This article shares a firsthand experience of a Spain Non Lucrative Visa renewal in Valencia, covering timeline, documents, and key tips for success.
“Just received Spain Non Lucrative Visa Renewal approval email for year 2/3 NLV renewal, in Valencia. Exactly 9 weeks waiting. Phew… 🍾🥂
This group and discussion were very helpful!!! Thanks all.
To share our recent research and application process:
- Waiting Time: while the general waiting time in Valencia is often cited as 3–5 months, we experienced quicker turnaround of 2 months & 1 week.
- Health Insurance Policy: We continue using ASSSA, and it’s worth noting that our policy covered us until the end of December THIS year, so it wasn’t a full year’s coverage.
- Spanish Bank Account: We did not have a Spanish bank account, despite comments suggesting it’s required in Valencia. Instead, we uploaded monthly statements showing our ongoing Spanish expenses, highlighting repeated transactions. We also explained in our cover letter that funds were easily transferred between banks and spent in Spain without issues.
- Funds: Our funds primarily consisted of scattered savings in the UK and potential pensions that have not yet been drawn. We included a summary page detailing each person’s funds in a table format.
- Cover Letter: We prepared a cover letter outlining the time we spent in Spain, exact dates of departures (not much time was spent outside Spain), and our intentions to stay.
- Application Process: We completed the application online using a digital certificate. This was quite challenging, taking 5 hours. We had to downsize documents, rename files (though this might not have been necessary), change internet search engines, and clear cache. We likely started about 20 applications before successfully submitting one. We also found that we couldn’t complete it on an Apple laptop but managed after moving the digital certificate to another laptop.
- Tasa (Fee): This was also tricky. You don’t receive an application reference number (número de Expediente) until after submission, but once submitted, you can’t add documents. Our solution was to find the tasa online and pay at a bank. Ultimately, our tasa document didn’t have our final reference number, but it was still accepted.
I hope this information is helpful! Good luck to all waiting and applying!!!!”
Questions and Answers
Q1: “How long before the expiry of your TIEs did you submit your renewal applications? Also, did you supply proof of your relationship again, like a recent copy of your marriage certificate?”
A1: “We applied on 4 June 2025, with our TIE end date being 2 August 2025. Sixty days before expiry is allowed. I’ve seen someone rejected for applying too early. We aren’t married, so we applied individually with enough funds each. Married friends also did not submit a marriage certificate. There is no specific ‘box’ for marriage or relationship proof in the online system. We each submitted separately as primary applicants but included a joint summary of funds in a one-page table. Both results came back at the same time.”
Q2: “How long did it take for them to send you a follow-up email with an Expediente number after submission?”
A2: “We received an immediate confirmation email. The next day, a second email arrived with the Expediente number and a link to check notifications.”
Q3: “I am paying the tasa at the bank—should I then upload it with the receipt and other documents?”
A3: “Yes, that’s exactly what we did.”
Q4: “Is there some kind of checklist for renewal requirements? I thought a new visa sticker goes in the passport. Also, is it really true that you don’t need a Spanish bank account?”
A4: “We didn’t find an official checklist from the government, but we followed community-shared lists. In the online system, only one document can be attached per box, so we merged funds into one PDF. There’s also an ‘integration’ box where multiple documents can be uploaded. We placed our cover letter and Spanish bank expense statements there. Some people add proof of integration like language classes or gym memberships. And yes—it’s true, we renewed without a Spanish bank account.”
Q5: “How did you upload the tasa receipt if you didn’t yet have the Expediente number?”
A5: “We paid the tasa at the bank without the reference number. Even though the document didn’t include it, it was still accepted in Valencia.”
Comments
- “We’re on week six 🤞”
- “Any attorney and real estate agent in Valencia that you could recommend? I’m doing a two-week scouting trip in November.”
- “Good to note about not needing a Spanish bank account!”
- “Thank you for sharing this—super helpful!”
Conclusion
The Spain Non Lucrative Visa renewal process in Valencia can vary, but this firsthand account shows that approval is possible without a Spanish bank account, as long as you demonstrate ongoing expenses and sufficient funds.
Preparing a strong cover letter, merging documents carefully, and submitting within the 60-day window before TIE expiry are key. Although the online process can be technically challenging, persistence pays off.
Waiting times may be shorter than expected, with approvals in just over two months.
