Today I’m going to share information about non-profit residency. We will discuss what non-profit residency in Spain entails, who can apply for this type of residency, the basic requirements that must be met, how to prove these basic requirements, and what benefits you get with non-profit residency.
Before delving into the details, I want to remind you that Esabogadoextranjeria.com has the best lawyers specialized in immigration law. We handle all types of immigration procedures. Find your immigration lawyer with us. We are experts in Spanish Nationality, Residency, and many other procedures, so don’t hesitate to present your case to us.
Non-profit residency in Spain
What is non-profit residency?
It’s a temporary residency authorization that foreign citizens can apply for in their home country or country of legal residence to come and live in Spain without engaging in paid work.
Who could apply for non-profit residency in Spain?
Retired individuals, pensioners, entrepreneurs who have already earned their income and resources in their home country and want to come to Spain to live peacefully with their families. If they are entrepreneurs, they may analyze the market for possible business expansion while residing in Spain regularly as a path to obtaining Spanish citizenship.
One of the benefits is for professionals, for example, doctors who want to access a residency position. It is more convenient to come with a non-profit residency. Since the number of available positions for resident citizens is higher, or for people who have acquired wealth with savings in their bank accounts from an inheritance or have some real estate properties that they can sell, they can demonstrate savings with bank balances in their accounts.
Advantages offered by non-profit residency in Spain
Here are some advantages provided by non-profit residency in Spain:
- You can bring your family: With this visa, you can bring your family from the moment you settle in the country, although you must demonstrate that you have the required financial means to support them.
- It allows for long-term residency and subsequent nationality: Initially, non-profit residency in Spain grants a 1-year residency permit, so you will need to renew it if you wish to continue in Spain. The first and second renewals grant a validity of 2 years each. The third renewal grants a validity of 5 years. Therefore, you can obtain Spanish nationality, as the years of renewing the non-profit residency count towards it. For example, if your country of origin is Ibero-American, when you reach 2 years, you can apply for Spanish nationality.
- With non-profit residency, you can study and do internships, but keep in mind that internships cannot be paid.
- You can travel freely throughout Europe: Another advantage of non-profit residency in Spain is that you can travel throughout the Schengen area freely and without restrictions.
Requirements for non-profit residency visa in Spain
The requirements for non-profit residency renewal are essentially as follows:
- Demonstrate sufficient financial means that are required. For example, the amounts of the public reference index for minimum income in Spain, which is 400 percent of the IPREM. The 400% of the monthly IPREM required is around 2,200 euros, but you must demonstrate the minimum and a little more. If you can demonstrate more, it’s even better. So, these regular fixed monthly incomes, but if you’re in the case of demonstrating only savings because the regular fixed incomes are not so regular, then they require this 400% annually, which is a minimum of 26,000 euros. If you can demonstrate more, it’s much better. So, this is the basic requirement.
- The other requirement is to have no criminal record in the countries where you have resided in the last five years. If you want to know how to prove these requirements, you first submit your application with a complete copy of your passport, certificates of no criminal record from these countries where you have resided in the last five years with their Hague Apostille.
- Complete private health insurance, without waiting periods, without copayments for medical care, hospitalization in Spain, and especially a certificate of good health.
- The financial means you have.
- The last requirement, and the heart of this type of non-profit residency, is that you can demonstrate with bank certificates with your current balance, bank transactions from the last six months, to see where this money came from and that you can prove its origin. If it’s savings, but if it’s regular fixed incomes, you can prove those investments in real estate for rent or credit cards that establish the amount you have when obtaining your non-profit residency.
Documents required for non-profit residency in Spain
Here are the documents you need to obtain non-profit residency in Spain:
- Application form EX 01
- Health insurance
- Bank certificate
- Passport original
- Passport-sized photos
- Medical certificate demonstrating that you do not suffer from any illness preventing entry into the country
- Certificate of criminal record legalized and apostilled.
You can renew it for two more years after the first year, and it is a path towards applying for Spanish nationality through legal and continuous residency for more than two years. Here in Spain, this can be the benefit you can have, as well as access to those places dedicated to doctors or getting to know your market and living peacefully in Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if my financial circumstances change during my stay in Spain with the Non-Lucrative Residence?
It is important to inform the relevant authorities about any significant changes in your financial circumstances. If, for any reason, you no longer meet the financial requirements, you could face the revocation of your residence permit. Maintaining transparency and communication with the authorities is key.
Can I apply for the Non-Lucrative Residence while in Spain as a tourist?
No, the application for the Non-Lucrative Residence must be made from the country of origin or from the country where the applicant has legal residence. It is not possible to directly change from tourist status to the Non-Lucrative Residence while in Spanish territory.
Can I study while holding the Non-Lucrative Residence in Spain?
Yes, holders of the Non-Lucrative Residence can study in Spain. However, if they wish to work while studying, they will need to obtain an additional work permit, as the Non-Lucrative Residence does not authorize employment activities.
Can I work occasionally or engage in unpaid activities with the Non-Lucrative Residence in Spain?
No, the Non-Lucrative Residence prohibits any type of paid work in Spain. However, engaging in unpaid activities, such as volunteering, is allowed. It is important to strictly comply with the established labor limitations to maintain residence status.
What happens if I want to temporarily return to my home country during my stay with the Non-Lucrative Residence?
You can leave Spain and return during the validity of your non-lucrative residence permit. However, it is crucial to ensure that your residence document is valid and in order upon your return. Additionally, be mindful of renewal deadlines to avoid inconveniences.
How long does the process of applying for the Non-Lucrative Residence in Spain take?
The processing time can vary, but generally, the process of applying for the Non-Lucrative Residence in Spain can take several months. It is advisable to start the process well in advance and ensure you have all the required documents to avoid delays.
Can I apply for the Non-Lucrative Residence for my spouse and children?
Yes, spouses and minor children can be included in the application for the Non-Lucrative Residence as dependent family members. They must meet the same requirements and submit the necessary documentation. The residence of family members will depend on the approval of the main applicant.
How does the Non-Lucrative Residence affect my taxes in Spain?
The Non-Lucrative Residence implies that the holder cannot engage in paid work in Spain. In terms of taxes, you generally may not be considered a tax resident in Spain if no income is generated in the country. However, it is advisable to consult with a tax advisor to fully understand the tax implications and comply with tax obligations.
Can I change my Non-Lucrative Residence status to another type of residence permit in Spain?
Yes, it is possible to change from one type of residence to another in Spain. For example, if you initially have the Non-Lucrative Residence and then find employment, you could apply for a change to a work permit. It is important to follow the legal procedures and meet the requirements established for each type of permit.
Marta Palacios Cuesta is the founder and principal consultant of Es Abogado Extranjería, a law firm specializing in immigration law in Madrid and Seville. With an impressive academic background, Marta offers expert advice on immigration procedures, residency processes and obtaining Spanish nationality. Committed to providing personalized and up-to-date solutions, her firm stands out for its detailed and professional approach. If you need legal guidance regarding your status in Spain, contact Marta for a personalized consultation at Es Abogado Extranjería.