Date: July 2019
I did it. My application for the Spanish non lucrative visa has been submitted.
This non lucrative visa for Spain allows a person to:
– stay in Spain for up to 1 year
– rent a place to live and sign up for utilities
– renew your residency at the end of the year (you can apply for permanent residency after 5 years)
It does NOT allow you to work in Spain, use government healthcare or government benefits of any kind.
This visa looked like a great option for me and so I applied.
And contrary to what I had heard and read, almost all of which explains that you need a ton of time to complete this process, I managed to do it all in one simple week.
Of course, if you have more than a week, that’s a bonus and you can complete the process in a more relaxed manner. But if you don’t have much time, a week is sufficient to get your stuff together and apply.
Here’s everything I did to make this happen:
Application Location
You need to apply in your home country. And you need to apply at the Spain Embassy or Consulate that has jurisdiction over your state or province. For me, my home address is in Florida, so I had to apply at the Spanish Consulate in Miami.
Interestingly enough, each Embassy and Consulate seems to have slightly different requirements for the non lucrative visa but the core is basically the same. You can find any extra requirements on the website of the Embassy or Consulate where you need to apply. Also, some Embassies and Consulates require you to make an appointment to apply for the non lucrative visa and some don’t. Definitely check this in advance as it could take a couple of months to secure an appointment.
Luckily, for me, the Consulate of Spain in Miami does not require appointments, so as soon as I had all of my paperwork together, I simply showed up the next day and applied.
Non Lucrative Visa: Documents, Documents, Documents
The paperwork is of course the heart of the application process.
When I applied for my visa, the man at the consulate told me that I was the first person in over 6 months to apply for a non lucrative visa and to have all of the paperwork in order on their first visit. He said that most people are missing some paperwork and need to come back at least a couple of times before they have it all right.
So, presumably, if you follow everything I did, you should also have all of your paperwork in order the first time around!
*No guarantees though and you really need to find out the specific requirements of the Embassy/Consulate where you’ll apply to make sure you don’t need other items that I didn’t need.
But again, it only took me 1 week to get it all together. While that might not be realistic for everyone (I probably had a little luck on my side), you definitely don’t need months or even weeks to get this stuff done.
Here’s what you need:
1. Passport (should have 2 empty pages and be valid for at least 1 year past the date on which you’ll apply)
- bring your actual passport
- make a photocopy of EVERY SINGLE PAGE of your passport (this includes blank pages, personal information pages, everything!)
2. Driver’s License
- bring your actual driver’s license
- make a photocopy of the front and back of your driver’s license
3. National Visa Application Form
- fill out the National Visa Application PDF on your computer and then print two copies of the completed application form
- paste a passport photo of yourself (headshot with white background) in the upper right hand corner box on each application form
4. Form “EX-01 – Formulario”
- This is the authorization for residency form (it’s #11 on that link)
- Fill out the PDF version of this form on your computer
- It needs to be filled out and printed out in one go as you cannot save this form once you enter your details
- Fill out Section 1 and under “Domicilio en Espana“, if you don’t have an address in Spain already, simply type in the city (Localidad) and the province (Provincia) where you plan to live, leaving the rest of the address section blank
- Do not fill out Section 2
- For Section 3, simply fill out the “Telefono movil” and “Email” boxes and leave the rest blank
- Print out this form and make 2 photocopies of it as well
5. Form “Tasas Extranjeria – Modelo impreso 790”
- This Tasas Extranjeria form (it’s #12 on that link) needs to be filled out and printed out in one go as you cannot save this form once you enter your details either
- In the upper right corner, where it says “Ejercicio“, enter the year in the four boxes
- Fill out the section “Apellidos y nombre” in the format of Last Name, First Name, Middle Name (Smith, Johnathan Greg)
- Fill out the “Nacionalidad” box with your nationality
- Repeat the previous three steps on pages 2 and 3 of the form
- On pages 1 and 2, check the box that says “Principal“
- Do not fill out any other boxes on this form
- Print all 3 pages of the form and make 2 photocopies as well
6. Criminal Background Check
- For US citizens, you can obtain either an FBI background check OR an official state background check (here’s an example from Florida) if your home address has been in the same state for at least 5 straight years
- You cannot use a simple background check that you can order and print online (it needs to be one of the two official versions above)
- When you order the background check, it needs to be a version that is notarized by the issuing authority, which is pretty standard
- It must be translated into Spanish (some states, such as Florida, allow you to order the background check in both English and Spanish which makes it much easier; otherwise, when you receive it, you need to get it officially translated and notarized)
- Once you have the official background check in Spanish, you need to send it off for an Apostille certification (this is a specific certification of the document, in addition to the notarization, that is done by the state government where the background check was issued)
- Example: For me, I had to send my notarized, Spanish-language Florida background check to the Florida Secretary of State in Tallahassee; the cost of the Apostille stamp was only $10 if I got it done in person or I could have sent it to them by mail, which takes about 2-3 weeks; since I was on very limited time, I used a service that sent off my document, got the Apostille stamp from the Secretary of State and had it back in my hands all within 48 hours
- When you have your Apostille-certified, Spanish-language background check, make a photocopy of the Apostille certificate and the background check as well as a photocopy of the English-version background check as an extra precaution
- *Having a criminal record can affect the application for the Spain ETIAS. This will depend on the severity of the offense.
7. Medical Certificate of Good Health
- You need your doctor to sign off that you don’t have certain communicable diseases as per the International Health Regulations of 2005
- I simply used a basic template that includes your doctor’s details and a short paragraph explaining that you don’t have any communicable diseases. Then I printed it out, brought it to my doctor to review and he signed and stamped it.
- The document needs to be in Spanish, so if your doctor is not willing to sign it in Spanish, you will need to get the English version officially translated
8. Proof of Spanish Health Insurance
- This sounds tricky but it wasn’t too bad of a process in the end
- Every non lucrative visa applicant needs to show proof of having private Spanish Health Insurance
- You CANNOT use travel insurance or any insurance from your home country (some people get away with it but there’s a high chance you’ll be rejected if you don’t have insurance from a Spanish company)
- It needs to be a health insurance plan without deductibles and without co-payments
- I used the company Sanitas and ended up paying about 70 Euros per month for the required insurance
- Sanitas was excellent, they knew exactly what was required for non lucrative visa applicants, the process was quick and I found their coverage to be one of the better deals out there
- From the first email I sent to Sanitas, I had the official certificate/confirmation of health insurance letter in my inbox within 72 hours (they move very quickly if you need them to)
- Make sure they send you all of the documents in Spanish
- Print out the official health insurance certificate/letter they send you, as well as the proof of payment and a copy of your policy (what it includes and excludes), all in Spanish
- Make a couple of photocopies of everything
9. Visa Fees – Money Orders
- The only way to pay for your visa application is with money orders
- You need to get two money orders from your bank or the post office
- As of right now, the non lucrative visa fee for US citizens is $140 to apply and another $12 tax (one money order should be for $140 and the other for $12 – they need to be separate)
- For citizens of other countries, simply find the visa fee page on your local Embassy or Consulate’s website to see what you need to pay
- DO NOT fill out the “Pay to the order of” section of the money orders in advance
- The staff at the Embassy/Consulate will fill that out for you
10. Proof of Financial Resources
- To obtain this visa, you need to show proof of investment income of 2151.36 EUROS per month OR a total of 25816.32 EUROS in bank accounts, investment accounts or a combination of both (it increases by about 540 EUROS per person per month if you’re applying with a spouse or children)
- Technically, the income you show should not be derived from actual work as the visa is designed for those who have sufficient money to spend 1 year in Spain without working
- You should print out your bank statements and investment account statements for the past year (yes, 12 months of statements for each account!), make a photocopy of them all and bring them with you
- Make sure the statements have your name and address listed on them so that it is very clear that they are your bank/investment accounts
11. Proof of Accommodation in Spain
- You can use either a notarized invitation letter from family or a friend in Spain who will be responsible for your accommodation, an actual lease for an apartment/house in Spain or a deed of a property if you own a house/apartment in Spain (once I got to Spain, I contacted the excellent team at Globexs to find a great short-term apartment to get me started)
- OR you can write a letter explaining why you chose a particular town/city in Spain to live in
- Since I don’t have a place in Spain yet, I went with the letter option
- Simply write a few paragraphs about why you want to move to Spain and why you chose a particular town or city to live in
- At the bottom of the letter, include a list of everything that you’re including in your application such as application forms, medical certificate, proof of health insurance, bank statements totaling ‘x’ amount and so on
- The letter needs to be in Spanish
- As I have decent Spanish-language skills, I simply wrote the Spanish version myself
- If you’re not able to do that, you’ll need to get your English letter officially translated into Spanish
- Get the English and Spanish versions of your letter notarized
- Make a photocopy of the notarization certificate, the Spanish letter and the English letter
Time to Apply
Once you have everything listed above, it’s time to actually apply for the non lucrative visa. Again, depending on where you need to apply, the Embassy or Consulate may or may not require you to make an appointment in advance. I did not need an appointment and so, once I had all the paperwork in order, my application process went like this…
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- 1. Woke up at 4:15am
- 2. Started the drive to the Consulate of Spain in Miami at 4:45am
- 3. Arrived at the consulate at 6:20am
- 4. Got in line outside the office building where the consulate was located (There were already two people ahead of me, 2 hours before it opened!)
- 5. Wait, wait, wait and wait some more, until the consulate opened
- 6. Received a number and took a seat in the waiting area
- 7. Waited 5 minutes until my number was called
- 8. Handed over everything they asked for and within 15 minutes I was done!
Woohooooooo!
Non Lucrative Visa: The Next Steps
I was told that my non lucrative visa would be ready in about 4 weeks. They will let me know by email and then, I have 30 days to pick it up in person. If I didn’t need my passport during those 4 weeks, I could have left it with the consulate and they would have mailed it back to me with the visa inside once it was ready. But I do need my passport over the next month so I’ll have to come back to pick up the visa myself once it’s ready to be collected.
After that, you need to enter Spain within 90 days. And then, there’s a couple of final steps to the process to actually get your residency card and register yourself properly in Spain. Hopefully my visa will indeed be approved and after I complete the next steps, I’ll be sure to update this post.
UPDATE!
I’ve now received my residency card and I’m an official resident of Spain. Here’s my detailed blog post about the residency card (TIE) process: Spanish Residency Card – All You Need to Know
Any questions? Just let me know!
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Hi Derek,
Amazing read. I am from Florida and live quite close to Miami…this has helped clear things up for me. Do you know if this visa applies to Seafarers? I work 6 months at sea at a time and would love to claim Spain as my forever home. Are there any rules about how long you must stay in Spain in the year? Everything I read online says 185 days.
Hey Taneka – I’m not sure if applies to seafarers unfortunately. But in general, in order to maintain residency, you would need to spend at least 6 months per year in Spain. So the information you found is correct.
Hi Derek
Very useful information.
I submitted my application on 20 November and they took my passport. However I have been invited to a family wedding in a couple of weeks time and obviously need my passport. Do you know if they would send it back me – or I cam go and collect it from them – if I asked. Are the cooperative with this kind of thing.
I don’t know about that unfortunately. I’m surprised they took your passport.
Hi Derek. I am a freelancer and I know this is a non-lucrative visa but can I still do my work when I’m in Spain? And do I have to let them know of this in the application process?
It’s best to wait until Spain announces their new digital nomad visa in early January as that would be more suitable for actual freelancers/digital nomads than the NLV.
I’m finishing up the paperwork I’m about to get papers sworn translated I’m told I need to have 3 month bank statements and my tax records sworn translated for validity. Is this true? Or can I avoid the payment of those translations? And should I just print out the previous months of bank statements?
Hi Derek, really really hope you can answer this question: I am an Indian national, have been living and working in the US since June 2019 and recently quit my job. So, for the next 2-3 months, I am now here in the US on TOURIST visa, not working/ earning. I am here so that I can wrap up my life, sell my stuff etc. Can I apply for the Spanish NLV from the US while I am a tourist here? I ask because I am unable to apply from India at the moment because I cannot leave my passport at any place and I also cannot go in and out of the US multiple times as a tourist- that I am told is not seen as a good thing by immigration 🙂 If they block me I have far bigger troubles! Thanks ever so much for whatever insight you might have.
Hey Vin – Unfortunately, you can only apply from the country where you are a citizen.
That’s true for the most part, BUT if you have lived in a foreign country for more than 5 years, you can apply from there.
I think this is incorrect, Derek. From the European Commission site on “Where and how to apply for a Schengen visa”, it says:
“As a general rule, you must apply for a visa at the Consulate with territorial competence for the country in which you legally reside.”
So, you need to either be a citizen or a legal resident (permanent or temporary).
Hi Derek,
You mention a link to documents but not sure where this link is?
This site was such a huge help to me toward preparing for the NLV one-year visa which I just picked up today, that I wanted to come back and share my experience to hopefully help others. Key points:
– I went through the Spanish Consulate in Miami as I am a FL resident
– The approval process from their receipt of my application to approval was 32 days (I sent it certified mail to confirm receipt as it included my actual passport)
– I prepared a one-page cover letter, in Spanish (thanks Google Translate) explaining my intent, my enthusiasm and a list of enclosed documents, as follows:
– National Visa Application Form including photos, completed and signed, two copies
– Non-Working Residence Application Form EX-01, completed and signed, two copies
– My USA passport, the actual document plus a color copy of the biometric pages (note: I did not send in a copy of my driver’s license—not needed)
– Proof of qualifying financial means: A Benefit Verification Letter from the Social Security Administration indicating my monthly payment, translated and apostilled (fortunately my monthly social security payment alone satisfies their requirement so I sent in no other bank or financial statements)
– My most recent federal tax return indicating the Social Security income
– Health Insurance Certificate from Sanitas (I bought their basic plan that satisfies the visa requirements)
– Criminal record certificate from the FBI, apostilled by the US Dept of State, translated, original and one copy (I went the FBI vs. state route because for me it was easier having lived in more than one state over the previous five years)
– Medical Certificate signed and stamped by my primary care physician, in English and Spanish, original and one copy (not notarized)
– Letter explaining my desire and intention to live in Valencia, translated to Spanish, original and one copy. Note: this is important because I did not yet have a specific address nor rental agreement, and they accepted it. But to get the NIE when I arrive in Spain I will need to show a 6-month rental agreement which I now have).
– Fees: Two money orders payable to the consulate for $140 and $12.
My only slip-up was not including the form Model 790-052. But the consulate quickly sent me an e-mail requesting it and I complied, no issues.
Once the consulate received my application they sent a confirmation e-mail as well as a website and code to track the progress although nothing ever appeared when I tried to use it yet everything was moving along, so don’t be dismayed.
The hardest part was preparing everything for the application. Even when you ask others or go online to read the experience of others you run across many different versions of the requirements. One of the single most helpful resources was Southeast Spanish, Inc. which provides both translation and apostille services. It’s not cheap but it’s thorough and they have the know-how to get things done. (No I don’t work for them, I just give them money :))
Best of luck to all!
Gary, you had your financial documents (SS and tax return) apostilled, and then translated into Spanish for this? And thanks for the tip on Southeast Spanish.
The SS letter, yes, but not the tax return
Hi Gary, I have almost everything together to send to the Miami Consulate. I didn’t see anywhere else besides your list that the Social Security benefit letter had to be translated, and apostilled. I thought just the FBI report was all that had to apostilled. Did you do that “just in case”? Regarding the tax return; I just started receiving my Soc Sec benefits this month, so do I still need to supply my tax return? Also, Form
790-042; this is the first time that I have seen it mentioned as a required document. I’m planning to go to the Miami consulate next week to hopefully speak with someone in person to make sure that everything I am sending is complete and correct.
Thanks so much in advance to your response and comments.
all told, how much was everything with the translation fee, notary, apostilled fees, etc?
Hi Derek, First, thank you! Your post here has been the most helpful thing I’ve come across for Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa. One thing I’m having a problem with is the Medical Certificate of Good Health. The link doesn’t take me to a page I could print out. I’ve checked the WHO 2005 doc that the NYC Spanish Consulate mentions (both 2nd and 3rd versions, in English and Spanish). I don’t really see a form there either (just a form for vaccination). Do you have a copy of what you’re talking about? I’m still waiting for the Spanish Consulate in NYC to respond to my email asking for a translation source for my criminal background check, and waiting for the original in the mail. One more question: did you use BSL as a third-party provider for any help with documents? Reason I ask: the Consulate itself seems unresponsive so far. I’d appreciate any input you can give me, and thanks again in any event.
Hey Richard – The medical form just needs to be a simple paragraph stating that you don’t have any communicable diseases and that you’re in good health. And it needs to be on a paper with your doctor’s letterhead. And I didn’t use BSL. When I applied, it was directly at the consulate in Miami and no other service was needed.
I’m on the road in Europe after leaving 3 years in Ukraine. Trying to figure out logistics of applying at Los Angeles (my state of residence)consulate and how long I’ll have to reside there to gather docs and get the visa.
I’ve researched many immigration lawyers in Spain that claim to be able to help one obtain the visa. These worth it? Just a consultation call is 60 euros.
Also read many websites with different information on the process and requirements.
Hi Derek, we applied for non lucrative visa at the Spanish Consulate 2 weeks ago (we are retiring in Denia). Fortunately we had all the documents in order and all went smoothly.
Yesterday we received an email from the Gobierno de Espana notifying the NIF/NIE number (it does not show the entire number)
we were wondering how long it took you after that notification to pick up your Visa.
We are ready to go on our new adventure!
Thank you, Gilda
Hey Gilda – I never received such a notification from the government. All I received was an email from the consulate telling me to pick up my visa and I went to pick it up. Good luck on your new adventure!
Hi Derek,
thank you so much for your reply.
We are thinking that it may be something new. Hopefully we have some news this week that it will be ready to be picked up.
I also received such an email while awaiting visa approval. When I asked the consulate what it was referring to they informed me that my visa was approved, so the two went hand-in-hand, it’s just that I got the Gobierno de Espana email first. Hopefully it’s the same good news for you.
Earl, thank you for your amazing site and all this great info! I live in Los Angeles and want to get the NLV but it’s maddening (and impossible?) to get an appointment at the consulate? Any ideas on how to do it as it never shows any appointments in green? Also, I emailed the consulate with a long list of detailed questions about their requirements and they just replied with “please check our website for this info,” even though their website does NOT include that info.. Any ideas? Thank you again!
