Non Lucrative Visa Spain
Spain is a beautiful European country with numerous travel opportunities, a thriving culture, and a range of vibrant towns and cities. Many individuals with passive incomes choose to relocate to Spain. As such, it is a popular choice with many Canadians looking to move abroad.
If you are a Canadian who is already financially self-sufficient and so would not need to work while in Spain, the Non Lucrative visa might be the right choice for you. However, the application process for this visa can often be complicated and confusing. At Total Law, we are adept at offering guidance on this type of application. Contact us today on +1 844 290 6312 or make an enquiry online to learn more.
Introduction to Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain
Spain’s Non Lucrative visa is a popular route for those with a passive income who are looking to relocate. It allows the holder to live in Spain and is intended for applicants who will not need to work while in the country.
Instead, the applicant’s income must be generated passively. This could be from a variety of sources, such as rental payments from non-Spanish properties, royalties, or interest on savings. This visa type also authorises travel within the Schengen area and allows immediate family members to be included in the application.
This visa route is a popular choice among retirees, as it allows the visa holder to live in the country without working while there. As Spain does not offer a specific Retirement visa, this visa type is a common route for such applicants.
Spain also offers other visa paths for individuals who do wish to work when in Spain. The Digital Nomad visa is likely to be a better fit if you wish to work remotely while in Spain, whereas the Self-Employed visa and the Entrepreneur visa allow the holder to start their own Spanish business.
Page Contents
- Introduction to Non-Lucrative Visa in Spain
- Eligibility Requirements for Non-Lucrative Visa Spain
- Required Documents for Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Application
- Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Application Process
- Fees and Processing Time for Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
- Renewal for Non-Lucrative Visa Holders in Spain
- Permanent Residency in Spain and Becoming a Spanish Citizen
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility Requirements for Non-Lucrative Visa Spain
In order to be eligible for this visa route, you will need to satisfy the financial means requirements. Additionally, you will not be authorised to work once you arrive in Spain, so only applicants who will not be working upon arrival are eligible.
As the Non Lucrative visa is not a Work visa, it does not authorise work in Spain.
Specifically, you will need to prove that you have an annual income of at least around €28,800. This can also be supplemented by personal savings.
For each additional family member who joins your application, you will need to provide evidence of an extra €7,200 (which can also be supplemented by personal savings).
A range of passive income types are accepted under this visa route, including:
- Rental payments (from properties outside of Spain)
- Dividends from your investments
- Dividends from shares which you own
- Trust fund disbursements
- Endowment or annuity-based income
- Interest on your savings
- Savings
- Royalties
You will be expected to provide evidence of your passive income (or of any savings being used to supplement your income).
While investment in Spanish companies is authorised, working in Spain is not.
Note that, if you wish to work remotely when in Spain, the Digital Nomad visa is likely to be a better fit. This visa is a Work visa which allows the holder to work remotely for non-Spanish companies.
Required Documents for Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Application
In order to apply for Spain’s Non Lucrative visa, you will need to provide a variety of documents. These are generally as follows:
- Application form
- Valid passport
- Medical certificate
- Spanish private health insurance
- Passport photo, to the Spanish specifications
- Criminal record check certificate (you will need to demonstrate that you have had a clean criminal record for at least the last five years)
- Proof that your passive income or savings meet the minimum threshold (this can be demonstrated through a range of means, including bank statements or other financial records)
If your application also includes any close family members, you will also need to provide the following required documents:
- Their passport(s)
- Proof of relationship (this will depend on the relationship in question, e.g. birth certificate, marriage certificate, proof of cohabitation/shared finances in case of an unmarried partner, etc.)
- Proof that you are able to satisfy the additional financial means requirements associated with applying with additional family members
Note that any foreign documents which you provide as part of your application which are not already in Spanish will need to be translated into Spanish. In order for your documents to be accepted, you will need to make sure to use an authorised translation service.
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Application Process
When applying for a Spanish Non Lucrative visa as a Canadian citizen, you will be expected to complete a number of steps.
Firstly, you will need to submit your application at your local Spanish consular office or embassy. In Canada, these can be found in Montreal, Quebec, Halifax (Nova Scotia), St-John’s (Newfoundland), Toronto, Vancouver (British Columbia), Edmonton (Alberta), and Winnipeg (Manitoba).
Once you have successfully submitted your application, you will be provided with a confirmation receipt which can be used to track the progress of your application.
While your application is being processed, you may receive a request for further information or to attend a further interview. In this case, make sure to respond as promptly as possible to ensure that your application is not delayed.
