Spain Non-Lucrative Visa: Features and How-To

Are you seeking a way to live in Spain without direct involvement in the local job market? The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa might be your answer. Designed for non-EU citizens with sufficient financial means, this visa enables you to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle without the obligation to work. If you have a stable income, retirement funds, or plan to work remotely, continue reading for key insights on eligibility, application steps, and what to prepare for a smooth process toward making Spain your new home.

Key Takeaways

• The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is aimed at non-EU citizens who have enough financial means to live in Spain without working, initially allowing a 1-year stay extendable to up to 5 years before granting eligibility for permanent residency.
• Applicants must demonstrate significant financial stability, with a minimum yearly income or savings, and secure comprehensive private health insurance without co-payments, as Spain’s public system doesn’t cover these visa holders.
• Requirements for the visa application include a criminal record certificate, a medical certificate, proof of financial resources, and sufficient Spanish health insurance. Upon approval, applicants must finalize residency with further registrations in Spain.

Understanding the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa

The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, or the Non-Lucrative Residence Permit, offers an exciting opportunity for non-EU citizens to reside in Spain for a prolonged duration without working. This visa is a golden ticket for individuals who have financial stability without depending on the Spanish job market. So, if you’re well-off, retired, or a remote worker, the Non-Lucrative Visa Spain could be your ticket to a life under the Mediterranean sun.

The visa application process might seem complex, but you need not worry. You can enlist the help of a Spanish immigration law expert to guide you through the details of the application.

Defining the Non-Lucrative Residence Permit

The Non-Lucrative Residence Permit in Spain is a unique long-term residency option. It is tailor-made for individuals who have adequate financial resources to sustain themselves without engaging in employment within Spain. This permit initially grants you a 1-year stay, which can be extended for an additional two years upon renewal, and the second renewal also lasts for two years.

However, challenges may arise. Insufficient financial means or non-compliance with the requirements could lead to application denial. It is important to meet all the criteria and assemble the necessary documentation before initiating the application process.

Who Can Benefit from the Non-Lucrative Visa?

The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa is a fantastic opportunity for any non-EU, EA, or Swiss citizen who meets the visa requirements and can demonstrate the financial means to support themselves. If you’re a retiree with a substantial pension or savings, this visa could be your passport to a relaxed life in Spain. As long as you can provide evidence of having at least 27,792.96€ in a bank account, along with a monthly income of 6,948.24€ for each accompanying member, you’re eligible for the lucrative visa for Spain, also known as the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa.

This visa is also a perfect fit for digital nomads. If you work remotely and have the financial resources to live in Spain without engaging in local employment, the Non-Lucrative Visa offers you the chance to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle while continuing your remote work.

Financial Criteria for Eligibility

To successfully apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa, you need to demonstrate financial stability. As a primary applicant, you need to show that you have a monthly income of €2,400 or an annual income of €28,800. But what if you rely on passive income or savings? Good news! Both are acceptable means for the Non-Lucrative Visa application, as long as you can demonstrate a minimum of €60,000 in an account under your name.

If you plan to bring your family along, be prepared to show additional financial means. For each family member included in the Non-Lucrative visa application, you need to demonstrate an extra €7,200 per year. If you’re unsure about the financial criteria, it’s best to seek guidance from legal professionals to determine the precise amount you need to show.

Showcasing Sufficient Economic Means

Demonstrating sufficient economic means is a key part of your Spain Non-Lucrative Visa application. You need to have at least 28,800 euros in savings. Regular monthly income from sources like payslips, government or state pensions, and income-generating assets also counts towards proving your financial stability.

To show evidence of your financial stability, you can use bank statements, pension documentation, and validation documents from a bank. The savings must be in your name, and the bank statements should be no more than 6 months old to be considered valid.

The Role of the Spanish Bank Account

Although it’s not required to have a Spanish bank account for your initial application, it’s recommended to open one once you arrive in Spain. It will make it easier for you to pay for local expenses like utilities. You can open a bank account online with some Spanish banks even if you’re a non-resident.

When applying for the Non-Lucrative Visa, you need to demonstrate financial means through savings in a bank account, passive income, or a combination of both. There’s no specific balance requirement, but you’re required to maintain 400% of the IPREM annually in your bank account.

Securing Health Coverage: Mandatory Insurance Requirements

Health coverage is a non-negotiable requirement for the Non-Lucrative Visa application. You need to have private medical insurance that covers all illnesses without any co-payments. This requirement is because the government of Spain does not cover any medical expenses for Non-Lucrative Visa holders.

