Residence in Spain without the right to work: how to apply and renew.

Important Features of a Residence Permit (Residence Permit) in Spain without the Right to Work

Residence Permit (Residence Permit) in Spain without the right to work, often referred to as a non-profit residence, is suitable for those who do not plan to officially work in the country, but wish to reside in its territory for more than 90 days and enjoy the rights of a resident. The applicant must prove that they have a stable passive income or sufficient savings to support themselves and their family without working in Spain.

Essentially, this status is also known as "Visado de residencia no lucrativa" (national visa D). With it, you can travel within the Schengen area, study at Spanish universities, extend your residence and, in the future, obtain permanent residence (PR), and then citizenship, subject to compliance with all requirements of immigration law.

Who is a Residence Permit in Spain without the Right to Work Suitable For?

The main category of applicants are financially independent people and their close relatives. The person must be over 18 years of age and confirm that they do not need a Spanish salary to live.

• Main applicant: an adult with proven financial solvency (passive income or savings).
• Family members: spouse, minor children and dependents who are included in the general package of documents.
• Parents of the applicant: in rare cases, if they are demonstrably dependent on the finances of the main family (depends on the internal practice of the consulate).

According to the requirements of Spanish law, the applicant must show a monthly passive income of at least 400% of the IPREM (Public Indicator of Multiple Effects Income), which in 2024 corresponds to 2,400 euros per month for the main applicant. For each family member, it is necessary to add 100% of the IPREM, that is, about 600 euros per month additionally.

Main Conditions for Obtaining Residency without Work

Financial Solvency

The applicant is obliged to prove the existence of passive income or substantial savings. If the passport office and the consulate require it, you can provide:

• bank statements with sufficient balances in the account (28,800 euros per person per year);
• documents on passive income, for example, dividends, rental of real estate, interest on deposits;
• financial guarantees for the whole family (7,200 euros additionally for each family member).

Medical Insurance

The policy must cover all medical risks without co-payments and be valid throughout Spain. This is a mandatory requirement for the entire applicant's family and is often checked particularly carefully.

Absence of Criminal Record and Medical Certificate

It is necessary to confirm the absence of a criminal record with a certificate from the country of residence for the last 5 years (with an apostille and translation into Spanish). In addition, all applicants provide a medical certificate stating that they do not suffer from dangerous infections according to the International Health Regulations (2005).

List of Documents for Submission

The specific list may vary slightly depending on the consulate, but usually the following will be required:

• foreign passport, valid for at least 1 year;
• completed application forms for visa D and for a residence permit without the right to work;
• passport-size photographs;
• statements confirming passive income or savings (with translation into Spanish);
• certificate of no criminal record (with apostille and translation);
• medical insurance (full coverage without a franchise);
• medical certificate (of compliance with the International Health Regulations);
• documents on housing in Spain (purchase and sale or long-term lease);
• receipt of payment of the visa fee (check the form at the consulate).

Stages of the Procedure

Step 1. Collection of Documents

Prepare the complete package, translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (cuando proceda). Study the exact requirements of your consulate (in the country of citizenship or permanent residence).

Step 2. Submission of the Application

The applicant personally goes to the consulate with two copies of the dossier. There, they may request additional papers, ask clarifying questions, and conduct an interview.

Step 3. Consideration

The consulate usually makes a decision within a period of up to three months. After approval, the applicant is issued a visa D, valid for 90 days for entry into Spain. Upon arrival in the country, it is necessary to submit documents for the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card).

Extension of Residence Permit in Spain without the Right to Work

Initial Extension

The initial permit is valid for 1 year. Then it is extended for 2 years if all conditions are met (availability of income, absence of violations of the law, stay in Spain for at least 183 days a year). After another 2 years, you can request a new extension. After 5 years of legal residence in the country, it is possible to apply for permanent residence.

Nuances of Extension

• Residence in Spain for at least 183 days a year.
• Sufficiency of funds for the entire extension period (57,600 euros for two years for the main applicant and an additional 14,400 euros per family member).
• Current medical insurance without co-payments.
• Certificate of registration (empadronamiento).
• Clean immigration history: no violations of document submission deadlines.

Why They May Refuse

Cases of refusal are often related to:

• insufficient financial support;
• expired passport or incorrect copies;
• expired or incorrect insurance policy;
• unproven residence in Spain for more than 183 days a year;
• violation of the visa regime or ignoring the request for additional documents.

All points related to finances and the correctness of the dossier require careful attention. Spain strictly monitors that the applicant actually meets their stated obligations.

Features of Taxation and Transition to Other Statuses

Tax Resident

After the first full calendar year, many holders of a residence permit without the right to work become tax residents. This means filing a declaration on worldwide income. Before taking steps to obtain a residence permit, it is useful to consult a tax expert (gestor).

Transition to Permanent Residence and Obtaining Citizenship

After 5 years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residence, and it is important not to leave Spain for more than 6 months in a row and not to accumulate a total of more than 10 months of absence in 5 years. For citizenship, it is necessary to legally reside for 10 years, complying with immigration and tax regulations.

Conclusion

A residence permit without the right to work in Spain is a comfortable option for pensioners, rentiers and financially independent individuals seeking a mild climate, a European standard of living and the prospect of obtaining permanent residence and citizenship. The main thing is to comply with the financial conditions, not to violate visa rules and to extend the status in a timely manner. With the right approach, the procedure is quite transparent and provides the opportunity to fully live and travel within the Schengen area.