Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain

The non-lucrative temporary residence permit is a type of authorization that allows non-European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Swiss citizens to legally reside in Spain without engaging in any work or economic activity during the permit’s duration. This permit is particularly suitable for individuals with sufficient financial means who wish to live in Spain without needing to work or start a business immediately.

Below is a detailed explanation of this residence permit, including its requirements, the application and renewal process, and its long-term benefits.

What is the non-lucrative temporary residence permit?

The non-lucrative temporary residence permit is designed for foreign nationals who want to reside in Spain without working or engaging in any form of professional activity. Although the permit does not allow employment or self-employment, holders can participate in non-remunerated training or internships. This permit is ideal for retirees, individuals with passive income, or those who wish to explore Spain as a potential long-term place to live.

One of the major benefits of this permit is the ability to live in Spain and travel freely within the Schengen Area without the need for a work visa, provided the applicant can demonstrate they have enough financial resources to support themselves and their family members (if included in the application).

Duration of the non-lucrative residence permit

The initial permit is valid for one year. After that, it can be renewed for two-year periods. Once the individual has resided in Spain for five consecutive years under this type of permit, they may apply for long-term residence, which allows indefinite residence and work rights in Spain.

Requirements for obtaining the non-lucrative residence permit in Spain

To apply for a non-lucrative residence permit, you must meet certain requirements set out by Spanish immigration law. The primary requirements include the following:

1. Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizenship: This permit is only available to citizens of non-EU countries.
2. No irregular status in Spain: Applicants must not already be in Spain illegally when applying for this permit. Additionally, they must not be prohibited from entering Spain.
3. Sufficient financial resources: The most crucial requirement is proof of sufficient financial resources to live in Spain without needing to work. According to Spanish law, the applicant must have an income equivalent to 400% of the IPREM (Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator), which in 2023 is approximately €600 per month. This means applicants need at least €2,400 per month, or €28,800 per year. For each additional family member, this amount increases by 100% of the IPREM.The financial resources can come from passive income (such as pensions, investments, or rental income) or savings. There is no requirement for the funds to come from a specific source, but applicants must prove they have enough to cover their living expenses throughout the permit’s validity.
4. Private health insurance: Applicants must have private health insurance that provides comprehensive coverage in Spain, without co-pays or waiting periods. The policy must cover hospital stays, surgeries, medical transfers, and other medical services for the entire duration of the permit.
5. Medical certificate: A medical certificate must be provided stating that the applicant does not suffer from any diseases listed in the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations, which could pose a public health risk.
6. No criminal record: Applicants must submit a certificate of no criminal record from the countries where they have lived during the past five years to prove they have no criminal convictions.
7. Payment of administrative fees: The required administrative fees must be paid to process the application. The cost can vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the specific Spanish consulate handling the case.

How to apply for the non-lucrative residence permit

The application for the non-lucrative residence permit must be submitted in person at the Spanish consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. This process cannot be initiated from within Spain, meaning that applicants must remain outside Spain while their application is being processed.

Here are the key steps for applying for the non-lucrative residence permit:

1. Submit the application: Applicants must submit the application for a non-lucrative residence visa to the Spanish consulate in their home country. The application must include the EX-01 form and all required documentation.
2. Required documentation: The following documents are required:
   • A valid passport with at least one year of validity remaining.
   • A certificate of no criminal record from the last five years.
   • Proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of the permit.
   • Proof of private health insurance.
   • A medical certificate.
   • Proof of payment of the application fees.
   Any documents issued by foreign authorities must be properly legalized or apostilled, and if they are not in Spanish, they must be accompanied by an official translation.
3. Review process: The consulate will review the submitted application. In some cases, applicants may be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview.
4. Processing time: The consulate has one month to respond to the visa application. However, in practice, the process may take up to five months. If no decision is made within one month, the application is considered rejected by default under the rule of negative administrative silence.
5. Obtaining the visa: If the application is approved, the applicant must collect their visa from the consulate within one month. Once they receive the visa, they have three months to move to Spain, which is when the permit’s validity begins.
6. Foreign Identity Card (TIE): Upon arrival in Spain, the applicant must apply for a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at the local police station within one month. This card is valid for one year and serves as proof of their legal residence.

Renewing the non-lucrative residence permit

The renewal of the non-lucrative residence permit can be requested during the 60 days before the permit expires, or up to 90 days after expiration (though applying late may result in penalties). The following requirements must be met for renewal:

1. Valid residence permit: The applicant must either have a valid permit or be within the 90-day grace period after expiration.
2. Sufficient financial resources: As with the initial application, applicants must prove they have enough financial resources to support themselves for the renewal period.
3. Health insurance: The applicant must continue to have comprehensive private health insurance with the same conditions as the original permit.
4. Schooling for children: If the applicant has school-age children, they must provide proof of their enrollment in school.

If the renewal is granted, the permit will be extended for two more years. After five years of continuous residence, the applicant can apply for long-term residency.

Benefits of the non-lucrative residence permit

This type of residence permit offers numerous benefits, including:

• Access to the Schengen Area: The permit allows the holder to travel freely within the Schengen Area without additional visas.
• Path to permanent residence: After five years of continuous residence in Spain, the holder can apply for long-term residency, which provides more stable rights and the ability to work.
• Eligibility for Spanish citizenship: Time spent under the non-lucrative residence permit counts towards the residency requirements for Spanish citizenship.

Conclusion

The non-lucrative temporary residence permit is an excellent option for non-EU nationals who want to reside in Spain without working. It allows individuals to enjoy the Spanish lifestyle, travel throughout the Schengen Area, and potentially establish a long-term or permanent residence in the country. By meeting the financial, health insurance, and other requirements, applicants can start a new life in Spain with the possibility of renewing their permit and eventually applying for Spanish citizenship.

Translation and Legalization of Documents

If your documents are not in Spanish, they must be officially translated and properly legalized. Documents from countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention will require the Apostille of The Hague stamp for recognition.

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