Key Facts about Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa 2021
Here’s a quick overview of the Spain non-lucrative visa (NLV). We’ll look at the all the NLV requirements, application process, fees, and more in more detail in the rest of the article below.
- The residence visa is open to all non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizens.
- You cannot apply for the non-lucrative visa in Spain, only in your home country.
- Each embassy and consulate interprets the requirements slightly differently.
- The Spanish National Immigration Service issues the NLV for two years.
- After the initial two years, you can renew the NLV for 2 x two-year extensions.
- You can register dependent family members on your application.
- You cannot work in Spain on a non-lucrative visa, but you can transfer to a work permit after one year. The legislation does not explicitly exclude remote work.
- You must reside in Spain for at least 183 days per year, and this may make you resident for tax purposes.
- You’ll need to prove you can financially support everyone included on the application. The legislated minimum is 400% of the IPREM, or €27,115 for the primary applicant. You’ll need extra for family members.
- The NLV is the most popular Spain retirement visa.
- You must obtain private health insurance for everyone on the NLV application.
- Using a quality Spanish Immigration lawyer will improve your chances of being accepted and save you lots of time and effort. You can book a consultation with our expert NLV partner here.
Now, let’s explore these in more detail.
The information in this article has been verified by our expert Spanish immigration law partner.
- Key Facts about Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa 2021
- What does non-lucrative mean?
- What are the advantages of a non-lucrative visa?
- What doesn’t the non-lucrative visa allow?
- Who can apply for a Spanish non-lucrative visa?
- Spain Retirement Visa
- Non-lucrative visa Spain requirements in 2021
- Application process for the non-lucrative visa
- How much does the non-lucrative visa cost?
- How long does the non-lucrative visa application take to process?
- How long do you have to get to Spain after the visa is granted?
- What is the renewal process for the non-lucrative visa in Spain?
- Remote work on the non-lucrative visa
- Freelancers, digital nomads, and contractors
- Non-Lucrative Visa for UK citizens after BREXIT
- Can I transfer my non-lucrative visa for another visa or permit?
- Tax implications of the non-lucrative visa
- NLV vs the Spain Golden Visa
- The easy way to get your Spain non-lucrative visa.
What does non-lucrative mean?
Non-lucrative means that you can support yourself without earning an income in Spain. For this, you need to show sufficient savings in a bank account. Alternatively, you must be able to show guaranteed income, like a trust fund disbursement or pension. Another path is income from investments like dividends, rental income from an investment property, or interest earned.
You cannot carry out economic or professional activity in Spain. In short, you can live here as long as you are not a burden to the Spanish people or taking jobs from locals. In Spanish, the visa is called “residencia no lucrativa España.”
The Spanish non-lucrative visa is classified as an income visa. To see other options for this type of visa, please see our detailed article.
What are the advantages of a non-lucrative visa?
- There is no investment in the Spanish economy required for this visa.
- The visa is issued for a year but is available to be renewed for 2 x 2-year periods. This means it can meet the 5-year threshold for permanent residency.
- It can be a pathway to Spanish citizenship and an EU passport.
- You only need to spend six months per year in Spain to be able to renew the visa.
- The residency allows travel to any of the 26 SCHENGEN member nations without a visa.
- You can convert the non-lucrative visa to one of Spain’s Work Permits after the first year.
- Immediate family members can be included on your visa. Your dependents can attend school or study while on the visa.
- You can study in Spain while on a non-lucrative visa. This includes paid internships.
- You can make investments. These investments include shares in a business, stocks, and funds in Spain.
- It makes an effective Spain retirement visa.
- If you have all your documentation in place and meet the requirements, the visa is almost always approved. In this way, it is an easy visa to get for US citizens and other nationalities.
What doesn’t the non-lucrative visa allow?
There are four main restrictions or conditions.
- You cannot do any work that generates an income working for a Spanish company or Spanish clients. There is a grey area for remote work, but you must take care with your application if you plan to work for an overseas employer or client. Please see the section on Remote Work for more details.
- However, paid internships are allowed as they are classified as education.
- You don’t have access to the public healthcare system. You must have sufficient private healthcare insurance.
- No benefits are claimable by you or your family members on the visa.
- You must spend more than 183 days of the first year in Spain to renew the visa. This can make you a legal tax resident in Spain.
Who can apply for a Spanish non-lucrative visa?
This program is open to citizens of any non-EU nation. What’s more, your family can be a part of the application. Eligible family members include your spouse or civil partner and any dependent children. This is a very popular path for United Kingdom (UK) citizens to move to Spain post-BREXIT.
This visa is ideal for:
- Retirees who want to live in Spain.
- Anyone with a pension, annuity, or endowment.
- Those with healthy savings accounts.
- Beneficiaries of income-producing investments.
- Remote workers with an overseas employer or clients.
- Anyone who can afford to live in Spain without working!
Spain Retirement Visa
Spain does not have a specific retirement visa. But, the NLV fits the bill perfectly.
As long as you meet the requirements, you can retire to Spain on this visa and then transition to permanent residency after five years.
As a retiree in Spain, you’ll not be working. And, you will be able to show pensions and investments as evidence of your financial security for your retirement.
Non-lucrative visa Spain requirements in 2021
There are four requirements for the application. First, you’ll need to show that you:
- Can financially support yourself and any family members without working.
- Have sufficient healthcare insurance.
- Are in good health.
- Don’t have a police record for any serious crime.
We’ll cover each requirement in detail.
2021 Financial requirements for the non-lucrative visa
You need to show that you have sufficient funds to cover yourself and your dependents for the duration of the visa.
To come up with the amount, the Spanish government uses the IPREM or Public Income Index. It is the figure the government uses to calculate many official thresholds.
The monthly IPREM for 2021 is €564.90, giving an IPREM of €6,778 for a year.
The minimum amount you need to show is 400% of the IPREM, so €27,115 in available savings or guaranteed income.
You’ll need an additional single annual IPREM of €6,778 for each family member on the application.
This table shows the minimum total financial requirement for a range of applications.
| Who is applying | Amount Required |
| Single Applicant | €27,115 |
| Applicant + 1 dependent | €33,894 |
| Applicant + 2 dependents | €40,672 |
| Applicant + 2 dependents | €47,415 |
Applying with the exact amount does raise questions. For this reason, the suggestion is to have €35,000 as a minimum for an Applicant + 1 Dependent. If you include more dependents on your application, add a similar buffer for each one. Discuss this amount with your Spanish immigration lawyer; they’ll be able to give you advice specific to your case and application.
Our Spain partner is an expert in NLV applications and has a track record of success for clients worldwide. Their experience and relationships with the Spanish immigration service are the best in the business. You can book a consultation with them here.
Applying using savings instead of income (or a combination).
The legislation for the NLV talks about income. And embassies and consulates are much more likely to approve applications that show income that exceeds the requirements.
In our Spanish Law partner’s experience, there are cases where embassies and consulates will approve applications that don’t meet the income requirements but show significant savings.
Please use these as a guideline only. If you don’t easily meet the income levels, we strongly suggest getting a good Spanish immigration lawyer to help with your application.
Applications with these combinations of income and savings (for a single applicant) may be approved:
- Some regular qualifying income and at least €30,000 of savings in your name.
- No income but savings of at least €60,000 in your name.
Generally, the savings can be in a bank account in your home country. But, for some nationalities, including China and Russia, the funds should be deposited into a local Spanish bank account.
Recent experience is that UK citizens applying in places like London and Manchester may get more flexibility, especially if they own property in Spain.
Health Insurance requirements for the visa application
You and any dependents on the application must be covered in the case of any health requirements.
The health insurance policy must be:
- A private healthcare policy.
- Written by a Spanish insurance company.
- Full coverage in all of Spain.
- Free of co-payments.
- For the full year of the visa.
For more information on Expat health insurance, please see our detailed article.
Medical certificate
You’ll need a medical certificate that is less than 90 days old. It should say that you are in good physical and mental health. You must also be free from any contagious diseases.
This document must be translated into Spanish.
Police report
The report should be issued by the Police Department where you have lived for the at least the last year. Consult with your Spain immigration lawyer as the exact periods vary for different embassies. Again, the certificate must be less than 90 days old.
The report should show that you do not have a criminal record of any convictions that would prevent the visa from being issued.
This document must be translated into Spanish and must be certified with the Hague Apostille process.
Application process for the non-lucrative visa
There are two parts to the process, one in your home country and another in Spain.
Home country application process
The first thing to note is that your application must be submitted in your home country at the nearest Spanish Consulate or Embassy.
We strongly suggest using an experienced Spanish Immigration lawyer to submit your application.
The documentation, translation, and certification requirements are specific and unbending. Get any of them slightly wrong, and your application will be rejected. Importantly, if your application is rejected, your application fees will not be refunded. You will lose what you have paid.
Also, be aware, the application process can vary slightly for each consulate or embassy. An excellent Spanish immigration lawyer will help to ensure that your application succeeds the first time around.
As well as the non-lucrative documents detailed above, when applying, you’ll also need:
- Your passport and certified copies of each page.
- Two copies of the completed application form
- EX-01 – Formulario
- Tasas Extranjeria – Modelo impreso 790
- Your visa fees (see below for full details of the visa fees.)
On arrival in Spain
When you enter Spain, you’ll need to apply for a residence card within 30 days of arrival. You’ll receive a TIE, the name for your foreigner’s identity card.
How much does the non-lucrative visa cost?
Visa fees for the non-lucrative visa vary by country of the applicant due to reciprocity treaties. The fees must be paid in the local currency, usually by bank order. Here are some standard country fees in Euros for comparison.
- USA – €123
- Canada – €507
- Most others – €80
How long does the non-lucrative visa application take to process?
Application processing times will vary depending on where you apply. Most applications are processed between 2 and 5 weeks, but in some countries can take up to 3 months. Applications in the UK and USA can vary depending on with consulate you use to apply. Applying with all your documentation in perfect order will speed up the processing time.