Your health insurance should be comprehensive and comparable to the services offered by Spain's public health system. It needs to cover:

• 100% of medical expenses
• A minimum of 30,000 euros in coverage
• Hospitalization, surgery, and emergency care
• No exclusions for pre-existing conditions, co-payments, or coverage limits

Insurance companies like DKV and Asisa offer health insurance packages that fulfill these requirements.

No Co-payment Policies

Selecting a no-co-payment private health insurance policy is a key requirement for your Non-Lucrative Visa application. A no-co-payment policy means that you, the insured individual, are not required to make any additional payments when availing of medical services or treatments. Although these policies typically have higher insurance premiums, they are more cost-effective due to the elimination of extra fees.

To find a suitable no-co-payment policy, you can explore various insurance providers like Caser and ASSSA, which offer comprehensive plans tailored to the requirements of the Non-Lucrative Visa. Remember, the policy must provide coverage for all the beneficiaries of the visa for the risks insured by Spain’s public health system.

Gathering All the Required Documents

Applying for the Non-Lucrative Visa requires a fair amount of paperwork. It’s best to start gathering all the required documents well in advance of your appointment since most documents need to be no more than three months old to be considered valid for submission.

The necessary documents include:

• National visa application form
• Non-working residence visa application form
• A passport-sized photograph
• A valid, unexpired passport
• Criminal record certificate (original and copy)
• Medical certificate (original and copy)

Please note that all documents should be provided in their original form along with a copy.

Preparing the Application Form

To apply for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, you need to:

1. Fill out the designated Form 01.
2. Follow the detailed instructions for completing the application form on the official website of the Consulate General of Spain.
3. Use various online resources that offer step-by-step guidance.

While filling out the form, be mindful of common errors, like:

• inadequate regular income
• absence of health insurance
• insufficient proof of accommodation
• failure to generate a digital certificate
• typographical errors

These can hinder your chances of a successful application.

Criminal Record Certificate and Medical Certificate

The Spanish authorities require the following documents:

1. A criminal record certificate that has been properly apostilled
2. The certificate should cover your residency history from all countries where you have resided for at least 6 months within the last 5 years
3. A sworn translator should translate the certificate into Spanish.

The medical certificate is another essential document for your Non-Lucrative Visa application. You can acquire it either in person during a visit to Spain or through online services. Both certificates should be submitted in their original form along with a copy.

The Visa Application Process Unveiled

While the visa application process might seem intimidating, it’s actually quite simple. Once you have all your documents in order, you can submit your application electronically. Remember, you need to submit the application in your country of origin or legal residence. You can’t do it while in Spain as a tourist.

Once you’ve submitted all the required documents and forms, you’ll have an interview. This could involve a brief or thorough line of questioning, especially if the consulate seeks to validate the authenticity of your application. The processing time typically takes 2–3 months, and the fees differ based on your citizenship.

After a successful application, you need to travel to Spain to complete the residency procedures.

Submitting Your Application at the Spanish Consulate

To apply for a Non-Lucrative Visa, you should:

1. Approach the nearest Spanish consulate or Spanish embassy in your home country.
2. They will assist you in submitting your application.
3. Be prepared to wait for your appointment, as the duration may vary depending on the specific consulate.

When you go for your appointment, remember to carry the following:

• Valid, unexpired passport (original and photocopy)
• Completed visa application form
• Two identical photos
• Medical certificate
• Original supporting documents

The fees for the application vary based on your country of origin, the consulate or embassy, and the document requirements.

After Approval: Steps to Finalize Residency in Spain

Once your visa application is approved, there are a few more steps to finalize your residency in Spain. You need to acquire the TIE or foreigner’s identity card, within 40 days of entering Spain. This official ID is crucial for establishing your legal residency status in the country.

To acquire the TIE, you need to:

1. Register in the municipality where you intend to reside in Spain to obtain the PADRON document.
2. Schedule an appointment at a police station for fingerprint registration.
3. Subsequently, collect the TIE card after a few days.

Planning for Family: Including Relatives in Your Application

If you’re planning to move to Spain with your family, the good news is that you can include your family members in your Non-Lucrative Visa application. This includes your spouse, children who are under the legal age (or over if financially dependent on you), and retirees who may bring their family members, all contingent upon demonstrating the capacity to provide financial support.

To bring each family member, you need to show an additional 100% of the IPREM annually, which equals an extra €7,200 per year for each dependent. If you’re planning to include elderly dependents or relatives in the application, they need to demonstrate their need for your economic support. You can show evidence of your relationship with dependents by providing a marriage certificate or birth certificate.

