
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:
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London
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Manchester
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Edinburgh
🧾 2. Document Checklist
You’ll need originals + photocopies of everything unless stated otherwise.
✅ Core Documents:
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Passport (valid for at least 1 year, with 2 blank pages)
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Visa Application Form (National Visa) – completed and signed
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EX-01 Form – completed and signed
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Modelo 790 Código 052 Form – completed and proof of payment
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Passport-sized photos – recent, compliant with Spanish visa photo standards
✅ Proof of Sufficient Financial Means:
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You must prove a minimum annual income of ~€30,000 (plus ~€7,000 per dependent)
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Accepted documents include:
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Bank statements (last 6–12 months)
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Pension statements
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Investment or rental income summaries
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✅ Private Health Insurance:
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Must be with a Spanish-based company
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Must offer full cover equivalent to Spain’s public healthcare
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Certificate must state the policy meets visa requirements
✅ Medical Certificate:
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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."
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Must be issued within 3 months of your appointment
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May need Apostille and translation (check consulate)
✅ Police Background Check:
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UK ACRO Police Certificate
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Issued within 3 months
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Requires Apostille (via FCDO)
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Certified Spanish translation
🌍 3. Translations & Apostilles
🔁 What Needs Translating into Spanish?
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Police certificate
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Medical certificate
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Financial statements (varies by consulate)
Translations must be sworn (traducción jurada) by a certified Spanish translator.
🏛️ What Needs an Apostille?
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ACRO police certificate (always)
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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:
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Register with your local town hall (Empadronamiento)
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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]