Overview of the Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain
For Filipinos looking to migrate to Spain, one of the best options is the non-lucrative visa. This long-stay visa allows non-EU nationals to legally reside in Spain without working or doing business there.
What is the Non-Lucrative Visa?
The non-lucrative visa is a type of Spanish long-stay visa that allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain for an extended period without working or engaging in business activities.
With this visa, you are allowed to stay in Spain for 1 year initially, which can be renewed up to a maximum of 5 years. The main requirements are having sufficient financial means to support yourself (around €2400 per month) and not planning to work while in Spain.
Key Benefits for Filipinos
There are several excellent benefits of the non-lucrative visa for Filipinos:
- You can legally reside in Spain long-term while keeping your Philippine passport and citizenship.
- Your spouse and unmarried children under 18 can also apply for visas and live with you in Spain.
- You can study in Spain if you wish, including at the university level.
- You’re allowed to travel freely within Spain and the Schengen area.
- After 2 years, Filipinos can apply for Spanish citizenship.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the non-lucrative visa, the main requirements are:
- No working or business activities allowed – Your main source of income must come from outside of Spain.
- Sufficient financial means – You must prove you have around €28,800 annually (€2400 per month), plus €6,480 for each dependent (additional €540 per month). This can be through pensions, investments, remittances, etc.
- Private medical insurance – You need full coverage insurance valid in Spain for you and your dependents.
- Police clearance certificates – Showing you have no criminal record.
- Ties to your home country – Proof that you will return to the Philippines after your visa expires, such as family, property, business, or financial interests back home.
- Good health – As evidenced by a recent medical certificate.
- Basic Spanish recommended – You don’t need fluency, but basic conversational Spanish will help with settling in.
Applying for the Visa
The non-lucrative visa application process involves submitting various documents in person at the Spanish consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence in the Philippines.
Required documents normally include your passport, proof of income, health insurance, medical certificate, police checks, and proof of ties to the Philippines.
Processing times range from 1-3 months typically. It’s highly advisable to hire an experienced Spanish immigration lawyer to assist with the application process.
Tips for Filipino Applicants
Here are some useful tips for Filipinos applying for the non-lucrative visa:
- Make sure your financial documents are in order. The consulate will scrutinize this closely.
- Provide strong proof of ties to the Philippines. This signals you plan to return after your visa expires. Property, business, and family links are best.
- Hire a lawyer like us! The visa process can be complex. A good lawyer will save you time and hassle.
Wrap Up
For Filipinos seeking to migrate abroad long-term, the Spanish non-lucrative visa provides an excellent opportunity. You can move to beautiful Spain with your family and establish a base there for up to 5 years while maintaining ties to the Philippines.
If you’re interested in applying for the non-lucrative visa, I highly recommend hiring an experienced immigration lawyer like us to handle your application. We can help you through the process, provide you with the forms, review your documents, and make sure you comply with the requirements. Feel free to get in touch with me for a consultation at kpborra@borralaw.com. I’ll be happy to help make your Spanish dreams a reality!