The non-lucrative residence residency is a Spanish visa available to non-EU citizens who have sufficient economic means to stay in the country without engaging in any work or professional activity. It is one of the easiest routes to permanent residency in Spain, provided you meet the income/savings conditions. You can also use it to bring your family with you.

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Upon residing in Spain for a consecutive period of 5 years, you may apply for permanent residency status during your third renewal. You will be issued with a 10 year card and you will be entitkled to access the Spanish State Healthcare system, obtain travel discounts, and various benefits enjoyed by Spanish citizens and permanent residents.

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Who are qualified to get this visa?

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To qualify for permanent residency in Spain, you must have resided in the country continuously for at least five years without being absent for more than six months in any given year. Additionally, your total absences over the five-year period must not exceed 10 months. After obtaining permanent residency, the allowable absence period extends to 12 consecutive months or a total of 6 years within the 10-year validity of your residency card.

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Also, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself  and any accompanying family members. As of 2024, the required income is approximately 2,400€ per month for a single applicant and an additional 600€ per month for each family member.

 

Previously, temporary residency could be revoked if absent for over six months in a residency year, but this rule has been overturned. Note that local offices may have varying interpretations of the law, leading to lengthy and expensive appeals if rejected. Staying in Spain during the initial five years to secure permanent residency is a more secure option.

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What are documents required

 

• Full Passport

• Passport-sized photos

• Proof of Financial Means

• Medical Insurance

• Medical Certificate

• Criminal Record Certificate

• Birth Certificate

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​When to present the application?

Anytime as soon as you gather all the documents.

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​​​How long is the process?

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The processing time for a Non-Lucrative Visa can vary, but it generally takes around 2 to 3 months from the submission of your applicaton to receiving a decision.

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The time can be influence by factors such as the volume of applications being processed and the compeleteness and accuracy of your submitted documents.

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What if my visa request is rejected?

 

There are many reasons why a visa application might be rejected. We strongly recommend that you check the official website of the consulate from your region, to ensure that you have the most up to date and correct information before you start.

 

If you are rejected, there is a right of appeal against the decision. In this case it is advisable to take appropriate legal advice from a qualified lawyer with experience in immigration law.

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What are the pros and cons with this type of visa?​

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Pros:

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1. Quality of Life: Enjoy Spain's rich culture, beautiful landscapes, and pleasant climate.

2. Healthcare: Access to Spain’s high-quality healthcare system.

3. Education: If you have children, they can attend schools in Spain.

4. Travel: Easy access to other EU countries for travel without needing a visa.

5. Language: Immersing yourself in Spanish can be a rewarding experience.

Cons:

1. No Work: You're not allowed to work or engage in any professional activities, which means you need sufficient passive income.

2. Financial Proof: Strict requirements to prove you can support yourself financially.

3. Renewal: The visa needs to be renewed after the first year, and then every two years, which can be a bureaucratic process.

4. Taxes: You may become a tax resident in Spain, potentially complicating your tax situation.

5. Integration: Adapting to a new culture and language can be challenging.

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What Is the Duration of a Non-Lucrative Visa?

 

A Spanish non-lucrative visa is valid for three months and 15 days. During this time, you need to apply for a residence permit. The non-lucrative visa residence permit is initially valid for two years.

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If you have stayed in Spain for at least six months in the last two years with a non-lucrative visa, you can apply for a renewal of the permit for another five years. After you have lived in Spain for five years, you qualify for a permanent residence permit.

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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​What service do our office provide?

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Our lawyers are national based so we present applications from all Spain. 

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• Informing about the requirements and steps

• Preparing the application and taxes.

• Tracking the application 

• Informing you of the result

• Preparing the documents for the finger print

• Getting the cita for the finger print

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​​How to give us the documents?

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We present applications for applicants in all Spain and abroad) so you can bring your documents to our office and we will be glad to greet you personally or you can send to us your documents via email to info@msmlegalconsulting.es or via whatsapp.

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