My girlfriend and I are trying to figure out our next travel destination. I’m not much of a traditional traveler but we do enjoy living in new places. In a way, we are long-term travelers. We prefer to live in a place long enough to feel like we have settled in. For this reason, she’s applying for a non-lucrative visa for Spain.
The process hasn’t changed much. That’s really all I can say about it for those who are looking for any updated information for this wonderful visa.
I obtained my non-lucrative visa in 2018. I renewed it twice already and I’m in my first year of the 2nd renewal. When you renew you get 2 years.
The Non-lucrative Visa
The purpose of this visa is to allow you to live in Spain for 1 year and not have to have a job. You can work online – nobody can stop you but that’s not the point.
Some consulates will want you to not work online. Others are okay as long as you’re not employed. And, no matter what, your online earned income can’t be used to show your economic solvency.
Most physicians who are using the non-lucrative visa option are showing their economic solvency with a savings account. If you have enough money in it you will qualify for the visa.
We are applying for her at the San Francisco consulate which has their requirements listed in this PDF document.
Requirements for the Non-lucrative Visa
Each consulate is different and you may have to email them for an appointment. You’ll submit everything online before they give you an in-person appointment. The fee is around $160 which can be cash or money order.
1. Health Insurance
You’ll need to purchase health insurance in Spain. You can do this once you have your appointment confirmed by the consulate. It has to be a plan with no deductibles. It seems to be somewhere around 80 euros a month.
2. Economic Solvency
You have to show a monthly income or a lump sum that satisfies the proof of sufficient funds.
When in doubt contact the consulate to discuss the details with them. Most consulates won’t require your bank statement to be translated.
3. FBI Report
This has a very fast turnaround time. Once you obtain it then you send it for a federal stamp of Hague and you’ll need to bring that original with you to your appointment.
The Hague came back in just 2 weeks for us during the pandemic.
4. Letter of Intent
This has to state why you want to visit and what you will be doing while in Spain. Things like learning the culture and language seem to be accepted.
It has to be translated.
5. Visa Application Forms
These are the different applications you have to fill out which are listed on the consulate website for the non-lucrative visa. They don’t change much but be sure to download the copy they have linked to.
6. Passport
You’ll have to part with your passport for at least 2 weeks. It looks like it’s taking about 2 weeks for them to stamp your passport with the visa before giving it back to you.
7. Medical Certificate
This is something a doctor has to write for you to say that you are clinically okay. People are using telemedicine for this so you don’t have to be seen in person.
2 replies on “Applying for a Non-Lucrative Visa 2022”
Hi Doc, I asked a few questions on a you tube page, but I have another—I also am going to the SF consulate. What I read on their page is that all has to be hand delivered in person, AFTER they give an appointment to do so. On my instructions, they give the choice of a state background check or an FBI. Could you recommend a healthcare broker? I also found that a lot of their links go to an ERROR page. great. When I get the visa, can I do the the next step in the city I go to , or do I have to check in at the Madrid office?— If I fill out the Spanish version of the application in Spanish, Do I still need to take it to the translator? Sorry for all the questions— I have paid for a course staring in September, in Sevilla . and Im just praying I can get there by October at least. Un abrazo fuerte,
You can do everything at whatever city you go to – you don’t ever have to go to Madrid for anything. Sanitas is the cheapest but I’m sure you might have some luck with Adeslas as well. If you fill in the Spanish version you never need a translator. Genial – que vayas bien.