Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
If you are on a NLV, already in 2nd renewal but you decided to leave Spain for a lucrative contract for 2 years. Can you reapply for the Spain non lucrative visa again? Is there a chance that your application will be considered? Or is there such a thing as deferment?
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
Planning your move to Spain?
Get the free step-by-step roadmap used by 10,000+ expats — covering visas, budget, housing, and the mistakes to avoid.
Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“You’ll have to start again, you won’t meet the criteria for permanent residency after 5 years, not being out of the country for 10 months in the first 5 years.”
Conclusion
The consensus from the group discussion is that if you leave Spain while on a Spain non lucrative visa (NLV) to pursue a contract abroad, reapplying for the NLV involves starting the application process anew and from outside of Spain.
This is because the continuity required for permanent residency consideration is interrupted by significant time spent outside the country.
This insight emphasizes the need for careful planning regarding residency status and mobility for those on a non-lucrative visa.
Get your free step-by-step Spain move plan
10 emails over 2 weeks covering visas, budget, housing & the mistakes to avoid.
Join 10,000+ expats who used this roadmap.
100% free · No credit card · Unsubscribe anytime
