Whether you’ve just gained your non lucrative visa and are planning ahead or are in the throes of renewing your visa for the first time and are feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry – you’re not alone!
The process can be confusing and stressful, but with the right information and careful preparation, you’ll be well on your way to a successful result.
Here are Upsticks five top tips for renewing your non-lucrative visa:
Tip No. 1 – Timing
Getting your timing right is absolutely crucial. You can submit your application from 60 days before the expiry date on your TIE card and up to 90 days after. Once the application is submitted, you can stay in Spain while you wait for your approval. Remember though that if you plan on travelling outside Spain, you may need an ADR certificate.
Tip No. 2 – Plan your finances well in advance
A successful renewal is all about making sure you have enough money – passive recurring income, savings, or a combination of both. In this article, we explain how this is calculated. Having a savings account with, or your income paid into, a Spanish bank is always the best policy, because Spanish banks can provide the certificates and statements that Immigration want to see, in the correct language. While you can use foreign accounts if needed, if you’re presenting documents that aren’t in Spanish, they will all need to be legally translated by a registered translator, which can be pricey.
Tip No. 3 – Healthcare
Hopefully you’ll never have to use your private healthcare, but that doesn’t mean you don’t need it. You’ll be asked to prove you have a private health care policy in place and could even be asked for proof that you have maintained it during your first year of residency. For applicants registered on the state healthcare system with an S1, you’ll have a certificate to prove so, and if you are waiting for the approval and/or certificate to come through, you will need to keep a private healthcare policy in place.
Tip No. 4 – Keep documents up to date
Make sure your documents are up to date and valid. Depending on your situation, perhaps you’re a financial dependent, or have changed your address, you may be asked for an up to date marriage certificate, Padron certificate or bank statements and certificates. Make sure they are all current and if the documents originate from outside Spain, be sure to check if they need an Apostille stamp.
Tip No. 5 – Tax, tax and tax
Make sure you understand the correct taxes you need to pay, both for the initial application and the TIE card registration. Speak to your tax adviser whether you are liable for a personal tax return which could be presented as part of the financial proof of stability.
Good to know
You can present the renewal application in person at your local immigration office by pre-booking an appointment, or if you have a digital certificate you can use the online government portal Mercurio.
Alternatively, you can use a representative to make the application for you. Upsticks have completed over 100 renewals since 2020 with a 100% success rate and have a wealth of experience getting it right the first time.
If you would like our help with renewing your non-lucrative visa, please either book a call or email [email protected], and we’ll be in touch.