Offering around 300 days of sunshine a year, a better quality of life, and also a lot of house for your money, Spain remains Britons’ top choice for ‘a place in the sun’.
Brexit has certainly not killed off the dream of moving to Spain, and the latest figures confirm that UK nationals are still the biggest group of foreign buyers in Spain.
Yet despite the facts that hundreds of us have made the move over in the past five years, the perception still exists that it’s impossible – or that the paperwork is just too difficult.
Yet with the right help, it doesn’t have to be. Sun Lawyers has been helping thousands of clients move over and as Mark McMillan, who heads up the Relocation department says: “We can make it happen for you. It’s still very possible.”
You might be bamboozled by the conflicting information out there – and some that is out of date too. With Mark’s deep expertise of helping people move over we cut through the confusion and pull out the key points of the two most popular visas. Which one might suit you?
The NLV (non-lucrative visa)
- For those not currently working and perfect for retirees.
- Can be used as a ‘stepping stone’ to self-employment or other visas.
- You apply from the UK before you leave.
- Timing is key – ideally plan a year in advance.
- Sell your UK home – then apply for your visa (and save on capital gains tax liability with the wrong timing).
- Financial resources need to be shown.
- Healthcare cover is required but those over UK state pension age can apply for the S1 Certificate and access the Spanish public healthcare system.
- This visa assumes tax residency in Spain: you must spend over six months a year there.
- The visa lasts for one year, allowing you upon entry to Spain an initial temporary residence permit for a year, then you renew for two years, and repeat. After five years you can apply for a longer five-year residency card, if conditions have been met.
- Find out full list of documents required.
Mark’s top tip: “Do not assume that you won’t have enough income for the financial resources. We can consider other sources such as savings, buy to let income, credit cards – and these can be pooled to provide joint means if you are a couple.”
Digital Nomad Visa.
- For either employees of foreign companies or self-employed.
- You can apply in the UK for a one-year visa but better to do it in Spain and apply as a tourist straight on to the longer-term residence permit.
- This is a much quicker visa to obtain – 10-20 days for a decision.
- Minimum income requirements – these are higher than the NLV but finance resources used can be diverse.
- Family members can go on the same visa – and can be added at a later date.
- Beckham Law (Special Expats Regime): an option for those who are on the visa as company employees (24% flat rate up to €600,000) and not taxed on non-Spanish assets
- The visa is renewable for up to a three–year period, and after five years you can apply (as per NLV) for the longer-term five-year residency card.
- Private healthcare cover can be used from an approved Spanish provider but in most cases you would be eligible for public healthcare.
- Find list of key documents /requirements.
Mark’s top tip: “It’s better to apply for this once you are in Spain – you could also receive up to a three-year residence permit not a one-year visa.”
Do you have an EU passport holder in the family?
This is your golden ticket! You won’t have to apply for a visa but you can piggyback on your spouse/partner’s EU passport and apply for residency that way.
Find out more about this process or get in touch with Mark to see how he can help you get a NLV, DNV, renew your visa, or any other Spanish residency questions.