Hey Sirsa – Thanks for commenting! I honestly don’t have a solution though. The visa for Portugal has become so popular that it is just very difficult to get an appointment unfortunately. And for information, you really need to just search the Portuguese immigration website to try and find the info you need. It’s getting more and more challenging to apply for the visa.
hi Derek! Thank you. I was actually asking about the NLV for SPAIN actually — are they the same consulate? Your page is all about a SPANISH NLV, isn’t it? Not sure where you thought I was going to Portugal. : )
Hey Sirsa – My apologies for that! But I meant Spain, not Portugal. In general, it’s been so popular that it is very difficult to get appointments at the Spanish consulate unfortunately. And like most embassies/consulates, they usually don’t provide many answers to your questions and just refer you to other places. As for the website, you should check the Spain immigration website as that is where you’ll find the most updated info on getting the visa.
Hi Derek, you made our lives much simpler, thank you!
We are now at the point of renewing our residency after one year. We’d like to do it electronically through the online certificate which we have. I have filled everything out and have all the docs, but cannot add them. It seems I’m not sure what number they are looking for when they ask for the expediente (meaning the residency number and date it expires). The Visa has one number on it and the TIE has another. The TIE number begins with an E and the form does not allow letters, only numbers. Can you help me figure out where to find the number and expiration date they are looking for to file electronically?
Hi Earl,
Great website. I had a question – if you applied for the NLV and said you wanted to live in Valencia, do you think there would be an issue if you decided to actually live in Barcelona instead? I’m just wondering if it would cause any issues in getting a TIE card / empadronamiento in Barcelona?
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
RS
That’s not a problem at all. You don’t need to live in the same place that you put on the visa application.
Hi Derek, Thanks so much for this incredibly enriching blog!
Quick question about submitting the NLV application to the consulate in Miami:
You were able to submit yours in person which I would prefer, but they make it pretty clear that it’s to be submitted only by mail. Do you know, have the rules changed, or did you just ignore the rules and show up with everything and they went ahead and accepted it?
Thanks again!
It does seem that these days it can only be submitted by mail. This all changed during Covid.
Hi Derek,
For EX-01, what is section 4 about? Is that required for people who have dependents? If this does not apply, should this section and everything below be left blank?
Thanks again!
You would leave that section blank.
Hey Derek! Thanks for this awesome post! In the process now.
For the form EX-01 & Modelo 790 do you need to first get an N.I.E Number before applying? Or does that get issued if I get the Non Lucrative VISA? If not, did you just leave the NIE part blank on the forms?
Thanks!
The NIE will be on your visa once you get it.
For form 790, page 1 under Name, does an address need to be provided? If so, is a temp address (given from private health insurance) valid? Thanks for your responses!
Hi! Would thus kind of visa will be good to be in and out of Spain múltiple times to be able to travel other countries of the Shengen zone?
This visa is valid for Spain only. You will still need to follow the rules for other Schengen countries.
Hi, Earl
Thanks for this post. It’s incredibly informative. I have a couple of questions:
How long did it take from the time you dropped off the documents at the consulate to the time it was ready to be picked up. Your email from the consulate said 4 weeks, but it must have been much less.
How long did it take you for the residency card steps and was this done in Spain?
Thank you!
Hey Laurence – Yes, it only took 2 weeks from when I dropped everything off until I was notified by the consulate that it was ready to be picked up. And the residency card must be done in Spain. Once I had all the documents, paid the fees at the bank, had my empadronamiento, etc (which can take a couple of weeks)….I brought it all to my appointment with the immigration police. Then it took 4 weeks to collect my residency card.
Earl,
After getting approved my wife went to Spain to look at some properties and came back. She told them not to use NL visa. The stamps are on blank pages of passport. When the visa is used the stamp would be on the actual picture visa from consulate right? Just wanting to make sure because I know we have 30 days after visa is used to get residency card. Appreciate your time and hope you are having safe travels
Hey Bill – Honestly, I’m not too sure. My stamps were not on my visa page. They were on a blank page as well. I’m pretty sure that if you obtain a visa and then enter that country, the visa automatically becomes valid. But I can’t say for certain.
Hello. Visa was approved. Quick question. On the visa it states Until date is April 15th,2022. Which exceeds the 90 days I’ve heard about for entrance. I forgot to ask at consulate. So 4/15 is the last day this visa is valid for arrival correct????
Hope you are well.
That is correct. You must enter Spain before April 15th.
Hi Derek, thanks so much!
I see that documents requirements are very different in my consulate (Los Angeles). Some documents are added, for example IRS recent Tax Return, proving that you don’t have a mortgage in the US. At the same time, some documents are absent, for example no mention of Proof of Accommodation in Spain of any kind, no mention of any notarized letter from applicants explaining why they are going and where they will be staying. Which is strange…
So, my question is: should I strictly follow the list of documents published on LA consulate page, or should I get those additional non-mentioned documents? “More the better” or “Don’t give what you are not being asked for”? What’s the best approach here, in your opinion?
Hey Gina – That’s a tough one. I would write a detailed list of all the documents that are listed on the LA consulate website and what I’ve listed above. Then email it to the consulate and ask them which documents you need. I’m not sure about the LA consulate but the Miami one is very responsible and replies quickly.
Thanks for your informative sharing, Derek! Appreciate it. In kuala Lumpur, yesterday just present all the required doc. to the embassy of Spain, as a Chinese citizen living in Malaysia with a long term Social Pass. It took 7 weeks to prepare all the listed paperwork, and finished handing over it within 10 minutes. The officer said we could return and collect the visa in 3 weeks. Still can’t believe it! Muchísimas gracias por su información otra vez, Derek.
Yes, after 3 weeks waiting, finally I get approved by the embassy. So one the way to Spain now.
Hello Derek!
Thank you very much for the info! My parents are willing to apply for the visa and I am helping out in filling the forms so your instructions were very much needed!
Just a quick question, My father would be the principal applicant. So I am filling the National Visa application, the EX-01, and the 790 forms all in his name. Would my mother need her own filled out forms? Where for example I fill the 790 form with her name and cross out COMPLEMENTARIA? or will my father’s form suffice (plus of course the certificate of marriage)?
Thanks again!
Hey Ahmed – Everyone would need to fill out their own application. With this visa, they don’t allow you to add other people to the application unfortunately.
Hi!
I went to the NYC consulate and they asked me to have an address in Spain for the NIE application form for the EX01 form. You say to live it blank other than city and community but they want me to fill it out completely. Should I just write the address of a hostal or airbnb? I’m not sure what to write in here…I also have a former address in Madrid and could have it sent there and then just go talk to whoever is living there about me getting important mail now… any advice or tips?
Hey Daniel – I’m not too sure since I wasn’t required to do that. Usually, the health insurance company you use in Spain will also provide an address you can use until you get a proper one.
Hello. Can the financial statements have redacted account numbers?
Earl, A BIG THANKS TO YOU for coming up this blog. I have been reading, re-reading it for the past few months which helped me file for Non-Lucrative Visa for self and for my son. Filed my papers on 13th of Sept’2021 and got a positive response from the Mumbai Consulate in India on 14th of Sept….and it took 4 weeks because i had to send some missing documents basis which it took another week extra.
Earl – each of the 11-steps that you outlined for applicants from the US is applicable for Indians applying from India. Without these 11-steps and the many clarifications that you provided to the questions from your readers helped me prepare and get this done. It requires considerable effort on the documentation side here in India and there are few nuances that i had to go through. I will come up with a comprehensive checklist and all the nuances specifically for applicants from India.
I will now be traveling to Spain in 5-weeks from now.
Million thanks to you Earl.
Readers – take a day off from your career (if you are full time employee) or over the weekend – just go over the entire site here. And do read it the second time. 2nd time – you start preparing a checklist for your application. Having this personalized checklist will help you ensure that you cover all areas. Who knows – you may even get the visa approved in just under 2-3 weeks. FYI – Website and the checklist from the consulate says that the Non-Lucrative Visa Processing MAXIMUM time is 90-days. I got it in little over 30-days.
Hi Srinath,
I am planning to apply from India too.
Could you please confirm whether only bank account savings are enough to show (around 40k for 2 applicants) or we need to show regular passive income like rental? If passive income is to be shown then how much is expected to prove because in India we cannot expect to earn 100%-400% monthly IPREM.
Thanks in advance
This was so helpful! Thank you. About the income–is it sufficient to prove that you have adequate savings in cash, or do you need to prove that you are receiving dividends from investments etc.?
Hi Molly, i recently applied for NL visa here in India and got it approved. And the consulate here insisted that the savings be reflected in my bank account and not in Indian or US Stocks/securities markets. I even sent them statement of my e*Trade and my indian brokerage account statements (from Zerodha) for which they said those documents will not be considered. So I had to square off my stock investments to show all the money in my savings bank account basis which they processed my documents.
Dear Derek, it´s such a great article it helped me greatly! Especially the part with the Spanish address, since I don´t have one. I have a question about second page of EX01, it´s under nubmer 4) INICIAL (which I mark), but I don´t know which one of the boxes below should I chose. It´s like I want a normal non-lucrative visa, with insurance and money on the account. Should I chose “Otros…(especificar)? I´m not a minor, not a holder of any Spanish residence, not a familiar etc. There seem not to be any option for “normal” non-lucrative visa. Thank you in advance for your help. Best wishes, Nataly
Just wanted to post a few comments about our ongoing experience with the process with the Spanish Consulate in Houston. I hope this will help you avoid some of our mistakes.
– today I’ll be calling the airline to push back our travel 2 weeks. We were optimistic thinking we would get our non-lucrative visas to retire in Spain in 6 weeks. It hasn’t happened and the consulate has not responded to emails asking for an estimate on when our visas will be ready. So be ready for the process to take 8 weeks or longer. Thankfully, airlines are currently not charging for changes in departure dates.
– sign everything in blue ink by hand. We had documents rejected because the appeared to not be originals. Do not sign PDF documents using Docusign or Abobe Acrobat. That works in the US for legal documents but not for a Spanish visa application.
– if you were married in Canada you must take your Canadian marriage certificate to a Spanish Consulate in Canada to be legalized. This is true even if you have an Apostille. Our solution was to marry again at the courthouse, drive to the state capital and get an Apostille at the Secretary of State’s office and then get certified translations. Amazingly, we did this in one day and by driving about 450 miles.
– if you are seniors (I’m 70+) be prepared to paying more than you might have expected for the required no deductible health insurance and repatriation insurance now required. In total it cost us about $4000 for both for the two of us, for one year. Ask for a start date that takes into consideration the 6 – 8 weeks processing time for the visa application. Meanwhile keep paying for your Medicare or other US health insurance.
– we tried the letter from a friend route to claim residency and ended up finding a realtor in Spain who helped us find a flat to rent. He even did a live video tour on WhatsApp to help us be confident of our selection. We found the number of reasonably priced, nice furnished flats in Valencia (e.g., under 1000€/month) to be limited. To claim one we started our lease October 1st. We probably will arrive, Consulate willing, closer to November 1st.
– shipping you stuff by ship is now taking 12 – 16 weeks. Those stories on the news about backed up container ships will impact your shipments by water. We are putting our essentials that won’t fit in our luggage in two medium size packing boxes and sending them by air. By the way, we got 3 quotes for by sea and two by air. Air is more than twice as much.
– we are bringing our 65 pound dog. We are flying direct from DFW to Madrid. The air freight for our hound is about $2,000. If you are planning to do the same, the American Airlines cargo site has helpful information about the crate you’ll need. We are driving from Austin to DFW and from Madrid to Valencia so our dog only has to endure one flight. If you need two make two hops to get across the Atlantic I’m told that it is best to go through JFK because of their good kennel facilities.
Best of luck! Maybe we’ll meet in Spain.
Hello How long did it take to finally receive your visa from the HC?
Hello Charles, did you finally make it to Spain?
–Julio
Interested in where you got your medical insurance, I am 76 and wife is 72, haven’t been able to find a soruce
Hi Derek,
Great blog! I am at the very beginning of the process, and trying to fill out a Non-lucrative Visa application. Could you please answer some questions regarding the application:
1) #19. Current profession- What should I say here if I do not work (I do not work/ Not employed/etc)-?
2) # 22. Number of entries requested: What should I say here for a long-term Non-lucrative Visa?
3) #23. Postal address of applicant in Spain: What should I say here considering I do not have any rental contract or any address in Spain yet? My consulate in San Francisco does not require a proof of accomodation or rental contract, but application has this question. Not sure what other people do in this situation- state city and province without the address or book some hotel and use their address or something else? AirBnB reservation will not help as they do not reveal the address until you arrive.
Thank you in advance
Hey Larisa – For those…
1. You can put that you are not working at the moment.
2. For entries you want to put ‘multiple’
3. As for address, some of the health insurance companies will provide you with a temporary address to use in Spain for the application. Other than that, you can try to just put the city where you plan to live.
Thank you Derek. What verbiage do you think it is better to use ” I do not work” or “Not employed” or “Not working”?
Hi Derek, any info on the renewal of NLV ? appreciate if you could share. Thanks
Hey Shean – I did not renew in the end so I don’t have much insight for the process.
Hi Derek Did you not stay in Spain?
Hi Derek, thank you for the very helpful and valuable information, I have a question about the health insurance, I am going to use Sanitas but they need me to provide a Spanish address, any ideas where I can “rent” a temporary address / private mailbox? Thank you
If you ask them, Sanitas can provide a temporary address for you to use and then you switch it once you get the visa and have your own address.
Hi Derek. Hope all is well. Do you or anyone reading know if the health insurance from sanitas or other providers is refundable if for some reason the visa is denied? Sorry if this has been discussed but I couldn’t find it in the comments. Thanks so much.
Hey Howard – From what I know, I do believe they will refund it if you don’t get the visa. But I would try and get it in writing from them first.
Hi can I just ask, how do you official translate your bank statements in to spanish? Arent they merely numbers?
Hey Sophia – I didn’t have to translate the bank statements. Some consulates don’t require a translation of these.
Hello. I’m a little confused on the proof of funds. I read through the comments and doesn’t seem to have a clear answer. Almost all of money is in investment funds and I keep minimal amounts in checking or basic savings as my money isn’t making money that way. I don’t understand what difference it would make it I put in say 100k in checking a month before I decide I really want to stay in Spain and get the visa etc. also, I don’t feel the need to let the government of Spain know or see all my investment accounts. Seems unnecessary and somewhat foolish. I don’t see what difference it makes when the money was put in as long as it’s there.
Is there any sort of official link that states this specifically.
I can’t seem to find one.
Thanks for your time and hope you are well.
Hey Howard – I haven’t seen an official link and each embassy seems to have slightly different approaches to many aspects of the visa application, including the proof of funds. But at the end of the day, you need to show proof of the required amount, along with bank or investment statements dating back a year.
Hi, Derek. The San Francisco consulate doesn’t mention dating back a year (actually, they don’t mention nearly enough! :)). Also, the notary we’re working with noted that he can’t notarize the statements from our brokerage – he can for our bank – but like Howard above, we don’t keep nearly enough money in our bank accounts for the purpose of the visa, so would have to rely on our brokerage accounts. In the case of the SF consulate, all of these statements – bank and brokerage – need to be apostilled . . . and then translated through a certified translator. That would be a lot for a year’s worth of statements. I’m curious whether you had to have your financial docs apostilled and translated. Thank you!
Hey James – I did not have to translate or apostille the bank statements when I applied.
Thank you Derek for the post.
Hello Derek
Thank you very much for your detailed informations which helped me to get my Residency Non-lucrative permit inicial
Next year I have to renew this card and I do need appointment to be present
Do you know which link should I chose ? Is policia national or office de extraniero and which line I should chose?
Thank w
Hey Ervin – That’s great that this was helpful and that you got the visa! As for renewing the TIE, I’m not too sure which is the correct one at the moment. It seems that parts of the process are changing after the last year and there’s no clear answer I’ve seen.
Hi Derek. I feel like I have to come here and post my big THANK YOU for your very useful instructions. I had read the consulate instruction list but it felt very daunting to me as someone who’s clueless about government procedures and requirements and basically any sort of red tape, but luckily I found this page and pretty much followed it like a cooking recipe. Got my visa approved just last Thursday! Me, who can barely manage to put my signature above the appropriate line, did it all by myself! (well, with big help from this page).
Just something to add, it wasn’t in their list of requirements or here, so it may be a recent thing, but after I sent them all my documentation (I lived in Atlanta so it was all done by mail), they responded they needed a copy of my last US tax filing. Not a problem of course, but for future readers might want to add that to the list of things.
You’ll have to post a similar page for your Residency procedure, I’ll be doing that in a few years!
Thanks again
Thanks for letting us know Rodolfo! I think that each Embassy/Consulate has their own rules as I have heard all kinds of things being required from some consulates but not others. But that is very useful that the tax return may be needed! Congrats on getting the visa!
hi derek
thank you for your valuable information, I applied from Kuwait for nonlucrative visa but they rejected it and asked me to apply for an appeal, I depended on the lawer to do so as I have only one month to apply, but due to that my mother passed away I couldn’t follow up with the lawer and she mentioned that she applied for the appeal, and when I followed up with the embassy i found out that she didn’t file an appeal, would the embassy consider humanitarian case and agree on the appeal ? if not can I use the same EX-01 and Tasas Extranjeria – Modelo impreso 790 forms if I want to apply another new application?
Hey Nader – Unfortunately I don’t have an answer to your situation. I’m not an immigration lawyer or agency. I’m simply a person who applied for the visa and wrote a blog post about the process I went through but I don’t know all the rules for every situation. Sorry about that!
Hi Derek,
Thanks for the info! I really considering moving to Spain my question is Taxes and Driver Licenses? I’m retired US Navy and lived in Rota, Spain (Cadiz, Province) for 2 years when I was active duty I considering moving over there or Barcelona. I do received military pension plus saving and medical coverage overseas so that should be enough for the requirements but it will I pay 2 taxes? I know I need a car in Rota to drive around.
Hey Aries – I’m not sure how it would work in your situation but in general, you don’t pay taxes on passive income. You only pay taxes on employment income. So your pension would be okay. However, you would need to get medical insurance from an insurance provider in Spain as they don’t accept any other insurance unfortunately.
