The costs of our non lucrative Spain visa application in London

Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Myself (Elaine) and husband Chris decided last year to move to Spain for about 3 years as our ‘GAP YEARS’. We spent the first part of the year planning during covid as we couldn’t get to Spain. The plan was to rent our UK home to pay for rental of a Spanish home. My husband retired and I arranged a sabbatical from my work. We did consider using a company to help with getting a non lucrative Spain visa but decided to try it alone.

We applied for our non lucrative Spain visa in London in June 2021 and visited Spain in August to find a home. We arranged to rent a fabulous home near Lake Viñuela.

We didn’t hear a thing from the London Consulate until they introduced their new online booking system. We had our interview last week.  I wrote the facebook post to help others who were starting the process. The actual costs involved have influenced us to decide to extend our stay in Spain from the original 1-2 years plan. If we are paying this amount of money to make this move we want to ‘get our money’s worth.

Update from our application. A translated letter from my manager highlighting my intention to resign is not enough. The consulate has now asked for documentary evidence of leaving work and a P45. So I have resigned now to start my sabbatical in 1 month. I have sent my manager’s acceptance letter, translated, back to the consulate. I have also written to explain that I can not get my P45 until early January.  We need to wait and see what happens.

I thought it may help others to give you an idea of costs if you were to apply yourselves.  It may be useful if, like me, you are considering getting a company to help you and want to compare costs.  

Total non lucrative Spain visa application costs

Prices are in GBP and for 2 people.

• Visa application form – free
• Visa fee £1050
• Photo – £20
• Passport – free as had already
• ACRO certificate – £110 (needs translation and apostille)
• Health insurance policy – £1800 (for 52 & 64 yr old 12 months policy)
• Medical statement from Dr -£30 (needs translation and apostille) (Get your Medical Certificate to apply in any Spanish consulate (US, UK, etc) for any Spanish Visa! Certificate issued by registered Spanish Doctor, that doens’t need translation nor apostille. 100% online.)
• Husband P45 – free (needs translation)
• Manager’s letter to prove my planned resignation- free (needs translation)
• Stamped Bank Statements – free
• Letter about inheritance to prove lump sum is ours (needs translation)
• Form 790-052 – Free
• Form EX-01 – Free
• Marriage Certificate – £11 (needs translation and apostille)
• Total translations fee – £377
• Total Apostille fee – £155

Total costs for two people = £3580 / €4250 / $4780 (November 2021)

November 25 2021 UPDATE

The visas have been granted!

About the authoress: Thanks Elaine for this blog post that will help others calculate their costs when applying for a NLV in the UK!

Would you like to share your story and help others, like Elaine did? Participate here

Bruno Bianchi

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