Apply for a Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) and Get Your Documents Translated

Are you thinking about moving to Spain for an extended stay, but not planning to work? The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) might be the perfect option for you. This visa allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain without engaging in any professional or economic activity. Whether you're considering a sabbatical, an extended holiday, or retirement, this visa gives you the opportunity to live in Spain for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal.

In this post, we'll cover the application process for the Spanish NLV and the role of official translations to ensure that your documents are properly prepared for submission.

What is the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)?

The Non-Lucrative Visa allows you to stay in Spain without working or earning an income within the country. It is designed for those who have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay. Some key features of the NLV include:

• It is valid for one year and can be renewed for two consecutive two-year periods.

• Applicants cannot work or engage in professional activities in Spain, but they are allowed to work remotely for non-Spanish companies.

• It requires proof of sufficient financial resources to live comfortably in Spain without a salary.

  
  

Documents You Need for the NLV Application

Applying for a Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa involves gathering a number of documents. Some of these documents will need to be apostilled and translated into Spanish. Here’s a list of typical documents you’ll need to have translated:

1. Proof of sufficient financial resources (e.g., bank statements, pension documents, investment income).

2. Statutory Declaration stating you will purchase private health insurance that covers you in Spain for the duration of your stay.

3. Police clearance certificate from your home country (indicating no criminal record).

4. Medical certificate indicating you do not have any of the diseases listed in the 2005 International Health Regulations.

5. Birth and marriage certificates proving kinship of secondary applicants.

   
   

Why You Need Translations

Most documents required for the NLV application must be submitted in Spanish, and this is where translations become essential. The Spanish consulates or immigration offices will not accept documents in English or other languages unless they are accompanied by official translations.

These translations typically need to be sworn translations or certified translations, depending on the requirements of the Spanish consulate where you are applying.

• Sworn Translations (Traducción Jurada): A sworn translation is a translation performed by a sworn translator, who is officially authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Spain. These translations are recognized by Spanish legal authorities.

• Certified Translations: In some countries, such as Australia, certified translations are provided by NAATI-certified translators. These certified translations may also be accepted for certain documents, but it’s crucial to verify this with the Spanish consulate handling your application.

  
  

Steps to Get Your Documents Translated

Once you have gathered the necessary documents for your Spanish NLV application, follow these steps to get them translated:

1. Contact a Sworn Translator: If you are applying for your visa in Spain or another country that requires sworn translations, you will need to work with a sworn translator registered with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Spain.

2. Check Translation Requirements: Before proceeding, verify the exact translation requirements with the Spanish consulate where you are applying. Some consulates accept certified translations from certain countries, while others may only accept sworn translations.

3. Send Scanned Copies: For translation purposes, scanned copies of your documents are sufficient to start the translation process.

4. Receive Translations: Once your translations are completed, you’ll receive both digital and printed copies of your translations, if necessary. Ensure that the translations are sworn or certified and bear the necessary seals and signatures.

5. Submit with your Application: Attach the translated documents to your NLV application and submit everything to the consulate.

   
   

Cost of Sworn and Certified Translations

The cost of getting your documents translated will depend on the type and length of each document. On average, you can expect the following price ranges:

• Sworn translations of standard documents (e.g., police clearance, medical certificates): between $65 and $100 per document.

• Translations of financial statements: these may vary depending on the number of pages and complexity of the financial data.

It’s important to budget for translation costs when planning your NLV application process.

Conclusion

Applying for the Spanish Non-Lucrative Visa involves careful preparation and attention to detail, especially when it comes to ensuring your documents are properly translated. By working with a sworn translator, you can avoid delays and ensure that your application is complete and accepted by Spanish authorities.

If you need help with translations for your NLV application, I offer sworn translations as I am a sworn translator appointed by the Spanish Ministry for Foreign Affairs Feel free to contact me for a quote or further assistance with your visa-related translation needs.