I’m going to be 74 when I apply for this visa, Derek, do you know if insurance for us “viejos” is astronomical?
I honestly don’t know the exact prices but you can easily check on the websites of companies such as Sanitas.
Hello, thanks for all of this info. A question: why all the photocopying? Do you they need several copies of everything other than what they ask for? Thanks!
Hey Derek,
Planning on moving to Spain in November from Miami with my girlfriend. Let me just say that your website is wonderful and has all the details I need to begin the process. I just have a quick question.
My job is asking for official documentation that shows I can work remotely with a US company from Spain with the Non Lucrative Visa. The Miami Consulate website doesn’t really give much detail about this topic. Do you know where I can find some information thats not a blog perhaps?
Thank you for your time.
Hey Carlos – Unfortunately, working remotely for a US company is not allowed on the non-lucrative visa. So that’s going to be an issue. They used to be more lenient but they are really cracking down on this now. You will need to show proof that you will not work at all while in Spain, for a company in Spain or outside of Spain.
So, would a self employed visa work as contractor 1099 for US company?
Thanks
Rob
That might be a better option but I don’t know all of the details with that visa. I know that you will be liable for taxes which are high compared to the US in general.
Hi Derek,
Anyone that needs information from the Spanish Consulate in any state can email them in English and they respond promptly, I email the consulate in Ellelay all the time. They are terrific in answering questions on all the VISA options.
It seems that not all consulates reply quickly or reply at all based on the comments below. I know the Miami consulate was excellent with replying but it seems to vary depending on the consulate.
Hello. Thanks so much for this information.
Would you happen to know what the financial arrangements would be if I(65) got a non lucrative visa but wanted my oldest son(37) to come with me for a year. For instance would he have to show his own income for one year or could I add him as a dependent for 5,000+ euros to my finances? Thanks so much for the time.
Hey Benita – He cannot be a dependent at that age. He would need to apply separately and meet all of the same requirements separately.
Hi Derek. Great information. Wondering if you have to leave your passport with them when applying for the NLV. Was hoping to start the application process, but travel in 2 weeks. We would return to pick up the Visa, but obviously we couldn’t travel abroad if we didn’t have our passports in hand. Hope that makes sense.
You can choose to keep your passports. However, once the visa is approved, you need to pick up the visa in person within 30 days. So if it’s approved right away, just keep that in mind as it will no longer be valid if you don’t pick it up within those 30 days.
Derek,
Thank you so much for providing all this information. Do you know where can I get more information about the letter for the accommodation? I am struggling with this document. In the requirements from the consulate in Houston it only says to provide a “one year lease contract”. I do have family over there that I will be staying with but I cannot find anywhere information on the letter guidance and see if it is sufficient or not. Any help will be hugely appreciated. I really don’t want to rent an apartment for a whole year without been able to see it. Ive never been over there.
Great question Elisa. I plan on emailing the LA Consulate, as that is where I need to apply. Based on what I have experienced, each Consulate interprets that rules out of Madid somewhat differently. I hope to just include a City and Autonomous Community where I plan to live, and hope that it’s accepted. It seems reasonable that the Consulate would NOT expect one to sign a rental contract without an approved residence visa.
Hello Derek,
Thank you for putting all this info together in order to help people to chase their dreams abroad.
I, fortunately, cover the savings needed and I just started a remote job that covers the salary expectancy but this job has just started a month ago and I currently live in the UK.
My questions are: Do they look at the labour seniority? Will I need to prove that I have been getting this income for some time, or my contract can prove this? It is for 6 months but it will renew, would this affect? I also have a place to stay in Spain with a relative and I speak native Mexican Spanish. What are the chances of getting this visa?
I hope you can share some (more) knowledge 🙂
Best regards
JM
Hey JM – The tricky part is that you’re technically not allowed to work on the Non-lucrative visa. The income is supposed to be from passive sources (investments, rental income, etc.). Most consulates are requiring applicants to sign a sworn statement that says they will not conduct any work at all while in Spain (even if it is for a company outside of Spain).
Hi Derek,
Thank you so much for the valuable information!! I have a question regarding the Background Check. I received it from the FDLE in both, English & Spanish (both notarized). I already sent the notarized Spanish version to the FL Department of State in order to get the Apostille; and specified on the cover form that it was for Spain (Miami Consulate). I haven’t received it back yet. My question is: Must the Apostille be translated into Spanish as well, or would the Spanish Consulate accept the Apostille in English?
Thank you,
Maria
Question about the income component.
What did you use as proof of monthly income? I don’t have 25k euro in the bank, but with freelancing for my former employer am planning to have more than the 2000 euro/ month.
Since it is not work in Spain, will the authorities consider it?
Hey KC – With this visa, you’re not allowed to work while in Spain, even if it’s not for an employer in Spain. So they will ask you to sign a statement declaring that you will not work at all. The monthly income needs to be passive income, such as money earned from investments, rental income from a property you own, etc.
Just a clarification…the requirement page says that the proof of medical insurance needs to be accompanied by a certified translation. If it comes in spanish do I need to have it translated again and “certified” or can I just submit what Sanitas gives us? THANKS!
The insurance company will send you a copy in Spanish that should be sufficient. At least that copy was sufficient in my case.
Also for some further clarification, I got instructions via email that states a whole list of documents need to be notarized including passport copies, my drivers license, proof of economic means, the private insurance, medical certificate, criminal record….. did you really need to notarize ALL these documents? THANK YOU SO MUCH.
Hey Nelson – I can’t say for sure as I did not need to notarize all of those documents. But it can be different now and also, every consulate seems to have their own rules.
Hi Derek,
Thanks a lot for all the info and answering everyone’s question. So I am applying Non Lucrative on Thursday but I might have one issue. The girl whom I am renting the room sent me a contract that she also lives in that house which she rented but she can’t send me the paper her contract with the owner nor the house registration papers. Do you think just the contract that she makes with me will be enough?
You don’t need the contract for the Non Lucrative visa application. You need a contract to get your TIE card once you are in Spain. You can write a letter for your application instead explaining why you want to live in Spain and what your plans are while there.
Thanks a lot Derek! I will just write the letter than and just bring the address paper with me that she sent me.
Dear Derek, I read this blog last May 2020, got inspired and spoke to the wife and we decided to go for it. Took us 3 months to collate all the requirement due to Covid lockdown, document authentication was on snail pace. Finally got the Consulate appointment (in Philippines as we live in the Philippines although am not a Filipino but my wife is ) for Sept 9, 2020 to physical present ourselves with all the requirements, submission was easy as all documents were complete. Bank deposits were sufficient for few years of support in Spain. On Sept 24, 2020 (9 days) later received email from the consulate stating favorable authorization (approval) on our application and we are to appear in Spain within 90 days to register at the City hall and apply for TIE.
When we picked up the passport from the consulate, it had a resident visa approval with NIE number on it valid for 90 days. Covid times, Spain, Italy, UK and France were spiking with Covid 19 in last quarter of 2020 ( still they are). Travel restrictions all around and here we are to travel within 90 days. Upon inquiry if we can secure extension, we were told we have to start the entire process from scratch.
Made the hard decision to fly Dec 18, 2020 to Barcelona and onward to Alicante city as our chosen (initial) destination to stay and process our papers. Alicante city because of its pleasant weather, seaside residential communities, beaches, old Town charm, small city population of 350K etc. Upon arrival in Alicante we applied online (due to covid19 one must seek online appointment in all government offices) appointment for Padron and got Jan 04, 2021 schedule in an office 2 blocks from our Air BnB. We quickly looked for an apartment (through an Agent) to lease and had the lease agreement with payment receipt in our hands by Jan 02, 2021. Visit to secure Padron was very simple and quick, hardly any questions. In 15 minutes we received our Padroniemento document. Next step was to secure online appointment for TIE ( Police Station Foreigners office). This was a bit tricky as due to Brexit, lots of Brits had to secure TIE and thousands were applying so the appointment were booked for solid 2 months. Upon inquiry from the Foreigners office found out every Friday at 8 am they open up some slots for appointments in the province of Alicante. Next Friday before 8 am, we set up 2 laptops online for 2 appointment schedules ( me and the wife), exactly at 8 am we saw the Benidorm office opened 2 slots, we grabbed them right away using our passport number.. 5 minutes later Alicante city opened slots, we grabbed them too using our NIE and cancelled the Benidorm slots. We now had an appointment for TIE / finger printing etc. 4 days later Jan 18, 2021 in Campo Mira Police station Foreigners office some 6 km aways from our place. Scheduled day we arrived 15 minutes ahead, lined up and 30 minutes later we were done and had a TIE paper in our hand with instructions to come back and pick up (no appointment needed) in 6 weeks. 3 weeks later we called and inquired and we were told the Card should be ready for pick up in a week. Jan 24, 2021 we decided to see if we could pick up the card. And, yes took as 20 minutes to line up, present the TIE approval copy and passport, validate finger printing again and receive our Temporary resident card for 1 year stay (from the date we arrived in Spain). So, from Jan 04 to Feb 24 the process took place amid Covid19 protocols, lockdown and restrictions. NOT BAD ! All this was accomplished with out any Lawyer. Inspiration was this BLOG “Wondering earl” rest was all research and self motivation. The team up of me and the wife in putting together Non Lucrative Visa mission was a success. Today, we have a nice apartment fronting Posteguet beach, Local Bank Santander accounts, Orange Internet at home and Phone lines. Efficient Sanitas health Insurance and living the dream ! Alicante City turned out to be a great choice. Loving it. Thank you “Wonderingearl” for the inspiration. We would be happy to help / assist / clarify to anyone following our path !
Oh wow this wonderful! Husband and I will be doing the same next year hoping for the same outcome. Wandering Earl’s Blog the best!!! So so helpful in helping us to gather all the information that we need to make our move. Btw we have also chosen Alicante as our destination. The best of luck to you and your wife. What an amazing journey! Thank you sharing that with us. And thank you @wanderingearl
Thank you. Wish you all the best. Feel free to reach out if need any guidance for Alicante city.
* Correction :our application and submission to the consulate was om Sept 15 not 9 as stated .. typo !
Hello Shean,
Like Earl’s, your detailed walkthrough of the process provided so much help. I actually also applied in Spanish Consulate in the Philippines and I just received my Residence No-lucrative visa. As Im planning to fly to Spain soon, Im wondering if there were documents you must bring along from the Philippines to ensure completion of the TIE,FingerPrint/IC Process. Im just afraid I might leave behind some documents which will be asked for once Im in Spain, and given the current pandemic situation, sending them to Spain might be tricky. Thank you!
Hi Mart. I recently applied here in Manila Consulate also. Would you mind if I ask you some questions? I can e-mail you or thru messenger as well. Best of luck! Enjoy Spain!
Sorry Mart I have been off the grid and enjoying Spain. Hope all worked out for you. Pls let me know if need any assistance. I will monitor this site. Thanks
sorry to all the messages that I missed out. Will monitor this site moving forward. I am back in Philippines now and in Baguio. Shall be returning to Alicante next month. Feel free to reach out for any help. Thanks
Hi Sean, love your comment. I am Filipino and an Interior Designer by profession and my wife (Medical Technologist) and two sons (3 and 8 years old) are planning to apply for a Spanish temporary residence visa this year here in Manila. Is it okay that we contact you in the next few months to ask for any advise since you did it already. I am going to do it DIY as well without the help of any agency or lawyer except for the authorized translator. Just in case, I lost this link can I get any of your contact, if you don’t mind? My FB Messenger account is Long El Bathan and my WhatsApp number is xxxxx. Thank you very much.
Hi sorry i was off grid and did not monitor this blog. Will monitor moving forward. You still need any help ? pls reach out to me here or sheanbedi at Gmail dot com watsapp nineoneseven eightx4 (apat ng 8) zero3eight
not sure why my reply to you here is missing
Hi Shean, may I ask whether you are in ‘tourist visa” when you applied in Spanish consulate in Manila? When I inquire with them they told me that I cannot apply if I am a tourist in Philippines and I must go back to UK to apply for long term Spanish visa. Thank you !
Hello! Just want to answer you, yes I believed he is because his wife is Filipino. Correct you can only apply from your country of residence, and not with a tourist visa
No …i have permanent resident visa for Philippines
Hi Shean. Me and a friend are also applying thru Manila Consulate this September. Would you mind sharing us how you did it? And maybe some tips or tricks in the process? Especially the interview part. What stresses us is that each consulate interprets each requirement differently and obvious we can only read a thing or two from applicants in Manila Consulate. Thank you so much! Stay safe and healthy!
Hello Thur, sorry for late reply.. been off grid. sure reach out to me nineoneseven apat ng 8, zero3eight on viber or whatsapp
Hi Sean! Just applied for NLV here in Manila Consulate, just want to ask if they did let you sign a sworn statement after the interview? Thanks and enjoy Spain!
hope all good for you Ken.. sorry for late reply been off grid
Hi Derek/Earl
Thank you for this information , it is invaluable , especially for us Brits after Brexit and being a Third country now. I have some questions if you wouldn’t mind.
Firstly it is with Modelo 790/052 , you tell us what parts to fill in, but you do not mention the tarif section at the bottom of the page (AUTOLIQUDACIÓN) (self assessment), do the Consulate fill that in for you for the NLV or is there something there that has to be ticked?
Secondly, on the 790/052 form , where it asks for address , if you have residence in Spain, do you have to fill the address in for Spain or where we are in the UK , or not at all ?
Lastly , the EX-01 form , the authorisation for residency form , In section 1 , I understand everything I have to fill in apart from the legal representative part. Rather than pay solicitors a lot of Euros, I have chosen to do all of this myself . Do I need to fill that bit in and if so, what with ?
Thank you for your time and help.
Kindest regards
Andy
Hi Derek, thanks so much for this thorough article. I have one question to clarify, when you talk about ‘notarized’ documents in some cases are you really talking about the Apostille process or the regular notarized documents we are used to in the U.S? So I guess I am asking if I accumulate all these documents and then send them to an Apostille agency to be stamped or do some things just get a standard notarization and others Apostilled?
Hey John – Most of the notarizing was regular notarizing. The only thing I needed to apostille was the criminal background check. The rest were regular US notarizations.
Hello Derek,
Do you by any chance know of a good reliable source to look for certified translators in The NY/NJ area? Thank you for all that you do for us all that are going through the NLV process. You make it really easy to gather our paperwork. Almost there!!
Hey Elwine – Sorry, I don’t know how to find certified translators. From what I gather, the Consulate has a list that they will share.
Hi,
I was on the consulate of Spain for Miami website and I do not see visa listed as a service on the Miami site. When I go on the the Houston or New York consulate of Spain site their is a whole section for visa process information with forms. Any help?
Hey Stacie – It’s all right there on the website! http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/MIAMI/es/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Paginas/inicio.aspx
Hello Derek! As usual appreciate all the wonderful info you’ve provided to us. Getting close to applying for our NLV scary and excited at the same time. I was wondering do you have anything current for the NLV application? is the process the same as 2019? Applying from NYC and applying closer to 2022. Thank you so much for your help.
It’s very much the same. I applied at the San Francisco consulate and I did everything listed in the previous article. Best of luck!
How does it work if we have a son that turns 18 before we leave for Spain? Can he still be considered a dependent when applying. He will stay with his for one month and return to the states.
Thank you!
Hey Laura – If he’s only staying for a month, he can just come as a tourist. He doesn’t need to do anything as he can stay in the Schengen Area for 90 days out of any 180 day period with a US passport.
Hi Derek,
Thanks for this resource, it has been invaluable; it helped me navigate the initial application and the TIE process.
I’ve been in Spain a month now and thinking ahead, do you know how the application process to extend the visa works? Does it have to be done in your home country or can it be done from Spain, seeing as it is an extension? Just curious and I’d like to have some idea so I can forward plan.
Many thanks
Hey Joseph – To renew your visa, it can be done in Spain, making it a much easier process.
Okay, fantastic.
If you happen to do it, would you mind sharing your experience again?
Many thanks
Hello Derek! Very nice and informative website!
I am now checking if applications are open from my country for this visa.
I do have few questions and would appreciate any input 🙂
Can you move from your declared address to another place/another city?
Can you do online work/work for a foreign company with your salary being paid in another country? Visit a business premise in Spain on behalf of this company and carry out their business?
Can you study?
Can you do some voluntary work?
As long as you have been in the country for +181 days, can you extend your residency permit? And will the new residency lets you work?
Travel to other schengen countries (other than covid restrictions)
Thanks again!!
Hey Ben – Yes, you can move addresses of course. That’s no problem. Technically, you are not allowed to do online work for a foreign company as that is against the visa rules, even if your salary is paid elsewhere. As for the 181+ days, it’s not a guarantee that they will extend the permit. You need to apply to renew at the end of the first year and they make the decision based on how much time you spent in Spain as well as other factors such as your ability to support yourself with savings / passive income continuously. You can study on the NL visa and volunteer as well from what I understand. And yes, you can travel to other Schengen countries but your visa doesn’t work for those countries. So you would only be allowed to spend 90 days out of any 180 day period in Schengen countries other than Spain, assuming your passport is from a country that allows you free entry into the Schengen Zone.
Thank you for all this valuable information.
What if I don’t have a place where to stay yet? Can I use Airbnb ?
Thank you
Hey Jamel – You need to show proof of a 6+ month rental lease in order to get the TIE. So if you rent a place for 6 months on Airbnb, that might work.
Hey Derek, I am happy that you are satisfied with your Sanitas health insurance, however, unless you are more than 55 years old, 70Eur definitely is not a good deal. I am guessing you have less than 45? With no co-payments and qualification periods removed, plus dental and travel coverage included you could get it at around 55Eur.
But wow, excellent resource for visa application!
Hey Alex – I appreciate the comment. To be honest though, after comparing my health insurance with other people who had to get it, it seems like it was a very good deal for the very strict requirements that were needed for this visa. I compared several companies and didn’t find anything close to 55 Euros for the insurance required to obtain this visa.
It´s if there are no pre-existing conditions and it is Spanish national coverage (with travel cover included). If you are still wandering about Spain when your policy renewal comes, just drop me an email.
hi Alex, my renewal is coming up and am paying 90 to sanitas (57 yrs of age). appreciate info if you have to bring down the charge. Thanks
Hi all,
I am applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa from the UK. Finding this page so helpful.
