The process of getting the Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain
If your primary goal is to obtain residency in Spain, but you do not wish start your own business and you do not plan on seeking employment while there? Then applying for a Non-Lucrative visa is the correct course of action for you. Obtaining this type of temporary residence permit in Span is an excellent method for those who qualify, that are seeking temporary residency in Spain and do not wish to work while they are in the country.
This type of residence permit is one of the most popular legal types of immigration to Spain, as it does not require a large financial investment, and is executed quickly and easily. Allow the professionals at Lusa Legal to take action for you and make obtaining a Non-Lucrative Visa a simple and easy process. Here’s all the facts that you need to know:
For whom is suitable residency without the right to work in Spain?
People without the right to work in Spain can initially apply for visa D without the right to work (income must be passive).
In the past, this visa could be applied for, including those who can work remotely. (IT specialists, marketers, consulting, etc.) But in 2020 the requirements from the Spanish consulates have changed. Now residence permits in Spain without the right to work can not get people working, it can be issued only to those who can prove the availability of the necessary amount on a bank account or to demonstrate a passive income.
These types of income can be:
- stock dividends
- business dividends
- income from investments (banks, brokerage, etc.)
- rental of real estate
- royalties (use of trademarks or intellectual property, etc.)
- pension
If you own your own business, only dividends can be a source of income. If you get a salary – you do not pass the criteria for this type of residence permit in Spain.
How much is required to prove income?
To obtain a residence permit in Spain without the right to work, you must submit documents confirming that you will be able to reside in the country for one year without employment. This amount is calculated according to the following formula:
4 x IPREM (minimum wage) per applicant + 1 IPREM per family member.
In 2022 we recommend € 28.000 / year for the applicant and € 7.000 / year for family members.
You can provide a bank statement with a minimum amount of living expenses for 12 months for you and for each family member. Another way to prove your financial security is to prove that you have a stable source of income, e.g. from a pension fund or trust fund. All possible sources of income are listed in the section above.
What are the benefits of a Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain?
There are many benefits to obtaining a non lucrative permit in Spain, including:
- It is an easy method to obtain residency in Spain for non EU citizens and to obtain a Spain visa for US citizens.
- It allows you to live in the country for a period of up to one year without being employed.
- It can easily be renewed after a one year period for a two-year Spain residence permit.
- After obtaining a Non-Lucrative permit, immediate and dependant family members are eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit Spain.
- Getting a visa for Spain in the Non-Lucrative permit form allows entrance to the country for educational purposes.
- A Non-Lucrative Permit also acts as a Spain retirement visa for those who wish to retire in Spain and spend a minimum of six months of the year within the country.
- There is no investment required.
- It is an excellent option for those looking for a second residence, to spend retirement time in Spain or to further their education here.
Documents required to apply for a residence permit without the right to work:
- Proof of income (certificate from the bank, proof of passive income).
You can get a residence permit with documents from banks in your country, but if you have the opportunity to open an account in Spain, these documents are trusted more.
We at Lusa Legal help our clients to arrange the opening of an account with a local bank to arrange the transfer of funds to Spain. Read more on this subject here: Open a Bank Account in Spain.
- Health Insurance
It is a prerequisite for obtaining a residence permit is to obtain an annual health insurance from a Spanish company. There is no need to pay immediately for the entire year of insurance, it is enough simply to conclude a contract. We at Lusa Legal have direct contacts with several insurance companies, and are happy to help you with the registration of medical insurance.
- Certificates proving family ties
You’ll need your marriage certificate and birth certificates of your children for your whole family.
- Criminal records
Certificates of no criminal record must be prepared for all family members. The certificates must be translated and apostilled, and are valid for 3 months.
- Housing Documents
It is necessary to confirm that you have a place to live in Spain. For this purpose, attach a rental agreement or proof of your own accommodation.
- Certificate of school enrollment
For children under 16, it’s necessary to find a school in Spain in advance. Usually it’s enough to have correspondence with the school, which confirms the availability of a place for the child.
All documents for a residence permit in Spain will need to be translated into Spanish. (Depending on the case, translations need to be made by a sworn translator, certified by the consulate, or certified by apostille.)
After obtaining the non lucrative visa at the consulate, you must come to Spain with all family members within 3.5 months. Upon arrival, you will have to register at your place of residence, and then make an appointment with the police to be fingerprinted for the card. You will then be issued a residence card called the Tarjeta de identidad de extranjero (TIE). If necessary, our team can assist you in obtaining this card and in accompanying you to all the authorities for translations.
What is the difference between a Golden Visa and a Non-Lucrative Permit in Spain?
The main difference between these two types of visas is that the Golden Visa was created for those looking to invest in Spain or even to start a business does not require that the holder live within the country, while doing business there. The Non Lucrative visa Spain, does not require any prior investment in Spain, does not require that a business is started or that the holder works within the country, however the visa holder must take up residency in Spain for a period of at least six months and up to one year.
Will getting Non-Lucrative Help to Become a Spanish Citizen?
Obtaining a Non-Lucrative does not automatically mean that permanent residency has been granted. The method on how to get permanent residency in Spain is dependent on spending a minimum of five years in the country (by means of any type of visa) and then applying for permanent residency status.
The residence permit no lucrativa is renewed first after one year for 2 years, and then again for 2 years. And only after 5 years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit. Note that for this you need to live in Spain for at least 183 days a year.
Getting the non-lucrative visa in Spain with us
Obtaining a residence permit in Spain without the right to work is a fairly quick and easy process if you go through it with specialists. You need to collect the entire package of documents, translate them, and put apostils on many of them. In addition, you need to take into account the timing of the documents (it takes from one to two months to prepare some certificates, and the consulate also accepts documents with a limited validity)
The better and neater the documents will be prepared, the more chances to get a residence permit in Spain. But even perfectly prepared portfolio of documents does not provide a 100% guarantee of obtaining a visa. Without experience in the immigration field is quite difficult to organize the collection of all documents, especially if you apply for a visa for the whole family. Keep in mind that improperly prepared packets of documents can be a reason to deny a residence permit. That is why it makes sense to seek professional help from specialists with years of experience.
The team at Lusa Legal is experienced in Non-Lucrative permits and can make your experience in applying a much easier one. We are always here to field any questions that you may have, contact us today:
+34 605 33 60 90 (Send us a WhatsApp message, and we will reply as soon as possible)
Service Price*
€ 1400 for the applicant
€ 900 for each family member
* Estimated service price, total amount will depend on the particular case and additional services required.
VAT is not included in the price.
Appeal against the refusal of a residence permit in Spain:
If you have been denied a residence permit or a visa, you can file an appeal for reconsideration at the consulate within 1 month from the day following the day of notification of the denial. You can also submit an administrative appeal to the Supreme Court of Madrid within 2 months from the day following the day of notification of denial of the visa, residence permit, or rejection of the application for reconsideration.
Our team at Lusa Legal has a successful track record of appealing visa denials. Contact us and we will be sure to help you!