Question
For those of you who came in on an Spain Non Lucrative Visa, what did you do all day? Our kids will be in school all day, and we are wondering what we would do since we can’t work. Volunteer? Take Spanish lessons?
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“Live the dream. Workout, cycle, hike, walk along the beach, swim in the Med, take a walkabout, enjoy a mediodía, talk to people, learn Spanish, take a siesta, enjoy life… and for more helpful tips, use your imagination!”
“Volunteering is huge here! So many charity shops, charitable organizations, and animal groups are desperate for support. Spanish lessons are a great idea, and studying for the driving test might be good if you need to pass the Spanish one.”
“I don’t know how I could fit a job into my life in Spain. I walk or take the bus everywhere, shop for groceries most days, have a lovely coffee out, go to the pool for aquafit, do light housework, study Spanish, and meet with friends.”
“Join an EOI (heavily subsidized language school) to learn Spanish or another language. Be active in local expat groups, start a walking group, shop at fresh markets instead of supermarkets, and volunteer. If you want to get involved, even something like reading stories in English at a local kindergarten could be an option.”
“As an American, so much of my identity was wrapped up in work. Now, that’s not something I can fall back on. I had to rediscover who I am. Find interests and pursue them!”
“Spain is so much different than the States. Start strolling the beach after dropping off the kids, have coffee with friends, check out art exhibits, shop at local markets, and enjoy a leisurely menu del día before the kids come home.”
“If you want to improve your Spanish, take classes and find intercambios to attend. They’re a fun way to meet both expats and Spaniards eager to learn languages.”
“We arrived in August, and so far, we take Spanish classes twice a week, go grocery shopping, explore the city and nearby towns, hike, shop, and have long breakfasts and lunches in plazas and cafés. Now, I’m looking to join a gym or a tennis club.”
“Say yes to anything interesting that comes up. We have had the most amazing adventures since moving to Spain over two years ago.”
“I did intensive Spanish classes for three months, five days a week from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., plus homework. After that, you need a light lunch and a siesta. Then go shopping for dinner. That’s your day!”
“I walk around the city, pondering the meaning of life, finding good coffee, and picking up new hobbies. Between those, I take monthly trips to different European capitals and appreciate the freedom of a slower life.”
“Go to the beach, walk, work out, get inexpensive massages, go to language school, paint, take up a new hobby… you’ll never run out of things to do!”
“Explore the museums in peace, sunbathe and relax, enjoy menu del día (often only €13 for four courses), and volunteer if you want. Many expats help at animal shelters and charity shops.”
Conclusion
For Spain Non Lucrative Visa holders, daily life is about slowing down and enjoying the culture, rather than following a strict schedule.
Many expats take up Spanish lessons, volunteer, explore their cities, or pursue hobbies they didn’t have time for before.
Adjusting to this lifestyle can take time, especially for those accustomed to always being busy, but many find joy in the freedom to immerse themselves in Spanish culture.
Popular activities among NLV holders include:
- Taking Spanish lessons or attending subsidized EOI language schools
- Volunteering at local charities, animal shelters, or community organizations
- Joining hiking, cycling, or walking groups
- Visiting local markets, museums, and cultural events
- Enjoying long lunches, coffee meetups, and tapas outings
- Exploring different regions of Spain and taking day trips or weekend getaways
- Learning new skills like cooking, painting, or playing an instrument
- Participating in intercambios to practice Spanish and meet locals
- Engaging in fitness activities, such as yoga, pilates, or swimming
- Simply embracing the “dolce far niente”—the sweetness of doing nothing
Join our community!
Make sure to join our dedicated Spanish Non Lucrative Visa group here!
