The spanish non lucrative visa: what is it?

Ah Spain… the constant sunshine, warm sea, soft sand and magical sunsets.

So you’ve decided that a new life in the sun might be for you, but what visa options are there to make the Spanish dream come true? Let us briefly guide you through a type of residence permit that isn’t very well known but might be the perfect fit for you!

The non-profit residence visa is a type of residence permit in Spain that grants non-European citizens with sufficient funds an authorization to reside in the country without carrying out any type of economic activity.

It is an authorization that foreigners request from their country of origin that authorizes them to reside in Spain without carrying out work activity. So what must present in order to be eligible?

• VALID PASSPORT – VERY IMPORTANT: ALL PAGES TO BE COPIED (even empty ones)
• 1 x PASSPORT PHOTO (32mm X 26mm)
• NIE CERTIFICATE
• PADRON CERTIFICATE (Must be less than 3 months old to be valid)
• SPANISH TITLE DEEDS COPY OR RENTAL CONTRACT.
• SPANISH BANK STATEMENT
  – Showing movements for the last 3 months.
• CERTIFICATE OF CRIMINAL
  – This MUST then be translated into Spanish.
• MEDICAL LETTER FROM YOUR DOCTOR
  – To state any pre-existing medical conditions. This MUST be translated into Spanish.    
• ECONOMIC DOCUMENTATION:
  A) IN SPANISH EMPLOYMENT/AUTONOMO – Last 3 wage slips or Renta & copy of contract
  B) IF RETIRED OR NOT WORKING FOR A SPANISH REGISTERED COMPANY: Proof of savings at the time of the application of 27,115,20 € (or proof of a monthly income of: 2259,60€). If married, please add 6778,80€ for your spouse – Certificate of account and statement, showing full name, balance and account number.
• P60 – to prove you have a regular income. (Also to be translated in to Spanish)
• DOCUMENTS TO PROVE THAT YOU HAVE MEDICAL COVER IN SPAIN either public or private:
  A) S1 FORM: IF YOU ARE PENSIONERS. This MUST be translated into Spanish.
  B) PRIVATE INSURANCE: Certificate from your medical insurer with a copy of FULL conditions. Also receipt of payment for a full year´s annual premium.

Let us tell you more about the NLRP! The Non-lucrative residence permit is a category of residence and one of the best ways to stay in Spain for non-EU / EEA / Swiss nationals. The non-profitable residence permit is typically reserved for self-sufficient people who have no plans to work in Spain and who are financially independent (as proved by bank statements or statements from the accountant). The non-profitable residence permit is valid for 1 year and can be extended for a further 2 years, whereby it can be extended twice. This means that this visa category allows you to stay in Spain for up to 5 years (year 1 + 2 years + 2 years). However, at the end of the first year you can apply for a work permit (as a self-employed person or as an employee).

It is important to note that, while this article is current and accurate at the time of publication, it is provided for informational purposes only, because when writing this information we couldn’t take your personal circumstances, country or nationality into account. As with any visa application, it is highly recommended that you seek personal advice based on your individual circumstances. The Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country is always a good place to go. In addition, there are also specialized Spanish immigration lawyers who can provide bespoke personalized advice and handle all of the paperwork and formalities of your Spanish visa application.