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Your Essential Non-Lucrative Visa ( NLV ) Checklist

Your pathway to a peaceful life in sunny Spain – no job required.

✅ For British Citizens Retiring to Spain

      Everything you need to prepare for a successful NLV application—without the stress.

 

📅 1. Before You Start

      Plan ahead! The NLV process takes time and preparation. Begin at least 3–4 months before your              intended move date.

📍 Choose Your Consulate

      You must apply at the Spanish consulate in the UK that covers your area of residence. Each has                  slightly different requirements, so check their website carefully:

  • London

  • Manchester

  • Edinburgh

🧾 2. Document Checklist

      You’ll need originals + photocopies of everything unless stated otherwise.

 ​

✅ Core Documents:

  • Passport (valid for at least 1 year, with 2 blank pages)

  • Visa Application Form (National Visa) – completed and signed

  • EX-01 Form – completed and signed

  • Modelo 790 Código 052 Form – completed and proof of payment

  • Passport-sized photos – recent, compliant with Spanish visa photo standards

✅ Proof of Sufficient Financial Means:

  • You must prove a minimum annual income of ~€30,000 (plus ~€7,000 per dependent)

  • Accepted documents include:

    • Bank statements (last 6–12 months)

    • Pension statements

    • Investment or rental income summaries

✅ Private Health Insurance:

  • Must be with a Spanish-based company

  • Must offer full cover equivalent to Spain’s public healthcare

  • Certificate must state the policy meets visa requirements

✅ Medical Certificate:

  • Issued by your GP and includes wording like:

    This certifies that Mr/Mrs [Name] does not suffer from any disease that could pose a threat to public health according to the International Health Regulations of 2005."

  • Must be issued within 3 months of your appointment

  • May need Apostille and translation (check consulate)

✅ Police Background Check:

  • UK ACRO Police Certificate

  • Issued within 3 months

  • Requires Apostille (via FCDO)

  • Certified Spanish translation

🌍 3. Translations & Apostilles

🔁 What Needs Translating into Spanish?

  • Police certificate

  • Medical certificate

  • Financial statements (varies by consulate)

Translations must be sworn (traducción jurada) by a certified Spanish translator.

🏛️ What Needs an Apostille?

  • ACRO police certificate (always)

  • Possibly your medical certificate or others—check with your consulate

🚫 4. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

❌ Submitting incomplete forms
❌ Financial documents not covering enough months
❌ Health insurance with co-payments
❌ Forgetting photocopies or translations
❌ Booking at the wrong consulate

      Pro Tip: Some consulates require you to pay visa fees in exact cash or by postal order. Always check          their payment instructions in advance.

✨ 5. Bonus Tips

✅ Dress professionally for your appointment
✅ Arrive 15 minutes early
✅ Keep backup copies of everything
✅ Bring a folder with neatly organized documents
✅ Print your appointment confirmation and payment receipt

🎯 6. What Happens Next?

      After approval, you’ll collect your visa from the consulate and travel to Spain. Once in Spain:

  • Register with your local town hall (Empadronamiento)

  • Apply for your Foreigner ID Card (TIE) within 30 days

💬 Need Help With All This ?

​      We know it’s overwhelming—and that’s where EasyNLV Spain comes in.
      We offer friendly, step-by-step guidance for British retirees moving to Spain. From forms and                  translations to appointments and follow-ups—we handle it all.

👉 Visit [yourwebsite.com] to get started
👉 Or email us directly at [hello@yourbusiness.com]

Start Your Retirement Journey Today!

EasyNLV Spain is ready to assist you in making your dream retirement in Spain a reality.  Contact us for friendly, personal touch advice and begin your new life journey with confidence and ease.

Get in Touch

Privacy Notice: EasyNLV  is committed to protecting your personal data. We collect and process information only to assist with your visa application, and never share it for marketing purposes unless expressly requested by our clients. Your data is stored securely and handled in full compliance with GDPR.  Read our full privacy policy or contact us at info@easynlvspain.com.

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