In a surprising development, immigration lawyer Ainhoa Manero from Sterna Abogados revealed an unusual case where a Spanish Non Lucrative Visa renewal was granted for four years instead of the standard two. This news has sparked curiosity among expats and applicants who want to understand whether this could signal a broader change in immigration criteria or simply an isolated administrative error.
The Standard Rule for Spanish Non Lucrative Visa Renewals
Under the current Spanish Non Lucrative Visa framework, the first residence permit is typically valid for one year, and renewals are generally granted for two additional years. This is clearly established in the bylaw (Reglamento de Extranjería) governing non-lucrative residence permits.
According to Ainhoa Manero, “If you read the bylaw, it’s very clear — the renewal should be for two years.” (Artículo 64. Renovación de la autorización de residencia temporal no lucrativa.) Therefore, the recent case in which a client received a four-year renewal was completely unexpected.
The Four-Year Renewal Case in Galicia
Ainhoa shared that her office recently obtained a four-year renewal for one of their clients in La Coruña, located in the Galicia region of Spain. She explained that:
“We just proved financial means for one year, as usual, and immigration renewed it for four years.”
This is significant because normally, the renewal period covers two years. Receiving a four-year renewal with proof of only one year of financial means is highly unusual.
Was This an Immigration Error or a Policy Shift?
Ainhoa clarified that this appears to be a mistake by the immigration office, rather than a deliberate policy change. She added:
“This is a mistake from immigration because it should have been for two years if you read the bylaw. But in this case, it’s a positive mistake for my client.”
She emphasized that such errors are rare, and while most administrative mistakes tend to harm applicants, this one happened to benefit the client — extending their legal stay without needing another renewal for four full years.
Can Others Expect Four-Year Renewals?
Unfortunately, this case is not a precedent others can easily rely on. Ainhoa warned against using this case as an example to request longer renewals, stating:
“The article of the bylaw is so clear that it’s going to be for two years. I wouldn’t take this case and show it as an example because it’s risky.”
If another immigration office reviews such a case, they could modify the resolution and reduce it back to two years. Therefore, while this case shows that unexpected outcomes can occur, it does not represent a general shift in immigration policy.
Regional Differences in Spanish Immigration Criteria
One of the recurring themes in Spanish immigration is regional variation. Different provincial offices may interpret or apply certain rules differently. Ainhoa confirmed that her team handles renewals all over Spain and observes substantial variation in criteria depending on the region.
However, even within this decentralized framework, the two-year renewal rule for the Spanish Non Lucrative Visa remains consistent across the country.
What Does This Mean for Applicants?
While applicants cannot expect four-year renewals to become standard, this case offers an encouraging reminder: sometimes, Spanish bureaucracy surprises on the positive side.
For applicants, it remains essential to:
- Prepare financial documentation proving sufficient means for at least one year, or two years in certain provinces.
- Understand that renewals are normally granted for two years, as stated by law.
- Remain aware that regional differences can lead to slight variations in how renewals are processed.
As Ainhoa concluded, “Normally I’m complaining about immigration mistakes because they are negative. But in this case, it’s a positive one, and I wanted to share the good news.”
Conclusion
The Spanish Non Lucrative Visa continues to follow the same legal framework: one year for the initial permit and two years for each renewal. The four-year renewal case in Galicia is an exceptional — and likely accidental — occurrence, not a formal change in policy.
Still, this development demonstrates how immigration outcomes in Spain can sometimes be unexpectedly favorable. Applicants should continue to follow the official criteria and consult qualified professionals like Sterna Abogados for expert guidance when renewing their visas.