Once the visa is granted, you have four weeks to collect your document, or the visa can be canceled.
How long do you have to get to Spain after the visa is granted?
You have 90 days to arrive in Spain after your local consulate or embassy issues your visa.
What is the renewal process for the non-lucrative visa in Spain?
The non-lucrative visa is renewable for two additional two-year periods. This is double the initial one-year of the visa.
The renewal process will follow a similar process to the application, with a couple of key differences.
- You must have lived more than 183 days in Spain in the first year of the visa. This requirement can have tax implications.
- You can apply in Spain.
- The financial requirement is 800% of the IPREM (to cover the full two years).
- If you have kids of school-going age, you’ll need to show they attended school.
Remote work on the non-lucrative visa
There is no legal restriction on working remotely while you are in Spain on a non-lucrative visa. However, it is not a simple as that!
Remember, you submit your initial visa application to your nearest embassy or consulate. And, different consulates treat remote work in different ways. There is no provision for remote work in the legislation, but it does fit the intent of not being a burden on the state.
- Your nearest consult assesses your NLV application, and they don’t all agree on one set of rules. Some consulates (but not all) will accept income from remote work for non-Spanish companies as part of the income to qualify for the NLV. However, some consulates insist that all income is passive (i.e. from pensions, investments, etc.). And, some consulates may ask you to declare that you will not work remotely.
- Once you have been granted a non-lucrative residence permit and live in Spain, there is no legal restriction on remote work for non-Spanish companies. It does not matter which embassy or consulate processed your initial visa application.
- If you are living in Spain on a non-lucrative residence permit, you will normally be resident in Spain for taxation. So, if you declare remote work income in your Spanish tax return, it won’t stop the Spanish immigration department from renewing your NLV. This is true regardless of where the visa was first issued.
To guarantee success, you should look to one of the standard ways of showing income for the non-lucrative visa application.
If you are looking to work remotely, we strongly suggest speaking to our partner. They will ensure your application has the best possible chance of success. Click here to book a consultation today.
Freelancers, digital nomads, and contractors
You can’t legally work on this visa while in Spain if your clients are in Spain. But, like remote work above, if all your clients are outside Spain, you may be fine with your application. If you are in this category it is best to seek advice on your specific circumstances.
If your business can be done from Spain, then the self-employed Spain work permit (autonomo) may be a better fit.
Again, many freelancers and digital nomads who can show an income other than their location-independent business use this visa.
Non-Lucrative Visa for UK citizens after BREXIT
UK citizens who were officially resident in Spain before 31st December 2020 can remain in Spain. The Withdrawal Agreement sets out your right to remain and the conditions. You’ll need proof of your residence from before BREXIT, and you should apply for your TIE card.
Anyone who was not legally resident in Spain from 1st January 2021 will be covered under the Legal Regime for Foreigners. This means you’ll need a visa or residence permit.
British citizens must now follow the application process like any other non-EU, EEA, or Swiss citizen. This means that British citizens must apply at the nearest Spanish embassy or consulate in the UK.
The rest of the NLV information in this article is applicable to UK citizens.
For more information, please see our guide for UK citizens moving to Spain after BREXIT.
Can I transfer my non-lucrative visa for another visa or permit?
You can transfer from a NLV to another visa or work permit. However, you can only transfer after the first year. This includes transferring to one of Spain’s ten available work permits. The employment can be either as an employee of a Spanish company or as a self-employed individual.
If the new visa or permit requires you to apply in your home country, you must return home and apply. An example of this is Spain’s student visa,
You cannot transfer from another visa or permit to the NLV. You’ll need to complete a new immigration application.
Tax implications of the non-lucrative visa
Please note – this advice is general in nature and is not specific to your circumstances.
To meet the renewal criteria, you must live in Spain for 183 days of the year or just over six months. If you live in Spain for more than six months of the year, you could be liable for registration as a Spanish tax resident.
This classification means that all your global income may be liable to Spanish taxation rates, payable in Spain. Be aware, different countries have tax treaties with Spain, avoiding double taxation, but it is worth investigating the implications of this ruling.
NLV vs the Spain Golden Visa
For anyone looking to buy a house or invest in Spain, the Golden Visa may offer some key advantages. The main differences are:
- You can work in Spain (self-employed or for a company) on the Golden Visa.
- There is no minimum stay requirement, so you do not have to live in Spain.
- You only need to visit Spain once per year.
- You do not have to be a Spanish tax resident.
- The application process and requirements are simple and clear.
- You don’t have to visit Spain while applying, a designated layer can do it all for you.
- You can apply while living in Spain.
Please see our detailed article to see if the Golden Visa is the right one for you and your family.
The easy way to get your Spain non-lucrative visa.
Can you do it yourself?
Yes, you can manage the application yourself. If you have the time, patience, and are confident you can get everything 100% correct first time, then there is no legal impediment.
What will a good Spanish Immigration lawyer do for your NLV application?
- Provide a qualified Spanish Immigration lawyer to listen to your needs.
- Let you know if this is the right visa for you (and be honest if it is not).
- List and explain the documents that you will need and any translations that are required.
- Fill in the forms for you in Spanish.
- Draft a motivation letter that will be accepted.
- Review all of your documents and the application to ensure first-time success.
- Organize the translations of documents into Spanish.
And what will a bad lawyer do?
- Offer a “free consultation” that is a quick call with a non-lawyer to hook you in.
- Push visas that don’t suit your needs.
- Make you do all the administration and paperwork yourself.
- Submit applications that get rejected but still claim fees.
Why use the WCIL Trusted Partner?
We chose our Spanish immigration partner because they deliver outstanding value and service. In fact, we’re so sure of their service that we offer a 100% money-back guarantee for the cost of your initial consultation. If you are unhappy for any reason, at any time, we’ll refund you, no questions asked.
“My consultation went very well. The lawyer was very pleasant and helpful. I am just starting the process of a non-lucrative visa for Spain and I had a lot of questions which he answered quite clearly for me. I was also pleased to see how much they will help me and the low cost of their services.”
Victoria M. March 2021
- We guarantee you’ll have a clear and realistic immigration plan after your first consultation.
- You’ll receive a clear and binding quote for the work you agree with our lawyer, no ugly surprises.
- The €50 initial consultation fee is discounted from future costs if you engage our partner to help you move to Spain. If you use our lawyer, the first consultation is effectively free.
- Your initial consultation has no obligation or risk. You decide how you want to proceed.
- Why do we charge for the first consultation? Our qualified lawyers give targeted, actionable advice that is tailored to you. No copy/paste solutions and no wasting your time.
And, once you have your visa, our partners can help you to settle in easily. They can help with getting your residence card and much more.
- Securing the right appointments with local authorities.
- Completing all relevant documentation and translations.
- Sort out day-to-day administration. This can include setting up bank accounts, insurances, utilities, and more.
Come and join us in Spain, the country of sunshine, vino, and the Mediterranean lifestyle!
Hi.
We are a couple from Yerevan, Armenia. Both working in IT sphere remotely and we are interested in non-lucrative visa in Spain. By reading the information in your website I think we are eligible for this kind of visa (we have remote work and enough funds ). So there are a few questions I would like to ask:
1. Is our country in a list of eligible countries?
2. What other information can we provide in order to be sure that we are eligible?
3. What kind of help does your company provide in this process and what are your fees?
4. Can you provide a reference to an official governmental resource to read about this kind of visa from an official source?
Many thanks in advance,
Andranik
Hi Andranik, here is some information for you.
1. Yes, nationals of any non-EU country can apply and Armenia qualifies.
2. The exact documentation requirements depend on your situation. You must meet the financial requirements and how you prove this will depend on your source of income. You’ll need to show health insurance and get a health check. Finally, you’ll need a police clearance certificate. All documents must be translated into Spanish and all copies Apostilled. You must have everything 100% perfect and complete before you submit to avoid delays or rejection.
3. We partner with a highly qualified and experience Spain Immigration partner. We offer a no-obligation 30-minute consultation for €50 to explore your options – click here to book now.
4. Here is a link to the LA Embassy information page. Be aware, each embassy and consulate may have different requirements and that the requirements can change without notice. Using a good immigration lawyer will ensure that you understand exactly what is required and maximise your chances of success.
1. Do you need an address in Spain first to apply for the non lucrative visa?
2. Are savings in Premium bonds/savings account exempt from any tax implications if used to drip feed into a current bank account?
3. Is there a maximum age limit to apply
Thank you
Hi Sally. Here are the answers to your questions.
1) No, you can apply for the Spain non-lucrative visa from your home country.
2) Your tax implications will be specific to your case. Once you are resident in Spain for more than 183 days per year then you may be liable for Spanish taxation in some cases. Best to seek specific advice for this.
3) No, there is no maximum age limit as long as you meet all the visa requirements you are welcome to apply. In fact, many retirees use the non-lucrative visa as a Spain retirement visa.
Hi. Great summary. Much appreciated.
We are a couple in the US that would eventually like to retire in another country (in about 10 years). We have narrowed it down to two: Spain and Portugal. We both are fluent in Spanish and get by with Portuguese. We’ve been in Spain on vacation and loved it, and we are planning to go to Portugal sometime soon.
I am an IT software architect and have been working remotely for a US company way before work-at-home became prevalent here in the US given the COVID situation.
But, before we settle in a country, we’d like to “try them out” first. We have been exploring the non-lucrative visa in Spain, and it will fit the bill as we have enough savings to cover the core requirements. But also I will need to continue working remotely while there. I understand that the remote-work aspect is a very gray area, but it is something we want to explore more. My wife will not work, although she may qualify as an English teacher.
So, my three main questions are:
1. Can I move around Spain and live for two or three months at a time in a particular area with this visa? The idea here is to try each region for a bit to see which one we may eventually settle in.