Transitioning to Permanent Residency and Citizenship

After living in Spain with a Non-Lucrative visa for five years, you can transition to permanent residency. This allows you to live and work freely in Spain without the need for further visas or permits.

If you wish to become a Spanish citizen, you need to pass the basic Spanish language proficiency exam, DELE A2, as well as the cultural exam. This opens the door for you to become a full citizen and enjoy all the rights and privileges that come with Spanish citizenship.

Renewal of Your Non-Lucrative Visa: Keeping It Current

To renew your Non-Lucrative visa in Spain, you must fulfill specific requirements, including proving adequate economic resources and health insurance, demonstrating residency, and presenting a habitability certificate. You should initiate the renewal procedure 60 days prior to the expiration of your current TIE.

The necessary documents for renewal include:

• Evidence of economic funds
• Health insurance
• Residency in Spain
• Education for school-age children
• Absence of debts in Spain
• A clear criminal record within the country
• A completed national visa application form
• A photograph
• A valid, unexpired passport

You need to have sufficient financial means to cover expenses for a period of two years.

The Non-Lucrative Visa can be renewed every two years until you reach a total of five years of residency. Then, you can apply for permanent residency.

Tax Considerations for Non-Lucrative Visa Holders

If you reside in Spain for more than 183 days per year as a Non-Lucrative Visa holder, you attain tax-resident status. This means you need to declare taxes to the Spanish state and pay income tax on your global income.

The income tax rate for tax residents is 24% for general income. You also need to pay a 19% tax for capital gains, interest, and dividends derived from your worldwide income. Understanding these tax implications can help you plan your finances better and avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Exploring Alternatives: From Non-Lucrative Visa to Work Permit

Though the Non-Lucrative Visa permits you to reside in Spain without employment, you may eventually decide to join the Spanish workforce. The good news is that you can transition from a Non-Lucrative visa to a work permit through a residence modification.

If you secure a job, your employer can obtain authorization for you to work in Spain, effectively transitioning you to a work permit. Additionally, you can also pursue self-employment. Once you transition to a work permit, you can work in Spain for an extended period of two years.

Navigating Spain's Immigration Landscape: Additional Visa Options

The Non-Lucrative Visa isn’t the sole option for residing in Spain. If you’re a digital nomad, you can consider the digital nomad visa, which allows you to reside in Spain as a resident while working remotely for a company or as a self-employed individual. This visa can remain valid for a maximum of five years.

However, it’s important to note that the scope of this guide does not include other visa options, like the investor visa. You may need to do further research or consult a legal professional to explore these options.

Living in Spain: Practical Tips and Cultural Insights

Once you’ve successfully completed the visa process and relocated to Spain, you can start settling into your new life. When it comes to housing, you have various options, including renting or buying property. Some popular cities for expats include Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia. You can use online platforms like Roomiapp.com and Idealista to find suitable accommodation.

Adjusting to a new culture can be a challenge, but knowing some of the cultural norms can help. Spaniards are known for their welcoming and generous nature, strong emphasis on family, and expressive social interactions. As a foreigner, it’s important to respect these norms to build good relationships with your new neighbors.

Summary

From understanding the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa to planning for family and exploring alternatives, this guide has walked you through every step of the journey to living in Spain. With careful planning and preparation, living under the Spanish sun can be more than just a dream. Remember, the journey might seem challenging at first, but the rewards of a relaxed lifestyle in beautiful Spain are well worth the effort!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money do you need for a Non-Lucrative visa Spain?

You need to show a minimum income of €2,400 per month for a Non-Lucrative visa in Spain, along with an additional €600 for each dependent. This is the current requirement for the visa.

Do you have to pay taxes on a Non-Lucrative visa Spain?

Yes, if you stay in Spain for more than 183 days, you will be considered a tax resident and have to pay taxes on Lon-Lucrative Visa passive income and assets from employers or clients outside Spain.

Can I buy a property in Spain with a Non-Lucrative visa?

Yes, you can buy a property in Spain with a Non-Lucrative visa by purchasing a property for less than €500,000 if you do not have enough budget for the Golden Visa.

What is the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa?

The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa, also known as the Non-Lucrative Residence Permit, allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain for an extended period without working.

Can I work in Spain with a Non-Lucrative Visa?

Yes, you can work in Spain with a Non-Lucrative Visa by transitioning to a work permit through a residence modification if you secure a job or want to pursue self-employment.