How to get the spanish non-lucrative visa

One of the main advantages of the non-lucrative visa for Spain is its straightforward application procedure. The process is divided into two parts: the initial visa application in your country of origin and obtaining the residence card once you enter Spain.

Visa application

You must apply for this residence authorization in your country of origin or where you have legal residency. Entering Spain as a tourist will not allow you to complete the procedure; you must start from outside the country in all cases.

First, submit all relevant documents to the Spanish Consulate (details on required documents are in the next section) which will then forward the application on to Spain. The government delegation In Spain responsible for reviewing applications has one month to respond. If you do not receive a response within this period, the request is considered rejected due to “administrative silence.”

Once you receive an approval, the visa will be stamped in your passport, allowing you to proceed to the next step: traveling to Spain. Despite the 3 months validity of your visa, we recommend travelling to Spain within the first month to complete the local steps in Spain.

Obtaining the TIE (foreigner’s identity card)

With your visa, you can enter Spain freely. We recommend entering directly into Spain, if possible, avoiding a layover in a different Schengen country. You do not need to obtain a NIE number upon arrival, as this identification number will already be stamped on your visa.

Upon arrival in Spain, your first step is to register in the municipality where you will be living. Within one month, you must go to a police station to register your fingerprints and receive your TIE or foreigner’s identity card.

You will be able to enter the country and receive your residence card within 40 days. On the day you enter Spain with your valid visa, you become a legal resident, and your time in Spain starts counting towards obtaining citizenship. The validity of the initial permit will be one year from the time you travel to Spain with the visa.

Documents to apply for the non-lucrative visa in Spain

To apply for the non-lucrative residency visa, you will need the following documents:

• National Visa Form
• Residence Application Form EX-01
• Medical Insurance: This must be from a Spanish company and private.
• Bank Certificate: Proof of over €28,800 per year.
• Photos: 3×4 cm with a white background.
• Original Passport
• Medical Certificate: Demonstrating that you do not suffer from any recognized diseases that would prevent your entry into Spain.
• Criminal Records: Properly translated and legalized. [Learn more about obtaining this certificate here].
• Family’s birth and marriage certificates.

How to renew the non-lucrative permit in Spain

A common question is what happens after the initial one-year period of the non-lucrative visa. You have two options:

1. Renew your non-lucrative residency: If you continue to meet the conditions (such as having 800% of the IPREM in your bank account and a private insurance policy), you can renew your visa. Please remember that, for the renewal, you must prove sufficient funds for two years, not just one, as the renewal period is two years.
2. Change to a work permit: you can also convert your initial authorization into a work permit, either to work for a company or to become self-employed.

Non-lucrative visa costs and taxes in Spain

When holding a non-lucrative visa, you need to consider the following tax implications:

Tax residency: if you decide to stay in Spain for at least 183 days, which is no more a requirement to renew your visa, you will become a tax resident. This means you will have to pay income tax on your worldwide income. However, double taxation agreements can prevent you from paying taxes twice on the same income. Please note that there are special considerations to keep in mind for US citizens; our tax experts can assist in determining the obligations and implications.

Capital gains tax: if you invest in company shares and generate a profit or you sell your property outside of Spain, you will need to pay capital gains tax.

Property taxes: if you buy property, there may be additional taxes associated with the transaction.

For a detailed list of all the taxes you will need to pay as a foreigner and their respective percentages, it is best to consult with our tax lawyers for personalized advice.