2. Will Spain allow in the near future digital nomads like myself? Given the economic impact the COVID situation has caused, many countries are loosening the visa restrictions to allow people like myself work remotely. I understand that in Portugal they are seriously discussing this, and other countries have already implemented it (Barbados, Costa Rica, UAE, etc.). It makes sense as you are not taking jobs from local citizens but you are spending money there, helping with the economy.
3. Our ancestors are from Spain (about 4 generations ago). I heard that Spain has a different set of rules for people that are from former Spanish colonies, and can “accelerate” the visa/residency process. Any thoughts on this?
Thanks. Again, great article.
Nelson & Jackie
Hi Nelson and Jackie. Here are some general replies without knowing your circumstances fully. Your best bet would be to book a no-obligation consultation with our Spain immigration lawyer.
1) Yes, you can move around Spain on a non-lucrative visa.
2) Many European countries are moving to attract digital nomads, but Spain has not announced any concrete plans as yet.
3) Spain has accelerated naturalization for citizens from ex-Spanish colonies. You can qualify in just 2 years if you come from one of the qualifying countries. See our Spain Citizenship page for more details.
Will I have to pay taxes in country where remote work originated as well as taxes in Spain if on a non lucrative visa?
Hi Fran. This is general information, and you should check your individual circumstances before making any decisions. Having said that, Spain has tax treaties with most countries. This means most people are not liable for double taxation, those tax-resident in Spain declare income in Spain and are taxed in Spain.
Can i learn spanish language to integrate and work remotely with non lucrative visa?
The non-lucrative visa does not legally allow you to work. However, you can certainly study Spanish to allow you to qualify for another visa or permit if you want to work in Spain.
HI! If I do not have a lot of savings in the bank, but can prove that I have reliable sources of monthly income such as social security, pension and annuity, with a total of more than $35,000 per annum, do I qualify to apply for the non-lucrative visa?
Hi Maria. Yes, as long as you can meet the minimum amount for the non-lucrative visa (currently €25,816 per annum) you can apply. You don’t need savings if you can show a guaranteed income.
Is our pension considered income? will it be taxed?
Hi Chris. Yes, pension income is accepted (and very common). The non-lucrative visa requirement is that you live in Spain for more than 183 days per year, and this may make you tax-resident in Spain. However, you won’t be double-taxed as Spain has tax treaties to avoid this.
Hi Alastair, thanks fot the useful info on your site.
I have a question about the renewal of the NL residency. For the IPREM I would need around 52k Euros. I have a permanent income of around 19k Euros PA, would my financial requirements to renew be accepted if I had 38k Eu as income and the other money in the bank as savings? I can easily meet the requirements for my first year, but if I decide to buy a little place of my own this will affect how much is left in my savings. Does this make sense?
Hi Jason. As you don’t meet the income requirement it will be best to chat to our Spain immigration partner to decide on the most effective way to frame your situation for the best chance of success. Regards, Alastair
Hi, Alastair.
We’ve both recently retired and we’d like to eventually retire to Spain. obviously since brexit we’ll need to apply for a Non-lucrative visa, and until my wife is eligible for her State Pension( June 2024) we just have my work pension, which is approximately €28.5k at the current exchange rate which I know is a little below the sum required for guaranteed income for a couple, but we also have savings exceeding £100k. so if I’m reading this correctly? The sums quoted are an either, or scenario, as in savings or income? Also would the fact that we already own the house (mortgage free) in Spain that we’d like to move to be taken into account as we’d have no mortgage/rent payments to impact on the guaranteed income side of things?
Many thanks, Tim
Hi Tim. Your case for a non-lucrative visa looks to be strong. Your income is, as you noted, just under the approved amount. However, I would suggest discussing your case with a Spanish immigration professional before proceeding to be sure.
Hi Alistair,
Thanks for your reply, I thought we had a reasonable case, but it’s nice to hear that you think so too, and when we’re ready to start the process, we’ll certainly look to follow your suggestion and take some professional advice before applying.
Many thanks again,
Tim
My wife and I, both US citizens, are considering the purchase of a second home in the Canary Islands. However, we are concerned about becoming tax-residents of Spain. Because we are retired, our “income” is from pensions, public and employer-based, and from savings, IRA’s and other investment accounts. For our “income”, the tax rates in Spain appear to be higher than in the US, particularly when you take into account that our IRA funds are not taxed until withdrawn. Does Spain tax dividends and interest in IRA’s? Does Spain tax pensions, both public and private? Thanks.
Hi William. The Canary Islands are an amazing retirement destination. We can’t give specific taxation advice,. I’d strongly suggest speaking to a qualified professional to understand how your personal circumstances will impact your financial postiion.
Hi there,
I have considered a non-lucrative visa for my planned relocation to Spain within the next few years, but having read this, I don’t think it’s right for me. Currently I’m freelance and my clients need to pay in GBP into a UK bank account (so autonomo probably won’t work for me). I’m worried about the legalities of using a UK address and bank account to earn money while being resident in Spain, and which type of visa I need.
I have an alternative option: I have been offered a job with a UK company (working remotely). I suspect it would be easier for the employer to pay me into a UK account, but then that creates the same worry as above – having a UK bank account and not being resident in the UK. And again, I don’t think a non-lucrative visa would be the best option for this.
Hi Jo. YOu can’t legally work on the non-lucrative visa and BREXIT has complicated UK/ Spanish relations. I’d suggest chatting to a qualified Spanish immigration expert to understand your best options.
Hello Alistair, my daughter is a resident home owner in Spain along with my two granddaughters. I’m 50 is there any way that I can be classed as a dependant or be a primary carer ?
Kind regards
Simon
Yes, there is a provision for dependent family members that you may be able to use. It would be worth exploring your options with a qualified professional. You can chat to our Spain immigration partner if that would be useful for you.
I am a UK citizen came to Spain in November. I know I can stay 90 days from Jan 1st with Brexit but now that I am here and the situation is what it is in the UK and with travelling etc I would like to apply for the non lucrative visa. I have the funds, I could get the insurance policy but from what I have read it seems the only way to apply is if you are in the UK. Is there a way around this as even if I went back to the UK now I couldn’t travel to any embassy or consulate to apply. Or is there an alternative option now that I am in Spain? The residency option seems quite complicated and not such a good alternative for potentially only a one year stay.
Hi Cass. Yes, you do need to apply for the non-lucrative visa form your home country. Please check out our guide to other Spanish visas and residency options to find a fit for your circumstances. Or, book a no-obligation consultation with our Spain immigration expert here.
Hello,
I am considering taking a year away from life in the USA to spend a year in Spain. I am 31 and would be leaving my current job as a math teacher.
I know I need the 28k, but I have heard differing things on how long I need to have that money in my account. I currently ha e the needed money in a brokerage account, and was planning on selling stocks to get myself up to the 28k needed about a month before applying. Will this work?
Hi Andy. The Spanish immigraiotn serive are looking to see that you can support yourself for the duration of your stay. For this reason the NLV application should show steady passive income, not just savings to the iPREM level. All the best, Alastair
Hi does this non-lucrative visa allow you to come back and forward in and out of uk? I am a Live-In Carer I work 2wks in Uk then home to Spain for 2wks
Hi Louise. You can indeed move freely on the non-lucrative visa. However, you cannot legally work on this particular Spain visa.
Great article. many thanks.
I was looking at a non-lucrative visa however I feel my circumstances may be complicated.
I work for a UK company and will be working remotely. I earn around 60k a year but some solicitors have said I can include this as income and others have said no.
I have a house in the UK and will be renting that when I move to Spain.
I do have a criminal record that they class as serious, although at the time of conviction, this was not an offence in Spain although I believe it is now.
My questions are as follows.
1) Can I use my income as I will be working remotely, I intend to move to Murcia
2) How can I prove rental income as I won’t be receiving the income until I rent the house out which will be when I move and visa will need to be in place by this time. Will a rental agreement be sufficient?
3) Will my criminal record automatically mean I will be rejected. I was convicted in 2012
Many thanks
Hi Mark. I agree, your circumstances may be a bit complicated. You’d be best off discussing your specific circumstances with a qualified Spain immigration lawyer. You can book a meeting with the Where Can I live partner here.
Hi. Thanks for sharing the information. I live in the Netherlands and my parents are from non-EU country. Now they can only stay with me for 3 months every half an year. We are exploring the options to get them EU residence permits and eventually live with me in the Netherlands. If they are able to get this non-lucrative visa, do they have to live in Spain for 183 days for the first year? And how many days each year do they have to live there after the first year? Thanks a lot!
Hi Lexie. To renew your non-lucrative visa you need to have spent 183 days per year in Spain. The visa is valid for 1 year and is then renewable for two x two-year extensions. This gives you the five years you need to apply for Spanish permanent residency.
Hello Alastair. Not only you’re very clear with the information, but your availability to keep answering doubts here in the comments section really impressed me. Thanks for all of that.
I’ll be completely frank to you with my doubts, plan and situation and any advice you can give me will be very handy.
I’m 33 years old, I have a small passive income generated by rented properties (definitely below the 4x iprem rule) but with the practice of saving and investing throughout my life, which granted me today a liquid amount in bank savings of more than 2 years of the requested by Spanish authorities for this kind of Visa.
My plan: I’d like to apply (no doubts about the first request of the visa – I think I’m able to get it), live in Spain in a very frugal manner, in a way that I can manage myself with the short income of my rented properties and go on that way until I’m able to request citizenship (I can count with the shorter time benefits for requesting it, for ibero american citizens).
My doubts finally are:
1) do you think I would be able to renew my visa by showing my savings (or showing the same savings again, once that I would be showing the same “frozen” account I would had shown in the first time I would apply for this visa, but of course in a updated – and probably a little incremented in total amount value – document), even if the history of my Spanish bank account have a (much) lower traffic than the 4x iprem rule?
2) once that my yearly earnings are low, and considering that I’ll be taxed for it in my home country, would I need to also proof to be ok with Spanish taxation during the renewal? Is there an amount of yearly generated money that is exempt of taxation in Spain? Do you know if by filling taxation in my home country, can I avoid the necessity of filling to taxation also in Spain?
