Question
I read somewhere that you are allowed to work with the Spain non lucrative visa after your second renewal. Does anyone know if this is true? I thought you had to wait 5 years until you get permanent residency.
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Spanish Non Lucrative Visa group members:
“I am not sure, but I think each renewal is for 2 years, meaning after 2 renewals you are at the 5-year perm residency time.”
“First renewal after year 1, second renewal after year 3, then at third renewal, after year 5, as (if) you become a permanent resident, the work restriction is lifted.”
“Yes, exactly what I understood. So, to the original question of the post, it IS five years, and that is equivalent to two renewals. I thought maybe the person thought a renewal was each for one year. Thanks to confirming!”
“As a tax professional, I’d be happy to clarify the situation regarding working with a Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) in Spain. The information you read about being allowed to work with the NLV visa after the second renewal is partially true.
While it’s not entirely accurate, there are some scenarios where you might be able to work with an NLV visa before obtaining permanent residency.
Typically, NLV visa holders are not allowed to work in Spain. However, there are some exceptions, such as working remotely for a foreign company or starting a business.
Regarding the 5-year wait for permanent residency, it’s generally true that you’ll need to wait 5 years before applying for permanent residency in Spain. However, there are some exceptions and accelerated routes to residency, depending on your individual circumstances.”
“After 5 years, you can work.”
“It’s after 5 years. Your TIE will specify that you are allowed to work. I have one, but don’t want to work.”
“Hi, I’m afraid that is not true, you are correct, it is after 5 years.”
“Potentially and only if you comply with the requirements, after one year under the NLV, you could modify the non lucrative residency to a work permit, but it’s not easy.
If you are eligible for the long-term residency permit after 5 years, you can apply for it and you will have permission to work. Make sure you are not outside of Spain more than 10 months in the previous 5 years before applying.”
Conclusion
Community members confirm that under the Spain non lucrative visa, you are not permitted to work during the initial years of residency.
The standard process involves a first renewal after the first year and a second renewal after the third year, leading to eligibility for long-term residency after five years. Once granted long-term residency, work authorization is included.
Some users mentioned exceptions where you might modify your residency to a work permit earlier, but this is considered complex and not typical. Remote work for foreign companies or self-employment is a gray area that requires caution and possibly legal advice.
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