Like most temporary residency permits in Spain, they can be made permanent after five years if the criteria are met.
A non-lucrative residence visa allows successful applicants to reside in Spain without engaging in any remunerated activity during that time.
However, circumstances can and do change. Luckily, after five years, those who meet the criteria are eligible for permanent residence and gain the right to live and work as any Spaniard.
So how is it done? And what are the criteria?
Conditions for the non-lucrative residence visa
To obtain the non-lucrative residence visa, the interested party must apply for it in person in their country of origin.
To obtain the non-lucrative residence visa, the applicant must meet certain requirements. Primarily they cannot be an EU citizen, have a criminal record or be banned from entering Spanish territory or the EU. Additionally, they must have medical insurance and provide proof of financial means.
Importantly, the latter must be sufficient to cover the costs of their stay, livelihood and maintenance, both for themselves and for the rest of their dependent family members.
As with most residency permits, this initial authorisation is of a temporary nature, granted for a period of one year and then extended every two years.
Holders of this card must at the time of renewal prove that they still meet the requirements to maintain their residence permit.
Changing to long-term residence
Once five years of legal and continuous residence in Spain have been reached, the holder of a non-lucrative residence visa (as well as most temporary residence permits) can be granted a long-term card. This means that they would be granted a permanent permit, allowing them to reside and work in Spain indefinitely, under the same conditions as Spaniards.
To access this new card, applicants don’t have to comply with each and every one of the previous requirements (such as financial means), but they will have to be able to prove legal and continuous residence in Spain for five years (not having left the country for more 180 days a year) and that they do not have a criminal record.
Maria Luisa Castro
This is great information, if I have had a non lucrative visa for 3 years, and previously student visas for 3 years and I now eligible to apply for the permanent residency visa?
Unfortunately, the Student visa only half counts (1.5 years in your case) for permanent residency. And it does not count for Spanish citizenship. This only happens with the Student visa.
Hi, is this the same from people from Mexico, Chile, Peru, Phillipines, etc? Or is it 2 years?
Are there any other ways to switch from a non-lucrative to a long term or work visa?
The process is the same for all nationalities.
Buenos días,
I have been living in Spain for two years now with a visado no lucrativo. I have heard that I can possibly apply to change it to a work visa at the time of my second renewal (coming up in March 2024) but I can’t find any information about this. Is it possible to do this without potential employer, or do I need a job offer first?
Dear Haleah,
I understand that you have been living in Spain for two years under a non-lucrative visa and are interested in transitioning to a work visa during your next renewal.
In most cases, in order to transition from a non-lucrative visa to a work permit, you would first need a job offer. This is because one of the main requirements for obtaining a work permit in Spain is typically having a work contract or a job offer signed by an employer in Spain.
Once you have a job offer, your potential employer will need to apply for an initial residency and work authorization on your behalf at the Foreigner’s Office. If approved, you will then be able to change your immigration status.
I wish you all the best in your process and hope you find the best solution for your needs! We will be pleased to assist you in the transition if needed.
Warm regards,
Maria L. de Castro
General Director
Costaluz Lawyers
Hi , I have been living in Spain legally with non lucrative residency. Now, im about to apply for the larga duracion residency card but one lawyer told they will give give the card for 10 years based on the new law but other said it’s still 5 years . I want to know which one is sayin the truth.
Good morning Jerry. This is Claudia Gonzalez from CostaLuz Lawyers. It is a pleasure to speak with you and be able to help you.
We are happy to help you with your case, you must be residing in Spain for at least 5 years to be able to apply for long term residency.