Navigating the financial aspects of relocating to a new country is crucial, and understanding “what is Spain’s money” is just the beginning. For those considering Spain for residency without engaging in gainful employment, demonstrating sufficient financial resources is a primary requirement. This guide, tailored for prospective residents, outlines the necessary documentation and financial thresholds for obtaining a Spanish non-lucrative residence visa, ensuring a smooth transition to life in Spain.
Understanding the Non-Lucrative Residence Visa
Spain’s non-lucrative residence visa caters to individuals who wish to reside in Spain without working. This visa is ideal for retirees, individuals with passive income, or those with sufficient savings. It’s important to note that this visa does not grant permission to work in Spain. Family members, including spouses or unmarried partners, dependent children, and dependent ascending relatives, can also apply under the same visa.
Essential Documents for Your Application
To successfully apply for a Spanish non-lucrative residence visa, you must prepare and submit a comprehensive set of documents. These documents serve to verify your identity, financial stability, health status, and adherence to Spanish legal requirements.
1. National Visa Application Form
Begin by completing the official national visa application form. Ensure all sections are filled accurately and honestly. Each applicant, including family members, needs to submit their own form.
2. Non-Working Residence Visa Application Form (EX-01)
Alongside the national visa application, you must also complete and sign the EX-01 form, specifically for non-working residence permits. This form requires detailed personal information and the reason for your residency application. Refer to the provided instructions to ensure correct completion.
3. Passport-Sized Photograph
Include a recent, passport-sized color photograph. The photograph should be taken against a light background, showing your face clearly without any obstructions like dark glasses or head coverings that conceal facial features.
4. Valid Passport
Your original passport and a photocopy of the biometric data pages are required. Ensure your passport is valid for at least one year from your application date and has at least two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years prior to the application date are not acceptable.
5. Proof of Financial Means: Demonstrating “What is Spain’s Money” Sufficiency
A critical aspect of the application is proving you have sufficient financial resources to live in Spain without working. You must provide original documents and copies demonstrating you possess adequate funds to cover living expenses for the first year of residency. Alternatively, you can prove a regular source of income.
The minimum required amount is equivalent to 400% of Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM). For each accompanying family member, an additional 100% of the IPREM is required. IPREM, or Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples, is an index used in Spain as a reference for granting aid, subsidies, or unemployment benefits. Understanding IPREM helps clarify “what is Spain’s money” in the context of required financial resources for residency.
Acceptable documentation includes official statements with stamps and seals from issuing agencies verifying your economic means or certifying non-working monthly income like pensions.
For applicants of working age, pension receipts or a termination letter from an employer (or affidavit for self-employed individuals stating non-engagement in work in Spain) are necessary. Retirees should provide proof of a state pension in convertible currency, a life annuity, or investment account statements. Bank statements from the last three months and the last tax return should also be included. It is also important to note that applicants generally should not have outstanding loans or mortgages in their home country when applying for Spanish residency.
Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and accompanied by official Spanish translations.
6. Health Insurance
You must provide an original certificate and a copy of health insurance. This insurance must be a public or private policy with no co-pay or deductible, provided by an insurer authorized to operate in Spain. The policy must be valid for one year and cover all visa beneficiaries for risks covered by the Spanish public health system. Travel insurance policies with medical assistance coverage are not accepted.
7. Criminal Record Check Certificate
Applicants over legal age applying for stays exceeding 180 days must submit original and copy of criminal record certificates from their country/countries of residence for the past five years. The background check, verified by fingerprint comparison, must be issued within 90 days of application, legalized with the Apostille of The Hague, and officially translated into Spanish. In the U.S., this is typically obtained from the FBI and apostilled by the Secretary of State in Washington D.C.
8. Medical Certificate
For stays longer than 180 days, a medical certificate (original and copy) is required, attesting that you do not suffer from any disease that could pose a public health risk according to the 2005 International Health Regulations. Foreign medical documents also require legalization/apostille and official Spanish translation.
9. Proof of Residence within the Consulate’s Jurisdiction
Provide an original and photocopy of an I.D. card confirming your residence within the jurisdiction of the Spanish Consulate of Los Angeles. Acceptable documents include a U.S. Driver’s license, State I.D. card, Voter’s Registration Card, or current Student I.D. Jurisdiction includes Southern California, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah. U.S. Resident Alien Cards or valid U.S. long-term visas are also required. B-1 and B-2 visa holders cannot apply in the U.S. and must apply in their country of residence or origin. Student visa holders need to provide their I-20 form and a copy of their F-1 visa.
10. Visa and Residence Permit Fees
Pay the required visa and residence permit fees. Complete and sign two copies of form 790 code 052, ticking box 2.1 for the initial temporary residence permit. Payments at the Consular Office in Los Angeles are accepted via money order only, payable to the “Consulate General of Spain Los Angeles.” Online payment is also possible via form 790-052, and proof of online payment must be attached to your application.
Procedure for Visa Application
Applications must be submitted in person at the BLS Visa service center for Spain in Los Angeles. Appointments are necessary and can be made online. Ensure you apply within the correct consular jurisdiction. The Consulate may request additional documents or an interview if needed. The decision period is legally up to 3 months, but may be extended. Visas must be collected in person within one month of approval notification.
Visa refusal decisions will be provided in writing with reasons for denial. Appeals can be submitted for reconsideration within one month, or judicial review can be sought at the High Court of Justice of Madrid within two months. The visa is valid for 90 days upon issuance. Upon entering Spain, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card within one month at the Foreign Nationals’ Office or Police Station.
Conclusion: Securing Your Spanish Residence
Understanding the financial requirements and documentation is key to a successful Spanish non-lucrative visa application. While “what is Spain’s money” in terms of currency is straightforward (Euro), demonstrating financial stability according to Spanish regulations is crucial for your residency aspirations. By meticulously preparing the required documents and understanding the financial thresholds based on IPREM, you can navigate the visa process effectively and take a significant step towards your new life in Spain.
