Document Requirements for the Spain NLV
Applying for a Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa involves gathering several key documents to prove your eligibility.
Each document plays a part in demonstrating your financial stability, health coverage, and legal compliance.
Below is a detailed list of the required documents:
1. Visa Application Form
The official Spanish visa application form must be filled out, signed, and submitted along with your other documents. Ensure accuracy and completeness, as errors or omissions could delay your application.
2. Valid Passport
A valid passport with at least one year of validity remaining and at least two blank pages is required. You will also need to provide photocopies of the passport, including all pages that contain information or stamps. Some consulates may require additional copies, so it’s wise to confirm this beforehand.
3. Passport-Sized Photos
You will need two recent passport-sized photos (typically 3.5 x 4.5 cm), meeting the official Spanish visa photo guidelines. The photos must be in color, with a white background, and should show a full front view of your face.
4. Proof of Financial Means
To qualify for the Non-Lucrative Visa, you must show that you have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your dependents without working in Spain. This is typically calculated as 400% of Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM), which is around €33,600 annually (approximately $36,000 USD). Each additional dependent requires 100% of the IPREM, which is about €8,400 annually (around $9,000 USD).
Acceptable forms of financial proof include:
- Bank statements showing a stable balance
- Pension statements
- Investment or dividend records
- Proof of rental income or other passive income sources
5. Private Health Insurance
Applicants must obtain comprehensive private health insurance from a company authorized to operate in Spain.
The insurance should cover any medical treatment you may need while residing in Spain, including hospitalization, with no co-payments or exclusions for pre-existing conditions. U.S.-based health insurance policies will not be accepted, so purchasing a Spanish health insurance policy is typically required.
6. Medical Certificate
A medical certificate from your doctor is required, stating that you are free from any contagious diseases and fit for travel.
The certificate must be issued within the last 90 days before your application and follow this wording: “This medical certificate certifies that Mr./Mrs. [your name] does not suffer from any diseases that would pose a threat to public health according to the International Health Regulations of 2005.”
7. Police Clearance Certificate
A police clearance certificate (or background check) from your home country, typically issued by the FBI for U.S. citizens, is needed to prove you have no criminal record. This document must also be issued within the last 90 days and apostilled (authenticated for use in Spain).
You may also need clearance certificates from countries where you’ve lived in the past five years.
8. Proof of Accommodation
You’ll need to provide evidence that you have a place to live in Spain. This could be a rental agreement, a letter of invitation from a host, or a property deed if you own real estate in Spain.
9. Visa Fees
Visa fees must be paid when submitting your application. For U.S. citizens, the fee is typically around €80-€120, though this can vary by consulate. The fee is non-refundable, so make sure all documentation is correct to avoid delays or denials.
10. Cover Letter (Optional but Recommended)
While not always required, a cover letter explaining your reasons for moving to Spain, how you plan to support yourself, and your overall intention to live in Spain under the terms of the Non-Lucrative Visa can be beneficial. It helps clarify your situation and demonstrate your commitment to compliance.
Additional Documents for Family Members
If you’re including family members in your visa application, you’ll need additional documents for each dependent:
- Marriage certificate for a spouse
- Birth certificates for children
These documents must be translated into Spanish and apostilled as well.
Next Steps
Applying for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa requires meticulous preparation, but the benefits of living in Spain are well worth the effort.
Ensuring you have all the correct documents, properly authenticated and translated, will smooth your path to approval.
If you’re ready to begin the process or need help gathering the necessary documents, book a consultation with us today. Our experts can guide you through the entire process and ensure your application meets all the requirements. Click here to schedule your consultation.