Unpacking the Renewal Process for the Spain NLV
Renewing your Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa should be a priority if you plan to extend your stay in Spain beyond the initial one-year visa period.
The process can seem daunting, but by understanding the requirements and deadlines, you can ensure a smooth renewal.
Below is a detailed guide on how to renew your visa, including the documents you’ll need, deadlines to watch out for, and the steps involved in securing a successful renewal.
1. Timing of Your Renewal
You are allowed to apply for renewal within 60 days before your current visa expires, and up to 90 days after its expiration. However, it’s strongly recommended to apply before your visa expires to avoid any complications with your legal residency status.
If you apply after the visa has already expired, you will need to demonstrate that you had valid reasons for the delay, which could complicate the process. Missing the renewal window entirely could mean you’ll have to leave Spain and reapply from your home country, starting the entire process over.
2. Required Documents for Renewal
To successfully renew your Non-Lucrative Visa, you’ll need to submit several important documents.
These include:
- Proof of Continued Financial Means: Similar to your initial application, you must demonstrate that you still meet the financial requirements. You will need to show that you have at least €33,600 (approximately $36,000 USD) per year in savings or income, plus an additional €8,400 (about $9,000 USD) per dependent. This can be done through updated bank statements, pension statements, or proof of other passive income sources.
- Health Insurance: You must continue to hold private health insurance that covers your healthcare in Spain. The policy must be comprehensive, with no co-pays and no exclusions for pre-existing conditions. If you had Spanish health insurance in your first year, renewing it for your second term will suffice, but you must provide updated documentation.
- Proof of Residency: You will need to show that you have resided in Spain during the duration of your first visa. This can be demonstrated with a rental contract, property ownership documents, or utility bills in your name that show you have been living at your stated residence. A signed rental contract or property deed should also be included.
- Updated Passport: Your passport must be valid for the duration of your renewed visa period. Typically, this means your passport should have at least two years of validity remaining at the time of renewal. Ensure you submit both a copy of the passport’s photo page and a copy of your visa page.
3. Meeting Residency Requirements
To be eligible for renewal, you must have spent at least 183 days (about six months) in Spain during the past year. This is important because Spain requires you to maintain residency, not just hold a visa.
Failing to meet this requirement could lead to rejection of your renewal application. The authorities might ask for proof of your stay, such as entry and exit stamps on your passport or travel itineraries to verify your physical presence in Spain.
4. The Renewal Process
The renewal process begins by submitting your renewal application to the local immigration office (Extranjería) in the province where you live in Spain.
You can also submit your application online via Spain’s government portal, though it may be wise to have professional assistance if you are unfamiliar with the Spanish bureaucratic system.
Here’s a breakdown of the steps:
- Prepare your documents: Ensure all the required paperwork is accurate, translated (if necessary), and apostilled.
- Schedule an appointment: Some provinces require you to make an appointment to submit your documents in person. Others may allow you to submit everything online.
- Submit your renewal application: You will either submit your renewal in person at the Extranjería office or online. In both cases, you’ll need to follow the office’s specific instructions. The fee for renewal will also need to be paid at this stage.
Once your documents are submitted, you may be required to attend an appointment for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photos) at a local police station.
5. Processing Time and Approval
The processing time for your visa renewal can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months, depending on the workload of the immigration office and the completeness of your application.
You’ll receive a notification once your renewal has been approved. If the renewal is successful, your Non-Lucrative Visa will be extended for an additional two years.
If your visa is approved, you will also need to update your residency card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, or TIE). You can do this by scheduling an appointment at your local police station to renew your TIE card once you receive approval for your visa renewal. The TIE is a crucial document proving your legal status in Spain, so be sure to renew it promptly after visa approval.
Final Thoughts
Renewing your Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa may seem complicated, but with thorough preparation and attention to detail, it can be a smooth process. Start gathering your required documents early, make sure you apply within the designated timeframe, and ensure you meet all residency requirements. By staying organized and on top of the paperwork, you’ll set yourself up for a successful visa renewal.
If you’re unsure about the renewal process or need assistance ensuring your application meets all the criteria, book a consultation with us! Our immigration experts can guide you through the steps and help you avoid common mistakes.
Click here to schedule your consultation today and get personalized advice on renewing your Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa.
