Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
Has anyone who successfully got a non lucrative Spain visa tried to switch to a work residency after a year? I’ve read on a few places that after a year of being on a NLV and already being in Spain, it’s easier (less hoops to jump through) to get a work residency? Has anyone successfully done this? I’m curious as to what those “less hoops” are and if it’s a possibility?
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These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
”It’s not a switch or exchange. It’s a new visa application in essence. My understanding is that it’s easier from the employer’s perspective which is helpful. But it’s still a new application for a visa. The self employed visa has the same criteria as an initial application, even if one has been here for a year or two on NLV”
”I have friends who have done so successfully. The business plan was very detailed and it took ages for a decision”
”Thank you for your helpful information. Yes, I understand the not working part, which I wouldn’t be, I studied abroad years ago and have close contact with my then host family, they are still like family and have said I could stay and live with them as long as Id like to. I’d probably enroll for some online classes to learn a new skill or sign up for a language class. It was more so after completing the one year legally and right, on the NLV, of how viable it is to then (hopefully) find and get a job offer. From what I’ve tried to research it sounds like (for whatever reason) it is more doable to get work residency through a NLV after a year of not working, than it is to get a work residency through high skilled job (I.e. impossible for a Spanish company to hire you). Sounds like it is doable that after year of NLV it is more viable for a Spanish employer to “sponsor” you that way, which would be my hope. I’m bilingual (English and Spanish) and have a business degree so I’d be hopeful I could find a job and try to stay in Spain longer that way, as opposed to continuing on NLV for another two years after renewing”
”I think the most hoops are year one in the Non Working Residence Visa (it’s new name, no longer NLV). I think after that anything is easier as long as you have all your ducks in a row. It’s so easy to be weeded out in that first year”
”Yes, but doing it without a lawyer is very hard”
”The difference is you apply from Spain not the consulate. There are 2 possibilities, cuenta ajena (you get offered a job) and cuenta propia (you submit a project for a business you’d like to open as self employed). Lots of people have managed this successfully although it’s true to say that the projects are a little onerous to construct and present. However, in terms of the response, extranjería is many times faster than any consulate in approving these cuenta propia applications”
In conclusion, according to Spainguru Facebook group members, Transitioning from a Non Lucrative Spain Visa (NLV) to other residency types in Spain is possible but involves submitting a new visa application with detailed requirements. The process may become easier after the first year, especially if you meet the criteria and have a clear plan. Seeking legal assistance from immigration experts is advisable for a smoother transition.
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