulate in your current country of residence.
This application must be submitted in person by the individual who wishes to obtain the visa. Any application made on behalf of minors can be submitted by a parent, guardian, or authorized representative.
Documentación requerida para su solicitud de visa de residencia no lucrativa
- Formulario de solicitud de visa de residencia EX01.
- Pasaporte o título de viaje, reconocido como válido en España, con una vigencia mínima de un año. Te recomendamos sacar un nuevo pasaporte para tener más vigencia y que te permita las renovaciones.
- Certificado de antecedentes penales o documento equivalente, si es mayor de edad, expedido por las autoridades del país de origen o del país o países en los que haya residido durante los últimos cinco años.
- Documentación que acredite que dispone de medios económicos para el período solicitado. Puede acreditarse por cualquier medio de prueba, incluida la provisión de títulos de propiedad, cheques certificados o tarjetas de crédito acompañadas de una certificación bancaria que acredite el monto disponible como crédito en la tarjeta. Si los medios proceden de acciones o inversiones en empresas españolas, mixtas o extranjeras, con sede en España, el solicitante deberá acreditar que no realiza ninguna actividad laboral, aportando una declaración jurada adjunta a tal efecto.
- Documentación acreditativa de un seguro médico vigente y válido emitido por una empresa autorizada para operar en España. Debe tener una cobertura total; sin excesos ni copagos.
- Certificado médico.
- Pago de tasas respectivas.
Notes
- There is a mandatory interview that will take place at the consulate office. Very few people might be exempt from the interview.
- When providing documents from other countries, they must be translated into Spanish or the co-official language of the territory where the application is submitted.
Additionally, all foreign public documents must be legalized by the Spanish Consular Office with jurisdiction in the country where the document was issued or, if applicable, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, unless the document has been apostilled by the competent authority of the issuing country according to the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, or unless the document is exempt from legalization under international agreements.
Wait for the response from the Spanish Consulate
Holders of a non-lucrative residence visa must arrive in Spain within 90 days from the date their visa was granted. During the first month of your stay in Spain, you will need to visit the Local Foreigners Office (Extranjería) and apply for your Foreigner Identification Card (hereafter, NIE Card). Once you receive the NIE Card, you can stay for the duration of the card. Be sure to bring the original background check documents and medical certificate along with their original translations to Spain for this process.
If you are seeking more information or need assistance regarding the non-lucrative residence visa process for Spain and its renewals, feel free to contact us or schedule an appointment directly to get our help.
MigraVisas is an experienced team with the skills to assist you with visa, immigration, and nationality requirements in Spain. We are trained to provide support in a wide range of visa applications, passports, government processes, and registrations. Additionally, we handle the completion and submission of official documents, appeal denied requests, and manage complex cases. Contact us to assess your needs and discover how we can assist you.