Question
Are we able to continue working during the Spanish non lucrative visa process and cease working once we’ve been accepted for the Visas?
I’m a little confused with this part .. I understand we can’t work at all once we move but ideally we’d like to continue working for as long as possible here, we will be applying at Manchester and I’ve read some people are waiting 3-6 months .. this would be a lot of time out of work here in the UK.
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“Can’t you hand in your notice, get a P45 and work agency when all paperwork submitted?”
“How would they know?” -“If payments are shown on your bank statements, it may be questioned where the funds were coming from at your appointment.”
“You have to have an intended date to stop work. Letter from accountant for self-employed or employer confirming termination date. Accepted in Manchester last November. Visas were granted in 5 weeks.”
“I had heard this and was banking on this solution too, as I can give 4 months’ notice from the civil service (this gives time for the pension to be paid on time) and can get a letter from the government with my cease employment date on it.”
I also worked for a local council.
“Govt pensions such as Military, civil service, Police, NHS etc. are subject to tax in the UK so cannot be taxed in Spain under the double taxation agreement. But not sure where LA pensions sit here, sorry you will have to enquire from your pension provider.”
“We are giving up our permanent work end of July with a view to move end of October. This would give us our P45. We are planning to work for Amazon in the gap months which our lawyer has said is fine?” – “Manchester won’t allow any. This is where we need to go.”
“Interesting. If you’re working for Amazon after you’ve got your P45 from your permanent employer it would have to be ‘cash in hand’ otherwise it’s classed as working income again and you’re not allowed to do that during the application process
It would null and void your previous P45. Our relocation specialist has been clear about needing a P45 for the application appointment.
Don’t forget as well that an employer can’t issue a P45 until a last payslip has been issued when final tax deductions etc. are done. If this is like many people nearly a month in arrears you could be looking at towards the end of August.
So you would need an appointment after that date and depending on the consulate your 3 months + would take you to end of November.”
“No, I had to give up work before Christmas in order to attend appointment for visa in Jan. 2025. Not ideal but to my knowledge there is no way around it if you want to be accepted.”
“Apparently no, we can’t. I have the same dilemma. I do wish it was different.”
“It’s very difficult, especially if we could be waiting a long time.”
“It’s a nightmare. Don’t know why they made it so difficult. I mean it’s not like we can keep working for the company once we move to Spain.”
“Nope, have to hand your P45 in at your interview.”
Conclusion
Based on input from the Spainguru community, applicants for the Spanish non lucrative visa through the Manchester consulate must stop working before their visa appointment.
A P45 or a formal letter from an employer or accountant indicating a termination date is generally required.
While some consulates may be more flexible, Manchester appears strict on this issue. Attempting to work—even short-term or freelance—after submitting a P45 may invalidate your application.
Applicants should plan their timelines carefully, considering potential delays of up to 3–6 months for visa approval and ensuring financial readiness during that waiting period.