Thank you very much for any possible advice. Sorry for writing this much and hope to see your thoughts. My compliments,
Hi Jose. Where your circumstances don’t fit the exact requirements we strongly suggest talking to a qualified immigration specialist for the best advice. OUr Where Can I Live partner for Spain has a great track record with successful non-lucrative applications. Book a consultation here: https://wherecani.live/spain-immigration-lawyer Again, this is a general comment, but the renewal of the visa is sometimes simpler than the primary application because Spain has already accepted your position – so, make sure you are 100% prepared and covered for your primary application and you should have a smooth renewal process.
Taxation can be tricky so this is advice not specific to your situation. To renew your non-lucrative visa you must live in Spain for more than 183 days in a year, and generally, this makes you a resident in Spain for taxation. Be aware, this is general advice and you’ll need to discuss your exact personal circumstances with a taxation specialist. However, Spain has excellent tax treaties, and so the vast majority of people are not subject to double taxation, even if they have to submit a tax return in both countries.
Good luck with your application and we hope to welcome you to Spain soon.
Thank you very much! As I get closer to the time I wish to apply, I’ll surely look after specialized help and orientation. Your comments are important for keeping me with hope. Wish you all the best
Can i apply for the Visa once im in spain? Im English, currently living in France and intend to move to spain in about 10 days or so. Im hoping i can apply for this in Spain as i going back to the UK right now is going to be slightly difficult
Hi Sam. You cannot apply for a non-lucrative visa from Spain. You have to make the application from your home country before moving to Spain. However, if you are resident in France, you may be able to apply from the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in France which means you won’t have to return to the UK. I suggest you book a consultation with our Spain immigration experts to find out how best to proceed to give you the best chance of success.
Hi, Myself and my partner have British passports but have permanent residency in Malta.
Can we apply for residencia using this as it is EU to EU country or do we have to start again and get the non-lucrative visa?
Hi Alison. In general, as a non-Eu citizen, you’ll need a residency or visa specific to the EU country you want to live in. However, it would be worth discussing your situation with an immigration expert to see if there is any advantage with your Mata residency that can help you. Book a consultation here. Good luck with your move.
Good afternoon, could you please tell me what the financial requirements would be after the 5 years period staying in Spain on a non-lucrative visa? I am considering applying, I would have access to the required funds in a joint bank account, is this permitted? My husband also has a company pension, but I do not have an income of my own,until I have my (state) pension in 5 years time.My husband would not want to take up residency, but would join me in Spain for periods of up to 90 days, as he is allowed to do. So, would I have to keep showing the required amount in the bank after the 5 years, when I applied for permanent residency? , or does this requirement end then. Many thanks for the information.
Hi Jackie. Once you are a permanent resident there are no income requirements.
Thank you for your reply. Could I ask another question, please? When I qualify for my state pension, if I have been resident for over 5 years, can I then pay into the Spanish health care system, or must I continue having a private policy? Thank you for your most helpful information.
In general, you need to be a Spanish national or paying social security to be eligible for state healthcare. So, if you went direct from a non-lucrative visa to PR and didn’t work and pay social security, you’d need to have Expat health insurance. If you took Spanish citizenship when you qualified after 10 years, you would then be entitled to healthcare.
Hello Alistair.
I am considering applying for a non lucrative visa and have several queries.
1. If I have the visa and stay over 183 days and classed as a resident and under the Spanish tax system. Would the tax I pay in the UK be still payable in the UK due to the double taxation rule.
2. If I have an annual travel insurance purchased in the UK which covers me for 90 days per visit (I will visit the UK just within the 90 days to reset the qualifying period) and the new GHIC card which covers me in Spain is the requirement for Spanish insurance still applicable.
3. If I sell my home in the UK, which would be free of all tax implications, would it be liable to Spanish taxation. Again would the double taxation rules apply.
4. If, after a year I decide to work in Spain and pay into the system both in tax and insurance, how long would it take to be covered by the Spanish health and social systems.
Thanks and regards.
Bob
Hi Bob. I can only give advice that is general in nature. I am not a qualified tax consultant and so you need to check your specific situation.
1) Spain and the UK have a taxation treaty and so, in general, you are not taxed twice on any income.
2) Travel insurance will not be accepted. You’ll need comprehensive health cover in Spain. Check out our article on Expat health insurance.
3) Again, you should seek advice specific to your situation. In general, the UK/Spain taxation treaty avoids double taxation.
4) Once you or your employer are paying social security on your behalf you may be eligible for Spanish health and social programs. Be aware, not all visa and residency permits are eligible for these programs. To get a better idea of the best pathway for your situation it would be best to talk to a local immigration expert. You can book a consultation here.
Hi my partner and I are looking at applying for the non-lucrative visa I just have a few questions before we book a consultation please:
1) how long is the application process in consideration of the covid pandemic?
2) we will be applying based on savings in the bank, how long do we need to have had the money in the bank for, to apply?
3) to renew the visa after the first year (I understand it’s double the savings amount) how long does that need to be in the bank to apply?
4) what are the fees for applying for the visa from the Uk including lawyers fees (just roughly is fine)
Thank you
Hi Karen
Approval times vary at the moment, but 2 – 4 months is not unusual. For your financial requirements and fees, it will depend on your circumstances so the consultation will clear up those questions.
The consultation has no obligations and we are confident in the value and quality of our partner. Indeed, if you aren’t happy we offer a 100% money-back guarantee on the consultation.
Thank you for your reply we’ll book a consultation.
Hi
My wife and are both 70, we have a joint pension income after uk tax of €29,500 with cash in the bank of €268,000 , we would be looking to buy once in Spain.
Would we qualify for Spanish Non Lucrative Visa
Hi Alan. Although your joint pension comes in just under the recommended level, your savings are considerable. I’d suggest having a chat with our Spain Immigraiton lawyer to find out the best way forward for you. There is no obligation, and a 100% money back guarantee if you’re not happy with the service.
I am applying for a non-lucrative Visa and would like to switch to a work visa after a year. Do the same conditions for this visa apply ie job must have been offered to Spanish/EU citizen first, or would I be classed as a resident? Thanks!
Hi Lily. Yes, you can freely change from a non-lucrative visa to a Spain work visa after the first year. However, you’ll still be subject to the standard work permit conditions. Not all jobs and not all work visas have an EU-citizen first ruling. Check out the link above for more details on your options. Alternatively, book a no-obligation consultation with our Spain immigration lawyer.
I’m looking to move to Spain from the Uk in the next few years, however I’m not of retirement age so would need some form of income. I’m hoping to buy a property in Spain and be able to rent out rooms in the property for holiday rentals, would I be able to do this on a non lucrative visa?
Thanks!
Lily
Hi Lily. You can’t run a business on the non-lucrative visa. But, the Spain self-employed work visa may be a good option for you to explore.
Could I ask a clarification point? If we purchase a property which could eventually be run as a B&B, could we spend the first year renovating it and then apply for a work visa after one year? Also, there would be three adults (couple and mother), so would all of us need to convert to a work visa or only the main worker member of the family? Additional point of clarification, one of us would still like to do overseas consulting work (physically going to work outside the EU, not remote consulting). Would that be allowable under the NLV? TYIA.
Hi Mark. Yes, you can apply to move from a non-lucrative visa after the first year. Check out your Spain work permit options here. Who needs to change residence status will depend on how you run the business and who is considered to be working for the business and paid by the business. The spouse and parent of a successful work permit applicant would be eligible for a Spain family reunification visa as you’ve lived in Spain for a year already. For the last point, I would advise clarifying with a Spain immigration lawyer as remote work is not 100% clear in the legislation and the specifics will make a difference.
Hi, I’m only on the state pension of £184.71 per week (£9,604) per year.
I have £ 285,000 in the bank. I want to purchase a house in Spain and know that I can only stay there for 90 days maximum (180 days per year?).
What are my chances please.
Thank you.
Norman Collis
Hi Norman. You are under the threshold for the visa and so you’ll need to explore your options. You can book a consultation with our fantastic Spain immigration lawyer and they’ll be able to assess your options.
Hi, As a married UK couple can one of us apply for the non lucrative visa with the other classed as a dependent? We meet the threshold for funds from rental properties in the UK. My questions are:
With the double taxation agreement does this mean we wouldn’t pay income tax in Spain as we would continue paying this tax in the UK?
Would we be taxed on worldwide assets in Spain? We have a property portfolio in the UK & are concerned about this, we would be living in our house in Andulcia.
Thanks.
Hi Claire. Yes, you can include your spouse under your visa. Taxation is very dependant on your specific circumstances and we advise speaking to a trustworthy tax specialist before making decisions – this advice is general in nature. In general, as a tax resident of Spain, all your global income may be liable to be taxed in Spain. And, in general, taxation treaties mean that this income will not be double-taxed so paying tax in Spain means not being liable to pay tax in the UK.
After 5 years can you continue with a non lucrative visa if you don’t want to take residency. If you take residency do you have to pay taxes in Spain.
Hi Peter. Yes, as long as you qualify, you can renew your non lucrative residency permit. On tax, this is general advice and you should check your personal situation with a taxation specialist. You need to live in Spain for 183 days of the year to qualify for a renewal of your residency permit. This can make you a tax resident of Spain in many cases. So, you may be liable to pay tax in Spain anyway. Happily, Spain taxation treaties to ensure you are not liable for double taxation.
Hi Alastair,
I’m an Indian is it fine if i show funds(threshold requirement) in savings account of my Home country,is it mandatory to show any proof of income as i do not have any income at this point of time
Hi Eshwar. The Spanish government wants proof you can support yourself. In general, that is done by showing an income. However, if you have extensive savings that clearly will be more than enough to live on for the life of the visa, then it is possible to be accepted. However, it is certainly not as straight forward as showing steady income.
thanks for your reply Alastair
Hi Alistar,
If I have referral income for clients I have referred to a company in the past and that company will give me a referral fee if any of them convert is that allowed? will that be considered active income or passive income?