My question is, on the form Ex-01, section 4 which box do you tick?
Would a drink drive offence DUI prevent me from getting the non lucrative visa as it is the only problem I have encountered with regard to criminal record check. No other offences at all. Only fined fir the matter and banned from driving for 15 months nearly 3 years ago
Hey Al – To be honest, I’m not sure about that one. You would want to ask an immigration attorney about that.
Do the funds need to be in an investment account or would having it a regular checking/savings account suffice?
Any account works.
Hello Derek I am divorced for 40 years. Single since then ,
should I even mention it.?
I have enough money for me but my girlfriend has only 15,000. I have comfortable financial backup to include her as codependent is that possible?
Can fingerprints be 13 months old with new background check or do we need new fingerprints as well?
Thank you.Lubosh
Hey Lubosh – Thanks for writing. The way it works is that your girlfriend would need to apply as well, and she would need to provide all of the same documents and applications and forms that you need to provide. She would also need to meet the financial criteria as well. You can combine the finances only if you are married and there is no other way to include someone as a codependent. For the fingerprints, I’m not too sure about that one. I simply ordered my background check online and didn’t need to do any fingerprints.
Hi! Thank you so much for your well articulated information. My questions are related to proof of income. We will demonstrate one year’s worth of savings. However, we really would like to use two separate pension and IRA funds that we have not touched and do not want to access…just use the accounts as place holders so to speak. Do you think that would fly?
My other question is whether we must demonstrate two years of income for our second and third renewals?
Thanks!
BTW: So sorry my questions show up in a couple of places. Silly me did not scroll to the very bottom to leave a comment until just now!
Hey Stacey – That should work. They just need to see the amount in any combination of accounts.
Hey all,
Thanks again for this article. I took a look at the EX-01 and did a deep sigh as I had 0 clue if I was going to get approved with such a lack of fill-in. This was extremely helpful! I wanted to see if anyone was familiar with what I should mark if I am applying with my domestic partner? Should I mark Single, Married, Other? On the EX-01 it doesnt provide an other option, but the application does. I dont want to put two different marks so thought I would just see what y’alls thoughts were!
Lastly, on the application, it asks these two questions and I wasnt sure what they meant
25.- Date of notification of decision issued by competent body for non-nationals – DO WE FILL THIS OUT?
Hi Derek,
Thank you so much for this invaluable post! I am seriously considering going down this path en route to permanent residency. Strategically for tax purposes, I am wondering if your arrival timing affected your Spanish taxes? Specifically the non-lucrative visa states you must stay 183 days (thus qualifying for Spanish taxes), but I’m assuming your stay was split between two tax years (2019 and 2020). If you stayed two months in 2019 and four months in 2020 (six months total) would you avoid Spanish taxes for both years? Or do you need to spend 183 days total per calendar year? Regardless it appears you could live tax free the year of your arrival if you arrive mid-June or later.
Sean
Hey Sean – Technically, if your visa year was split over two tax years and you stayed under 183 days in each, you would not be liable for Spanish taxes. But if you’re from the US, you would still be liable for US taxes.
Hey Derek, thanks for the very detailed information. I am a location independent professional who consult for US Pharma companies. I have the following questions:
1- I understand that the non-lucrative visa does not allow you to work in Spain and that the consulate makes you sign a sworn statement pledging not to work at all for 1 year while in Spain. I am under the impression that this applies only for work for a Spanish company, not remote work for the US? I noticed that Barcelona is at the top of the list for digital nomads. Do you have more information on this? How would Spain know that I’m working remotely for the US market?
2-My driver’s license is from FL, but my bank statements have a NYC address. Would that be a problem? Do I really need to apply in the FL consulate instead of the NYC consulate?
Hey Hans – Technically, you’re not allowed to do any kind of work at all, even for a company that is not located in Spain. How would they know? It is possible for them to find out if they ask for bank statements when you renew your visa and they want to know where the income was coming from. Or if they ask where your current income is coming from when you apply for the visa and then you need to somehow prove that such income won’t continue. The problem is if they do find out, you’ll be in a big tax mess.
As for where to apply, if your registered address is in Florida, you would need to apply in Florida. It’s based on your main place of residence and they can ask for proof, such as bills, etc. to show that your residence is where you say it is.
hey thanks for the reply. Unfortunately, I can’t just give up my business clients for a year. I would lose them. What do you mean big tax mess? Do I have to pay taxes to Spain on my US earnings? Especially after potentially renewing the visa and continuing to work remotely?
Hi! Thank you so much for your well articulated information. My questions are related to proof of income. We will demonstrate one year’s worth of savings. However, we really would like to use two separate pension and IRA funds that we have not touched and do not want to access…just use the accounts as place holders so to speak. Do you think that would fly?
My other question is whether we must demonstrate two years of income for our second and third renewals?
Thanks!
Hi Earl,
Thanks for your blog. We have our appointment with the Boston Consulate January 15 to start the process of a non lucrative residence visa. We would like to travel to Spain to an apartment we own there.
Because of Covid 19 I don’t think we will be allowed to fly until April. Do you think we need to have our Spanish insurance begin now or could we have coverage begin in April. I have written to the consulate with this question but haven’t received a reply.
Thank you
Hey Janet – In general, the insurance needs to start from the date you plan to arrive in Spain.
Hi Derek
Happy New year! Would you be able to suggest the best internet and phone carriers that is affordable in Spain? We would like to be able to have reliable service to be able to communicate with our loved ones here in the states with no problem once we make our potential move. Thank you!
Hey Elwine – Happy New Year to you as well! I actually use Google Fi which allows me to use my US number around the world and gives me unlimited data in any country, all for a relatively good monthly price. But most people I know in Spain use Vodafone or Orange. The prices are generally similar, not too expensive at all and coverage is apparently reliable too.
Thank you so much! So many questions and so many things to do! I have one more question my son who will a college student at the time we are applying for residency! Which means he would come to us when he’s in his break. Now do we apply for residency for him as well at the time we apply? What do you think would be the best thing to do in this situation? So appreciate your help and insight in this journey ahead of us!
Hey Elwine – He would need to follow the exact same steps that you are doing and he needs to apply for the residency separately. There’s no way for him to join your residency unfortunately. He would need to meet the exact same criteria and go through the exact same process on his own.
Thank you for your responses truly appreciate that!
Thank you for your answer. We think we are all set for our appointment but our doctor does not have a stamp. So our certificate is signed, both the English and Spanish version, BUT NO STAMP. Do you think that will be problematic?
Thanks
Hey Janet – I honestly don’t know as my doctor had a stamp. The main thing is that it looks official and has all of the doctor’s details – name, practice name, practice address and so on.
Thank you for such a quick reply
Hi! Thank you so much for your well articulated information. My questions are related to proof of income. We will demonstrate one year’s worth of savings. However, we really would like to use two separate pension and IRA funds that we have not touched and do not want to access…just use the accounts as place holders so to speak. Do you think that would fly?
My other question is whether we must demonstrate two years of income for our second and third renewals?
Thanks!
Hey Derek,
Thanks so much for the breakdown.
Do you know if having a Spanish residency visa allows you to travel throughout the rest of the EU as
a resident, without limits on stays in other countries?
Kris
Hey Kris – No, the Spanish residency is only good for Spain. You will still only have 90 days available to spend in the rest of the Schengen Zone. You also need to spend at least 183 days in Spain in order to maintain the residency.
Hi Derek
Thank you so much for for reading and responding .
Actually, I have residency card which started last year ( December) and I came to Spain and got out after 1 Month which unfortunately stuck in my home close to 8 months cause of lockdown then after lock down could I get back until now . Now I applied for renew , So hope the government accept my renew .I would like to know can I with this card in another European country live ? And pass all the year in another country in Europa then again renew this card ?
Hello Ana – Have residency in Spain is only good for Spain. You are required to spend at least 6 months inside of Spain in order to keep your residency.
Hi Derek,
Thanks for having a great webpage we can get a lot of information. I will be applying in Miami for the Non-lucrative Visa soon. We just need bank statements they don’t need to be notarized or anything correct?
Hey Jeff – The bank statements do not need to be notarized. They just need to clearly show your account balances and you need one for every month of the previous 12 months.
Hi Derek,
Thanks as I could not see where you needed that in Miami. Yes, I will make sure 12 months of each account. Thanks for your site and replying.
I just sent my paperwork to the Miami office and all documents that are mailed have to be notarized, including bank statements.
Thanks for the update. They must have changed the rules about that.
Hey Derek, thanks for the detailed post. I was wondering what the restrictions are on working on a project that I make no income from. It’s a tech project (that has a legal entity in the US) that is currently not profitable, but any future profits would be re-invested into the business and not given to myself as income.
Hey Ashley – You’d have to ask that to the consulate for a proper answer. Technically, you’re not allowed to do any for-profit work but I’m not sure if having a company/project who’s ultimate goal is to earn money counts as working or not working.
Hi Derek
Thank you for this blog really thorough and very informative! My husband and I will be going through the process of getting the NLV next year and I want to make sure I’m gathering as much information as possible. Assuming we get our NLV and all goes well, and now for the TIE should we print out all the forms that are needed for the appointment before leaving for Spain? Thank you
Hey Elwine – It doesn’t really matter. You can print out those forms when you get to Spain as you don’t need them for immigration to enter the country.
Thank you for your response!!
Hey Derek! Thanks for this awesome post! In the process now.
For the form EX-01 & Modelo 790 do you need to first get an N.I.E Number before applying? Or that gets issued if I get the Non Lucrative VISA?
If not, did you just leave the NIE part blank on the forms?
Thanks!
Hi! Thanks for the great writeup. We’re considering similar visa and checking other Schengen countries and requirements.
Both my wife and I have elderly parents and may need to bounce back to the US at some point. We also want the ability to travel to other Schengen and non-Schengen countries during our stay.
With the non-lucrative visa, are you required a minimum amount of time in country per year? If so, does it have to be consecutive?
Hello Joe – To maintain the visa, you need to spend at least 6 months in Spain during the 12 month period that starts when you arrive in Spain as a resident. But it doesn’t have to be consecutive.
Thanks, Derek. So I understand, even if you’re technically required to be in Spain for 6 months per year, since there are no border controls in Schengen, you could conceivably travel within Europe without issue, even during that six month period, as long as you have “proof” that you entered Spain at the beginning? (I’m assuming the proof of entry is really when you present yourself locally and get your NIE).
And, would this proof of 6 months stay only be meaningful when you try to extend the visa?
Just thought I could help.
Europe really gets annoyed when people try to play the system like this. Actually, if they think you will use the Spain visa just to travel Europe for more than the 90 day schengen period, they will deny you.
So yeah perhaps through lack of controls on the road you might get away with it, but if you’re checked and you get a bad stamp in your passport, it will affect for your ability to ever come to Europe in the future.
Best to just stick to the 90 day schengen travel.
Spain really is serious when they say they want you 183 days out of the year in Spain to renew the visa. And if you plan on not renewing the visa, then the 6 months doesn’t matter, but you can’t spend those 6 months + outside Spain in the Schengen area. You are only alotted 90 days in Schengen so you’d at least have to go to the UK to still be ‘legal’.
Thank you very much to WanderingEarl (Derek) and everyone here for all the comments and replies.
I am trying to obtain a non-lucrative Spanish visa via the Houston consulate. I am writing to ask if there are any ways around the “proof of residence” requirement. I don’t know where I’ll be living and wouldn’t want to sign a year long lease sight unseen. I spoke with the Consulate and they are pretty hard-core about showing at least 6 months of proof of residence. Has anyone had any good luck in Houston or have any ideas as to how to get around this?
Hey Ben – Unfortunately, you definitely need the proof of residency. You will also need that proof in order to get your TIE card once in Spain. I haven’t heard of anyone being able to get it without proof of at least a 6 month rental contract.
Hello Derek,
I was granted my Non Lucraive Visa. !!! Yeeahhhhhhhh………..well as you know all I go on my passport is the “90 day Visa which I must trade for the TIE “-
I am planning my trip now..and I got 2 inquiries please…
1) With the “90 day Visa” ….I guess a “ONE WAY FLIGHT” is good enough to enter Spain..Correct? or is it that you are required to show proof of a Round Way ticket?
2) How did you bring all your belongings along with you into Spain? Any tips ? air freight ?
I will appreciate you help 🙂
Mark
Hey Mark – Yes, a one way flight should be sufficient to enter Spain now that you have the visa. And I’m a minimalist so I don’t have many belongings. Everything I own fits into one small suitcase and a messenger bag 🙂 That’s how I’ve traveled the world for the past 21 years nonstop!
Marco, just wondering which consulate you applied through and once you submitted your documents, how long until you picked up your visa? Thanks!
Priscilla. I applied at the LIMA consulate back in February, and due to Covid-19 it was placed on hold until September when I was asked to re-enter my application. It took 06 weeks then. Good luck !
Has anyone applied at the Miami consulate during this COVID time? I just submitted all my documents via mail, as of right now they look through your documentation that is mailed, then if you are granted the visa, you must travel to the embassy to pick up. I’m wondering if anyone has any insight on how long it’s taking them to process applications. Thanks
Hi Priscilla! I am a member of the “American Expatriates in Spain” FB group and they offer great insight. They often recommend this blog post, by the way. I am a member and they offer great insight. We will also be applying to the Miami Consulate and communicated with someone who just got their visa – the person is flying to Spain on 12/22/20. When I asked her how long her process took, she replied, “…Well, my process was delayed. But after I submitted the additional financial paperwork 7 days.” (She needed to submit additional financial information). Hope this helps…
Thank you Lola! I got off Facebook but the group may be a good reason to go back! I mailed all my paperwork and the only issue that I was worried about was that I sent in Passport photos that were the standard Spanish size (35mm). They ended up being ok w that size and they emailed me letting me know they were able to process the visa. So now I just wait for approval. Thanks to everyone and this blog for the help! Without it this would’ve been a much longer process.
Hi Priscilla have you gotten your approval yet?
Hello Derek!
This is such an awesome resource and has helped me out so much in this process. Question for you, do you know if 12 months of bank statements are required? If I send a copy of my savings account instead would that be sufficient? Also, do the bank statements need to be translated into Spanish?
Thank you!
Hey Suzianne – I needed to show 12 months of bank statements. They told me that it was not enough to simply show a copy of the savings account. But the bank statements do not need to be translated into Spanish. Hope that helps!
Hello Suzianne,
The translation requirement depends on which consulate. I applied from Chile and the translation of all 12 months of statements was required.
And the bank statements had to be apostilled by the US (I got it from Tennessee state) because I was applying to Spain from Chile using a USA account. If you are applying from USA with USA account, then they should NOT need to be apostilled.
Also, they are very concerned with verifying the SOURCE of the income, not just the balance. So any kind of monthly payment statement from your investments , social security, or a signed note from the bank verifying who generally deposits into your account, or a copy of last year’s taxes might be asked for as additional evidence. I would just keep these letters close by when you go to submit your application and wait to see if they ask.
Good luck.
I think the apostille of the bank statements is only if you apply outside of the US. And for the income, there’s two options – it can be a monthly income or you can have the full amount (the monthly requirement x 12 months) already in your back accounts. I know for those who can show that they have the full amount already in their bank accounts, at least within the US, they rarely ask for any proof of the source of that money. They only ask if they have suspicions that it’s not genuine. Simply showing the bank statements is sufficient as long as your money grew over time and didn’t just suddenly appear two months before you’re applying.
Hi Derek, I have a question regarding the financial requirement for the non-lucrative visa. I´m a veteran with a pension which covers expenses and plus. Must I have the 26,000. euros in my bank account or prove of my pension income should be enough? OR, must I have both, the 26,000 in the bank and prove of pension amount ?
Hey Libby – You need to either have proof of 2151.36 EUROS coming in per month OR a total of 25,816.32 EUROS in a bank account(s).
Hi Libby,
I’m retired Army and went through the Chicago consulate. I FINALLY got my 90day visa in yesterday (10NOV2020) and all i needed was the proof of income which they scrutinized, they even scrutinized my savings but now I will probably just after thanksgiving to have ample time for the next steps in hopes another lockdown doesnt happen. Best of luck.
Hi Libby,
I’m a veteran here as well.
They really care about the source of the income. So you still need the 12 month bank statements, but also you should print out whatever letters you have from VA or DoD or social security that say how much you receive every month. Try to print the letters right before your appointment date (at most 90 days before). They are more relaxed about requiring translations of ‘additional evidence’.
Hi Derek,
I received my Background Check through the FBI and they returned it to me in English. It appears I need to get this translated into Spanish, and then send the Spanish-translation off to the US Department of State in Washington DC to get it legalized with the Apostille of The Hague Convention?
I also have my bank statements in English, but it appears I need to get them translated into Spanish by a certified translation.
Do you have any recommendations for how to get both of these things translated to Spanish by someone “certified?” As well as how to go about sending the Spanish background check to the US Department of State?
Hey Taylor – You simply need to get the background check translated into Spanish. Then, you send the English version to the US Dept of State to get the Apostille. You don’t need to send the Spanish version because they won’t give an Apostille stamp to something in Spanish. Once you receive the English version back with the Apostille attached, you will submit that, along with the Spanish version of the background check. I did not translate my bank statements and they were accepted in English.
As for how to get things translated, you need to email the Spanish consulate where you will apply and they will send you a list of certified translators in your area.
Hi Derek: What is the name of the company that you used to get the Apostille stamp for the background check from the Secretary of State? The one that sends back to you within 48 hours?. Thanks
Hey Ingrid – Here you go: https://mobilenotarysfl.com/
Thanks
Thank you for this great and helpful article!
I’m from Jordan and I’d like to apply for a non lucrative visa to stay in Spain with my wife and 2 kids who’ll be attending an international school in Valencia. I have sufficient funds to prove to the Spanish government that I do not need to work in order to live in Spain.
Do they process NL visas during the state of alarm or will I have to wait ? Am I allowed to open up a small restaurant in Spain and employ Spanish residents? The mother of my kids and I are divorced and I just have recently got remarried to a new woman. My ex wife lives abroad. Do I need her approval in order to take my kids with me to study in Spain?
