Obtaining a No Lucrativa residence permit

Dmitry decided to apply for a non-lucrative residence permit with the goal of moving to Spain in July 2025.

1. Document Preparation

As proof of accommodation, we attached a rental agreement and an extract from the Property Registry (nota simple). Meanwhile, we encountered some difficulties:

• Criminal Record Certificate: the client ordered it himself, we collected the original for him. We also provided instructions for obtaining and certifying a criminal record certificate from Georgia.
• Brokerage Statement: the consulate strictly required an original document with signature or stamp, but the client only had an electronic statement. We found a solution and convinced the consulate to accept the electronic version with certification.
• Spanish Bank Account: due to upcoming changes (November 19), there were concerns that a Spanish bank account would be required for submission, however, the law amendments only concerned the addition of European accounts. Neo-banks meet this requirement, which saved our situation.

During the preparation process, we organized several calls with our expert: the first took place on December 25, after the holidays, on January 7, 2025, we had another call to go through the submission plan. On January 30, we held a final call to approve the document package.

After gathering all documents, we wrote 2 letters: a motivation letter and explanations for bank statements.

2. Visa Application

Submission date: February 6, 2025

3. Additional Request

Date: February 6, 2025

On the submission day, consulate staff requested to duplicate sworn translations via email. They also requested a tax certificate from the spouse, who was applying together with Dmitry.

Response date to additional request: February 13, 2025

4. Approval Receipt

Approval date: May 5, 2025

After 3 months of anxious waiting, the cherished approval arrived! The client was actually worried about his application on that very day.

The easiest part remains: flying to Spain and submitting fingerprints to receive the resident card. The hardest part is already behind!