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Spanish Government official passing person their passport Renewing Your Non-Lucrative Visa In Spain: A Step-by-Step Guide Expat Tips

Renewing your non-lucrative visa in Spain is a crucial step to ensure your continued residency in the country. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process, requirements, and options available for extending your non-lucrative visa. Whether you choose to renew your visa for additional years or modify your residency to include work authorisation, this article will provide you with all the necessary information.

Renewal Options for Non-Lucrative Visas in Spain

When it comes to renewing your non-lucrative visa in Spain, you have two primary options:

1. Extending Your Non-Lucrative Visa: You can extend your non-lucrative visa for two additional years and renew your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjeros) card.

2. Modifying Your Residency: Alternatively, you can choose to modify your residency instead of renewing it, allowing you to apply for a residence permit that grants you the right to work in Spain.

How To Renew Your Non-Lucrative Visa

There are a couple of ways in which you can renew your non-lucrative visa.

1. In-Person Renewal Application:

To begin the renewal process, you must personally submit your application at the immigration office in your respective province. Make sure to gather all the required documents and follow the guidelines provided by the office.

2. Online Application (with Digital Signature):

Alternatively, if you possess an officially recognised digital signature or Clave digital ID, you have the option to submit your renewal application online. This convenient method saves you time and allows for a smoother application process.

To locate the immigration office in your province

To find the immigration office corresponding to your province, access the official website where you can find a directory. By clicking on the provided link, you will be directed to the page that helps you identify the immigration office nearest to your location.

To apply online

If you prefer to submit your renewal application online. This will lead you to the appropriate online application platform where you can proceed with the renewal process.

By following either the in-person or online application method, you can initiate the renewal of your non-lucrative visa in Spain and ensure the continuation of your residency. Make sure to review the specific requirements and guidelines below to facilitate a successful renewal.

Timing Your Visa Renewal

To ensure a smooth renewal process, it's important to adhere to the following timeline:

  • Initial Visa Validity: Your first non-lucrative visa is valid for one year.
  • First Renewal: After one year, you can renew your visa for an additional two years.
  • Second Renewal: Once the first renewal period ends, you can renew your visa for another two years.
  • Long-Term Residency: After a total of five years in Spain, you become eligible to apply for long-term residency.

Remember, it's essential to initiate the renewal process 60 days before the expiry of the first-year validity date (or two years for subsequent renewals), and no later than 90 days after the expiry date. Failure to adhere to these timelines may result in fines or refusal of your application.

Requirements for Non-Lucrative Visa Renewal

The renewal requirements for a non-lucrative visa are similar to the initial application, with some variations:

1. Proof of Residency: Demonstrate that you have resided in Spain for at least 183 days per year, establishing your residency status.
2. Financial Means: Show evidence of economic stability by maintaining the required funds. For a two-year renewal, this amounts to 800% of the IPREM (Indicador Público de Rentas de Efectos Múltiples), which totals €57,600 for the two-year period.
3. Health Insurance: Obtain private medical insurance with comprehensive coverage equivalent to that provided by the Spanish public health system.
4. Clean Record: Ensure you have no criminal records or expulsion orders.
5. Additional Funds for Dependents: If you have dependents, you must demonstrate an extra 100% of the IPREM per family member.
6. Education for Minors: If you reside in Spain with minor children, they must be enrolled in school.
7. Financial Obligations: Confirm that you have no outstanding debts with the Social Security or Tax Agency.

Additionally, you need to complete the EX-01 form (available for download) and pay the applicable administrative fee, which is typically the 720/052 fee amounting to approximately €16.