Hi Robert. That is a very specific situation. Your best bet is to chat with a Spanish immigration lawyer to assess your case before your application.
Can Algerian with enough founds apply for the Visa-Non-Lucrative?
Do I need to be physically in Spain to apply?
To what Spanish institution is this application going to be sent?
How can I verify that you are accredited to send this application on my behalf?
Hi.
1) Yes, there are no restricted nationalities.
2) You cannot apply in Spain, you must apply at your nearest embassy or consulate.
3) The Spanish immigration service will manage your application through the consulate/embassy.
4) Our Spanish legal partner is a full certified member. They will work with you to ensure you get the best outcome. Our initial consultation is 100% refundable if you are not happy with the service.
Hi Alistair,
We are a married couple with savings of £40,000 in the bank, my uk state pension doesn’t start until July this year but we do own our house in the uk that we rent out for another £500 per month, will we be eligible for a non lucrative visa if we apply now.
Thank you
Martin.
Hi. The £500 per month is under the limit, but with the savings and your future pension, you’ll more than cover the requirements. As to the best timings for your application, it would be best to chat with Spanish immigration lawyer to agree on an effective strategy.
Hello,
a question regarding the 183 days required to be spend in Spain during the year to be able to renew it. Is it necessary to be there physically or just to have an home address in Spain for more than 183 days?
Thanks – Regards,
Miki
Hi Miki. The ruling is that you are present in Spain. If you maintain a home address and pay taxes in Spain that is the key. If your application had any issues you don’t want any reasons for it to be rejected. Given that you have free movement through the SCHENGEN area you’ll have no immigration records as long as you stay within the zone.
Hi Alistair
I have recently taken out residency in Spain and my fiancee would like to join me. She has over £100k in savings but is currently not working. The plan would be to apply for this visa and spend at least 183 days in Spain but would like to work in the UK for a four month period. Would this be allowed under the terms of the visa?
Also, would she be able to travel to other schengen countries and, if so, would she be limited to the 90/180 day rule? If she had a UK-registered vehicle with her would it need to be matriculated onto Spanish plates under these circumstances and would she need to exchange her UK driving licence for a Spanish one as I have? Regards, Paul
Hi Paul. The specifics of your case would best be discussed with an immigration lawyer.
Alastair
Does the 2nd/3rd year requirement of 8 x IPREM have to be evidenced that you have the sum at the time of application or can a guaranteed pension x2 ie a pension sum covering the two years be acceptable.
Thanks
Hi Tim. A monthly pension will be accepted.
Thanks Alastair. Are the figures quoted before or after tax?
The figures are before tax
Hi Alastair,
I’m originally from Hong Kong, been living abroad 30 years, presently living in France since 2010. I intend to continue living in France with my French PR, at the same time spending times in Spain while my son studies university in Barcelona from September 2022. The Spanish non-lucrative visa is a great chance for me to open up future living long term in Spain. Financially I meet all the requirements but still have a few questions:
1) Instead of applying for Student Visa, my son can actually benefit if I apply him as my dependent of the non-lucrative visa. After living / studying for 5 years, not only myself, he will also be eligible to apply for his own Spanish PR. Am I correct?
2) In my case, planing to live in/out between France and Spain, how can I prove myself living 183+ days in Spain since there is no specific immigration check each time when I go through EU countries. Any advice how should I prove?
3) Since I am presently living in France, how can WHERECANI.LIVE helps if I need lawyer assisting my application?
I appreciate your advice. Thank you.
Hi Cecelia
1) yes, your son can study in Spain as a dependent on your non-lucrative visa and qualify for PR after 5 years.
2) As long as you have accommodation in Spain, and register in Spain for tax residency that should be sufficient for the renewal. It would be worth exploring this with your lawyer to clarify the requirement 100% for your circumstances.
3) Our Spain immigration law partner will be happy to assist you remotely. They’ll be able to give you the best way for you and your son to live and study in Spain.
I plan to continue my children’s UK education through online schools based in UK, will this be accepted as full time education for the renewal process after 12 months.
Hi David. You should check the UK school details with your immigration lawyer to ensure that the registration will be accepted.
Hi Alastair – myself and my wife are both planning to apply for the non-lucrative visa.
1) Can the application be made for 2 people as a couple on 1 application or do we need to each complete an application..??
2) If we both have to complete an application can we both use details of a joint bank account in both our names and also a pension fund in my name as proof of income – as my wife would be classed as my dependent…?? i.e. would I have to prove approx 25,000 euro income and my wife approx 7,000 euro income as a dependent….?? Or would we both have to prove we have approx 32,000 euro on both individual applications which could be from a joint bank account and my pension fund…??
3) Once we move and buy a property we are planning on living in Spain so becoming tax resident, etc. Is it better to take any tax free lump sums from any pensions held in the UK before becoming tax resident in Spain. Or if using a flexible income draw down from a pension fund after becoming tax resident is the tax not affected too much anyway due to the double taxation deal….??
4) The application for the non-lucrative visa states proof of income in a bank account, etc, for 6 months prior to application…?? Could this be shown by having the applicable funds in a pension fund which has held this amount for 6 months…?? And this proof of pension fund be used for both myself and my wife’s applications…??
Any advice on these points much appreciated.
Thank you –
Richard.
Hi Richard.
1) You can apply as a couple, or as an individual with a dependent. Best to have an immigration lawyer assess your situation to see which path has the best chance of success.
2) It is very hard to give any reasonable taxation or financial planning advice without an overview of your entire financial situation, sorry!
3) The pension fund’s income should be sufficient evidence. The main thing is to present an application that, in totality, shows you are capable of supporting yourself for the duration of the visa.
All the best,
Alastair
Hi Alastair – thank you for the reply.
As a loose time-frame when should we actually send in our application to the Spanish consulate in the UK….??
Do we need to have 6 months of sufficient income shown in a bank account or held in savings prior to first applying or is this presentable to the consulate at the time of the interview….??
Or do we send in all supporting documentation at the time of the non-lucrative visa application, including proof of income and proof of medical insurance and criminal record check….?? Are these all sent at time of initial application…??
It’s just that with some of the documents only valid within 90 days – is that 90 days of planned travel to Spain or valid within 90 days of application…??
Many thanks –
R.Savage
Hi Rich. You’d best discuss this with an Immigration lawyer to ensure all your timings work out. Depending on the embassy or consultant, processing times can differ.
We are a retired couple and for the last five years been travelling Europe, if we commit to the visa and 183days in Spain will I have to relinquish my UK driving license and convert our Motorhome to Spanish plates or is that only after the five years
You’ll need to register your vehicle in Spain if you are resident in Spain – this EU page has details. You will need to change your UK license for a Spanish license. The exact processes not yet 100% clear.
Hi – very interested in the Spanish non-lucrative visa for myself and partner. We own a house in Spain already. Our current retirement income is low as from early pensions – about £14,000 PA but we have savings of £130,000 [and could also sell a property in the UK for more] we are 55 and 60. Expecting further pensions later too.
A Yes or a NO??
Thanks!
Probably a yes, but you’ll need to check on the best way to manage the application. Your home in Spain doesn’t count towards the income or investment levels if you are living in it. If you get rental income from the properties, that could help. Our Spain immigration lawyer partner will be able to advise on the best approach for you.
Hi Alastair, if I am living in Spain with the NLV and I decided to open a local business say a cake shop and myself will be working there (I have many years of work experience in F&B), my understanding is that I could apply for a modification of residence permit to an self-employed one (Autonomo), and I would have to write a business plan and show sufficient funds to run the business. My question is, in your experience, is that a difficult process? how long does it take? have you had any clients in similar situation and succeed? Lastly, do I have to wait until after the first renewal of NLV before applying for the change of residence? Will I have to renew the autonomo residence every year? Thank you very much!
Hi, Henry. With your experience and the assistance of a good immigration lawyer, you should be fine to qualify for the self-employed work visa. Approval times vary and depend on the completeness of the application as well as where the application is submitted. You can’t apply for a change of status until after the first year of the non-lucrative. Your immigration lawyer will be best placed to advise on the optimum timings for gathering documentation and submitting the application. The renewal is annual, and sufficient funding and business progress are the normal renewal requirements.
Hi Alastair,
1. If my current company give me a freelance project after I resigned from my country. Within the first year of non-lucrative visa, any recommendations how I can get this income?
2. Do you help client to apply for a Spain work permit visa after first year of non lucrative as a self-employed individual? What’s the minimum budget I need?
3. Can I work in other countries while I’m holding a non lucrative visa? Eg: let say a project that I need to travel to other EU countries to work? Would this be possible?
Hi. Remote work and freelance work is a grey area for the non-lucrative and you should discuss your best options with a good Spanish immigration lawyer.
You can apply to switch from a non-lucrative visa to any work visa after one year. Yes, our Spain immigration law partner can assist – please click here for more information.
Hello. Well written article. Thank you for that. However, I think you might have a typographic error in one of your sentences on remote work. Here is the sentence: “There is no provision for remote work in the legislation, but it does fit the intent of the legislation.” Did you mean to say “…but is does NOT fit the intent of the legislation.”??
The non-lucrative visa encourages people who can support themselves (without taking a job from someone in the Spanish workforce) to come and live in Spain. Remote work means you’ll live in Spain and bring money into the economy.
Hello. My husband and I will be moving from Canada to Spain in just under a year. Starting to work out all the details now.
My two questions:
1- I work for a Canadian company and work from home, my company have agreed to still allow me work from home when we move. Would Spain allow this since I am not working for a Spanish company or taking any Spanish jobs. I am not an EU citizen
2- My husband is an EU citizen does that automatically make me one being his spouse or do I still need to apply for a non lucrative visa.
