Hi :) Non-Lucrative Visa

Hi everyone,  

I’m considering moving to Spain and I’ve heard about the Non-Lucrative Visa as an option for living there without working. I’m still a bit confused about the process and would love to hear from people who have already gone through it:  

- Do you apply directly at the Spanish consulate in your country, or once you’re in Spain?  
- Which documents are the hardest to get approved?  
- How long does it usually take to receive a decision?  
- Is the renewal after the first year complicated?  

While researching I came across this guide about the Non-Lucrative Visa that explains the requirements and steps. It helped me understand some things, but I’d like to know if it matches your real experiences.  

You must apply for a NLV from your home country, not in Spain.

BLS Spanish visas handle all applications and you can check on their site what is required and which consulate will deal with it. 

Just enter your country and your county and they will link you to the correct consulate. You need an income of €28,800 for the first applicant and €7,200 for the second and subsequent ones. You require medical care which can be a private health policy or public provided if you are over pensionable age and receiving a state pension with an S1.

Decisions are made within 2 months but it can take longer than that if there is anything that needs confirming or shorter if it goes through.. You need a medical certificate stating you have no communicable diseases and a police records check. The BLS site shows you what you need and the consulate site will show you how to get them and how to translate everything to Spanish which is required. Translations must be officially apolstilled and not Google tranlsated.

Renewal after the first year is exactly the same as the initial one but from Spain. Year 2 must show double the required income to last  for 2 years. 

Once it has been approved, the time to move to Spain and apply for residency has been extended to one year.

Best of luck.