Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
We’ve just been granted a Spain Non Lucrative Visa (NLV) through the Edinburgh consulate, allowing my husband to work offshore in the UK. We included his work contract in our application. I know most consulates don’t allow work under the NLV, but Edinburgh’s checklist states you can work if it’s not in Spain.
Their checklist changed in June this year, so we’re unsure if we’re among the first to be approved under this rule. We are beyond delighted! I hope this helps others in similar situations!
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Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Spanish Non Lucrative Visa group members:
“How did you find out about this offshore work exception?” – “We just looked at the Edinburgh consulate checklist as that’s where we were applying.”
“Does this mean airline crews could also be eligible if they fly out of the UK?”
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Explore Cities →“Wonder if that can work for airline crew if they ‘leave’ the UK to do their job as well? Thanks for sharing info.”
“Does this working allowance apply only to the Edinburgh consulate?”
“London and Manchester both confirmed that no work is allowed, so it seems offshore workers in Scotland can use the NLV, even for themselves, but not if they have to apply through one of the other two consulates.”
“What happens if this was an administrative mistake?”
“I think you’ve misread it. He isn’t working remotely. The paperwork goes to Madrid for final sign-off. We spoke to the consulate on a couple of occasions. So I don’t feel we have been sneaky in any way. We just provided everything asked for in the checklist.”
“Does this affect future visa renewals?”
“I would get professional guidance on this because on renewal of your TIE, I really don’t see how you are going to explain an income from a non-passive source.”
“How would they know at the first renewal? I remember doing mine online (now on a working visa), and there’s no way they’d have known if I was working for a UK employer. I showed them my Spanish accounts and some savings accounts, and that was about that from a financial point of view.”
“This is confusing. I have been on an NLV for three years and was told that no work was allowed at all. So I can now work as long as it’s outside Spain?”
“But the lady who posted clearly says her husband is allowed to work? Who’s got something wrong here?”
“Won’t matter when you come to renew…”
Conclusion
According to recent applicants, the Edinburgh consulate allows offshore work in the UK under Spain Non-Lucrative Visa if properly documented during the application process.
This appears unique to Edinburgh and not applicable through other UK consulates. Applicants are advised to provide clear evidence of offshore work, as administrative errors could impact renewals. Legal consultation is recommended for up-to-date guidance.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the contributions and experiences of Spainguru community members and is not legal advice. Consider consulting a legal expert for personalized guidance.
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