Spain Resident Visa

If you want to reside or retire in Spain without needing to work or partake in any professional activities, the Spain Resident Visa can be an ideal option. Also known as a non-working, non-lucrative residence, or even a retirement visa, this travel document allows you to stay in the country for up to 3 months, with the possibility of an extension.

Continue reading to learn more about the Spain Resident Visa, its numerous benefits, and how to apply for it.

What is a Spain Resident Visa?

The Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa allows you to reside in Spain for up to 90 days within a period of 180 days. It is also one of the easiest pathways to permanent residency, qualifying you for a 1-year residency permit after you arrive. It is a way for you to remain in the country as long as you can fully support yourself financially, without relying on employment or external help.

It is important to note that the visa restricts you from carrying out any form of employment or paid professional activity during your stay. This visa warrants health insurance coverage and the ability to fulfill some financial and income requirements. As a result, this type of visa can be suitable if you are a retiree earning passive income.

You can also sponsor your family members to join you in Spain, such as your:

• Spouse
• Children (only dependents are allowed if over the age of 18)
• Adult dependents
• Registered unmarried partner

Spain Resident Visa Requirements

Much like other visa applications, there are certain requirements to meet to qualify for a Spanish Non-working Visa. As it enables you to apply for permanent residency as you continue staying in Spain, you must satisfy more eligibility requirements than your average Spanish Tourist Visa. This includes the following:

• You must show proof that you are capable of financially supporting yourself throughout your stay. 
• You must be able to financially support any dependents you sponsor while on the resident visa (at least €7,200 per family member).
• You must complete a criminal record check in the past 3 months.
• There are no serious health conditions that may impact you during your stay
• You are covered by health insurance.
• You must not seek employment in Spain.

Meeting the minimum financial requirement is a crucial part of the application. Your income and finances will be measured against the IPREM (Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator) and you need at least €2,400 a month (with €28,800 per year).

Required Documents for the Spain Resident Visa Application

To apply for a Spain Resident Visa, some of the documents you need to submit are interchangeable with other visa applications. There are also additional documents you must provide that are exclusive to the resident visa application. Because of this, you will need to provide the following documentation:

• Completed and signed national visa application form
• Completed and signed non-lucrative residence visa application form
• Valid passport (in color, with at least 6 months validity remaining)
• Valid Thai visa or permit (only applicable if you are a non-Thai national)
• Passport-sized photograph (in color, size 35mm by 45mm, taken in the last 6 months against a white background)
• Proof of sufficient finances (such as a bank statement)
• Proof of health insurance with full coverage in Spain
• Police clearance certificate from the Royal Thai Police
• Medical certificate (applicable if you are residing in Spain for more than 180 days)
• Any supplementary documentation as requested by the immigration authorities

If you are sponsoring any family members to the country, they will also need to provide the relevant documents from their end (such as their passport and completed application form) as well as some additional ones such as:

• Proof of familial relationship documents (such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or certificate of registration)
• Proof of financial stability or dependence (such as an adult child’s civil status)
• Any additional documentation as required by the immigration authorities

If any of these are documents derived from a foreign country, they must be legalized, apostilled, and translated into Spanish (if in a different language).

How to Apply for a Spain Resident Visa from Thailand

Once you have gathered all the required documentation for the application, you can begin preparing them for submission. Your application will be initially received by the Spanish Visa Application Center (also known as BLS Spain) in Thailand, where they will collect and review your biometric data. BLS Spain will request you to schedule an in-person appointment with them to provide your biometric information.

After the biometric assessment is complete, BLS Spain will forward your application to the Spanish Embassy in Thailand (or one of the honorary consulates close by). Here, your application will undergo further evaluation and a decision will eventually be made on whether to approve you or not. In some circumstances, you may be requested to book an appointment with the Embassy for an in-person interview.

What to Do After Completing Your Spanish Retirement Visa Application

If your application has been approved, the non-lucrative residence visa will be affixed to your passport. You can choose to either pick up your passport at the visa application center in person or request a courier service to drop it off at your address in Thailand.

Once you have arrived in Spain on a Spanish Resident Visa, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card within a month. This serves as proof of your legal status as a foreign traveler in Spain and is required to secure residency in the country. Each card is assigned a Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) that is used for identification purposes. You can apply for this card either at the Foreign Nationals’ Office or the nearest police station.

Professional Application Services for Your Spain Resident Visa

Applying for a Spain Resident Visa from Thailand poses many challenges, which can create delays or lead to rejection if you fail to overcome them. But you do not have to go through the application process alone. If you want to secure a Spain Resident Visa in the most convenient way possible, then partner with Siam Legal’s foreign visa team to further simplify your experience.

As a full-service law firm and visa consultancy with 20 years of experience in Thailand, our professional foreign visa attorneys have the skills and experience to guide you step-by-step through your application. With us by your side, we’ll prepare and submit your visa correctly and without any errors, so you can quickly receive it and avoid immigration issues that may delay your arrival in Spain.

We will assist you with the following retirement visa services:

• An assessment of your qualification for the application, such as your personal identification information and financial record.
• Consultation session hosted with our Spanish Visa Specialist to address any concerns and identify if the visa will be the best fit for you.
• Professional preparation of your visa application, making sure there are no errors or omitted documents before it is submitted.
• Handling the submission of your application to the right authorities and reaching out to them regularly for updates.
• Providing helpful advice on how to perform during an interview, if any is required.

Contact Siam Legal today and our visa consultants will help you pave the way to achieving your dream of a new life in Spain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you issue document checklists for the Resident Visa Application?

If you require a checklist of what documents you need for the resident visa application, we can provide one by request. For more clarity, our checklist is tailored specifically for the resident visa.

What is the Current Processing Time for the Spain Resident Visa?

The current processing time for the Spain Resident Visa is around 3 months. However, certain factors such as missing documentation and inaccurate information can create delays and prolong the length of your application.

How much do you charge for your services?

If you need help in applying for a Spain Resident Visa from Thailand, our foreign visa team can provide our full support for a price of 20,500 baht, plus value-added tax (VAT). It is important to note that this fee only takes into account our foreign visa services and excludes the amount you need to pay for the visa or to submit your application.

What can I do if my application has been rejected?

If you find yourself receiving a rejection letter regarding your application, consult our foreign visa as soon as possible. Our team of professional visa consultants will assess the reasoning behind its refusal and assist you in reapplying for your visa.