For citizens of non-EEA countries, including the UK, USA, and Canada, retiring to sunny Spain is a dream. If you're aiming to make that dream come true and live in Spain permanently, the initial step is applying for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa. This article will guide you through the rights, requirements, and application procedures associated with this visa.
Acquiring the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa involves significant paperwork, often necessitating translation and legalisation. It might be beneficial to engage a professional to guide you through the process. However, for the DIY enthusiast, here's a comprehensive rundown:
Understanding the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa
This visa grants you the privilege to reside in Spain without undertaking any profitable Activities. You need to showcase substantial financial resources. Crucially, this visa doesn't authorize employment in Spain or remote work for companies outside Spain.
Eligibility Criteria for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa
Besides the primary applicant, the following family members are eligible to apply for this visa:
Income Requirements for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa
Required funds are gauged at 400% of the prevailing IPREM figure, plus an added 100% of IPREM for every dependent. To clarify, IPREM is an annual benchmark set by the Spanish authorities, defining the bare minimum income for sustenance in Spain.
For 2023, the IPREM is fixed at €600 monthly. Given the inflation rates, this might see an upward revision in 2024. Below is the current income (or equivalent assets) requisite for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa:
Dependents | Monthly income | Yearly income |
|---|---|---|
Individual | €2400 | €28800 |
Couple | €3000 | €36000 |
Couple + 1 Dependent | €3600 | €43200 |
Couple + 2 Dependents | €4200 | €50400 |
Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa Application Process
Download the Forms
Download and complete the necessary application forms.
You will need to complete a Visa Application Form and a Non-Lucrative Residence Form
Picture Perfect
Provide a recent colour photograph, ID size, with a clear background, taken front on. Make sure there are no dark glasses or anything obscuring your face.
Passport Check
You will need to present your valid passport along with a photocopy of the biometric data pages the passport must have at least a year remaining before expiration*, if necessary apply for a replacement. You'll need to leave your passport at the consulate during the visa processing period, complete a form authorising for you passport and documents to be posted to you once you application has been processed and provide a prepaid special delivery envelope.
. .*UK replacement passports that are issued before the previous passport has expired will have the time remaining on the old passport added on to the ten year term of the replacement. The Spanish Authorities will not recognise the "extra" months and only take the ten years from the date of issue into account.
Financial
Proof of financial means is crucial. Provide documents proving you have enough funds to cover your living expenses in Spain for the initial year.
Health Insurance
Secure a health insurance policy from a company authorized to operate in Spain. Ensure it covers all risks insured by Spain's public health system.
Criminal Record Check
You must present a criminal record certificate, issues within the last 6 months, for all countries that you have lived in the last 5 years. For criminal records from the United Kingdom, present the ACRO certificate.
Health Certificate
Original and a copy of a medical certificate attesting that the applicant does not suffer from diseases that may have serious repercussions for public health in accordance with the International Health Regulations of 2005. This certificate must be issued by a licensed physician no more than 3 months before the presentation of the visa application.
Legalisation and Translations
Any foreign-language documents must undergo legalization or apostillation and be accompanied by a sworn translation into Castellano Spanish. The UK Government's website offers guidance on how to go about this process.
Payment
You'll be charged a fee, set by the Spanish Government, upon application submission.
Additional Documentation for Family Members
If moving with family, additional proofs of relationship, such as birth or marriage certificates, are necessary.For Ascendants, proof of dependency will be required.
Finalizing the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa Application
Submit your application, either personally or via a representative, at the designated center, typically your country's Spanish Consulate.
Post-application, you can track its status online. The consulate might seek further documents or an interview. Standard processing is three months but can stretch longer if more details are needed.
Once approved, ensure you pick up your visa in the given timeframe. If rejected, you possess the right to contest the decision within specified per
What Happens Once the Application is Submitted?
The consulate may request additional documentation or an interview, with a standard processing time of approximately 10 days, extendable if needed.
What happens if your application is rejected
Visa refusals will be notified in writing. Applicants can submit an appeal for reconsideration within 1 month or seek a legal appeal with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within 2 months after notification.
