Question
Are any of you employed but still going for the non lucrative Spain visa in hopes they won’t ask?
Answers
These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
“Recently consulates are making you provide a notarized letter stating that you will not work in Spain, including remote work, for the non lucrative Spain visa application”
“I am employed (working remotely for a U.S. company) and on the NLV. Provided you sufficiently prove financial capacity outside of work, and preferably provide way more than they ask for, they don’t ask at least for NYC.”
“If you wish to proceed illegally you can. Expect to be banned from Spain (and maybe EU) for many years if you get caught.”
“They will ask. Not only will they ask, as some others have commented, they may require you to prove you’re not going to work, especially if you have just the bare minimum required to meet the financial test. One woman who was in that situation was asked, “What will you do when the money runs out in a year?” She wasn’t on her toes at that moment (who would be, it’s nervewracking) and said, “Well, I guess I could get some freelance writing work …” And they turned her down, because the NLV is meant for people with passive income. (Don’t recall which consulate that was, sorry!) If you have enough savings that you could afford it, try to arrange a sabbatical from your work. You’re much more likely to get approved if you’re coming on sabbatical (and can prove it).”
“I tried not sending the letter to the Houston consulate but they required it. I had to choose a date to quit working on employer’s letterhead. Make sure the employer’s signature is not digital. It must be in ink and is better in blue ink to distinguish it from the copy (you have to make copies of all the documents).”
“Check this blog post from Spainguru: https://spainguru.es/2021/09/13/is-it-possible-to-work-remotely-on-a-non-lucrative-visa-in-spain/ “
In conclusion, based on insights from Spainguru Facebook group members, pursuing a non lucrative Spain visa while being employed, especially if remotely, comes with specific requirements and potential scrutiny. Several consulates now require a notarized letter confirming that the applicant will not engage in any form of work, including remote work, while in Spain. It’s important to note that attempting to work without proper authorization could have severe consequences, including bans from Spain and possibly the wider EU. To enhance your non lucrative Spain visa application’s chances of success, it’s advisable to demonstrate financial capacity independent of employment and provide ample proof of funds. Additionally, considering options like arranging a sabbatical or leave of absence from work may lead to a smoother visa application process and a higher likelihood of approval.
