Living in Spain without working: Why Britons are scrambling for this visa, and who can apply

A stark rise in applications for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa, or NLV, has been reported by Spanish consulates based in the UK. The rise in demand for the visa has been a direct result of Brexit, as Britons can now only spend 90 days in any rolling 180-day period within Schengen countries, unless they are able to obtain residency.

What is the Non-Lucrative Visa?

The NLV allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain without needing to work as long as they can demonstrate an annual income of some €28,800–€30,000, plus €7,200 per spouse, civil partner, or child, and obtain private health insurance. To put it simply, the NLV allows non-EU foreigners to move to Spain with relatively little paperwork and bureaucracy hoop-jumping, provided they can prove they have enough money to live without working.

According to law firms that specialise in relocation, enquiries about the visa are up around 60 per cent year on year, the majority of demand coming from retirees and digital nomads with substantial passive income. 

Living in Spain without having to work: Why the NLV is so attractive to Britons

The NLV is attractive to Britons for various reasons: digital nomads, or someone who works remotely and can work from anywhere, might find it a more appealing option compared to Spain’s Digital Nomad Visa, which implies more demanding tax obligations. Retirees who are no longer working but have enough passive income or savings to live in Spain for at least a year may also take up the offer.

Additionally, those who have the funds may opt for the visa rather than deal with Schengen’s often-confusing 90/180 day rule, which states that non-EU visitors can stay in the Schengen Area for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period, after which they must leave until enough days have passed to stay again.

Spain has long been the destination of choice for many Britons, not only for relaxing holidays, but for emigrating and purchasing homes. UK nationals make up a vast majority of visiting foreigners on an annual basis in Spain, and they also represent a large part of the buyers for properties, particularly in hotspot real estate areas like the Balearic Islands, the Costa del Sol, and the Costa Blanca.

How do I apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa and what are the requirements?

UK nationals can apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa at a Spanish consulate in their country of residence (not from Spain as a tourist).

The requirements, according to the Spanish Government, include:

1. Filling out the national visa application form.
2. Filling out a non-working residence visa application (EX-01) form.
3. Photograph (a recent, passport-size, colour photograph, taken against a light background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the oval of the face).
4. Holding a valid, unexpired passport with a minimum validity period of 1 year and containing two blank pages.
5. Proof of financial means. The applicant must submit originals and a copy of the documents proving that they have sufficient financial means to cover the expenses of residing in Spain for the initial year of the residence permit, or proving that they have a regular source of income, for themselves and, where applicable, for dependent family members, including spouses, civil partners, and children under 18 or children who are financially dependent regardless of age.
6. Health insurance with a public or private entity authorised to operate in Spain.
7. Criminal record check certificate from countries of residence over the past five years.
8. Medical certificate.
9. Proof of residence in the area where the Spanish Consulate is located. ​
10. Payment of fees.

Experts advise applicants to begin the application process six months in advance before they plan to move. It is also recommended to budget for around €2,000 in translation and legalisation fees, and ensure they maintain the required income throughout the process.