Planning to live in Spain with passive income or savings? The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is your best option if you don’t plan to work.
In this updated 2025 step-by-step timeline, you’ll learn exactly how long each stage takes, from preparing your documents to getting your TIE card, and how Muévete con sabiduría can guide you through the entire process with ease.
👉 Want the full list of requirements and documents?
Check out our complete guide here: How to Get a Non-Lucrative Visa for Spain (2025)
Step-by-Step Timeline: Let’s break down the Non-Lucrative Visa Spain timeline into practical, manageable steps:
Step 1: Collect Apostilled Documents (4-6 weeks)
Start early with these key items:
✅ Certificate of No Criminal Record
✅ Medical Certificate
✅ Relationship certificates
👉 MoveWise helps you identify exactly what’s needed and how to get documents legalized and translated.
Step 2: Collect Additional Documents (2-4 weeks)
Once you’ve started the apostille process, gather:
✅ Full copy of your passport
✅ Proof of residency in your consular district (ID card, driving license, rental contract, utility bill, domicile registration, etc.)
✅ Pension confirmation letter
✅ Bank statements (Ideally from the last 12 months, including December 2024)
✅ Letter from the bank confirming current balance and average balance for the previous year
✅ Notarized promise not to work
✅ Consulate appointment confirmation
👉 We filter and review every document based on your unique situation, no unnecessary paperwork.
Step 3: Activate Your Spanish Health Insurance (1 week)
The Spanish government requires:
- Full private coverage with a Spanish provider
- Valid for at least 12 months
- No co-payments (sin copago)
- No waiting periods (sin carencia)
👉 MoveWise provides assistance with our trusted partners.
Step 4: Translate All Documents (2-5 business days)
Some of your documents must be translated by a Spanish sworn translator (“traductor jurado”).
Tipically, this are the documents that required sworn translation:
✅ Certificate of No Criminal Record
✅ Medical Certificate
✅ Relationship certificates
✅ Pension confirmation letter
✅ Letter from the bank confirming current balance and average balance for the previous year
👉 MoveWise connects you with official translators accepted by all Spanish consulates.
Step 5: Book a Visa Appointment & Prepare Your Folder
Appointments at Spanish consulates are mandatory and you must apply at the consulate covering your legal residence. Tourist visa holders or ilegal residents cannot apply.
Make sure you have:
- A printed, organized folder
- Originals - hard copies - of government documents and apostilles
- Translations
- MoveWise checklist to ensure completeness
👉 We help you organize and double-check everything before your appointment.
Step 6: Submit Your Application (Visa Appointment Day)
All applicants must attend in person to the consular appointment to get their identities verified.
Attend your consular appointment with your complete folder, since a full document check will be carried out by the consular staff.
Finally, the Consular Office will provide you with proof of receipt of the application, a copy of the application form (form EX-01) and, where applicable, of the receipt of payment of the fee (form 790-52).
📌 The Consular Office may ask the applicant to submit any additional documents or data that are necessary for a decision regarding the application. The applicant may also be called in for a personal interview.
Step 7: Wait for Approval (up to 90 days)
Consulates have up to 3 months to process your application. They may:
- Ask for additional documents
- Invite you for a personal interview
- Reject incomplete or incorrect applications
👉 MoveWise helps you stay ready and respond quickly to any issues.
Step 8: Collect Your Visa & Move to Spain (within 90 days)
Once approved:
- Collect your visa within 30 days
- Enter Spain within 90 days of issuance
- Ideally arrive within 45–60 days to leave time for the next step
Step 9: Apply for Your TIE Card in Spain (within 30 days)
Your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is your official foreigner ID card in Spain. You must:
- Book an appointment at a police station
- Submit biometrics (fingerprints)
- Show your visa and documents
👉 MoveWise can provide assistance with your TIE appointment and help you through the process.
Step 10: Renew Your NLV Every 2 Years
The Non-Lucrative Visa is initially valid for 1 year, then renewed for 2 years, and again for 2 more.
Renewal requires:
- Continued passive income or savings
- Updated health insurance
- Proof of residency in Spain
👉 We support you during each renewal cycle so you remain fully compliant.
Non-Lucrative Visa Spain Timeline Summary
➡️ Apostilled docs & translations à 4-6 weeks
➡️ Health insurance activation à 2-3 weeks
➡️ Additional docs collection à 1-2 weeks
➡️ Appointment booking à Check consulate availability
➡️ Application review à 1-3 months
➡️ Enter Spain à Within 90 days from visa start date
➡️ Apply for TIE card à Within 30 days from arrival
💡IMPORTANT NOTICE: Ensure that all documents meet the specific requirements of the immigration authority or consulate handling your case, as these can vary significantly depending on the country and specific legal framework.
How MoveWise Can Assist You
Applying for a NLV can feel overwhelming, but MoveWise is here to simplify the process. Our mission is to make your application journey smooth and stress-free with a range of expert services:
- Tailored Support: We adapt our services to fit your unique situation, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
- Optimized Scheduling: We streamline your application timeline to ensure everything progresses on schedule.
- End-to-End Support: From preparing documents to final submission, we take care of every detail of your application.
- Tax Guidance: Our specialists provide clarity on the tax obligations and options associated with your DNV.
- Thorough Documentation: We ensure every document is correctly prepared and meets all official requirements.
- 100% money back guarantee: If your application is not approved, we offer a full money-back guarantee as a testament to our commitment.
The non-lucrative visa for Spain offers a fantastic opportunity to live abroad without the need for employment, granting you the freedom to explore and enjoy the country’s vibrant culture and relaxed lifestyle.
Ready to embark on your next adventure?
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While the requirements for obtaining a Non- Lucrative visa for Spain are straightforward, preparing the necessary documents and navigating the application process can be challenging. Mistakes or incomplete paperwork could put your application at risk. If you have any doubts or questions about the Non- Lucrative Visa process, BOOK TODAY a 100% Free Consultation. We’re here to help you every step of the way.
