Question
I messaged the group last year when we got our initial Spain Non Lucrative Visa (my husband still works on an oil rig off the coast of Scotland, Edinburgh consulate allows this) it caused quite a lot of commotion on this group when it was posted. Some people said we wouldn’t be able to renew. This is just to let you know that we have successfully renewed for years 2/3.
Answers
These are the answers from Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“This scenario was unique to Edinburgh BLS/Consulate for offshore workers no other BLS in the UK allows it.”
“We live in Spain on an NLV just now and we know of other offshore workers who live here on NLV. Yes, they have done it through Edinburgh.”
“I’m curious, does your husband have an NLV too? Or is his income sponsoring your NLV?” – “he is the main applicant and we are his dependents (myself and 2 children). For renewal we all had separate but linked applications”
“How did you get around the not being in Spain for 10 months in first year?” – “It’s 10 months in total for the first 5 years that you can be out of the country”
“Hi can I ask how you done this, im in the same scenario but I am not applying only my wife as I was under impression I could not get the visa as I work out the country 6 months of the year so would not be approved fir renewals and would never be able yo get residency after 5 years as would not meet the 10 months in 5 year rule” – “The rotation means he is in Spain around 183 days. But we registered with the tax authorities here even though we don’t do our first tax return til next year. Regarding the 5 years, that’s still a long way but there are options.”
May I ask please – where in Spain you did the renewal. did you show your tax returns documents..” – “Malaga. No we haven’t had to do a tax return yet. We did however send a copy of the form for registering with the tax agency here.”
“Wow, I wonder why off- shore has a special status. I wonder if there are other occupations that would allow this. Congratulations on your renewal!” – “bc it’s not work in Spain”
Conclusion
This conversation highlights a real example of a Spain non lucrative visa renewal with work being approved, even when the main applicant continued offshore employment. Despite concerns raised during the initial application, the renewal for years 2/3 was successfully granted.
Community members emphasized that offshore work can be treated differently because it is not considered work carried out in Spain. In this case, factors such as time spent in Spain, registration with the Spanish tax authorities, and consulate-specific practices played an important role.
The key takeaway is that Spain non lucrative visa renewal with work may be possible in specific offshore scenarios, particularly when the employment is outside Spain and residency rules are respected.
This article is based on personal opinions from the Spainguru community and is not legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions – Spain Non Lucrative Visa Renewal With Work
Can you renew a Spain Non Lucrative Visa if you are still working?
Yes, based on this community experience, a Spain non lucrative visa renewal with work was approved when the work was carried out entirely outside Spain. The offshore employment was not considered work in Spain, which was a key factor in the successful renewal.
Is offshore work allowed with a Spain Non Lucrative Visa?
Offshore work may be treated differently from other types of employment because it is not physically performed in Spain. Community members highlighted that this distinction played an important role in the approval of the non lucrative visa renewal.
Does the consulate matter for NLV renewal with work?
Yes, according to the discussion, the Edinburgh consulate was central to this case. Members stated that this scenario appeared to be specific to Edinburgh, and that other UK consulates may not allow similar offshore work arrangements for Spain non lucrative visa renewals.
Can the main applicant work while dependents are on an NLV?
In this case, the main applicant held the Spain non lucrative visa and continued offshore work, while the spouse and children were dependents. All family members submitted separate but linked renewal applications, which were approved together.
How much time must you spend in Spain for NLV renewal?
Members clarified that you can be outside Spain for up to 10 months total during the first five years. This means there is no strict two-month limit for the first year alone, as long as overall residency rules are respected.
Does working offshore affect future permanent residency in Spain?
The conversation shows that this concern exists, but no definitive answer was given. The applicant noted that reaching five years of residency was still some time away and that options may be available, suggesting this should be reviewed closer to that stage.
Is Spanish tax registration required for NLV renewal with work?
In this case, the family registered with the Spanish tax authorities even though they had not yet filed a tax return. They provided proof of registration, which was accepted for the Spain non lucrative visa renewal.
Where was the NLV renewal processed in Spain?
The renewal for years 2/3 was processed in Málaga. According to the applicant, no Spanish tax return was required at that stage, only proof of registration with the tax agency.
Does everyone with offshore work get approved for NLV renewal?
No. Community members stressed that every situation is different and that Spanish authorities look at the full picture. A Spain non lucrative visa renewal with work is assessed on a case-by-case basis and cannot be guaranteed.