In the case of a successful application, you will be granted a visa which will allow you to legally enter Spain. Once you receive the notification that your visa is ready, you must collect it within a month.
Upon arrival in Spain, you will need to apply for a Foreigner Identity Card. This should be done within a month of your arrival in the country.
Note that, if your application is unsuccessful, you have the right to appeal this decision. Contact +1 844 290 6312 now for more information on the appeal process and to learn about how we can help. We offer an Appeal Package and can represent you throughout the entire appeal process.
Fees and Processing Time for Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
Visa fees for this visa type generally cost €516. However, this varies based on the applicant’s country of nationality. If you are Canadian, you may be required to pay approximately €500 in application fees. In the case of US citizens, the cost tends to be approximately €120. As such, it is important to check the requirements for your exact circumstances.
There may also be other costs associated with your application, such as the cost of translating your documents into Spanish and of obtaining Spanish health insurance. You may also choose to pay for legal assistance with your application. Contact Total Law today on +1 844 290 6312 to learn more about our own range of services.
The processing time for this visa type tends to be 2 to 5 weeks, although it may take up to 3 months. To minimise delays, make sure to submit your application correctly and to provide any additional information which is requested in a timely manner.
Renewal for Non-Lucrative Visa Holders in Spain
After living in Spain for a year on the Non Lucrative visa, you will be able to apply for an extension. This extension lasts for 2 years and, once it expires, you will be able to apply for a further 2-year extension.
Once you have been in the country for 5 years, you can apply to become a permanent resident of Spain.
Note that, in order to successfully renew your visa, you will be expected to prove that you continue to meet the financial eligibility criteria. As such, you will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means for the next 2-year period.
However, if your passive income alone is not sufficient to demonstrate this, you can also supplement your income with your personal savings.
Permanent Residency in Spain and Becoming a Spanish Citizen
Once you have lived legally and continuously in Spain for at least 5 years, you may be eligible for permanent residency. This means that you will be able to settle permanently in Spain but it does not grant the same rights as citizenship.
Once you have lived legally and continuously in Spain for at least 10 years, you may be eligible for Spanish citizenship. While Spanish citizenship brings a lot of advantages which are not offered by permanent residence, it also has more eligibility requirements. For example, you will be expected to provide evidence of sufficient Spanish language skills and a sufficient knowledge of Spanish culture and society.
If you do successfully obtain Spanish citizenship, you will gain a number of advantages. For example, you will be allowed to vote in Spanish elections and to apply for a Spanish passport. Spanish citizenship also grants EU citizenship by default, meaning that you will be able to live, work, and study in the rest of the EU without needing a visa.
How Can Total Law Help?
Spain has much to offer Canadian citizens. It offers a warm climate, a rich and vibrant culture, and easy travel to the rest of the EU and to the UK. It is a popular destination for those with a passive income who are looking to move overseas.
If this applies to you, the Non Lucrative visa might be the right fit. However, applying for this visa can often be time-consuming and complicated. At Total Law, our legal experts are ready to give you bespoke immigration advice.
We can help with every stage of the application, from gathering the right documents to representing you during the appeal process if you have already applied unsuccessfully. Contact us online today, or on +1 844 290 6312 to learn more.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
The ease of applying for a Non Lucrative visa will largely depend on how well you satisfy the eligibility criteria. Note that, as this is not a Work visa, if you plan to work remotely when in Spain then this is not the correct route for you. Instead, you should consider the Digital Nomad visa.
However, there are some considerations which increase the ease of applying for a Non Lucrative visa. For example, as your minimum income threshold can be supplemented by savings, this makes the Non Lucrative visa more accessible for many. For retirees especially, it is often possible to supplement passive income with personal savings.
If you are applying for this visa route on the basis of your savings, you will generally need to have around €28,800 at the time of application. This increases to €60,000 in savings if you are applying for a 2-year extension.
Alternatively, you can provide proof that you have an equivalent amount in passive income. The exact amount will depend on whether you are applying for the initial visa or the visa extension.
Note that, if immediate family members are also included in your application, the minimum income or savings threshold will increase.
If you live in Spain for at least 6 months, you will generally be considered a Spanish resident for tax purposes. At this point, you will need to pay taxes on your non-Spanish income, even though the income is not generated in Spain.
If you want to work remotely in Spain, the Non Lucrative visa is not for you. It is not a Work visa and does not authorise working in Spain. Instead, you should consider the Digital Nomad visa.
Under the Digital Nomad visa route, you can be either self-employed or work remotely for a company. Working for a Spanish client or company is also authorised.
However, this cannot account for over 20% of your work activity. The majority of your remote work must come from non-Spanish sources.
