The decision by the Spanish government to scrap the "Golden Visa" came as a blow for many British citizens hit by the post Brexit paperwork mountain but there is another way that you can reside in Spain with minimal paperwork as long as you don´t need to work.
The non-lucrative visa is a Spanish residence permit that allows non-European Union citizens to live in Spain for a year, without the ability to work. If you have sufficient funds and are not planning to undertake any type of economic activity, this visa could be the best option for you.
Spain’s non-lucrative visa is most ideal for: Foreigners who would like to retire in the country, fresh graduates who would like to do a gap year, non-EU citizens that have enough funds to live abroad without working, Those who would like the possibly to get a work permit in the future.
This new visa has proved popular since the demuse of the Golden Visa earlier this year which allowed non-European Union citizens to gain residence through the purchase of a home. Official figures released this week indicate that hundreds of Golden Visa applications were processed before the system was scrapped in April.
Spain is one of the most popular retirement places in the world attracting foreigners from across the globe.
How to apply for a non-lucrative VISA
GENERAL INFORMATION
Visa to reside in Spain without carrying out any gainful (work or professional) activity, provided that the applicant has sufficient and guaranteed means to live on. This visa does not constitute a work permit.
The following family members may also obtain the visa: The spouse or unmarried partner. Dependent children and dependent relatives in the ascending line who form part of the family unit.
Required documents
1. National visa application form. Each applicant must complete and sign a visa application, filling in each of its sections.
2. Non-working residence visa application form. Each applicant must complete and sign a copy of the EX-01 form, filling in each of its sections. Follow the instructions.
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.Valid, unexpired passport. The original and a photocopy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data must be submitted. The passport must have a minimum validity period of 1 year and contain two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.
5. Proof of financial means. The applicant must submit the 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 accrediting that they have a regular source of income, for themselves and, where applicable, for the family members accompanying them. The minimum required amount is equivalent to 400% of Spain's Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). To this amount must be added 100% of the IPREM for each family member in the applicant's care.
Residency applicants cannot have/leave loans or mortgages in the United States when applying for residency in Spain.
Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
6. Health insurance. Original and a copy of the certificate accrediting the public or private health insurance with no co-pay (or deductible) contracted with an insurance entity authorized to operate in Spain. The insurance policy must be valid for 1 year and must cover all the beneficiaries of the visa for the risks insured by Spain's public health system. No travel insurances with medical assistance coverage will be accepted.
7.Criminal record check certificate. Applicants of legal age who apply for a visa for a stay of more than 180 days must submit the original and a copy of the criminal record check certificate(s) issued by their country or countries of residence for the past 5 years.
Obtain a background check verified by fingerprint comparison. This document is valid for a maximum of 90 days after the issue date mentioned on it. It must be legalized with the "Apostille of The Hague" and then translated into Spanish in order to be accepted.
The background check can be issued by:
8.Medical certificate. Applicants requiring a visa for a stay of more than 180 days must submit the original and a copy of a medical certificate accrediting that they do not suffer from any disease that could cause serious repercussions for public health pursuant to the 2005 International Health Regulations. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish.
9.I.D. Card that proves your place of residence is within the jurisdiction of the Spanish Consulate of Los Angeles (original and photocopy). Jurisdiction extends through Southern California (Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties), Arizona, Colorado and Utah. You can provide one of the following documents: U.S. Driver license, State I.D. card, Voter’s Registration Card, current Student I.D.
U.S. Resident Alien Card or valid U.S. long term Visa. (original and photocopy): Holders of B-1 and B-2 Visas cannot apply in the United States; they must apply in their country of residence or country of origin. Applicants holding Student Visas must also present their I-20 signed by the university on the last page and a copy of their F-1 Visa.
10.Visa and residence permit fees. To pay the fee for the residence permit at the Consular Office, the applicant must complete all the fields of, and sign, two copies of form 790 code 052, ticking box 2.1 (initial temporary residence permit).