Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
Can you work up until you’re ready to leave under a Spain Non Lucrative Visa? I want to apply in August and leave by the end of the year but I can’t quit my job yet.
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 →“It seems to depend on your specific consulate. Our consulate in Chicago seems to allow it with a notarized letter of resignation and documentation from your employer that you are set to resign and no plans for future work even remotely.”
“When you apply, you have to show proof of not working.”
“Yes, you can keep working. Just need a resignation letter and letter from employer with your final day of work being before your entry date.”
“Houston consulate requires a letter from your employer saying you will no longer work there. We’re hopeful that will work.”
Not sure which city is right for you?
Compare cost of living, weather, expat community size, and lifestyle across 13 Spanish cities in our free guide.
Explore Cities →
“I’m on the same timescale but will have to give my notice in end of August so I can take to London for the application end of Sept. Can’t see any way round it sadly.”
“Husband worked up to the day we left the UK.”
“If you show them a letter from your company confirming your resignation with a leaving date, which is translated and notarized, that is acceptable. For those self-employed, a letter from yourself confirming that you will give up work once your visa is approved or provide a final work date, again translated and notarized would also be sufficient.”
“I was told by a lawyer that you have to have your P45 by the time you have your embassy appointment. It’s trying to manage the appointment and hand in notice. Just have to pray you get the visa.”
“Should not be an issue if you are of retirement age. It wasn’t for me with San Francisco Consulate.”
“In the UK, I understand that a P45 has to be provided on application. We are going through arranging this at the moment.”
Conclusion
The ability to continue working up to your departure for Spain on a Non-Lucrative Visa largely depends on the requirements of the specific Spanish consulate handling the application.
Most consulates appear to require some form of proof of cessation of employment, such as a notarized letter of resignation or an employer’s letter confirming the end of employment.
For self-employed individuals, additional documentation like a letter of ceasing trade may be necessary.
It’s crucial for applicants to check the specific requirements of their designated consulate to ensure compliance and smooth processing of their visa application.
Join our community!
Make sure to join our dedicated Spanish Non Lucrative Visa group here!
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
