Visa Process

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

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Purpose: For non-EU citizens who wish to reside in Spain without engaging in any professional or economic activities.

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Requirements:

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✔ Financial Means: Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves without working in Spain. The required amount is based on the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples).

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• Main Applicant: 400% of the IPREM (€28,800 annually or €2,400 monthly).

• Each Additional Family Member: 100% of the IPREM (€7,200 annually or €600 monthly per dependent).

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✔ Health Insurance: Private health insurance with full coverage in Spain, without co-payments, from an insurer authorized to operate in Spain.

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✔ Clean Criminal Record: Certificate from the applicant's country of origin or any country where they have resided in the past five years, issued within three months prior to the application.

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✔ Medical Certificate: A document confirming the applicant does not have any diseases that could pose a threat to public health, issued within 90 days before the application.

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Application Steps aka How Our Advisors Can Help Reduce The Workload and Headaches:

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1. Schedule an Appointment – Contact the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of residence.

2. Prepare Documentation – Gather all required documents, ensuring they are translated into Spanish by a sworn translator and, where necessary, apostilled.

3. Submit Application – Attend the appointment to submit your application and provide biometric data.

4. Await Decision – The consulate typically processes applications within one to three months.

5. Visa Collection – If approved, collect your visa within one month of notification.

6. Travel to Spain – Enter Spain within the visa's validity period (usually three months - 90 days)

7. Obtain TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) – Within one month of arrival, apply for the TIE at the local immigration office or police station.

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Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)

• Initial Validity: 1 year

• Renewals: Can be renewed for 2 more years at a time. After 5 years, you may apply for permanent residency in Spain.

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Financial Proof for NLV Renewal (After the First Year)

Since the renewal grants a 2-year residence permit, applicants must show they have sufficient funds to cover two full years instead of just one.

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• Main Applicant: 400% of IPREM for two years

  • €28,800/year × 2 years = €57,600

• Each Additional Family Member: 100% of IPREM for two years

  • €7,200/year × 2 years = €14,400 per dependent

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Ways to Prove Financial Means

✔ Bank statements showing a balance that meets the requirement
✔ Passive income (investments, rental income, dividends, pensions)
✔ Proof of savings covering the required amount

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Costs of Renewal

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💰 Renewal Fee: ~€80–€225, depending on the region
💰 TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) Renewal Fee: ~€16

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After 5 Years: Permanent Residency

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Once an NLV holder has legally resided in Spain for 5 years, they can apply for permanent residency.

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✔ No need to prove financial means anymore
✔ Allows living in Spain indefinitely (but still no right to work)
✔ Renewal required every 5 years instead of every 2 years
💰 Permanent Residency Application Fee: ~€80–€150

Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)

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Purpose: Designed for non-EU citizens who work remotely for non-Spanish companies or have clients predominantly outside Spain.

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Requirements:

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✔ Employment Status:

• Employees: Proof of at least three months of employment with a company outside Spain, which has been operational for at least one year. A letter from the employer authorizing remote work from Spain is also required.

• Self-Employed/Freelancers: Proof of a professional relationship with clients outside Spain for at least three months, along with contracts or agreements detailing the terms.

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✔ Financial Means: Applicants must demonstrate an income of at least 200% of the Spanish minimum wage (SMI).

• As of 2025: The SMI is €1,184 across 14 payments annually, totaling €16,576 per year.

• Income Requirement: 200% of the SMI (€2,762 per month).

• For Family Members: An additional 75% of the SMI (€1,035.99) for a spouse and 25% of the SMI (€345.33) for each additional dependent per month.

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✔ Health Insurance: Private health insurance with full coverage in Spain, without co-payments, from an insurer authorized to operate in Spain.

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✔ Clean Criminal Record: Certificate from the applicant's country of origin or any country where they have resided in the past five years, issued within three months prior to the application. This will be obtained from the FBI, known as the "rap sheet" in USA.

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✔ Qualifications: A university degree, vocational training certificate, or proof of at least three years of professional experience in the relevant field.

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Application Steps (Where We Can Help)

1. Determine Application Location:

   • From Abroad: Apply at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of residence.

   • From Spain: Enter Spain on a tourist visa and apply within the first 90 days.

2. Prepare Documentation – Gather all required documents, ensuring they are translated into Spanish by a sworn translator and, where necessary, apostilled.

3. Submit Application:

   • From Abroad: Attend the consulate appointment to submit your application and provide biometric data.

   • From Spain: Submit your application to the UGE (Unidad de Grandes Empresas y Colectivos Estratégicos).

4. Await Decision – Processing time is typically 20 business days.

5. Visa Collection and Travel:

   • If Applied from Abroad: Collect your visa and travel to Spain within its validity period.

   • If Applied from Spain: Once approved, your residence permit will be issued without the need to leave the country.

6. Obtain TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) – Within one month of approval, apply for the TIE at the local immigration office or police station.

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Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) Renewal & Costs

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After the initial validity period (1 year if applied from abroad, 3 years if applied from Spain), Digital Nomad Visa holders can apply for renewal. The renewal extends the residence permit for 2 more years.

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✔ When to Apply: 60 days before expiration or up to 90 days after
✔ Where to Apply: Online via Spain’s immigration portal or at the local Extranjería office
✔ Processing Time: Typically 20 business days

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Financial Proof for Renewal

Applicants must still meet the financial income requirements, proving sufficient income for each year of renewal.

• Main Applicant: 200% of the SMI (€2,762/month)

  • €33,144/year × 2 years = €66,288 total

• Spouse/Partner: 75% of the SMI (€1,035.99/month)

  • €12,431.88/year × 2 years = €24,863.76 total

• Each Additional Dependent: 25% of the SMI (€345.33/month)

  • €4,143.96/year × 2 years = €8,287.92 total per dependent

✔ Income must come primarily from non-Spanish clients/employers (max 20% from Spanish clients).
✔ Proof can include bank statements, invoices, tax returns, and contracts.

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Costs of Renewal

💰 Renewal Fee: ~€80–€225, depending on the region
💰 TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) Renewal Fee: ~€16

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After 5 Years: Permanent Residency

Once a Digital Nomad Visa holder has legally resided in Spain for 5 years, they can apply for permanent residency.

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✔ Allows living and working in Spain without restrictions
✔ Renewal required every 5 years instead of every 2 years