Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
My Husband is retired, receives UK pension and he will be the main applicant. Neither of us will be working when we apply for NLV. My question is do we both need to show proof of no longer working? or only the main applicant. Applying at London Consulate.
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
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Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“Hi, you both need to show you’re no longer working.”
“Both”
“London wanted both.”
“Both need to prove you are not working.”
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Explore Cities →“Yes, we had to show 2 x P45 and I was the dependant. In London.”
“Both of you. That’s what we did in London anyway. We applied in late August last year.”
“We got letters off our employers giving our retirement dates, Manchester.”
“Letter from tax office of cessation of business and self-assessment no longer required. You should receive this a month after the final tax return is submitted.”
“That only works if you’re applying after you submitted your final tax return, but like me last October, I needed a letter from HMRC to prove I wasn’t working.”
Conclusion
According to Spainguru’s Facebook group members, when applying for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) at the London Consulate, both the main applicant and their spouse must provide proof that they are no longer working, even if one spouse is already retired and receiving a pension.
Applicants have successfully used the following documents as proof:
- P45 Forms – To show cessation of employment.
- Employer Letters – Stating retirement dates.
- HMRC Letters – Confirming business cessation and that self-assessment is no longer required (for self-employed applicants).
It is advisable to prepare these documents in advance to ensure a smooth application process.
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