Hey Mohammed – It seems that they are still processing visas now and you need to apply in your home country, at the Spanish Embassy there. But you will NOT be able to open a restaurant with a NL visa. You cannot do any work at all inside of Spain with this visa. So that won’t be possible. As for the situation with your kids, I’m not too sure about that one. You’ll need to do further research or check with the Spanish Embassy in your home country as they should have the answer.
I’ve contacted Sanitas and they’ve sent me three offers:
-MAS SALUD FAMILIA ( no excess)
-BLUA
&
-PREMIUM 500.
Can I choose any of them for the non lucrative visa application?
Thank you
Hi Mohammed,
You should just confirm with Sanitas that they meet the visa requirements, including repatriation.
I think they all meet the requirements and the difference is the kind of coverage (some of those policies cover emergency room visits outside spain or have more mental health therapy allowance)
Hi Derek when you Visa was approved , did you need to give them any fi ger print at the consulate in your country ?
Also I got a call to come pick my Family Passport , the character on the other side of the phone didn’t mention if it was with the Visa or Not… was that same experience as yours ??
Hey Crix – I don’t remember giving any fingerprint when I picked up the visa but I can’t say for certain. But I received an email saying that my visa was approved and that I could then pick up my passport. That was how it happened for me so I already knew that the visa was accepted.
Tanx a million Derek.
I hope for the best.
Derek, I was in Malaga before covid and now i’m back in the usa. Does it make any difference if i check the box self employed vs Not Working? I have an online business so just don’t know what they don’t like or like.
Hey James – I can’t say for certain as it seems that these days, they are making applicants sign a sworn statement that you will not be working at all while in Spain. Technically it is illegal to work with this visa, even if you work remotely or your work has nothing to do with Spain.
Hi Derek,
Thank you for the helpful information.
I have a question please- do we need a lawyer to assist during the process? As I see so many law firms that help ppl apply for such a visa.
Thank you
Hey Sawsan – It’s up to you but you don’t really need one. It’s pretty easy overall to complete the process on your own.
Hi Derek. This was a great post! Me and a family of four are planning on moving to Spain from Southern California as soon as we can get a visa. Has Covid made it so that I cannot get a new Non-Lucrative Visa right now? If I am able to get my Non-lucrative Visa, will I be able to enter Spain? My final question, that I saw come up in another comment, is whether I will be able to work remotely for a US company while in Spain. Am I still required to get something from my employer that says I no longer work for them? I will need to be able to work remotely for my US company to make this move to Spain possible.
Hey Patrick – Even with Covid-19, you can still apply for the non-lucrative visa right now. And once you have the visa, yes, you can then enter Spain, even with the restrictions on US travelers. However, it seems that you will now need to sign a sworn statement that you will work at all while in Spain on this visa. It seems they have become more strict with this so you would need to prove that you will not be working at all while there.
This is such a helpful discussion of the process. Thank you for sharing your experience and tips.
Hi Derek, thanks for this very useful information! My family and I will be traveling on the non lucrative visa for a year in Europe (mostly in Spain), looking for a business to buy (through the Golden Visa program). Can we use travel insurance from our home country (which includes medical insurance) or does it have to be medical insurance?
Hey Annelize – To get the non-lucrative visa, you unfortunately cannot use travel insurance. It needs to be full medical insurance through a Spanish medical insurance company and must be a policy that has no deductibles and no copyaments. Any other insurance is not accepted for this visa.
Thanks so much Derek.
Wow! 70€ per month for health insurance here in Spain is super expensive! If you still are using Sanitas I would recommend now looking for other options. When I came years ago as a student I paid around 50€ and now I pay around 40€. You can also get less coverage and pay even less. I think you got very ripped off.
Hey Aayesha – It’s not expensive. For the visa I applied for (non-lucrative visa), there is a certain coverage that is required. You need 100% full health coverage with no deductibles and no co-payments in order to get the visa. And that type of coverage naturally costs more. So I didn’t get ripped off…I got the coverage that is required for the visa and with Sanitas it cost me less than other companies.
Derek,
What happens to the insurance if the vis is not granted? So we get a refund?
Thanks,
Shabnam
You’ll need to check with your insurance company but most of them will refund you the money if you have proof that the visa was not granted.
How can you say that? When you have no idea of the persons age or overall medical condition.
Should you apply for the NL visa if you plan to work remotely in Spain? I understand that I would not be allowed to work in Spain for a Spanish company but I’m planning on working for a U.S. company based in the United States.
I apologize in advance if this question has been asked before.
Hey Luis – That’s a tough one. It seems that they have become much more strict about the not working part of the visa. Technically, you are not allowed to work at all (in Spain or for a US company) and it seems that the consulates now make you sign a sworn statement saying that you will not work at all. So that could be tough.
Is it totally same to European Students for non-lucrative visa holders of Spain regarding the Spanish universities’ tuition?
Hey Peter – I’m honestly not too sure if it’s the exact same unfortunately.
I really appreciate this step-by-step explanation. A couple of years ago my husband and I thought about doing it and called/emailed the Spanish Consulate in Los Angeles but never got any response. I’m wondering if you think the process and chances of getting a non-lucrative visa would be the same for U.S. citizens 60+ years old? We have significant money/investments in the bank but limited monthly income.
Also, does a couple apply together therefore needing only one copy of all financial documents, forms, etc.?
You would need separate forms for some of the things (background check and all application forms, for example). You will also need a marriage certificate. For things like bank statements, if they are joint accounts, then you should be able to uses one copy. But each consulate operates a little differently so I would confirm with them first.
I really appreciate this step-by-step explanation. A couple of years ago my husband and I thought about doing it and called/emailed the Spanish Consulate in Los Angeles but never got any response. I’m wondering if you think the process and chances of getting a non-lucrative visa would be the same for U.S. citizens 60+ years old? We have significant money/investments in the bank but limited monthly income.
In the end, the visa was generally created as a retirement visa so it should be the same process for anyone over 60 as well.
Hi Derek. Hi to all Readers.
I have a general question to anyone who could give some color. Given the current pandemic situation and travel restrictions, has anyone applied for the visa within the US and been approved but has not been able to travel? if so, how has the consulate managed/handled the three month entry limit?
Apologies if this has already been discussed but i searched within the chats and could not find any info pertaining to the topic. Thank you
Yes we have similar question. I am us citizen in Chile and it’s taking 6 weeks for apostille of FBI background check and I’m just wondering if they’ve extended the 90 day validity of the FBI background check because the whole world has slowed down …
Also, can US citizens who have not recently been to the US travel to Spain on a longterm visa?
Hey Susanne – I haven’t heard of any extension for the 90 day validity of the FBI background check unfortunately. But yes, you can travel to Spain without having been in the US, as long as you have possession of the non-lucrative visa in your passport.
Just saw this, thanks Derek!
Also, just curious , if I put Murcia on my intended area of stay, but then for whatever reason decide it’s better to stay in Valencia after I arrive , does it make any difference? Or is the initial 90 day visa only valid in Murcia?
Thanks so much for your polite responses.
We have had to do a lot of research because being down here in Chile as a US citizen is a very particular situation, and the consulate here has already stated that they will not answer any questions via email or by phone because they are only dealing with emergency or people who get an appointment (which takes a month or more).
So thank you for being a secondary source of info.
Hey Susanne – You can change your location, that’s no problem. The actual visa won’t be tied to any one specific place in Spain.
Thanks again Derek! I’ll definitely refer your blog to other netizens looking to go to Spain.
This addresses my problem to a ‘T’. I’m moving from Thailand to Spain end of July 2021 and had designated Pamplona (Navarre province) as my initial place of residence. I’ve since decided I would prefer to reside in Logrono (after much research). It would seem I can go from Madrid to Logrono and apply for my first year of residency (or residency card) there and not be locked into having to send my first 6 months in Pamplona?
Hi Derek!
I wonder if you or anyone else may know the answer to this. We will be applying to the Miami Consulate. We are not of retirement age but have sufficient funds to cover the financial requirements for the NL Visa. We are planning on applying and not resigning from our jobs until after we are approved for the VISA. Have any other folks experienced this issue and if so, how did they get around it? Please and muchas gracias.
Hey Lola – That shouldn’t be a problem as you’re simply not allowed to work once you are in Spain. Working up until you arrive there is perfectly legal.
Thanks for the super prompt response. Here’s what the Miami Consulate stipulates regarding people who are “of working age” (which we both are):
“If you are of working age, you must prove receipt of a pension or provide a letter of termination from your employer stating that you will no longer work for that company or, if you are self‐employed, you must provide a sworn statement before a Notary indicating that you agree not to work while living in Spain.”
Perhaps I am overthinking and I over-complicating this process. 🙂 Did I misunderstand the request from the Consulate? Thanks in advance.
Hi Derek,
I heard back from the Miami Consulate. They advised that as a person who is of legal working age (not of retirement age) one does have to provide the documentation that I noted earlier.
Hey Lola – Sounds like they must have changed the rules unfortunately 🙁
Hey Derek!
Is it necessary to have a Spanish bank account? What about accommodation? Can I just book a hotel or something until I get there to search for a place to buy or rent?
Hey Rashed – You don’t need a Spanish bank account to apply for this visa. You can book any accommodation you want but once you get to Spain, you need to have a 6 month rental contract in order to get your TIE (foreigner’s ID card) which is required if you have this visa.
Great! Thank you very much for your thorough answer 🙂
Thank you so very much for this blog. Could you please help me with the following: A. Do the bank statements have to be transtlated into Spanish? B. For the background check and Apostille, does the Apostille have to be translated as well? C. For my personal letter I will have it written in Spanish, I know it has to be notorized but the notary will be in English, so does the notary party have to be translated? D. Could you share what you included in your personal letter?
Sorry for so many questions. My daugther is having a baby in Novemember, and I’m desparately trying to get my NL Visa to be there.
Hey Desiree – Thanks for commenting! The bank statements do NOT need to be translated into Spanish. The Apostille does not have to be translated either. You simply attach it to the English and Spanish versions of the background check. The notary stamp will be in English, that’s how it should be. Just keep in mind that your personal letter should be in English and Spanish and when you take it to get notarized, the notary person must be able to understand Spanish for them to notarize it. As for the personal letter, you simply need to explain exactly why you want to live in Spain, which part of Spain you want to live in and then give a summary of your financial situation. Keep in mind there is no proper format for the letter. You simply need to write your motivations for getting this visa and how it fits into your life. Hope that helps!
Thank you, Derek! You have been so incredibly helpful! It is amazing how much varying information is out there. It’s frustrating as well because each consulate has different requirments. I may have more questions later. Enjoy your weekend!
Quick follow-up … Regarding my FBI report (which Chicago Consulate requires as well as the apostille from The Department of State in Washington D.C.) … at what point do I get it translated? Do both the English and Spanish version have to have the apostille? Or do I wait and get it translated after I get the apostille?
Hi Derek. Thank you for all the information you are providing. To clarify and confirm Desiree’s point in ref to the Apostille. Isn’t the apostille an official paper that they actually attach to the document in question? So do we have to send the english AND spanish version of the certified criminal background check to get apostilled? (I am also in FL) I ask as you mentioned above “you simply attach it to both….” Thank you
Hey Gustavo – Yes, that is what the Apostille is. However, the US government is not going to attach the Apostille paper to a document in Spanish. So you only need to send in the English version and get the Apostille certificate attached to that. Then, with your application, you send the English version with the Apostille paper attached and the Spanish version of the criminal background check.
Hi Derek, I am not planning on working in Spain, so what do you recommend I enter for “Current Profession” on the Visa Application?
I am hoping to apply for a NLV by mail, as that is the only way currently to do so at my regional consulate (Miami). The only document that is giving me trouble is the medical certification from a FL, GA, or SC doctor that states we do not have any of the diseases listed on the 2005 WHO list. My problem is that we are out of the country and I do not know how to find a doctor in Florida who will certify that we are healthy on the basis of all the tests we ran recently in Brazil and, of course, a consultation on Zoom.
I assume that none of the doctors who sign these forms actually knows with certainty that his patient is free of drug addiction, mental illness, and does not suffer from any disease that could cause serious repercussions to public health according to the specifications of the International Health Regulations of 2005, including smallpox, poliomyelitis by wild polio virus, the human influenza caused by a new subtype of virus and the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), cholera, pneumonic plague, yellow fever, viral hemorrhagic fevers (e.g.: Ebola, Lassa, Marbug), West Nile Virus and other illnesses of special importance nationally or regionally (e.g.: Dengue Fever, Rift Valley Fever, and meningococcal disease).
Hey Wilfredo – It depends. I got the letter from my doctor in FL that I’ve been using for years, so they were quite happy to provide the certified statement. I’m not sure how to find a doctor that will certify this though if you haven’t been to that doctor before. Not sure how that works.
Derek, thanks so much for answering my question as well as all those who asked something before me. You are doing us Spanish wannabes a great service. After my doctor in Florida told me he would only sign the letter if I flew up to Miami from South America for an appointment, I asked pretty much everyone I know that might have a doctor friend but no dice. Finally, I found a doctor online in South Florida who does online consultations, sent him all my recent lab tests, paid $45 for a quick Zoom call, and problem solved! He is sending me the needed certification. We should now be able to apply by mail next week (due to Covid-19, the process now only requires a visit to pick up the visas).
Sounds good, I’m happy to hear it worked out! Just make sure you get the medical letter translated.
Hi Derek,
My family and I are in the process of applying for the visa through the Miami consulate as well. We are currently having the same issue that we are currently not located in Florida but need a doctors note. Is there any way you could ask Wilfredo the name and contact information of the doctor he used through zoom? I have been trying to find an online doc on Miami and have not found one so far. I would ask Wilfredo myself but I’m not sure If he would see my comment or get notification if I left one. Thank you for your help.
Hey Ana – I’ll ask and let you know if I get a reply!
Hi Derek,
Just wanted to check in to see if you received any response from Wilfredo regarding the online doc he found in South Florida. Thank you so much for your help in this, it’s much appreciated!
Hey Ana – I have not heard back from him yet unfortunately. If I do hear back I’ll let you know right away!
Hey Ana – He actually wrote back this morning. Here’s the details: Bernardo Garcia – office@garciamedicalcomplex.com
Thanks so much for help Derek!
Hi Derek,
Thank you for all the help and efforts you’re giving to all of us interested in living in spain for an extended period of time. Your help is greatly appreciated.
I have a question, I was granted my Visa in March and was planing to travel im May,but Given the current pandemic situation and travel restrictions I keep prosponeing my trip.
Do you have any information on the three months entry deadline after obtening the visa. Is it still enforced ?
Thank you
Hey Tarik – I don’t know but from what I’ve read, there hasn’t been any extensions mentioned. In normal times, if the visa isn’t valid when you arrive, you will simply get a regular stamp which cannot be used to for residency.
Hello, I am wondering if you were able to get your Non Lucrative visa by sending everything by mail. My husband and i are in Spain, have been here since Feb and cannot leave due to the Covid. Our US residence is in Hawaii, so San Francisco is the embassy we are supposed to use, but cannot get there , they are not taking an appointments as well. Just wondering if it can be done by mail….
We are very close to applying…but one hangup is about insurance. On the NON‐PROFIT RESIDENCE VISA (retirees, rentiers, etc.)
GENERAL INFORMATION, it does not state that the insurance must be a health insurance plan without deductibles and without co-payments. We found an international plan through CIGNA that would cover our Spain residency as well as our time in the US. Do you think this is sufficient? There is a $3000 deductible. (Crossing my fingers…)
Hey Kara – For the insurance, it needs to be from a private insurance company in Spain and it needs to have zero deductible and zero co-payments. For a while (2 years ago) they accepted non-Spanish insurance but they changed that last year and now require the insurance to be from a Spanish company. From what others who have applied after I did have told me, those requirements are still valid, including the no deductible and no copayments.
Hello Derek,
Thanks so much for all this precious info. Would you have recommendations of good Spanish travel insurance please?
Thank you!
Hey Mehdi – I used Sanitas. They have an insurance plan that is specifically for this visa and meets all the requirements. Their customer service was great too so you can email them and they’ll reply quickly with all the information you need.
We also liked Sanitas but we liked Adeslas even more as theirs is the only policy that does not force waiting periods (carencias) on the expat policyholders. In other words, all of the other inurance companies make you wait 6 to 10 months before you may be eligible for certain procedures but Adeslas does not. We also received fantastic customer service from María Ángela in Madrid .
Hey Wilfredo – Thanks for sharing that. Just make sure you double check because I know that Adeslas does have waiting periods. It’s the same 10 months for hospitalizations, 3 months for outpatient surgeries and so on. You can see their waiting periods here: https://www.seguroenlinea.es/health-insurance-for-spanish-residency/
Thank you for this great summary, Derek. I’ve heard from so many that hiring a lawyer is important to this process. Did you work with a lawyer? If not, do you know why this would be a suggestion?
Hey Jala – I didn’t use a lawyer as I didn’t think it was necessary at all. The process was quite straightforward and easy to do on my own.
Derek I have one more question.
My husband Social Security is for less than the required income but I’m attaching copy of what my retirement payment will be as well as copy of bank accounts with plenty of funds. Do you think that would present a problem or what they care is that we have enough money between the two of us?
Unfortunately I don’t have a job termination since I’ll put in for my retirement as soon as they approve our visas. Better safe than sorry.
BTW because of the Corona Virus they are only accepting visa applications by mail. All the info is posted on the Miami’s Consulate website
Hi Derek,
Thanks for sharing this article. Did they interview you when you were there? How was it like? Could you share what they asked?
Hey Gabrielle – I was not interviewed. They asked for each required document one by one and since I had all of my paperwork in perfect order, they said that everything was all set and there weren’t any questions. But it depends on your documents. If they have questions about income or bank statements or anything, they can ask for clarification and more details.
Great article!
If I were to buy a Spanish property whilst holding a NL visa, do you know if I’d be allowed to rent out one of the rooms? I presume that would qualify as a “lucrative activity” so would be prohibited?
Hey Chris – I don’t know for sure but I believe that would count as passive income, which is allowed. However, as a foreigner renting out property, I remember seeing that you would have to pay very high taxes on the income you earn from that rent. Definitely not as straightforward as just renting out the room and having that income.
