The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa allows individuals to reside in Spain for over 90 days without working. Applicants need to show stable income, healthcare coverage, and a clean record.
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is a long-term residence visa that allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to live in Spain without engaging in any form of paid employment or professional activities. This visa is ideal for retirees, individuals with independent financial means, or those who want to spend an extended period in Spain without working. Here’s a detailed overview:
1. Purpose of the Visa
- Residency Without Employment: The primary purpose of the Non-Lucrative Visa is to enable individuals to reside in Spain without needing to work. It is designed for people who can support themselves financially without earning an income in Spain. This visa is often chosen by retirees, those taking a sabbatical, or individuals with sufficient passive income from investments, pensions, or savings.
2. Key Requirements
- Financial Independence: Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support themselves and any dependents. The minimum amount required is 400% of the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples) annually for the primary applicant, with additional funds required for dependents.
- Private Health Insurance: Comprehensive private health insurance that covers all medical expenses in Spain is mandatory. The policy must be from a provider authorized to operate in Spain and should have no co-payments or deductibles.
- Clean Criminal Record: A police clearance certificate from the applicant’s home country (and any other countries where they have lived) is required to prove that they have no serious criminal convictions.
- Medical Certificate: Applicants must provide a medical certificate confirming that they do not have any diseases that could pose a risk to public health.
3. Duration and Renewal
- Initial One-Year Visa: The Non-Lucrative Visa is initially granted for one year. During this time, visa holders must reside in Spain for more than 183 days to maintain their residency status.
- Renewal: After the first year, the visa can be renewed for an additional two years, and then further renewed every two years. After five years of continuous residence in Spain, visa holders can apply for permanent residency.
4. No Employment Allowed
- Work Restriction: Visa holders are not permitted to engage in any paid employment or professional activities in Spain. The visa is strictly for residency purposes, without the right to work.
Summary
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is a long-term residence visa for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who wish to live in Spain without working. It requires proof of financial independence, private health insurance, a clean criminal record, and a medical certificate. Initially granted for one year, the visa can be renewed and can lead to permanent residency after five years of continuous residence. This visa is ideal for retirees and individuals who can support themselves without employment in Spain.