Non-lucrative Visa Application in Spain: How it Works and Who May Submit An Application – CSN

With Spain phasing out its Golden Visa starting this April, Britons and non-EU nationals wishing to reside there must explore alternative visa options before applying.

One of the more advantageous visas available to individuals seeking residency in Spain without needing employment is known as a Non-lucrative Visa (NLV), which grants residency without employment requirements.

The National Living Allowance (NLV) applies to non-EU nationals living in Spain for more than 90 days without working, making this visa particularly suitable for retirees seeking Spain’s warm climate and beautiful coastlines.

Read On…: Spain’s Golden Visa program will come to an end by April 2025 due to law change delays; can you still apply?

Brits looking to retire to Spain traditionally utilized the Golden Visa scheme, requiring applicants to invest in Spanish property as part of the application.

However, the alternative NLV does not force you to commit EUR500,000 of capital investment into real estate or government bonds.

Anyone can apply, as long as all requirements are fulfilled – proof of financial capability being the most vital one.

This visa grants initial residents an initial two-year residence permit that can be renewed twice over.

After one year of residency, if your NLV visa has been successfully extended and renewed successfully, then there may be the option for conversion into a working visa.

After five years of legal residency, holders become eligible for permanent residency status, providing them access to benefits like Spain’s public healthcare system.

All visa renewals must take place in Spain.

Certain family members can also apply for visas through NLV and study while living there.

They include spouses or unmarried partners, dependent children and relatives from an ascending line who form part of a familial unit.

The NLV allows holders to travel freely across Europe’s Schengen Area countries such as France, Germany, Italy and Sweden.

Unsurprisingly, to secure a non-lucrative visa requires satisfying several stringent criteria and gathering certain paperwork – not forgetting a robust application process and strict adherence.

Requirements for applying include not having had a criminal history in Spain or their home country within five years, not being subject to any Schengen area ban, possessing valid private health insurance in Spain and proving sufficient financial resources.

All necessary paperwork includes: A national visa application form, valid passport, criminal record certificate and proof of financial means to support yourself and family without needing to work; private health insurance policy as well as medical certificate are essential pieces of paperwork for application consideration.

Financially, the primary applicant must demonstrate they can support at least EUR2,400 monthly for themselves and EUR600 per family member in their household.

Submitting an application at the Spanish consulate and paying any applicable fees are key components to applying.

British Citizens must submit an application at one of Spain’s consular generals located in London, Manchester or Edinburgh in order to apply.

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