Dreaming of retiring in Spain: Non Lucrative Visa

Dreaming of retiring in Spain? A new life under the sun, but unsure how to make it a reality since Brexit has complicated moving abroad. Perhaps we have the answer, that could make your dream come true, the Non-Lucrative Visa could be exactly what you’re looking for. 

What is a Non-Lucrative Visa? 

It is a residence visa that is open to all non-EU, EEA or Swiss citizens and their family members. Eligible family members include spouses or civil partners and any dependent children. This is a very popular visa for those who wish to retire in Spain. Once you obtain this visa, it grants you residency for one year. After the first year, when you renew it, it will be for two years. 

What are the advantages of having a Non-Lucrative Visa? 

• You can register dependent family members on your application.
• There is no investment in the Spanish economy required for this visa.
• It can be a pathway to Spanish citizenship and an EU passport.
• The residency allows travel to any of the 26 Schengen member nations without a visa for up to 3 months.
• You and your dependents can attend college/school and study while on the visa.
• If you have all your documentation in place and meet the requirements, the visa is almost always approved.

The Non Lucrative Visa is ideal for:

• Retirees who want to live in Spain.
• Anyone with a pension, annuity, or endowment.
• Those with healthy savings accounts.
• Beneficiaries of income-producing investments.
• Anyone who can afford to live in Spain without working.

What are the requirements for Non Lucrative Visa? 

1. National visa form complete, dated and signed.  
2. Recent passport photograph with white background. 
3. Valid passport or travel document, recognised as valid in Spain. It must have a minimum validity of one year and at least two blank pages. 
4. Certificate of criminal record – the ACRO Certificate cannot be older than 3 months old and must be duly officially translated and apostilled.  
5. Medical certificate, issued by a registered medical practitioner, no late er than 3 months prior to the date of application, it must be formulated in the following terms: If the medical certificate is issued in the United Kingdom:
   “This health certificate states that Mr./Mrs. (…) does not suffer from any of the diseases that may have serious public health repercussions in accordance with what is stipulated by the International Health Regulations of 2005” 
6. Public or private health insurance taken out by an insurance company authorised to operate in Spain. A receipt of registration of S1 form on the web of Social Security is also accepted. 
7. Financial means required to cover the living expenses and, where appropriate, those of their family members, for one year, in accordance with the following amounts: For the support of the main applicant, monthly, 400 % of the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which in 2022 amounts to 579,02 €, being 2.316,08 € or its legal equivalent in foreign currency. For the support of each of the family members in charge, monthly, 100% of the IPREM, which in 2022 amounts to 579,02 € or its legal equivalent in foreign currency.
8. Stamp Duty form Mod 790_052 – (application fee) to be paid at the consulate. 
9. Application form EX01

It does seem like a lot, once you break it down it is not as scary as it seems. 

So, how do you apply for the non-lucrative visa? 

First thing you need to do is contact your nearest Spanish Consulate or Embassy, via email. 

In the email as subject put: Non-Lucrative Visa, where you will need to provide the following information:

1. Full Name
2. Passport Number
3. Email Address
4. Contact Phone Number 
5. Address of Residence in the UK 
6. Type of Visa you are applying for

Once they receive the email, they will give you an appointment.

At the appointment, when you hand in all the documentation required and your application will be submitted. The notification time can take up to 3 months depending on how busy the Embassy or Consular offices are.  

When you have been notified that your application has been approved, you will have one month to collect the visa in person. After receiving the visa, you have one month from the date of entry to Spain to apply for your Residency Card (TIE). 

Where do we come in? 

We are here to help guide you in this new chapter of your life. We will prepare all the necessary forms for you, help organise your health insurance, check over your documentation and book your appointment in Spain and accompany to the police station. We are will you every step of the way.

 How long does the non-lucrative visa last? Does it have to be renewed? 

Yes, the first time you obtain the non-lucrative visa – you will notice that the residency card only lasts for one year. You can start the process of renewing your visa up to 60 days before it expires or 90 days after. Every time you renew your non-lucrative visa, you will be granted two years. There is no limit on the amount of times you renew your non-lucrative visa.

The renewal process is very simple, instead of having to contact the Embassy or Consulate we can submit your renewal application for you. The requirements are mainly: 

• Complete passport scanned
• Application form
• Application fee Modelo 790_052
• Bank Statements  – Financials 
• Health Insurance 
• Empadronamiento

We provide all the forms and fill them in, submit all the documentation. Once you are approved, we will organise the appointment to issue you new TIE card and accompany you there. 

What about taxes? 

As you will be living in Spain more than 183 days of the year, this makes you a legal tax resident in Spain. This means that you will have to present your annual tax declaration to the Spanish Tax Administration – declaring your worldly income.