Thank you
Sam
Hi Sam. Your husband can move to Spain as an EU citizen and you can move as his dependant. Your remote work may require a Spanish work permit, depending on the conditions. IT would be worth it to check with a Spanish immigration lawyer about the best way to proceed.
Thank you. I actually didn’t think my message got posted the first time so I asked again. Sorry about that.
I already have a home in Menorca and want to stay in Spain for about 183 days a year. I’m not sure if the 183 day minimum stay requirement is for every year or just the first year that you apply for the non-lucrative visa?
Many thanks
Rick
If you want to renew the visa, you must have met the residency requirement in the previous period.
Hello!
I am 59 years old, live in the UK, and am considering retiring to Spain when I reach 67, but I am unclear on the non-lucrative visa requirements. I will have savings of about 50,000 euros by then, which I can show in a bank account, and I will have enough to buy a small property as well, but my actual weekly income will be just the £175 state pension from the UK, or a little more. I’m very frugal and am sure I could live on that, but what I don’t understand is, do I need to show an INCOME of 30,000 euros a year (impossible!), or just to show the 30,000 euros in a savings account every year, which hopefully I wouldn’t need to touch? I hope you can clarify!
Hi Fiona. The initial application is looked at as a whole, and the government wants to see that you can live at the level of 4 x the PREM. Unfortunately, your spending levels are not taken into account. Both income and savings can be used in the application and in future renewals so if your frugality keep the nest egg in place that is great.
i understand that in spain i must purchase spanish health insurance with no copay for a year in order to receive an NLV. is there any point at which i can move to the spanish national health care system? at 1 year renewal? or two year renewal? or at the end of five years if i become a permanent resident?
Hi Zev. You must have private or Expat health insurance for the first year. After that you can opt to pay into the national healthcare to opt-into the system – called the convenio especial.
Hi Alastair, Given my question relates to taxation I am not sure if you will be able to assist, but thought it worth enquiring.
I am an Australian resident, retired, and in receipt of the state pension, circa 840 €, per fortnight, plus a small private income, from dividends,, derived from shares, current value circa 150 K €. In addition I have sufficient funds to purchase a small property, which I could reside in.
1) I would appreciate your thoughts regarding the chances of my being granted a non lucrative visa, if I should apply for one, based on the above calculations. If necessary I could increase my small private income by rearranging my portfolio, but would prefer not to do so.
2) What I am unsure about though is where or not there would be any taxation implications with respect to my state pension, which is tax free.
3) Spain has a double taxation agreement with Australia BUT, I understand ( and I may be wrong ) that the threshold for paying income tax, in Spain, is lower that that in Australia. If this is so am I correct in assuming that despite a double taxation agreement being in place I would be liable for paying taxation, in Spain, on any income, derived from Australia which falls below the Australian income tax threshold, and that the double taxation agreement would only apply to income received, above the current Australian threshold.
Thank you,
Adam
Hi Adam. Based on the information you should qualify for the non-lucrative visa. Our legal partner would be able to advise how best to present the package in the application to maximise your chance of success. (I edited your comment with the correction you sent through – I hope that is OK!)
On the tax, I can’t give you specific advice. However, in general, here are a couple of key points. Your pension may be liable to tax in Spain, but not double taxation as per the tax treaty. And, Australia’s tax-free threshold is higher than Spain’s. This article has some good information on Spain’s taxation rates.
Keep an eye out – we’re hoping to be able to help with financial planning and taxation advice soon!
Hi Alistair,
Thank you for your reply, much appreciated.
Due to the current, virtual blanket prohibition on travel from Australia, it is probably best I wait until the travel prohibition is lifted before proceeding further. There is little point in submitting an application, the validity of which could expire before I am able to arrive in Spain, given the Australian government appears to be in no hurry to rescind the travel prohibition.
I will contact your legal department as soon as I have confirmation regarding the travel prohibition being rescinded and am able to proceed with booking a flight. Meanwhile I guess I will simply have to wait, and hope, that the current Spanish legislation regarding non.lucrative visas is not amended.
Regards
Adam
Good luck with the move – we’re looking forward to seeing our Australian friends again soon!
Hello, I am living in Australia I currently have $8000 AUD in savings. I’m not working at the moment, my only income is from the government welfare system. Which would terminate if I leave the country. Last year I was granted a travel exemption for travelling overseas for at least 3 months. My boyfriend is living in Spain and I wish to stay with him. What is the maximum amount of time I can stay on a non lucrative visa. I will have no expenses- accomodation, food, etc. will be provided.
Last year I was attempting to get a Schengen visa but had a lot of difficulties.
Appreciate your advice.
Hi Anna. The non-lucrative visa is issued for one year and is renewable after that. Your application doesn’t look at your possible expenses, just income and savings. Everyone has to meet the same level, and if you lose your income, you will have difficulty meeting that level. There may be other options for you – have a look at this article which has all of Spain’s visa and residency permit options.
Hi Alastair,
Hope you are doing well!
I live in Surinam and I have a Dutch partner who lives in Holland. We want to live in Spain. I have a saving of €35.000,- but no income at the time.
Can I apply for the non lucrative visa?
How do we find a place to stay in Spain?
Can I travel free to Holland in the first 183 days of the first year in Spain?
Thnx in advance!
Hi Jennifer. Without an income or large savings, the non-lucrative visa is difficult. However, as your partner is an EU citizen you may qualify for a family reunion visa, depending on the status of your relationship. A student visa may be another option for you to explore while you get settled here. A chat with a Spain immigration lawyer will help to find your best option.
To find a place to stay, check out our Guide to Renting a Property in Spain.
ON travel to Holland – yes, on a non-lucrative visa you can freely come and go as you please within the SCHENGEN region. However, your residence should be in Spain to qualify to renew.
Hi, if i move to Spain on a non lucrative visa and want to purchase a property to live in while I be stung for the Tax? Currently live in UK, or am I better to rent?
Many Thanks
Julia
Hi Julia. This is a difficult question to answer without understanding all your details. Where you want to live and the cost of the home all will impact tax rates, as will your immigration status. At present, we are not able to help with personal taxation advice, so you’ll need to chat with a specialist. But, watch this space – we will be offering Spanish Expat tax consultancy services soon!
Hi,
I am interested in a non lucrative visa. I have no income at present but savings of £150000. Would this be enough to apply? Also, how many months of bank statements would I need to show?
Thanks
Hi Paul. In general, some passive income is what the immigration department is looking for. I’d suggest having a chat with our Spanish immigration partner to see if there is a way to frame the application to get the right outcome.
Hello.
I am Ukrainian, currently live in Luxembourg. But I quit my job here and accepted an offer from Ukrainian company. Now I work remotely, but I’d prefer to live in Spain. Can i apply for non-lucrative visa while living in Luxembourg? Or i have to apply in Ukraine and stay there until its accepted?
And what are my chances? 🙂
Hi Iryna. You can apply from your country of legal residence, so if you are legally resident in Luxembourg you may be able to apply from there. Our Spain Immigration Lawyer will be able to quickly assess your chances and give you advice on how to have the best chance of success.
Hello and thank your for such an excellent detailed website.
Regarding the non-lucrative visa, if I have no remote income but have the equivalent of E230,000 in the bank would that enable me to qualify for this type of visa , then looking to change to a work visa after 12 months. ?
thank you
Hi Ross. Most consulates want to see some form of income. However, your savings are well in excess of the required amount to cover a year in Spain. I’d suggest chatting to our partner to see if there is a way to frame your application for success.
Hello – this site has been very informative !.
We are looking to buy a property Spain and move there permanently on a NLV, Would we be able to let a room out in our own residency to supplement my modest private pension?.
Regards
Chris
Hi Chris. Glad you found the site useful. Yes, you can purchase a property and rent out all or part of it on a non-lucrative visa. And, with a signed rental agreement you can even include the rent in your application or renewal. ONce thing to consider – if the purchase is more than é500,000 then a Spain Golden Visa may be a better option for you.
Where can you find detailed tax information. Specifically what are the agreements, if any, on double taxation.
Hi Roger. This UK government website is a good place to start. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/spain-tax-treaties All the best, Alastair
Hi,
Could you please provide some clarification on getting a work permit after holding the non-lucrative visa for one year? Does having the non lucrative visa make it any easier to get a work permit like providing exemption from labour market tests ? Will I require sponsorship to work in Spain after one year ?
Regards,
Sankar
HI Sankar. Under the non-lucrative visa, you cannot change to a work permit in the first twelve months. After that, you can transfer to any of Spain’s ten work permits. You will need to fulfil the requirements of the work permit you select, and your residence permit will not give you exemptions from the requirements.
Hi Alistair,
I am Australian, 35 and have savings of 80 000euros i can show in my bank statement. As for income I have a side business which I get paid cash in hand so I’m unable to show tax documents for that. Will showing my bank statement be sufficient? I also own my own house and am planning to rent it out should I get the visa. Am I a candidate for the non lucrative visa?
Thanks xx
Hi Janetta. Your qualification is not cut and dried as you don’t have a tax return to support your side business income and the rental from your property is only in the future. There may be a way to effectively from the application, but you’d need to discuss your exact situation with a good Spanish immigration lawyer. All the best, Alastair
But don’t I have sufficient savings in my bank statement to meet the requirement? Also, what if I am able to produce a rental contract with my tenant? Do i need to show the tax returns still?
Hi. A rental contract and savings together will definitely help to support your application, and there may be no need to show your side income tax returns. All the best, Alastair
Hi .My husband and I are thinking of moving to Spain.We have no income but £470.000 in the bank.we would like to purchase a property and stay in Spain.Would we qualify for a lucrative visa please?
