Non-lucrative visa for Spain
The non-lucrative visa is designed for people who want to live but not work in Spain. It is therefore the most popular choice for retirees. The visa application is made in the UK via an appointment at one of the three Spanish Consulates, located in London, Manchester and Edinburgh.
What you need to have prepared ahead of your appointment at the BLS International Visa Centre Office.
- National Visa Application Form completed by the applicant.
- A recent colour photograph with a white background. Size: 3.5cm x 4.5cm.
- Original passport, valid for at least one year from submission of the application and two blank pages and passports will not be valid for over 10 years so be careful with extra months added on due to early passport renewal. Also, a photocopy of your passport open at the photograph page.
- Police clearance from countries of residence for the last five years. For applicants with five years of continuous residency in Britain this will be the ACRO criminal record certificate. This document must be legalised (via a Hague Apostille Certificate) and translated into Spanish.
- Medicate Certificate that the applicant does not suffer from any diseases that can have serious health consequences as per the provisions of the International Health Regulations 2005. Again this document must be legalised by way of Apostile and translated into Spanish if it has not been issued by a Spanish Doctor.
- Medical insurance with an insurance company authorised to operate in Spain, valid for at least the first 12 months of your stay in Spain. The policy should start on the projected date of arrival into Spain once the visa has been issued. The British S1 Form is also acceptable for those of State Pension Age and will require pre-registration before attending the Consulate appointment.
- Documents proving sufficient financial means for living expenses. €2,400 per month for the first 12 months plus a further €600 per month in joint financial means for a spouse or dependent family members. Evidence includes stamped bank statements, proof of pension, other investments etc.
- Form EX-01. Non-lucrative Temporary Residence Authorisation Form.
- Form 790-052. Residency admin fee form.
Once you have paid for and collected your visa from the Consulate you are required to travel to Spain within 90 days. Then within a month of arrival you must apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the Oficina de Extranjeria (immigration office) which will be valid for one year. arrange to attend a meeting at the immigration office or police station to exchange your visa for a 12 month temporary TIE (residency) card.
After 12 months there is a process to re-apply for a further 2 years, and two years after that until permanent residence is granted after fiche years. After 10 years the option of Spanish Citizenship becomes possible.
Frequently asked questions about the non-lucrative visa
How much money do you need to get a non-lucrative visa in Spain?
As of June 2023, principal applicants are expected to prove an income of over 2.400€ per month, with a further 600€ per month for any spouse or dependent in joint financial means.
Does the non-lucrative visa give me unlimited access to the Schengen area?
No. The non-lucrative visa enables a person to stay in Spain for over 90 days at a time (and not to work). The visa does not extend to the other countries that form the Schengen area. As a non-EU citizen, the 90 day rule in these other countries still applies.
It is only with the Golden Visa (Investor Permit) that freedom of movement is extended to all Schengen countries.
How much does a non-lucrative visa for Spain cost?
As of November 2023, the application fee is 516€ per person plus an authorisation fee of 9.45€.
There are also additional charges levied by BLS the visa processing agent. These are charged in £ and are:
- Service charge of £14.55 per application
- Passports returned by next day special delivery £24.96
- An SMS and Email notification service for progress on processing the application is £1.95
- The visa fees can be paid in cash only and are non-refundable.
For the latest application charges as these can change at any time click non-lucrative visa charges.
Where do I go in London to submit my Spanish visa application?
Very Important Information.
From Monday 27 November 2023, all Spain Visa applications will be submitted at BLS International Visa Centre Offices. They are located at:
20 St Andrew Street
London EC4A 3AG
All applicants with appointments will need to go the stated address.
Find the office on Google Maps
How long can you stay in Spain with a non-lucrative visa?
The whole idea of a long-stay visa like this one is that you want to spend most if your time in Spain – otherwise why apply? For the first year the minimum amount of time you need to spend in the country is six months.
Do I pay tax in Spain on a non-lucrative visa?
Once you have spent more than 183 days in a calendar year, you automatically become a tax resident and you will pay tax on your worldwide income in Spain. As the non-lucrative visa is designed to be the mechanism by which you live in Spain long-term, then yes, expect to pay tax in Spain. It’s worth remembering that everyone has to be a tax resident of one country. With the right help and support becoming a Spanish tax resident need not be a change to fear.
Do I need to arrange healthcare cover if I am a British pensioner?
If you are in receipt of a UK state pension, the S1 form offers you access to Public Spanish healthcare on the same basis as the Spanish. This will save you the cost of an annual private healthcare insurance policy. But beware you will still need to get cover for the 1-2 month interim period when you first arrive in Spain and are awaiting your TIE card applications to the processed.
What options are open to me if my pensions and investments aren't enough to meet the financial means test?
The Spanish Consulates can be receptive about other forms of income or potential sources of funds to make up any shortfall. Examples include
- Ownership of a Spanish property. If you can show the titles deeds as proof of ownership, the fact that you will not be paying rent on a property lowers your living expenses.
- Rental income from UK property. Proof of rental income from a buy-to-let for example by way of a lease contract and proof of regular income will be taken into consideration.
- Parents with a Spanish home. Following your family to Spain? Parents and other close family members can act as guarantors – promising to help cover living expenses. This needs to be made official by way of a notarised document.
- Other investments. Untouched pension pots, bonds, ISAs and dividends could be considered
- Finally, credit cards. If you hold credit cards with unused credit, this can be considered as a route to further funding if needed.
What are the common reasons that applications get rejected?
- Applicants are unable to show suffficient proof that they have ceased working. It is vital if you have a P45 that it is part of the information pack.
- One of the documents is unaccpetable, typically it may have expired.
ARRANGE A COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION
Next steps.
You can ask for a no obligation meeting with us by telephone, Zoom/Teams or in-person if you are in Spain. Complete the form below and we will be in contact.
Video. The non-lucrative visa explained in 3 minutes.
Read a case study of one client’s experience applying for the non-lucrative visa.
FOR VISA APPOINTMENTS IN LONDON
From Monday 27 November 2023, all Spain Visa applications will be submitted at BLS International Visa Centre Offices, located at 20 St Andrew Street, London EC4A 3AG. All applicants with appointments will need to go the stated address.
