Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
I have a valid Schengen visa. How can I add or state that to the application of non lucrative Spain visa?
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These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
”It doesn’t matter. I also had a Schengen Visa when I was applying for an NLV. When I eventually got my non lucrative Spain visa, the Consulate told me that neither will run side-to-side as there was no need to cancel the Schengen Visa. They’re entirely different visas: one is for tourism and one is for residence.”
”Schengen visa is nothing to do with any residency permit in EU countries. Schengen visa is for traveling around in the EU for max 90 days. Not a resident permit. So you need to apply for non lucrative Spain visa in your country”
”The Schengen visa is only a tourist visa, not for residency. For the NLV you have to apply from your country of residence”
In conclusion, having a valid Schengen visa is unrelated to the application for a non lucrative Spain visa. As confirmed by various members of Spainguru’s Facebook group, the Schengen visa is designed for short-term tourism and allows travelers to stay in the Schengen area for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. On the other hand, the NLV is a residency permit that permits an individual to live in Spain without engaging in any paid work or business activities. The two visas serve different purposes and do not overlap. Therefore, if one wishes to apply for an NLV, it is necessary to follow the appropriate application process from their country of residence, without any impact on their Schengen visa status.
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