Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question about the Non lucrative Spain visa
Is it possible to work in Spain at the 5-year mark upon being approved for permanent residency with Non lucrative Spain visa or does one have to wait until achieving full Spanish citizenship – after 10 years?
Answers
These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
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Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“Long term residence carries with it the right to work.”
“Yes it is, after 5 years.”
“You don’t have to apply for citizenship to work. You just need to be a permanent resident.”
“After five year you may work”
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See Vetted Lawyers →In summary: It is possible to work in Spain after being approved for permanent residency after holding an NLV (Non lucrative Spain visa) at the 5-year mark, without having to wait until achieving full Spanish citizenship after 10 years (in case you are a national of a country that requires 10 years residency for Nationality application). Permanent residents have the right to work in Spain.
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