Thanks for the super informative post! Question on the health insurance, seems like a Spanish address is required to apply. Did you use the address of a temporary booking for your application?
Hey Bettina – When you sign up for the health insurance, at least through Sanitas, you can let them know that you don’t have an address yet. They will then let you use their address as your address on the insurance application. Then, once you have your visa and you are settled in Spain, you can email them and change it.
Hi,
Your explanation is very good but I still have a question.
On the form 5. Form “Tasas Extranjeria – Modelo impreso 790” there are more pages you said to fill only the first three parts? What about th rest we leave blank?
Thank you
Yes, you would just leave the rest blank.
Hi Derek- thank you for this overview. It is most helpful. I did the online FBI background report, which was simple but now I am having an issue trying to get it translated into Spanish and getting the Apostille stamp- which I have been told has to come from the DOS in DC. Any work around for that? We are in GA.
Hey Giselle – I’m not familiar with the online FBI background report. Did you print it out yourself? If so, this won’t be accepted. It needs to be the official background report that is sent to you in the mail by the FBI and cannot be a version that is printed yourself. Then, once you have that, you need to get the Apostille stamp from the state/district where the FBI background report was issued, not the state where you live. But all states (and DC) have a website that explains the process for sending in your documents to get an Apostille stamp. You just follow that process, send it in and you’ll get it back with the stamp. There is no workaround unfortunately. The only workaround is, if you’ve lived in GA for at least the past 5 years, is to get an official Georgia police background check instead (not the one printed online). Then, this document can get an Apostille stamp from the Georgia government since that is where the background check will have been issued.
Giselle,
There is no work around for the Apostille.
We went to the post office in Fort Lauderdale to get fingerprinted (but you have to fill out the FBI form, and print out the confirmation that is emailed to you to take with you to the post office.) You get the report emailed to you BUT then you have to send it to the Apostille (see website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/records-and-authentications/authenticate-your-document/office-of-authentications.html). Then, once you receive it back, it has to be translated into Spanish. I used Southeast Spanish and worked with Dan Hickman and he was amazing. (website: http://www.southeastspanish.com/) Dan’s email is dan.hickman@sespanish.com. I emailed Dan a few times to be sure I had all the documentation needed. He turned it around for me in 48 hours! Good luck!
The easier way is to apply for the Florida official police background check instead of the FBI report. When you apply for this online, you have an option to receive it in both English and Spanish. Then once it’s received, you just need to get the Apostille stamp for the English version and you’re good to go.
Hey, thanks for the article! I just have a question.
I was going through the questions and replies here and the remote work thing got me confused. So I have my own company (self-employed) and I have already sufficient funds in my bank account for 1+ years but will I be obliged not to work anymore in my company?
I won’t really work in Spain, but I just receive calls/orders from my home for the business activity that will be conducted anyways outside Spain/EU. So will that be an issue? as it’s my source of income.
Regards
Hey Nur – Technically, you’re not allowed to work at all while in Spain with this visa. This is open to interpretation of course, and many people who have this visa do work while there, but that is the official rule.
This is SO confusing. I’m seeing so many other accounts of obtaining this visa that say that work outside of Spain is fine and showing proof of income from work outside Spain is an acceptable form of financial independence. Then I see accounts like yours that say the opposite. It’s overwhelming to see so much conflicting information.
Hey Johanna – It’s definitely confusing. All I know is that recently, people who have applied for this visa were required to bring a notarized sworn statement that said they will not engage in any work, either in Spain or outside Spain, while living in Spain. So I’m not too sure what the situation is as there doesn’t appear to be any clear rules.
Hi,
This page has been super helpful. It says on the consulates website that you have to appear in person no earlier than 90 days before your departure date. Did you leave right after you received your visa, or how did that work. I’m trying to leave in August and I have my appointment in July but I’m afraid I’m going to have to wait until October.
Hey Ella – I applied for the visa thinking it would take 6+ weeks and so I then went to Europe after applying (I didn’t leave my passport at the consulate). But I received notification that my visa was approved after 10 days so I flew back to Miami for 1 night, picked up the visa and flew straight to Spain. Once you get the visa, you need to pick it up within 1 month. And from the date you are notified that the visa is ready, you have 3 months to then enter Spain.
Thank you so much! Did you end up staying there for a full year? I am a bit worried that they won’t approve visas currently due to the health concerns. Let me know if you know anything about this regarding visas and the coronavirus.
Hey Ella – I got the visa in September so my first year isn’t finished yet. By this September I’ll have spent about 6.5 months in Spain. I’m not sure what they are doing now with approvals or if there are any changes due to coronavirus. The best option is to conatact the consulate.
Okay, will do- thanks! One of the requirements is the form 790 code 052, and it says it requires a fee. Do you remember how much that fee was?
Hey Ella – The only fees you need to pay when applying is the main application fee and the tax. When I applied, it was $140 to apply and $12 for the tax. The other fees are paid once you are in Spain and you apply for your TIE residency card.
I and my husband was applied for same visa in U.A.E. Embassy .I was told rejected after two weeks.Really very sad to hear about that.We were prepared all the document required on list even more .
Hi, Derek! I am a spouse and trying to find information on what I need to apply with my husband. He has all the correct documentation, thanks to you, but do you have any idea where I can get information on what I need to submit with him at the consulate in Miami, FL? We are hoping to get to Spain in July or August! Thanks for all your great information. Much appreciated!
Hey Kara – For this visa, as a spouse, you will need to provide the exact same documents as your husband, as well as your marriage certificate. The main difference is that you can have a shared amount of money so you don’t each need the required amount. You simply need to have about $500 per month more than if it was 1 person Apart from that, you’ll need to provide your own medical certificate, background check and all the rest as well. Hope that helps!
That helps a lot, thank you Derek! I figured I would have to have all the documentation also. I think we are all set and hope to go down to Miami this week! 🙂
Hi Derek –
Great Blog. I am interested in non-lucrative visa. I can prove sufficient funds to support myself but want to keep working my job remote. I have heard conflicting stories of the consulate sometimes allowing this and sometimes not. Is there any advice you can provide on how to deal with this when applying for the visa? Will I be asked about that if I everything else in order? I would be going to the Chicago consulate.
Hey Gregg – Technically, you are not allowed to work at all while you have this visa. From what I’ve heard, you are now required to provide a sworn statement that you will not conduct any work while in Spain on this visa and that statement needs to be notarized. So it seems they are getting stricter about this unfortunately.
I hear that all of the consulates are closed now, except Miami, so it is impossible to apply for the NL Visa. I am in Spain on a tourist visa and want to get a NL Visa. I am afraid to leave Spain now since Americans are not welcome to Europe at this time due to the increase in COVID cases. Do you know anything about when the Spanish Consulates will open up?
Hey Lisa – I have no idea when they will open but even when they do, it might take a while before they start issuing NL visas again. It’s hard to know given the unpredictability of the situation. At this point, the only thing to do is wait and see I’m afraid.
Derek! Your blog is AWESOME! Thank you for all the deets. Just wondering how long it actually took for you to get the Visa?
Hey Melissa – Thanks for that! For me, it only took about 10 days for me to hear back that my visa was approved so it was quite quick. I have heard that other Consulates do take longer, but Miami was very fast!
I got a quote of 1175 Euros for a year of health insurance and it has to paid all up front. Is that around what you paid and also could you make monthly payments or it has to be a lump sum. I read your post and now getting a quote from the Insurance you posted. Have they been good so far? My main concern is i pay all this for health insurance (and for the Law firm that is helping me) and i get denied. Thoughts?
Hey Leo – That’s a couple of hundred Euros more than what I paid but obviously the amount changes depending on several factors. But yes, you need to pay for it all up front as the Consulate requires proof that 1 year has been paid in full. And Sanitas has been great. I haven’t had any reason to use the insurance yet but communication with them has always been quick and efficient. Unfortunately, if you get denied for the visa, I believe you do lose the insurance amount you paid.
Hey Leo! If I am not very late to answer, I had asked about that to Sanitas and they had told me that if I didn’t receive the visa and I sent them the denial letter they would refund the money I would pay for the insurance.
Can one sign a lease on an apartment in Spain without a residency permit? If not, how would one be able to present a signed lease while trying to obtain a residency permit? It seems impossible. Do you know?
Hey David – It depends. I rented through a company called Globexs and they will sign a lease without a permit. Some agencies definitely will do it as there isn’t any rule against it. Some don’t do it just to protect themselves. But to get the visa, you don’t need to have a signed lease. You only need a 6+ month lease to get the TIE card once you are in Spain.
Hi Derek
Is there a way to apply from within Spain?
Thanks!
Anna
Hey Anna – This visa can only be applied for at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your home country unfortunately.
Hi Earl, Thanks for this detailed post! It has been super helpful. Would love to see more post like this regarding having a home base in Spain. I am also applying through Miami, and when I read the financial requirements in addition to the bank statements they also say this:
“If you are of working age, you must prove receipt of a pension or provide a letter of termination from your employer stating that you will no longer work for that company or, if you are self‐employed, you must provide a sworn statement before a Notary indicating that you agree not to work while living in Spain.”
Was this required when you applied and what did you submit for this? I know they have been going back and forth on whether remote work is allowed in NL, so maybe this is a new requirement.
Hey Ari – That seems to be a new requirement as that statement was not in the instructions/details when I applied. You are right that they are going back and forth with it and seems like they decided not to make it available for remote workers at least for now.
It looks like they want a marriage certificate. We married in 1967! I’m not sure if we ever had it. Suggestions for getting around this?
Not sure about that actually. You might have to order a new one but your best bet is to contact the Embassy/Consulate directly and ask them.
With a non-lucrative visa are you required to pay taxes in Spain on your IRA withdrawals and US pension? Taxes are very high in Spain.
Hey Irene – It’s best to contact a tax consultant about that because the situation can be complicated and depends on a lot of factors pertaining to each person.
You have to go to the state website where you got married. There will be a section to request official documents. You simply request a certified copy of your marriage certificate and they will mail it to you within a few days. There will be a small fee.
Hi Derek
Thanks for the excellent write up which was greatly appreciated.
Question about the passport and copying all the pages – is this required only for the current (i.e. valid) passport that you use for travel? Or do the authorities need all your old passports copied too? That would be an issue as I have about 4 passports since I began travelling as a 14 year old!!!
It’s just for your current passport, the one where the visa will go if you receive it.
Hey Dave! Really appreciate this post, you have been so super helpful. I had a question about your banking statements. Did none of your income come from work? I’m moving to Spain to write a book and live with a friend. So I won’t be collecting money, however all of my income from the past year I’ve been saving has been from my job. It’s the right amount needed but I wasn’t sure if where it comes from will be an issue. Did that seem to make a difference or was that completely a no-no? Any insight would be appreciated. And thank you!
It doesn’t matter how you received your money in the past. They only look at the totals of your bank statements (at least that’s what they did for me) and now how I got that money.
This article is highly informative and much appreciated – thank you! I am wondering on two things, perhaps you can help in answering:
a) My husband is retired and while we have more than the required funds to qualify for this visa based on his pension and our savings, I still work as a Flight Attendant for a US based airline, would it still be possible to obtain this visa and maintain my position?
b) If we were to obtain this visa, is it ok to still travel, both within Europe and back to the States to see family for short periods?
Hey Gabrielle – It’s not very clear in the visa rules but technically, you’re not supposed to work at all while on this visa. However, many people do have jobs outside of Spain and until now, the authorities don’t seem to mind that. So you should be okay with that job. And yes, if you have the visa you can come and go as you please. There is no obligation at all to stay in Spain for any period of time, only a requirement of 6 months if you want to renew the visa after the first year.
We live in Florida and we been looking at what best visa is for us, we think this might be it. We want to do just like you.
so for a whole year, we are unemployed in Spain when can we start to work? after the second year?
Hey Anthony – With the non-lucrative visa, you can’t work at all. It doesn’t matter how long you have the visa, there is no option to work. This visa is designed for people who already have passive income / online work outside of Spain or who already have enough money to support themselves and don’t need to work.
Can someone in a non lucrative visa switch to a work visa if an employee is willing to sponsor him.
Hey Ravi – I don’t know 100% but I don’t think that’s possible since the non-lucrative visa is for people who specifically don’t need to work in Spain.
Hi – can you walk me through the notarization, apostille process? What would I do first, and how did you expedite the apostille step?
Thanks!
Hey Alexis – It depends on where you are applying from and where your home state/country is as the process can be different based on those factors.
Awesome post! Did you find your translator in FL by chance? If so, do you have their contact info?
I didn’t need a translator as Florida provides official documents in Spanish as well as English and I was able to create other documents, such as the letter of intent, using my own Spanish language skills.
I am currently working with a translator in Florida (Sarasota). I got her contact information through the American Translators Association (referred by the Miami Consulate). Let me know if you are interested and I am happy to refer her to you (if that’s allowed via this forum).
Hi Derek,
The Non-Lucrative Visa is good for one year. What happens after the one-year term is up? Does one need to return to the US to re-apply? Can one apply from Spain? Help!
And thank you for all your patience and for providing such prompt responses to our questions.
Hello Derek,
I am applying for a Spain non-lucrative visa at the Miami Consulate. Do you know if I need to provide a copy of my airline tickets (for travel to Spain after the NL visa is granted) at the same time we apply for the visa? I was planning on purchasing the ticket after I got approved.
Thank you!
Diana
Hey Diana – I did not have to provide any proof of airline tickets in order to apply. Hope that helps!
I am a US resident but have been traveling and living abroad for the majority of the last four years. I technically have a NC drivers license but no longer live at that address. Do you think this will be an issue for the visa? I figured I would get the FBI check vs. State and I have adequate savings for the financial criteria. I’m just nervous about not having a current US address. Any insight would be appreciated!
Hey Kristen – You need a US address in order to apply as that needs to be on the application. And you can only use the FBI background check if you’ve had the same address in the US for the past 4 years. Otherwise, you need a background check from every state where you’ve had an address in the past 4 years. Hope that helps!
Hi Derek,
I wanted to circle back to my question (from yesterday), where I asked if you knew if marriage certificates issued in the US (in English) had to be translated into Spanish. I double-checked the Miami Consulate’s website again today and found my answer. YES, it would need to be translated into Spanish by a certified translator. It also needs to be Apostilled, by the way.
The interesting thing is that I notice that the Spanish version of the website indicates that the marriage certificate does need a translation from English to Spanish: “Certificado de matrimonio, traducido y legalizado por la Embajada Española en el país donde se expidió el mismo o con la Apostilla de la Haya del Departamento de Estado correspondiente en Estados Unidos. Original y copia.”
Meanwhile, the English version on the website does not – only requires “legalization” (Apostille) ” For spouse: Marriage certificate legalized by the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in the country where the document was issued or legalized with the Apostille Certification at the corresponding Department of State, translated into Spanish.”
I contacted the Consulate in Miami, and they provided me with the name of a certified translator whose services are recognized by them:
American Translators Association web: http://www.atanet.org
I wanted to contribute to your blog and provide some answers. Please note that this information pertains to the MIAMI Consulate only. I hope this helps some other folks. Thank YOU so very much for keeping up with this blog and all of our answers.
Hi Lola,
Thank you for posting this information, as I’m not clear what documents need to be translated and what needs to be Apostilled. Do you know if the marriage license must first be notarized before it can be Apostilled? I’m assuming we have the original English version Apostilles, not the translated Spanish version. Also, do you happen to know if birth certificates for dependent children must be translated and apostilled as well? Thank you so much for your help.
So let me make sure I understand. Since I got married in the US and my marriage certificate is in English I HAVE to have it translated and appostille?
Or can I just have it Apostille?
Thank you
Hey Cecilia – You would have to double check with the consulate but from what I understand, all documents need to be translated into Spanish.
Hi Derek,
Just wanted to say thanks for writing this post and keeping up with comments and questions! It was super helpful for my boyfriend and I when we applied for our visas last month. We had an idea of what was needed but this post and your experience really helped solidify everything for us. When we applied, our applications ended up getting tied together and the Miami consulate told us to expect them back in 5 weeks. It look 4 weeks to the day but we are now loving life in Madrid! We will be applying for residency soon so looking forward to reading and using your post on that process in the coming days. Thanks for answering all of our (and everyone else’s) questions and for helping to make this process far less stressful than it could have been!
Cheers,
Hey Jaclyn – That’s wonderful to hear and congratulations on getting the visa! I’m super happy that the post helped out and if you have any questions about getting the TIE once you read that post, just let me know! Enjoy Madrid 🙂
Good morning,
I have read through all these comments in an attempt to not place a question that has already been answered. A couple of questions: (1) I ordered a certified copy of our marriage certificate with the apostille attached to it. Does the marriage certificate need to be translated into English? (2) regarding the money that needs to be in bank accounts… I am guessing from all the comments that it can be in investments also (ex: 401k). Did I interpret that correctly, or does the money have to be in a checking or savings account at a bank? Thank you!
into Spanish, sorry! 🙂
Hey Lola – I’m not sure about the marriage certificate. You would need to check with the specific embassy/consulate where you will apply as they seem to each have different rules about what needs to be translated. Also, I didn’t need a marriage certificate so I’m not sure about that specifically. For the money, yes, it can be any combination of bank accounts and investment accounts.
Thanks, Derek… appreciate the super-fast response!!!
Hi Derek, thank for this article! Question for you. In the case of providing proof of monthly financial income of 2151 euros – do you know if that is gross or net (I’ve searched other articles and the Consulate of Spain in my jurisdiction and couldnt find the answer)
Hey Ali – I don’t know for certain as I was told that I needed to have proof of the entire year’s worth (25000 euros), not monthly income. So I needed to show statements that showed I had that 25k euros in total at the time of application.
Hi there! I was wondering, does travel insurance count for the health insurance part?
Hey Emma – Travel insurance does not work. You need to have proof that you paid for 1 year of full coverage of private Spanish health insurance (no deductibles) from an insurance company in Spain.
Hola Derek!!
1. Will an annuity work as proof of income?
2. I saw the comment regarding the Houston office being strict. What was the reason for this comment? We received our NIE at the Houston office and had no problems.
Thanks so much!!
Hey Nancy – If it is more than the required monthly amount than it should work. I’m not an expert on this but from what I’ve read, it should work. As for the Houston office, it seems – based on comments and conversations with others – that they require more documents and translations than the Miami consulate and that they scrutinize the paperwork more thoroughly.
