LONG TERM VISA SPAIN FOR UK NATIONALS: Questions & Answers
Dear clients and readers, For the British ex-pat living in Spain and those wishing to live in Spain, there are still some issues to resolve, such as the need for a valid residency, a Spanish driving test to obtain a Spanish driving license, as well as some confusion about visas, the Schengen area and so on.
In our today’s post, we are going to inform you about the VISA, more specifically long term Visa in Spain. As you might probably know, from 1st January 2021, UK nationals have been able to spend 90 days out of every 180 within the Schengen Area for tourism or other specific purposes, such as business meetings, without needing a visa – and subject to Covid-19 restrictions.
However, any stays beyond the 90 days will now be dependent on Spain’s visa and immigration rules and any UK nationals who would like to discuss extending their stay should contact their local immigration office.
In fact, over the past few months, we have had a lot of clients asking us how and where to apply for the long-term Visa in Spain.
For example, please see below an email recently received regarding this important subject:
“Dear Oscar,
We wish to apply for a visa in Spain. Currently we own a house there (in Javea), purchased in 2009. We obviously have NIE numbers and Padron certificates. Can you please advise how we obtain an application form, or where we can find it? Yours sincerely”
TOURIST OR LONG-TERM VISA?
This is in fact the most important question that you need to decide. For instance, if you intend to permanently stay in Spain and not carry out any paid work, the non-lucrative visa is definitely the most appropriate.
APPLICATIONS FOR LONG-TERM VISA
In the first place, remember that Applications for long-term visas must be submitted through a duly completed application form (original and copy), which may be downloaded for free on the Spanish embassy website or may also be obtained for free at Spain’s Diplomatic Missions or Consular Posts abroad.
Second, Visa applications must be filed in person. However, applications may also be filed by a duly accredited representative if you do not reside in the town or city where the Diplomatic Mission or Consular Office is located and you can demonstrate due cause preventing you from travelling, such as the distance from the Diplomatic Mission or Consular Office in question, transport difficulties that make the journey particularly problematic or accredited reasons related to a sickness or physical condition that significantly reduces your mobility.
Third, to book an appointment, you will need to send the following information to the Consulate:
Type of visa
Name and surname
Current UK address
Telephone number
Passport number
REQUIREMENTS NON-LUCRATIVE RESIDENCY VISA
Please bear in mind that this post is not intended to be specific legal advice, just a general guideline, so the specific requirements can vary depending on your particular situation. Therefore, our sound advice is that you must contact your nearest Spanish consulate for specific guidance.
In a nutshell, the basic requirements for the non-lucrative residency visa are the following, all of which must be brought to the visa appointment.:
- Two copies of the National Visa Application Form duly filled and signed by the applicant.
- Two recent color photos with white background, 3.5cm x 4.5cm.
- Original passport, valid for at least 1 year from submission of application.
- Police Clearance from countries of residence for the last 5 years. *
- Medical certificate: The applicant must be accredited to not suffer from any diseases that can have serious health consequences in accordance with the provisions of the International Health Regulations 2005”. *
- Medical Insurance with an insurance company authorized to operate in Spain.
- Documents proving sufficient financial means for your living expenses and accommodation (€2,259.60 per month plus €564.90 per family member).
- Form EX-01 – Non-Profit Temporary Residence Authorization Application Form.
- Form 790-052.
*Must be legalized by means of a Hague Apostil Certificate and translated into Spanish.
Finally, the price of the visa is around 516 GBP and it takes 10-20 days to process.
CONCLUSION
Remember if you are in the UK and considering traveling to Spain or are in Spain and have friends or family wanting to visit, you should be aware of the continuing travel restrictions on both leaving the UK and entering Spain. UK nationals must make sure that they meet both the requirements to leave the UK and those to enter Spain, bearing in mind that they are not the same.
HOW TO CONTACT US FOR FURTHER SPECIFIC ADVICE OR INFORMATION?
In case you might be affected by this problem, and you might wish to discuss about your specific situation, as a preliminary step, do get in touch with us:
1. Call us or send us a WhatsApp now to (0034) 687 88 88 73.
2. You can also use our e-mail form at the top of the sidebar of your screen, or alternatively, you can send us an e-mail to info@bestsolicitorsinspain.com or through our contact section
Our commitment, we’ll respond to your e-mail inquiry in less than 24 hours.
Finally, thank you very much for your attention, and in case you might have any questions or doubts at all, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be glad to clarify immediately.
We look forward to helping you and the benefit of our “know-how”.
Kindest regards
Mr. Oscar Ricor
“NON-PRACTISING ENGLISH SOLICITOR IN ENGLAND AND WALES”, under the “Solicitors Regulation Authority” (SRA) SRA number 519196 and practicing Spanish Solicitor.