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Pensioner’s Visa explained
Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt, December, 1. 2024
Raymundo Larrain reviews Spain Retirement Visa (officially known as a Non-Lucrative Visa, or NLV for short).
Marbella-based Larraín Nesbitt Abogados (LNA) has over 21 years of experience at your service. We offer a wide range of 60 legal and corporate services. Our team of native English-speaking lawyers and economists have a long track record of successfully assisting expats all over Spain.
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Article copyrighted © 2024. Plagiarism will be criminally prosecuted
By Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt
Director of Larraín Nesbitt Abogados
8th of December 2024
Introduction
It is not without reason this visa is popularly dubbed the Pensioner’s Visa. The fact is that in my experience young applicants are routinely turned down. To apply successfully, you should be of retirement age.
This visa was devised and aimed at a specific demographic collective which are retirees.
Young applicants, of working age, should abstain from applying.
What is a Pensioner’s Visa?
It is a residence permit granted to all senior non-European nationals who wish to live in Spain.
This visa allows applicants to live in Spain, but not to work.
Key benefits of a Pensioner’s Visa
- Immediate residency. Allows you to live in Spain overriding the 90/180-day limitation.
- Freedom of movement in the European Union. Allows visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Area (29 countries).
- Clear rules. Initially granted for 1 year, then renewable every 2 years.
- Ultra-low fees. Cheapest visa available. Conversely, it’s also the one that takes the longest to process.
Requirements to attain a Pensioner’s Visa in Spain
- Cannot be working at the time of making the visa application
- Be of pensioner age
- Be financially self-supporting. You cannot be working, you need to live of savings and pension pot
- Secure private healthcare in Spain. You can then switch over to an S1.
- Relocate to Spain
Pensioner’s Visa application procedure
- Collate all the required documents
- Visa application is submitted to Spanish Immigration Authorities
- Visa granted in several months (2 to 3 months)
- Attain a biometric residency card in Spain
Frequently asked questions
- Does this visa allow me the right to work in Spain? I want to set up a bed and breakfast in Spain.
No, it does not grant the right to work in Spain.
Moreover, you cannot be working at the time of applying for this visa. This is closely monitored by Spanish Immigration Authorities, both on the initial application and also on the visa renewal. A B&B is ruled out.
If you get caught working (in Spain or abroad), you will be stripped of this visa and deported.
You are expected to live only on savings and pension.
That is why young people are rejected, because they are of working age.
2. Do I need to relocate to Spain permanently?
Yes, that’s the whole point. You are meant to start a new life living in Spain all year round.
This is closely monitored on visa renewal.
If you are unable to prove you have been living long-term in Spain your visa renewal will be turned down.
3. Can I live anywhere in Spain?
Yes, anywhere. Take your pick: Barcelona, Costa del Sol, Granada, Madrid, Malaga, Mallorca, Seville, and Sotogrande.
Conclusion
Pensioner Visas are only suitable for applicants who are committed to relocate and live in Spain long term. The idea is to retire to Spain and live your twilight years enjoying life at its best.
However, if you plan to continue living abroad (i.e. in the UK), and you are only applying to circumvent the 90/180-day rule, this visa is not for you.
Our multidisciplinary team at Larrain Nesbitt Abogados (LNA) has attained hundreds of visas over the last decade for our non-EU clients.
LNA has a 100% track record of attaining Spanish residency
Larraín Nesbitt Abogados, small on fees, BIG on service.
At Larrain Nesbitt Abogados (LNA) we have over 21 years of experience specializing in immigration & residency visas. We also assist clients in buying, selling, or renting properties in Spain. You can contact us by e-mail at info@larrainnesbitt.com, by telephone at our UK line (+44) 0754 3838 218 or Spanish line (+34) 952 19 22 88, or by completing our contact form.
Residency services available from LNA:
- Non-Lucrative Visa (Pensioner’s Visa)
- EU-Family Regroupment (Marriage Visa)
- Digital Nomad Visa (Tax-free visa)
- Golden Visa (Investor Visa)
- Lucrative Visa (Business Visa)
- Non-Domiciled Tax Regime (Beckham’s Rule)
- Spanish Residency permit for EU nationals
Please note the information provided in this article is of general interest only and is not to be construed or intended as substitute for professional legal advice. This article may be posted freely in websites or other social media so long as the author is duly credited. Plagiarizing, whether in whole or in part, this article without crediting the author will result in criminal prosecution. Ní neart go cur le chéile. VOV.
Larraín Nesbitt Abogados, small on fees, BIG on service.
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