Hi Tracie. The Spanish immigration department generally likes to see some form of income. However, you do have considerable savings. Our Spain immigration partner would be best placed to discuss the best approach for you and your husband. If you purchase a house worth é500,000 then a Spain Investment visa might be worth exploring. IT has some advantages over the non-lucrative if you intending to buy the property anyway. All the best, Alastair
Alastair,
My husband and are are exploring moving to Spain. He is retired US Navy with a pension and I can work remotely. We meet the financial requirements for the non lucrative visa. My question is- my husband has a misdemeanor he pled guilty to for a crime in the US that does not appear to be a crime in Spain. The case is closed and the crime took place in 2018. We are looking at moving in 2-3 years. Do you think his criminal record will prevent us from getting the visa?
Hi Lisa. In general, the EU is less strict on past criminal history than, for example, the USA. The final decision will be based on the seriousness of the crime, the sentencing outcome, and the time since the conviction. If it is a minor misdemeanor, and the conviction is more than three years old by the time of application you should be fine. A quick chat with our immigration partner with the details of the conviction will allow you to get a more definitive answer. All the best, Alastair
I fulfil all requirements of this visa. How much your immigration partner charges for this visa after the first consultation.
Just a rough idea, so I can decide.
Hi Gani – I have sent an email to get some additional details. Regards,Alastair
Hi Alistair,
Thanks for your helpful responses. I’ve got a couple of questions on my situation.
I’m an Aussie looking to make the move to Spain. I believe I meet the requirements for the NLV but am looking a few different options:
1) move with my current company as they have a office/subsidiary in Spain – what would be the right visa for this?
2) find job with a company that has an office/subsidiary in Spain – what would be the right visa for this?
3) find a job with a company that doesn’t have an office /subsidiary in Spain and is say UK based but I would work remotely – what would be the best visa for this? The NLV? I know you mentioned this is a grey area but if there’s any tips or thoughts on this would be great to hear!
Thanks!
Hi Sarah. We have a full article on Spain’s 10 work visa options (click the link). The correct visa will depend on where your contract is held, and where you are paid. If you are working for a Spanish company then an Employee work permit will probably be your best option. If you are working remotely and can qualify for the non-lucrative without the remote work income then it is a good option – it also allows you to transfer to a work visa after one year if your situation changes. Once you are clearer on your employment plans our partner will be able to give you advice on the best option for both the short-term and long-term. Cheers, Alastair
Hello Alastair!
My fiance and are from the U.S., he is currently speaking to businesses in Spain and plans to get a job there.
We are in the process of researching the visas and moving to Spain early next year. We have a separate source of income through owned property, and I currently work from home with my own online business,
I have sufficient healthcare insurance, in good health. and don’t have a police record for any serious crime. I’m just wondering with my online business, would I be eligible for the non-lucrative visa?
Hi Lina. If you meet the income requirements for the non-lucrative from your property investment then yes, you’ll be eligible. If you need to add income from your online business then that complicates things slightly but can still be possible if your application is managed in the right way. There is no restriction on you continuing to work with your online business on the non-lucrative once you are in SPain. OUr partner will be happy to advise on the best approach for you – you can book a consultation here. Cheers, Alastair.
Hi there,
My partner and I (currently unmarried due to local laws disallowing same-sex marriage) are living outside of our home countries and are looking to move to Spain and work towards establishing permanent residency. She would ideally like to be a student pursuing a graduate level degree or program and I would like to live and work. That said, I’m happy to work remotely on this NLV.
1. Is it possible for me to be included as a dependent on her NLV or do we each need our own?
2. And is it possible for her to study on an NLV?
3. Does this visa count towards permanent residence? We want to live the rest of our lives in Spain.
4. Are we able to apply at the consulate in our current country of residence or do we need to go back to our respective countries where we retain citizenship?
Any advice you can give would be great!
Cara
Hi Cara. You and your partner will have a number of options include the NLV, a Spain work visa, and a Spain student visa. All have provisions for family members and dependants to be included. Your relationship status will need to be established as you are not married.
1) Yes, as long as the financial requirements are met you can include family members on the application.
2) Yes, both the primary applicant and dependants can study on the NLV (although a student visa may also be an option)
3) Yes, the NLV counts towards Spain PR (only 50% of your student visa time counts towards PR in SPain)
4) YOu should be able to apply in the country in which you are a legal resident.
As your situation has a few variables you may benefit from chatting to our Spanish immigration legal partner – you can book a consultation here.
My wife and I are UK citizens, we both lived in Mallorca from 1987-2007 and are in receipt of Spanish state pensions in addition to UK state pensions although because we now live in Thailand our UK pensions are frozen at the rate they were issued at
Our total pensions amount to 25400 euros.
My question is: as we are receiving the Spanish state pension and paid into the seguridad social would I be correct in assuming that we would still qualify for the Spanish health system, we have NIE numbers.
With savings and funds from property sales here we will have enough to live on and are looking at a move towards the end of the year.
We’ll make application for the NLV at the Spanish embassy in Bangkok
Hi Gerry. As a recipient of a Spanish pension (having paid social security) you should be eligible for Spanish healthcare. OUr partner will be happy to assist with the application process when you are ready to proceed. All the best, Alastair
Hi Alastair, thanks for your prompt reply and it’s kind of what I thought but just wanted it from an expert.
When we’re ready we’ll get in touch again.
Keep up the good work.
Gerry
Good evening,
If we book a consultation appointment what time of day can the Skype meeting take place and if we then decide to proceed with an immigration lawyer are there time restrictions if we need to have online meetings?
I currently work in the prison service and have no access to mobile phone or personal email during the working day. Ideally we would need an evening appointment or weekend.
Can you give an indication of cost for the visa application process using the services of the lawyer?
Regards
Mark
Hi Mark. I have responded in an email to get a few details from you. Regards, Alastair
Hi
My wife and I want to apply for an NLV in Spain.
Our annual income would be €33471, would that fulfil the financial criteria.
This would be a guaranteed annual income and would increase with the addition of state pensions
Thanks
Hi Laurence. Yes, the required amount for two people is €32,270 so you meet the threshold. Please book a consultation with our Spain immigration partner to get started with your application. All the best, Alastair
Hello,
I am 50 and just recently considered Spain as a possible retirement destination in a few years. After doing some research I have a couple questions regarding the non-lucrative visa I was hoping you could help me with.
1. As a US citizen living in the US, are your partners able to process all the required paperwork from Spain and have it Apostilled for my local consulate in Chicago? If so, what would still be required of me?
2. One of the requirements for the Chicago consulate is “Proof of accommodation” meaning a 12 month lease or a deed to a property. Are you familiar with this requirement? It would seem like a very difficult thing to do while still in the US.
I know this is early for me but it’s all part of my research process.
Thanks!
Jess
Hi Jess. Our partner can indeed take care of much of the paperwork on your behalf. They’ll also help you to get just the actual documents you need to get approved. However, you’ll still need to collect your personal documents like proof of income, etc. On the property requirement, there is some grey. This is not an actual part of the NLV immigration statute, but some Consulates do ask for it. Our partner will be able to advise you on the best way to approach the requirements, looking at your application in its entirety to ensure success. Well done on getting the ball rolling so early, being prepared makes the process much easier! Cheers, Alastair
Hi Alastair
We are retired UK citizens who came to Northern Italy 3 years ago for family reasons. We are considering moving to Spain as we are no longer needed here and the weather does not suit us. Would it be the same for us if we wanted a non-lucrative visa to Spain after having been granted our Italian residence? Thanks
Hi Amanda. No, unfortunately, your Italian residence doesn’t alter the NLV requirements. If you have Italian citizenship you could live and work in Spain without a visa. All the best, Alastair
HI Alastair.
My wife and I would be looking at retirement in 4 years time with our joint pension ,monthly of £1600 and a lump sum in the bank of around £60,000 plus any profits from selling the house. Would we be able to retire to Spain as we had proclaimed before Brexit ?
We would rent for the first year if we did.
Hi Sean. The current NLV income requirement for two people is €32,270 or around £28,000 or around £2,300 per month. This means your joint pension will not quite cover both of you. You’ll have some savings and/or investments so that might help to make up the shortfall depending on the exact situation when you are ready to move. No doubt BREXIT has made things more difficult for UK citizens, but moving to Spain is still possible – check out our Moving to Spain after BREXIT guide.
My husband and I are looking aqt the NLV, we have enough income and savings to qualify. My question is about the medical report – I had a stroke a year ago in Spain and I am still in a wheelchair. Would my application be accepted? Obviously we would have the required Private Health Insurance.
Hi Lynda. I asked our partner to clarify this and it is good news. The medical certificate only excludes certain illnesses. Your stroke would not exclude you from a NLV. The diseases include polio, smallpox, SARS, Yellow fever, Ebola, and others. I have emailed you a sample form that lists all the exclusions. All the best for a speedy recovery and a successful move to Spain. Our partner will be happy to assist you with your application. Alastair
Hi Alastair,
Regarding private health insurance as one of the requirements for non-lucrative visa, does it has to be a “local” Spanish insurance company? If I sign up an Expat Health Insurance with Allianz, which covers “worldwide, excluding US”, is it qualified?
If not, then any specific local Spanish insurance company you could recommend, so that I can search up their packages?
Thank you.
HI Cecelia. The policy does not have to be with a local Spanish company, but not all policies qualify. Please see our article on Expat Health Insurance – we recommend getting quotes from two services that we have successfully used in the past. All the best, Alastair
Hi. My wife and I are retired UK citizens. We have state and private pensions (about £27,000) – and income from shares ISA’s (about £13,000).
In total, we pay under £2,000 annually tax in the UK.
My questions:
1. UK ISA’s taxed in Spain? (they are tax free in the UK)
2. If i stay for only 180, do I still have to pay tax?
Many thanks
Roland
Hi Roland. I can’t give specific financial advice but here are some general guidelines.
1) ISAs are taxable once you are a tax resident in Spain under a non-lucrative visa.
2) You must stay for at least 183 days per year to be able to renew your NLV. That can make you a Spanish tax resident. You can, of course, stay in Spain for 180 days (and stay in the UK for the rest). However, you’ll have problems when you try to renew your NLV.
Hi Alastair,
Great site and great information thank you.