Document Checklist for Non-Lucrative Visa Renewal

To successfully renew your non-lucrative visa, make sure to gather the following original documents and their copies:

1. Application Form: Complete two copies of the EX-01 form.
2. Fee Form: Provide a paid and stamped copy of the Fee Form 790-052.
3. Passport: Present your passport, which should be valid for at least one year.
4. TIE Card: Include a copy of your current Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjeros (TIE) or resident card.
5. Health Insurance: Submit proof of health insurance that meets the Immigration Office's requirements.
6. Financial Means: Demonstrate stable and sufficient income for the next two years, surpassing four times the IPREM for the main applicant and one IPREM per family member.
7. Address Registration: Include a padrón certificate confirming your current address registration in Spain, dated no more than three months prior.
8. School Reports and Birth Certificates: If you have school-age children, provide a school report and copies of their birth certificates.
9. Translations: If any documents are not issued in Spanish, ensure they are translated by a service recognised by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Modifying Your Residency

Another option for non-lucrative visa holders is to modify their residency to include work authorisation. This can be achieved through the following steps:

1. Find Employment or Become Self-Employed: Secure a job with a contract lasting at least one year or establish your own business as a self-employed individual.
2. Form EX-03: Complete the EX-03 form (available for download) to request a work permit as an employee or self-employed individual.
3. Job Offer or Business Plan: Provide a job offer with a 40-hour contract for employment or present a business plan with sufficient financial means to support your self-employment venture.
4. Self-Employed Workers Association Certificate: Obtain a certificate from the Self-Employed Workers Association in Spain, confirming the viability of your self-employment project.
5. Submit Renewal Application: Proceed with the renewal application following the previously outlined requirements.

Renewing Your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjeros)

After your renewal application has been approved, the next step is to visit the immigration office corresponding to your address for the processing of your new TIE card. Here's what you need to know:

1. Make an Appointment:

To initiate the process, you must schedule an appointment at the immigration office. You can conveniently book your appointment online here.

2. Required Documents:

On the day of your appointment, ensure you have the following documents:

  • Proof of Payment: Bring the payment receipt for the 790/012 fee. You can download the form online and pay it at any bank.
  • Passport: Carry your original passport along with a copy of all its pages.
  • Town Hall Registration: Provide proof of your current registration at the town hall (empadronamiento).
  • Passport Photos: Bring three passport-sized photos with a white background.
  • Current TIE Card: Remember to bring your existing TIE card or residence card, which is about to expire.
  • Letter of Successful Resolution: Carry the letter confirming the successful resolution of your non-lucrative residency renewal.
  • TIE Application Form: Complete the TIE application form, known as model EX-17.

3. Submission and Provisional Document:

Upon submitting all the required documentation, your fingerprints will be registered once again. Following this, you will be issued a provisional document, which will serve as your identification until you can collect your physical TIE card. Typically, it takes about a month to receive the new card.

By providing the necessary documents and completing the fingerprint registration, you are one step closer to obtaining your renewed TIE card, ensuring the continuation of your non-lucrative residency in Spain.

Minimum Income Requirements for 2024

For the non-lucrative visa renewal, the minimum income requirements are calculated using the IPREM formula. Here are the figures for 2024:

  • Main Applicant: You must demonstrate an annual income equivalent to 400% of the IPREM, totaling €2,400 per month or €57,600 biannually.
  • Additional Family Members: For each dependent family member, an income equivalent to 100% of the IPREM is required, amounting to €600 per month.

Remember, meeting these income requirements is crucial to proving your ability to support yourself and any dependents during your extended stay in Spain.

Private Health Insurance

In addition to meeting financial requirements, it is mandatory to obtain comprehensive private health insurance that matches the coverage provided by Spain's public healthcare system. Ensure the following criteria are met:

  • Spanish Insurance Company: Choose an insurance policy from a Spanish medical insurance company. At HealthPlan we can provide you with policies for residency and visa applications.
  • Duration: The policy should be valid for a minimum of one year.
  • Coverage: The insurance policy should offer full coverage without co-payments.

CONCLUSION

Renewing your non-lucrative visa in Spain requires careful preparation and adherence to specific requirements. By following the guidelines provided in this comprehensive guide, you can navigate the renewal process smoothly and ensure the continuation of your residency in Spain. Remember to begin the renewal process in a timely manner and gather all the necessary documents to support your application.