Thank you, Derek!! I am so nervous. Houston is not scheduling appointments due to CV and I was hoping to get this done this year. We have property in Spain and I am confused on it it is necessary to provide them with the original deed. If so, our original is in Spain and would be difficult to get with the travel restrictions.
Hey Nancy – From what I know, you will need the original deed for sure. Any official paperwork does need to be the original unfortunately.
Thank you, Derek!!
Hi Derek…!!
I filed my application 02 weeks ago, and the waiting time is killing me now…I was told I could check out for an update at the website: sutramiteconsular.maec.es after 10 days.
In your case, did you receive an email from the embassy? How long did it pass since you filed your application?
Thanks !!
Marco
Hey Derek…great article …thanks so much. We are a Canadian couple in the process of gathering all our documentation to apply for non lucrative visa in Valencia! Very exciting! Maybe we will see you in Valencia this summer if all goes well!
Question re Sanitas…we have contacted them as well…they are asking us to pay for the entire year in advance …did you have to do that?
For financial proof …The monthly amount needed is quite high …so from your experience is it your ability to withdraw that amount OR you had to prove that you have withdrawn that amount…in our case, our bank statements differ from our investment statements as we don’t withdraw that full amount every month.
Many thanks! Sharon
PS Also the Ex-01 form is different than the one I downloaded…it has 2 annexes so I’ll need to verify which is the latest version.
Hey Sharon – For Sanitas, you do need to pay for the entire year in advance. This is not Sanitas’ requirement. You actually need to show proof of 1 year payment for health insurance with your visa application. The Spanish consulate requires this as they want to know that your health insurance is fully taken care of when you apply.
As for financial proof, they just need to see that you have that amount in the bank, investments, etc. So if you bring statements from bank accounts and investment accounts, and the total amount you have in all those accounts reaches the financial requirement, you’re good to go. I’m not too sure what you mean by ‘withdraw’. They just want to see that you have the required amount in any combination of bank/investments accounts under your name.
For the EX-01 form, the one I link to is the updated version.
Awesome! Many thanks for the quick response Derek! Much appreciated! We want to arrive at consulate with all documents and be as prepared as you were! Good inspiration! Hope you are enjoying life in Valencia!
I know you need to enter Spain within ninety days after you’ve been approved and pick up the Visa. My question is from which date does the countdown clock start? We put a date on the application that we would like to go to Spain by. Do they use that date, or The date your application is approved, or The day you pick it up at the consulate..? We are trying to time our return correctly. It’s been over two weeks since we applied in Miami. We had ever single document they required at the time we applied and the process was very smooth. We are just confused about when that clock starts. Thanks.
Hey Patty – From what I know, the 90 days starts the day you receive notification that your visa has been approved. That’s the actual date that’s on your visa and so that’s the date where the 90 days begins. Hope that helps!
Derek, Another question: Do I need to translate my bank summary statements into Spanish?
No, at least for Miami, you don’t need to translate the bank statements.
Derek,
One more question concerning Bank statements, investments accounts, Social Security statements, should I black out the account numbers?
Hey Lou – It’s up to you I guess. I think I blacked out part of the numbers.
Good article / Info. I am having trouble filling in the M790C052 form on the computer. Is it permissible to fill in it pen (black)?
Hey Lou – I honestly don’t know. I was able to fill it out on the computer so I’m not sure the rules about filling it in with pen. Sorry!
Cool no problem. All my stuff will be going through Miami and I know they can be sticklers sometimes.
Thanks for the info. I have my NIE and my paperwork from a House I bought in Southern Spain last June. So I’m hoping the process won’t take too long. I’m still waiting on my criminal background and then the Apostille.
Hi Derek,
I,ve finally gathered all documents as required 🙂 but I am having problems filling out the EX-01 Form. Could you please advise on how to fill out
– ANEXO 1 : Docuemntos que autoriza consulta
– ANEXO 2 : Documentos para los que se deniega consulta
What are we supossed to list down here? Or just leave both of them blank?
Muchas gracias !!
Hey Marco – You might have downloaded the wrong form as I don’t see those 2 sections on the official EX-01 form.
It has probably changed….. here is the link
http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/HOUSTON/es/ServiciosConsulares/Documents/EX01.pdf
Is that it? For some reason I found this other one onlie:
http://extranjeros.mitramiss.gob.es/es/modelossolicitudes/mod_solicitudes2/01-Formulario_residencia_no_lucrativa_FEB19.pdf
Which one did you hand in ?
The first one is the correct one. The second one (with the Annex sections) seems to be an old version of the form.
Thank you , so much !!
Thanks again !!
And please, would you advise what to type on:—
1) Hijos a cargo en edad de escolarizacion en España?
I have 2 kids attending school in PERU, not España- So, I guess thats a “NO” ?
1) Direccion en España ?
I read you advise just to type City and Province where we plan to live i Spain, right?
2) Datos Presentador de la Solicitud ———– LEAVE BLANK
4) TIPO DE AUTORIZACION ?
Check INICIAL, thats it? nothing more?
What about my 02 kids? Should I fill a form for each of them? Both to be checked as INICIAL (Item 4) as well?
Is there any difference between my EX-01 and those from my kids? (btw my kids are 2 and 10 years old)
I appreciate your help !!!
Marco
Hey Marco – What I did is exactly what I wrote in the post. As for your kids, I don’t know as I didn’t apply with kids. I’m not a visa expert, just someone who explained how they got the visa 🙂
Thanks Derek!!
I got my appointment for Janyary 20th !!! just around the corner…. 🙂
Hey Derek – Friend of OttsWorld here – I know you don’t know the LA Consulate rules, but you mentioned you have talked with people that have dealt with every Consulate. LA now states – They need Tax Returns and no Loans/Mortgages. I assume tax returns is to see if there is interest paid on said loans/mortgages. I do have a mortgage, but also the funds to cover the mortgage above the $30K euro requirement. Anyone give you any in-site into that LA Consulate rule?
I am also considering just coming to Spain and applying with in Spain. Do you know anyone that has done that?
Mucho Gracias-
Hey Christopher – Good to hear from you! As for your questions, first, you cannot apply for this visa inside of Spain. The only place you can apply is the consulate/embassy in your home country that has jurisdiction over your home state. That’s the only option unfortunately.
As for the tax returns/loan thing, I honestly haven’t heard anyone else mention that. It wasn’t mentioned at all for my application so I’m not too sure. I’d imagine though that having a loan is okay if you can still prove that you have the funds above and beyond. That’s the main goal is to have that extra $30k available. If you can prove you do have it above the loan, that should work. But I’m not too familiar with that as it never came up with my application.
Did you or anyone else try this? I’m also wondering what this requirement is about and how strict they are with it…I emailed them and asked about if student loans are ok and they did not respond at all..
Since you wrote your letter of why and where you wanted to live in Spain yourself (without the help of a translator), did you get that notarized? You mentioned that but it was immediately after your comment about having it officially translated if you don’t or can’t write the letter yourself.
Thanks,
Patty (Miami)
Hey Patty – I did not get it officially translated or notarized. I was trying to cover the general rules for most consulates (from what I’ve gathered online and through others who have applied) as the rules seem to be flexible depending on which consulate you are applying at. But for me, I did not get that paper notarized. I was confident though that if they asked me, in Spanish, about what I wrote in the letter, I would be able to reply in Spanish so that’s why I didn’t get it notarized.
Excellent article! If I am looking to move to Spain in September, when should I realistically begin the application process with the Spain Consulate of Miami? (I am a Florida resident.) I’m very organized, but the timing of everything is what has me a little baffled.
Hey Tellie – Once you apply, it can take anywhere from 10 days to 6 weeks for the visa to be approved. You then need to enter Spain within 3 months of that approval date. So you should probably apply in late July / early August.
From applying in person at Miami to getting Visa, how long was that?
Ive read in Miami it can be a month but in Chicago two months?
I am applying in Miami this month
Hey Mike – It took 10 days from when I applied until I was notified that my visa was ready. In general, they say it can take between 10 days – 6 weeks.
Hi Derek!
We will be applying for this visa in Turkey as a family. How did you manage “Proof of accommodation”?
Did you submit a rental lease contract?
Thanks..
Aykut
You’ll need to check with the Spanish email in Turkey as they all seem to have different rules. The one I applied at allowed me to write a personal statement about why I wanted to live in Spain instead of showing proof of accommodation. But some embassies require an actual 6-12 month contract for a house or apartment in Spain.
Hello again! We’ve gotten the quote back for the Mas Salud plan and while the coverage starts immediately, certain services including hospitalization have “qualification periods”. I read elsewhere in your comments that the consulate requires the coverage to go into effect immediately.
Here is a PDF that lays out these qualification periods..is this consistent with the plan that you applied with?
https://www.sanitasexpat.com/wp-content/uploads/Sanitas-MAS-SALUD-COMPLETE.pdf
Hey David – I have the Sanitas Mas Salud plan as well and that was accepted.
Does having this visa impact your tax residency?
From what I am reading I am seeing that if you are in Spain for greater than 6 months you will be taxed on your worldwide income and required to declare your international assets. There is a tax on dividends of 19%, and I’m reading about a Wealth tax also that can range up to 2.5%.
How are you handling this?
Hey Jackson – Yes, that is correct, if you stay more than 6 months, you are liable for taxes. Most countries have a tax treaty with Spain so you simply need to figure that out and pay the proper amount to the proper countries accordingly.
Thank you so much for this extremely helpful write up! We’ve gotten a bunch of awesome tips from the article and the comments. Could you let us know the name of the service that you used to get the official translations as well as the one you used to expedite the apostle process? Thanks!
Hey David – For the official translations, I didn’t need to use a service since you can order most of the official documents in Spanish from the Florida government. For the expedited apostille process, I used “South Florida Mobile Notary & Apostille Service” out of Hollywood, Florida.
Hola Derek,
Thanks for writing such a great page on the NL Visa process in Miami. The 12 months of bank statements is fairly new. Our good friends got their Visas in nine days just this past March from Miami and only needed 6 months. My question is, did you supply your entire statements or just the first page of each statement? The first page shows name, account balance, deposits, etc. I can’t imagine they would need every page. We have several regular checking/savings accounts, plus several investment accounts. Those statements are lengthy!
We opted to go for the FBI background check, although after reading what you did, I wish we had gone the Florida State Dept like you did so we could have requested those in Spanish. Anyway, my second question is about the Apostille stamps. Do we get the appropriate documents first stamped and then translated, or vice versa?
Thanks!
Patty
Hey Patty – I don’t think it’s new as much as the rules aren’t 100% strict. One of my friends applied last year and needed 12 months as well. I provided the main summary page for those 12 months, not every page of the statement.
As for the Apostille stamp, once your FBI background check arrives, you’ll need to translate that into Spanish, get it notarized and then send off the English version to get the Apostille stamp from the state wherever the FBI background check came from (which won’t be Florida).
Hey there,
This was so insightful. I wanted to ask you a question about finances. If I show I have 100,000 dollars in my account along with my Spanish bank account (I can only access 3 months) to show that I do not receive any money from work, will that suffice? I was told if you had enough money at once that it needed to be stamped by the bank and translated (maybe). I have already lived in Spain for a year on a student visa and am switching to this visa which required me to return. Any info or a guess even would be greatly appreciated!
Regards,
Joseph
Hey Joseph – From my experience, I was told you need 12 months of bank statements no matter how much money you have but I didn’t need to translate the bank statements. However, every embassy and consulate has different rules it seems so it’s not set in stone. The rules can vary.
Hello Derek
Please can you help recommend a Spanish Based Insurance Firm for the insurance ??
Thanks
Hey Crix – I went with Sanitas. They were great.
Yes you did mention that somewhere in the comment section , but since you started living in Spain, have you diea of any other one ??
Sanitas seems a little on a high side .
hi Derek
Thank you for sharing your experience. Ask for help: 790-052 When filling out the form NIF / NIE How did you fill it out?
Hey Allen – Just leave it blank on that form.
thank you
Did you fill in the submission online? Is it OK to leave blank?
AUTORIZACIONES Y DOCUMENTOS PARA EXTRANJEROS
Which one do you choose ?
Hola Derek encontré todo esto muy útil! Espero que te este yendo bien en España. Yo estoy en el proceso de aplicar para la visa no lucrativa con mi familia y quería preguntarte unas cosas. I have a pension from the VA and rental property income but this does not cover the total amount required for 3 family members. Can I supplement with savings? If yes should I have more than the required amount or will the minimum suffice? My other option is to rent my apartment but I would not be showing the increment in income for a year. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Gracias Derek
Hey Matthew – You can use any combination of passive income/savings to reach the amount required. No problem there.
We live in Florida. My husband is American & I have dual nationality- British & USA. Will the NLV be different fir us? Also we have a home to sell, of course not before we are accepted, but you have to travel within 90 days, how can you do this.
Hey Elaine – If you’re applying on your US passport, you would both have the same rules to follow. But yes, once you receive the confirmation email that your visa has been approved, you have 90 days from that day to enter Spain or else you lose the visa.
If we enter within 90 days, can we come back to US to sell home? What if I apply on my UK passport?
Once you enter Spain, you then have 30 days from the day you enter to apply for your TIE residency card in Spain. Depending on where you live in Spain, whether it’s busy season (in which case the wait for appointments for the things you need to get for the card application can be a few weeks) and so on, it will take about 2-4 weeks to apply for the card. Once that’s done, you can come back to the US for sure.
Thanks a million Derek you are a rose in the winter .
On the other hand can you please confirm if the Bank Statement should be for 6 months or 1 year .
Again can you confirm if the Insurance policy should be for 1 year or a couple of months .
Thanking you .
Hey Crix – I needed 12 months of bank statements and you definitely need 1 year of Spanish private health insurance, paid in advance. You need to bring the proof of your policy and of the payment for the insurance.
Tanx a million Derek.
Hi Derek we live in GA and will be applying for a NL visa in Miami. The question I have has to do with the background check. We are getting an FBI background check and I’m wondering if it has to be Apostilled or does it count as an official doc? Obviously we will have it translated into Spanish. Thanks in advance.
Hey Brandy – From what I know, yes, it still needs to be Apostilled. It would need to be Apostilled from the state where it is issued so wherever the FBI background check comes from, that’s the state you’ll then need to send it back to in order to get Apostilled.
Hello Derek can you please confirm if the Bank account statement must be translated ???
Hey Crix – I did not need to translate the bank statements.
Hi Derek ,
Thanks for all your help , I have successfully completed the process from Nigeria and just waiting to hear from the consulate.
I see you are in Valencia and we will be staying in Valencia , God willing we get the visa I would like to appreciate the gesture with a coffee hang out..
Thanks again Derek as I seem to be the only Nigerian on your blog post.
Hey Crix – I wish you all the best with the application process! And of course, hopefully we can have that coffee at some point. Keep me updated!
Thanks for the best wishes.
Have a great weekend.
Dear Derek,
Thanks for information , please advice can I travel with or inter Uk with this residency’s as my passport from Non-EEA countries..
Many thanks
Hey Abbas – This visa is only for Spain and does not give you any benefits for traveling or living in other parts of Europe.
Hey Derek,
Thank you for taking the time to do this. So helpful! I am in the process of getting all my paperwork ready and I have a question regarding the invitation letter. Do you know if the invitation letter from a family member can just be a simple letter notarized, or is it something that needs to be obtained from the police station? I was trying to figure this out online but it seems that, that requirement is only for short-term visas.
Thank you!
Alejandra
Hey Alejandra – From what I know, the letter is not an invitation letter. You need a letter stating how you are related and that the person will be providing you with accommodation at their house/apartment. The person writing the letter needs to have it notarized and you need copies of the Spanish ID of you relative (the person who wrote the letter) and possibly proof of their address as well.
Hi Derek,
Regarding the “Proof of Financial Resources”, the Spain official said there needs 2151.36+537.84=2689.2€/month for 2 applicants, does it mean that I need 2689.2 x 12months x 5years =161352€ for 5 years staying until I got the permanent ID of Spain?
If I have bank saving which more than 161352€, is it available as the Proof of Financial Resources?
Thanks and looking forward for your reply.
LD
Hey LD – The residency is only for 1 year so you need to show proof of 2689 Euros x 12 months. When it comes time to renew the visa after one year, you will need to show proof of that amount again. This visa does not guarantee permanent residency. You will need to get the 1 year first, then renew a couple of times and then, if all goes well, you can apply for permanent residency (which has a different set of rules to follow).
Great info application being prepared
With regards to noterizing accommodation letter was this done same time as back ground check or by a standard notary I will write in Spanish. Advice greatly appreciated
Hey Mike – You can notarize the documents any time you as long as it’s done within 3 months of your appointment date I believe. The government office that provides the apostille stamp for your background check will not notarize other documents. You need to go to a regular notary to have the other documents notarized.
Hi Derek,
Thank you for all this fantastic info! Question about health insurance. Does that policy have to be in effect for your visa appointment date? or can it reflect your expected arrival data? I ask because I got a quote from Sanitas and it’s going to be $250/month. We have our visa appointment January 1, but won’t arrive in Spain until March 1. I don’t want to waste two months of insurance.
Thanks!
Julie
Hey Julie – From what I know, it can reflect your expected arrival date. It does not have to start before that. But I would check again with the insurance as that seems high. I paid about $80 per month.
Hi Derek Thanks for all the great information! I have a question about the health insurance do you have to bring proof of payment of the whole year of insurance or can you just bring proof of the first month paid for? Our family is also choosing Sanitas I was just wondering if we should pay for the year upfront but also didn’t want to make such a big decision and not knowing if we have to.
Hey Angela – From what I was told, for insurance, you need to pay for the entire year in advance in order for it to be accepted. And they did want proof of that when I went to the consulate.
Thank you so much this has been Great Help
Hey Derek! Very nice of you sharing this whole application experience! Very neath! Thank you 🙂 And happy for you that you got the visa! 🙂
So when you say ” 25816.32 EUROS in bank accounts” you think it is like all the savings including the one coming from the work wage which I would stop taking? Then, after showing the statement for that amount, would they still need to see the proof of 2151.36 EUR per month for future months?
Thank youuuuuuu!