My wife and I intend to apply for the NLV.
We would have approximately £90,000 in savings (after purchasing a Spanish property) and a Royal Naval pension of £17,300 pa. My wife has a civil service pension which would mature 3 years after the move. If we decided to rent in Spain we would have approx £220,000 in savings along with my pension.
We have no criminal convictions, are in general good health, already have private medical cover in UK but would need to re-arrange to a Spanish/Worldwide policy
I realise I am asking this question from your personal perspective however;
1. Which route do you think would have the best prospect of success, purchase or rent?
2. Could we join the Spanish healthcare system after our first year ?
Thank you in advance
Warm regards
Graham
Hi Graham.
1) That is a tough question and it will depend on a host of factors. This is my personal opinion only and based on what I know. In the town we live in, renting is much better value than buying a house. We’ve chosen, for the moment, to rent a house and invest our money elsewhere. However, you mentioned rent is dead money, so true. Mortgage rates are also at historic lows so borrowing money can be cheap. And, being your own landlord brings many people peace of mind. We’re fence-sitting at the moment, but we are watching the market and we’d love to have a place in Spain to call our own one day. Other towns, other people, and other times may have a completely different answer!!!!
2) All Spanish citizens and anyone who pays in social security have access to the public health system. As a UK citizen on a non-lucrative visa, your best best is probably private health insurance.
I own a property in Spain worth approximately €275.00
Until Brexit I spent the End October through the End of February in Spain.
And l rent the house out in the Summer, this income is taxable.
Can l use the scheme, would l have to have the required funds in an account as well as the property?
I am 74 years old.
Hi Jacqui. The government wants to know you can support yourself to the iPREM levels. So, they’ll take into account the rental income from the property, but not the value of the property itself. All the best, Alastair
Hi Mr. Johnson
My question is regarding the renewal of the NLV. I am a citizen of an Iberoamerican country and my understading is that I can apply for spanish citizenship after 2 years of residency. Since the spanish citizenship application takes more than 1 year to be reviewed/granted, would I have to apply for renewal of the NLV for an additional period of 2 years while the citizenship application is pending? Would I have to meet the financial requirements for the additional 2 years renewal while my citizenship application is pending?
Thank you,
Mariam
Hi Miriam. Yes, you are correct. Ibero-American citizens qualify to apply for Spanish citizenship after two years, but your immigration status is unchanged while you wait for your application to be approved.
I’ve just checked this with our Spanish immigration lawyer. You’ll need to renew your NLV (or another Spanish residency visa or work permit) while you wait on the approval of your citizenship application. And, yes, you’ll need to meet the NLV renewal conditions as per any standard renewal. Remember; as a condition of your non-lucrative visa, you can transfer to another immigration permission after the first year so there may be another Spanish immigration option to explore if you are have problems meeting the NLV conditions. All the best, Alastair
If I am on a long stay visa and living in France (as a UK citizen) can I apply for an NLV at the Spanish consulate in France? Am I allowed therefore to have residence in France and Spain?
Hi Alexis. Yes, as a legal resident in France you should be able to apply for your Spanish non-lucrative visa from the nearest consulate. And, once your NLV is granted you’ll have residence rights in Spain and in France. However, you’ll need to ensure that the residency requirements of you immigration permissions don’t conflict. For example, you must live in Spain for 183-days a year minimum to meet the requirements of the NLV. Our partner has extensive NLV experience and can help you to prepare the application for the best chance of success. Regards, Alastair
Hi Alastair,
Thanks for the interesting informative and very helpful website.
We are a family of 4. Looking into applying for the spanish NLV. The article states that we need to show sufficient savings in a bank account or alternatively, we must be able to show guaranteed income.
Assuming we can’t show a guaranteed passive income, is there a sufficient amount of bank account savings we can show to still be eligible ?
The article states a threshold amount of €45178 (For a family of four). Would double this amount should be enough to be eligible without showing any proof of an additional steady passive income?
Best regards,
Rony.
Hi Rony. The NLV legislation only mentions income to the 400% IPREM level. However, in our partners experience, savings can be accepted in some circumstances in place of income (in in combination with income.) I’ve update the article to make this more explicit. Depending on the consult where you are applying, and other assets you have (like a property in Spain) the amount can vary. With no other factors count on showing savings of at least €90,000 in your name for your family of four. As you don’t have supporting income I’d strongly suggest having a good Spanish lawyer advise you on your savings-based application to give yourself the best chance of success. Regards, Alastair
Hi
I currently live in Gibraltar and will be moving to Spain imminently. I cannot go to the U.K. to apply for this visa, do you have any idea what I can do.
Thanks
HI Georgia. I’d suggest talking to our Spain immigration law partner. They’ll be able to give you tailored advice on how to proceed. All the best, Alastair
Hi,
I am currently in Spain “staying” for 3 months (working remotely for UK company) to see how I like it before making the move the apply for a non lucrative visa. I hold an NZ and UK passport. I understand that I would need to apply for the visa in London but do I need to remain in London while the application is processed?
Can I go back briefly to apply and then come back to stay in Spain/Portugal/Italy while it is being processed?
Do you know how long the consulate in London is taking to process applications at the moment?
Thanks!
Hi Catherine. There is no restriction on travel during the application process as long as you submit the application in your home country. On processing times and how to apply, on I’d suggest a chat with our Spain Immigration Lawyer to agree the best approach for your application. All the best, Alatsair
Hi Alastair, I have a few questions.
1) I am a Turkish citizen living in the US as an asylum applicant. So I have legal residence but not permanent and since the application is pending, I can’t show any date of validity or expiration. But I also have tourist visa for US that is valid for 5 more years (6 months for each stay). Can I apply from the US in this position?
2) I have $30k savings, I’m working as a freelancer, and my freelance income is $1500-2500/mo. I’ve been supporting myself in the US with this income. Would it be enough to get this visa too?
Thank you!
Hi Abe. The US Consulates can be strict on the sources of income for the NLV. Given your situation’s complexity I’d suggest a chat to our Spain NLV Lawyer to agree the best pathway for your application. All the best, Alastair
Hi,
My wife and I are UK citizens and are moving to Gibraltar to work in September. However, we’d rather work in Gib but live in Spain. We have been told that non-lucrative visa applications are regularly being turned down for this purpose, is this the case as far as you know?
Thanks
David
Hi David. I’ve just checked this question with our Spanish Immigration Lawyer. The law is written to prevent people working in Spain specifically. As long as you can show income or financial support that does not include the income from your job in Gibraltar, then there should a good chance of success for your NLV application. You can book a consultation here with our partner to ensure you prepare your application in a way to ensure the best chance of acceptance. All the best, Alastair
Thanks Alistair.
My concern is that I have been told that NLVs are being regularly turned down for people wanting to live in Spain but work in Gib. Mainly for political leverage over Gib/UK and general dissatisfaction with Brexit.
One Spanish immigration lawyer told me this was the case and that things would be uncertain until the UK and the Spanish had resolved these and other issues.
For obvious reasons, we do not want to go to the expense of an application only to have it turned down, especially as I understand no reasons are generally given.
Can you comment on this? Have to successfully applied for NLVs for people working in Gib recently?
One other question…can we apply for a NLV from Gib?
Thanks
David
Hi David. I referred your question to our Spanish partner. Here are a couple of answers.
1) There is no Spanish consulate in Gibraltar and so you’ll need to apply in London if you are resident in Gibraltar or Spain.
2) They’ve had no reports of issues with rejections for people working in Gibraltar (but they’ve put out some feelers to their network to see if anyone else has had issues).
3) The initial feeling is that the application should be accepted as long as you meet the requirements as you are not working in Spain at all, not even remotely. As per your other question, they think that you could include this income on your application given the location of the work.
They’ll be happy to assist you with the preparation of your application and to manage any issues it throws up with the Spanish immigration department. They also manage an appeal as part of the initial NLV fee if your application does get rejected for any reason.
Regards, Alastair
Hi. I am very soon applying for an NLV as my intent is to buy a Spanish property and retire there. I have plenty of income from Social Security and pensions and an abundance of savings so I have really no need to continue the part time work I’m still doing in the US. That work is entirely online and the company I work for would love to have me continue. It sounds as if that’s not a problem once I am there and settled in but once again not essential.
However, I am also a musician and I know there might be numerous opportunities to perform in Spanish clubs and cafes. If I do that it won’t be with the main intent of making income but more just to share artistically but I’m wondering what experience you may have had with other artists that have moved to the area and perhaps have performed professionally. Most gigs do pay something or you end up with tips. I’m curious if you can prove that you are basically breaking even in something like that if it’s even a concern. I assume income is defined as actual profit.
Hi Art. The NLV excludes working in Spain without any legislated exceptions. However, if you are informally playing with expenses covered from a door share or tips then there’ll be no issues with declared income from working in Spain. As you are looking to buy a house in Spain, have you looked the the Spain Golden Visa? It has no restrictions on working or residency and may be a good option?
Hi Alastair,
I’m interested in Spain’s NLV. Unfortunately I don’t have passive income to qualify for the NLV. However, I have savings of around €40,000 in the bank + €5000 in investments. I also work part time as a freelancer with an annual income of €12,000. Does this make me eligible for the NLV?
Hi Adam. As long as none of your freelancer clients are in Spain you may be able to frame an application that meets the requirements. As your application is a mix of income and savings I’d recommend working with a quality NLV expert to ensure a positive outcome. Our partner will be happy to help – you can book a consultation here. All the best, Alastair
Thanks Alastair. I agree that it’s best to work with an immigration lawyer. I’ll book a session as soon as possible.
I forgot to mention that the funds are not in my bank account yet. I am planning to sell a property that I own to come up with the required amount, but I’ve heard that I’ll need to let the money sit in the account for 6 months or a year. Is that the case? My goal is to minimize waiting time as much as possible.
Hi Adam. Our partner’s advice is that there is no 6-month requirement for the bank deposit as referenced by many websites.