Spain Non-Lucrative Visa in 2024 – A Step-By-Step Guide to The Application Process

Let’s start off with a quick overview – the Non-Lucrative Visa is a type of long-term residence visa that allows you to live in Spain for one year, with the possibility of renewing it for up to five years before applying for permanent residency.

The key condition is that you must have sufficient financial means to support yourself without working while in Spain.

Before starting the application process, you’ll need to collect all necessary documents.

These include:

• Visa Application Form: Complete and sign the National Visa Application form. You can download this from the Spanish consulate’s website, depending on where you’re based.
• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least one year and have at least two blank pages. Include photocopies of all pages.
• Two Passport-Sized Photos: These must be recent, in color, and with a white background.
• Proof of Sufficient Financial Means: You must provide bank statements, pension statements, or proof of investment income showing that you have at least €2,400 per month (approximately $2,600) or €28,800 annually (approximately $31,200) for yourself. Add €600 (approximately $650) per month for each additional family member.
• Health Insurance: You need to obtain private health insurance with full coverage in Spain. The policy must be with a provider recognized in Spain and must not have co-payments or deductibles.
• Criminal Background Check: Obtain a criminal record certificate from the FBI or local police department. This document must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.
• Medical Certificate: A letter from your doctor stating that you do not have any diseases that could pose a public health risk, in accordance with international health regulations. This must also be translated into Spanish.

Once you have all your documents ready, you need to submit your application at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.

It’s important to book an appointment in advance as consulates can be busy, especially during peak seasons.

During your appointment, you’ll submit your application, pay the visa fee (which is approximately $150), and have your biometric data collected.

Ensure that you have all the original documents and their copies, as the consulate will keep the copies and return the originals.

After submitting your application, the processing time can take from a few weeks to three months, depending on the consulate and your specific situation.

During this time, the consulate may contact you for additional information or clarification, so keep an eye on your email and be ready to respond promptly.

Once your visa is approved, you will need to return to the consulate to have the visa sticker placed in your passport.

The visa is valid for 90 days, during which you must enter Spain and complete further steps to obtain your residence card (TIE – Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero). See next step.

Upon arriving in Spain, you have 30 days to apply for your residence card (TIE) at the local Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjeros). This card is your official ID in Spain and must be carried with you at all times.

To apply for the TIE, you’ll need:

• Your passport with the visa sticker
• A completed application form (EX-17)
• Proof of residence in Spain (e.g., rental contract)
• Passport-sized photos
• Proof of payment of the TIE fee

After submitting your application, you’ll be given a temporary TIE, and the final card will be available for pick-up in a few weeks.

The Non-Lucrative Visa is initially valid for one year. After that, you can renew it for two more years, and then again for another two years, before applying for long-term residency.

To renew your visa, you’ll need to show that you continue to meet the financial and health insurance requirements, and that you’ve spent at least six months of the previous year in Spain.

Now if the above sounds quite complicated, let’s put you at ease.

Firstly, if you partner with an immigration specialist like us, we can help facilitate and guide you along at every single step, doing all the heavy lifting for you, and helping make this a relatively stress-free experience.

In any event, you are some key strategies to consider, to make the process run as seamlessly as posslble for you.

• Start Early: Begin gathering your documents well in advance. Some, like the criminal background check and its apostille, can take several weeks to obtain.
• Ensure Document Accuracy: Double-check that all documents are correctly completed, translated, and apostilled where necessary. Missing or incorrect paperwork is a common cause of delays.
• Organize Your Finances: Ensure that your financial documentation clearly shows that you meet the income requirements. Maintain a healthy bank balance for several months before applying to demonstrate financial stability.
• Health Insurance Compliance: Choose a Spanish health insurance provider that offers a plan meeting visa requirements, ensuring it has no deductibles or co-pays.
• Prepare for Consulate Appointments: Be ready to present all required documents and answer questions during your consulate visit. Make multiple copies of everything to avoid any last-minute issues.
• Follow Up on Your Application: Stay in touch with the consulate to check on your application status. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
• Plan for the Long Term: Consider the visa renewal process and the requirements for maintaining your residency status. Staying informed about Spanish immigration laws can help you avoid surprises down the road.

Applying for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa may sound like quite a complicated process, but with careful preparation and attention to detail, it is entirely manageable.

This visa offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy life in Spain without the pressure of finding employment.

Whether you’re retiring, taking a sabbatical, or simply looking for a new adventure, the Non-Lucrative Visa opens the door to an incredible experience in Spain.

For personalized assistance with your application or to connect with experienced tax and immigration professionals, reach out to us.

We’re here to help make your transition to life in Spain as smooth and stress-free as possible.