Hey Mutlu – From what I learned, they don’t need to see proof of future income if you can show that you have 25816 Euros in your bank accounts.
Just to clarify, this is €25,816 in your bank account at the time of application?
Hey Monica – Yes, that is correct. But you need to provide bank statements for the previous 12 months as they want to make sure you didn’t just put that money in your account before you applied.
Another question, Did the consulate insist in a copy of all pages in the passport? My passport is 100 pages, due to many visas
Yes, they do want to see the photocopies of all the pages of your passport.
Thank you
Derek – Getting ready to make photocopies of my passport pages. Curious, does each page have to be a single photocopy printed page or can I add screenshots of 4-6 passport pages on one 8×10 page copy?
Hey Giselle – I don’t for sure but I did 2 passport pages per page and they said that was good for them.
Derek
Extremely helpful. Thanks for writing the above. Will probably have more questions, but one for now.
Am I correct to understand that there is an option of leaving my passport or not leaving it and then having to return to get the visa placed in the passport?
That is correct!
Hi Derek!
Thank you so much for this information. So incredibly helpful!
I own a house in Pego (south of Valencia) and I am going to apply for residency when I get back to Florida in January.
Because I purchased a home in Spain, I already have an NIE. Is that something that I need to mention somewhere in the paperwork? I’m assuming it would be good to bring copies of that as well.
Another question that I’ve been wondering about… If I leave the house for a couple of months during the year of residency, am I able to legally rent my home out through something like Airbnb, or does that count as employment of some sort and disqualify me for the non-lucrative part?
Last question. I’m going to be in Spain for the holidays, just a few weeks before applying for residency. I’m guessing it won’t affect when I can reenter, but thought I’d ask. Do I have to wait 90 days, or is it entirely separate from other visits?
I owe you some sangria or something when I get to Spain! Seriously, this is so helpful!
Thanks!
Nicole
Hey Nicole – Thank for reading! To be honest though, I don’t know the answers to your questions as I wasn’t in that same situation. I’m not sure the rules for renting out a house on Airbnb. But going to Spain a few weeks before you apply for residency certainly won’t affect when you can re-enter. Once you get residency, that visa allows you to enter regardless of your time in the Schengen zone up until that point.
Great Article My Husband Daughter and I are applying in Miami. Maybe you can Answer this Question for me Do the Apostille Certifications need to be translated in Spanish also? we have quite a few since is one for each Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificates and Background Checks I know the actual documents need to be translated in Spanish but was wondering if the Apostille also needs to be? Thank you
Hey Angela – From my experience, the Apostille does not need to be translated. It simply needs to be attached to the Spanish version of the certificate that it is authenticating.
Thank you so Much!!
Great article! This really helps. We will be applying at the San Francisco Consulate but don’t live anywhere near there. Do you know of any Proxy’s we can hire to go in our place, or have you heard of doing this at all? The Consulate’s website says this is acceptable if you don’t live in the same city.
Hey Brooke – I’m not too sure about that. I know that the Miami one doesn’t allow that and from what I read, most consulates don’t allow it so I’m not too sure how to find someone to do that for you. I don’t know if there are any agencies that are familiar enough with this visa to not only help but ensure that everything is in order.
Thanks for this post Derek. I live in Orlando and will be going to the Miami Miami Consulate in February to begin this process. Hopefully it is as smooth as yours.
Your process was fairly quick. Did they ask you any questions or just review your paperwork to make sure it was intact?
I guess my concern is that I will have the funds for the year come November planning to apply in February so I’d only have 3-4 bank statements at that time with those funds. Not sure if they will look down on that since the funds will be “fresh” in my account. I wanted to know if in Miami, they asked any questions in particular to the financial requirement.
Thanks in advance!
Hey Bryan – From my understanding, the way it works is this…when you drop off all the paperwork, the job of the staff at the consulate is to make sure you have all the correct paperwork. They don’t really assess anything at that point. Once everything is submitted, the consulate makes the decision after thoroughly reviewing your paperwork and application. So there really isn’t any way to know how they will view your funds. I do know that you need to submit 12 months of bank statements so you will still need to include those other 8-9 statements. I’m not sure how that might affect your application though and you’ll simply find out once they give you a decision a few weeks after you apply.
That makes total sense. I guess its just a hurry up and wait situation. I appreciate your reply. Thank you!
HI Derek, thank you for the info. I actually got my non lucrative visa, but have to delay my move due to work commitments.
If you finalized the process, can you kindly advise me: how long does it take to get the residency card once you arrive and apply? and do i have to get my own address/rented place or is it enough to have a friend’s address until i find my own place?
Also, the date of the one year visa starts from the date you get your card or the the date of the stampeded visa on the passport?
And if I apply to move to a certain city, would it be a problem to move to another city?
And finally, if i have to travel before receiving my card, to both Europe and out of Europe, would that be possible?
Would highly appreciate your answers,
Nadia
Hey Nadia – I actually just wrote a post about the residency card here: https://wanderingearl.com/spanish-residency-card-tie-all-you-need-to-know/
But in general, you can use your friend’s place but you still need to get the official certificado de empadronamiento. This will require an official form that your friend needs to fill out stating that you are living with her long-term. And then your friend will probably need to join you at the appointment for the certificado in order to prove that she is the legal resident at her address. Once you have this certificado (which you get from the City Hall), you can then apply for the residency card. And then it takes 1 month to get the residency card after you successfully apply.
The date of the visa technically starts the day you receive the visa from the consulate/embassy in your home country. But the residency card starts the day you arrive in Spain (even if you apply for the card later). But I’m not sure which one is the official start date actually.
No, it’s not a problem if you move while here but you need to establish residency somewhere first in order to get the card.
Yes, you can travel before receiving your card, that’s no problem. I’m going to Morocco tomorrow for 2 weeks and will pick up my card when I get back.
Fantastic post. We are applying for a NL in Miami when we get back from Kuala Lumpur in December. Happy to see your process went smoothly. How are you finding Valencia thus far? We will be moving there as well – looking into the Mestalla area close to the Turia. 🙂
Hey Brent – Good luck with the process! Valencia has been great so far. I’m more of a beach guy so I’m living closer to the sea but it’s hard to find a bad neighborhood to live in here as the entire city is so accessible. Let me know when you get here!
Thanks for the very helpful and valuable information and if I may ask you some questions:
1-Is it required that the family or person who gets the non lucrative visa to live in spain. Can he use the visa to spend his summer vacation in spain.
2-If I have relatives living in spain can I use their address as my Address in Spain.
3-IF i have an medical insurance plan in my country Do I still have to buy the spanish medical plan.
I really appreciate if you can help me on the above
Regards.
Nidal Al Dabbas
Hello Nidal – Here are the answers…
1. If you get the visa, you need to spend at least 6 months in Spain during the year you have the visa.
2. Yes, you can use their address but you still need to have them write an official letter, get it notarized and you need proof of their IDs as well. Each consulate has different rules for this but you just need to follow the instructions for these situations.
3. Yes, you need Spanish medical insurance. They do not accept any medical insurance from outside of Spain.
Hope that helps!
Thanks Derek, this is the best summary I’ve found anywhere.
I have an appointment in a week and I’m finalizing the paperwork. I have a couple of questions: can you use bank statements printed from the website, and do they have to be translated? I’m traveling with my family, do I need to present a marriage certificate and a birth certificate for my child? does it need to be apostilled? The last one. Do I need to present a US tax return? Sorry about all the questions., and thanks for all good information.
Hey Rodrigo – You can use bank statements printed from the website. That’s exactly what I did. And you don’t need to translate these.
If you’re traveling with your wife and she is not from the EU, she needs to apply for the visa as well. You need the marriage certificate but you also need her application, background check (with apostille), medical certificate, Spanish health insurance and so. You cannot add a spouse automatically without her applying for the visa too.
I didn’t need to present a tax return. Doesn’t seem to be a requirement but definitely make sure you bring one year of bank statements as they do want them for that long.
Hi Derek, thank you so much for such a helpful and concise blog post! Regarding “officially translating” documents, did you use one of the certified translators listed by some of the Spanish consulates? I’m reading conflicting information about who can actually translate documents, and the DC Consulate website has little to no information compared to the others. Thanks for your help!
Hey Shelby – I actually didn’t need to translate my documents. Since my address is in Florida, I was able to get my background check and notarizations in Spanish automatically as the government provides that service. For the medical certification, if you follow the link above, it is in both English and Spanish and you can have your doctor sign that. The health insurance company will provide you with your required letter and details in Spanish (since they’re based in Spain). As for the personal declaration of why you want to live in Spain, I simply wrote it in English and Spanish myself.
Ah you certainly are a lucky duck! If only more states were more progressive. Regarding the medical cert, you said you printed it and brought it to your doctor? So it wasn’t on the Doctors letterhead? We did the same thing, but now we’re reading that it has to be on letterhead and ours is not. Wondering if we’ll have to go back again.
I printed out the medical certification, brought it to my doctor, they made a photocopy onto their official letterhead and then we all signed it. From what I know, it does need the letterhead of your doctor and the doctor’s official stamp too.
Wow – this is the most informative, concise, and well-written post I’ve read thus far about this topic! My husband and I love Spain (it has amazing rock climbing!) THANK YOU so much!
Do you know if the Schengen rule still applies (for countries other than Spain obviously) once you receive this non-luc. 1year visa? 🙂
Thanks for commenting! For the Spain visa, the only benefit for the Schengen zone is that the time you spend in Spain does not count towards the 180 days you can stay in the Schengen area. But you still can only spend 180 days in the rest of the Schengen zone.
Hi Derek, I’m going through the same process but from the UK. (I’m an American with a long term residency permit in the UK). The consulate I have to go to and deal with is in Edinburgh and they have been far from helpful. When I submitted my paperwork, they gave me a receipt so that I could track the progress online. Did you have access to that as well? The reason I ask, is I’m a bit worried that they have filled out the wrong form for me even though I too filled out the national visa application. When I check online, there is a PDF of my ‘application’ that the consulate typed in based on my application that I turned in. The application does not say National Visa (Visado Nacional) but instead says Schengen Visa (solidited de visado schengen). It does not seem correct to me! Most of the 3rd country nationals that they deal with are probably applying for a Schengen Visa, but as an American, you don’t need one. I am so worried that it will only be a schengen visa and when I show up to get my residency permit in Spain they’ll tell me it is wrong and to go back and get what I need. So, I’m trying to correct it before they issue it to me! Thoughts?
Hey Jody – I saw something about tracking the progress online but I never checked since they told me that I would hear from them via email. So I just waited for the email. You could always call the consulate and explain what you see online and double check that it is correct. That’s really the only thing you can do – confirm it with them.
Hi Jody,
Wondering if you ever got an explaination on why your online status check showed a Schegen visa instead of a National Visa?
Thanks,
Tom
Hi Derek, do you have any insight on if a non-lucrative visa would be possible for someone who works remotely for a US company? It wouldn’t “technically” be working in Spain, but I’ve heard some consulates have denied these, wondering if Miami would be the same. Thanks so much for the awesome article!
Hey Julissa – That’s the big question that doesn’t seem to have a clear answer. I can’t speak for the Miami consulate but I’ve also heard that some people in your situation have been denied and some have been approved. Sorry I couldn’t be of more assistance.
Hey Derek, awesome news about the VISA and also can’t believe it was approved so quickly, nice!
If you are up for it once you’re done and settled there, would you mind posting an article about your experience of getting your residency card once there? I hear you have 30 days after landing to get that all sorted out…
I applied for my non lucrative just over a week ago so I’m holding thumbs now.
One other thing, did you get your NIE issued with your non lucrative?
All the best!
Hey Matthew – Absolutely! I’ll be writing a post about that as soon as I’ve completed the process. My appointment is not for another 3 weeks but if all goes well, I’ll write it soon after.
And yes, the NIE is actually printed on my visa in my passport.
Good luck and hope you get the visa quickly too!
Hi Derek:
Congrats! I envy you for being able to go through Miami. We need to go through LA and they are a LOT stricter (but not as bad as Houston!). I’m kind of dreading the LA process as you have to make an appointment online – and ONLY online – but there’s seems to be a persistent lack of appointments available. Wish I could move to Florida for a few months and take up residency!! 🙂 Still, were planning on moving to Valencia next June/July.
Jim
Hey Jim – Good luck over there with the process! Let me know how it goes. And yes, I have heard the same about the LA consulate being much stricter for some reason. Still worth it though!
Hello!
Did you guys manage to get an appointment? I have been on about 15 times. a day for months with no luck. any advice???
Hi… my husband and I just turned in our application for a “residence retiree visa” I think it’s the same as a non lucrative visa. We live in Florida and are waiting to hear back. We spent a long time getting the paper work together and were fortunate to have gotten it all correct the first time. We processed the paper work a week ago in Miami. They did not tell us how long it would take and just said they’d keep us updated by email.
Have you received your visa yet? And if so, how long did it take you to get it?
Another thing I would like to share is we were originally going to get our health insurance with Sanitas until someone who already was living in Spain said to read the policy carefully as parts of their coverage( hospitalization) is not covered for 10 months on the policy.
Be sure to read any policy carefully so your not taken by surprise if you need medical help.
Love to here back from anyone as to how long a waiting time they had in receiving their visa from Florida. Thanks , Barbie
Hey Barbie – I received an email 10 days after I applied telling me the visa was ready. I’m heading to Florida in a few days to pick it up. As for the insurance, that’s strange because you can’t apply for the visa unless you have insurance that covers hospitalization during the entire year. I know that my policy from Sanitas definitely covers it as it’s a full requirement of the visa. I attached the detailed coverage to my visa application and they said it had everything I needed.
Hello Barbie!! We are applying for our NLV Visa and all health insurance policies have a waiting period. I was told by the agents that there are no health insurance policies in all of Espana without waiting periods.
Which insurance policy did you use?
Thanks!!
Can’t thank you enough for sharing your experience…will be of great help.
Congratulations! Derek.
You shared an amazing idea…very informational.
Thank you so much for the helpful and detailed information! I’m walking my first Camino from Madrid in October and will be wondering what happens next as I hear everyone falls in love with the people and countryside. I appreciate you taking the time to document all this to help us.
Derek: thanks so much for sharing. Great information and residency in Spain is my goal!
Hey Derek,
Great info on this post and super helpful. One question that I’m having trouble finding an answer to: in terms of your residence in the US, do they always check your driver’s license as part of the process? I’m currently traveling abroad and my driver’s license is from a different state than my mailing address so I’m wondering how that will play at the Spanish consulate when I go to drop off my documentation. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Hey Diego – I honestly don’t know 100% but I do know that they wanted to see my driver’s license in order to confirm my address. You could always email the consulate as well and ask. I can’t speak for all of them but the Miami consulate was very quick to respond to any emails.
So, did you buy your flight ticket to Spain before the interview? how did you calculate when to travel if you didn’t know how long the process would take?
Hey Eduardo – I didn’t buy my flight ticket to Spain yet. You have to choose a date that you plan to enter Spain and generally, it should be 2-3 months in the future. But once the visa is ready, you have 90 days to enter Spain. So if the visa is ready before the date you entered, you can head to Spain early.
Hey Earl,
Congratulations on your application. My wife and I have been looking at Italy or Spain for the last 5 years and it’s time to get on with it. It should be fairly straightforward for us, we appreciate the extra boost you’ve given us.
Simply being able to fill in a department or town makes things a lot easier.
Thank you again and have a great time in Spain!
Hey David – Glad it gave you the boost and I wish you all the best with your own application!
Wow, congrats! Not gonna work with Houston consulate as they require proof of a lease for a year..or they did when I got mine in 2016.
Hey Sara – From what I’ve heard, that’s no longer needed at most consulates. I’ve talked to people who’ve applied at pretty much every consulate in the US and a letter explaining why they want to move to a particular city in Spain seems to have been sufficient. Certainly makes more sense than having to provide proof of a lease!
How exciting! I was wondering how this affects the limitations of Americans to travel within Schengen region? You’ll be carrying an American passport, so what saves you from the restrictions of only being in Schengen region for 90 our of 180 days….without your Spain days counting? Or, even flying between EU zones? Do you stand in the ‘Citizen’ immigration line or the ‘tourist’ immigration line? This visa is great and simple if you only intend to stay in Spain, but can you expand on the ramifications or benefits outside Spain’s borders? Thanks.
Hey Maria – The visa doesn’t really help with the Schengen area apart from having your days in Spain not being counted towards the 90 days.
As for which line you stand in when entering Spain, to be honest, I’m not sure. But I’ll guess that it’s still the line for non-EU citizens (if you have a passport from outside the EU) and then you would hand over the residency card when at the desk. In the end, the visa is indeed designed for those who want to spend more time in Spain. It’s not designed to help foreigners spend more time in the Schengen zone. For that, you would need to look at other visa options if you simply wanted to stay in the Schengen zone for more than 90 days.
Thanks Derek. I was thinking more about what the impact would be for those who do get the Spanish visa but want to pop up to France or Germany for a few days. If Spanish dates don’t count, then that is advantageous. Thanks for clarifying.
Earl – thank you thank you thank you. I have been procrastinating on getting a Visa forever. Both my husband, I and little dog are ready and your post came at just the right time. Thank you Earl!!!!
Hey Christine – My pleasure and let me know if any questions arise as you begin the process!
Thanks for the insight! Do you know if bank statements need to show that you have 26k euro for the 12 months? Or what exactly are they looking for. Q
Hey Priscilla – You don’t need to have 26k in the accounts for the entire 12 month period before you apply. However, you cannot have 10k and then suddenly 1 month before you apply, the statements show 26k. It needs to be a reasonable growth in funds over the 12 months that ends with having at least 26k in the account at the time you apply.
Earl – you wrote – “Sanitas and ended up paying about 70 Euros per month” – instead of me asking what does it cover, Ill ask, what to your knowledge does it not cover?. We are both in very good health ” no issues” no meds at all.
Hey Robert – It’s quite comprehensive actually. If you go to the Sanitas websit, it’s the “Mas Salud” plan. In your case, you should be covered for pretty much anything that might happen as you’ll see.
I’ve been looking at this Visa for sometime –this breakdown was so extremely helpful! Thanks for sharing your experiance; figure it’s time to start procrastinating. 🙂
Sure thing Kelly! Good luck with applying and definitely time to make it happen!