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.

• Applicants cannot work or engage in professional activities in Spain.

• 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 which must be legalised (notarised or apostilled) and translated into Spanish. Requirements vary between consulates and may change, so it is important to check the specific requirements of the consulate through which you will be applying. If you are applying in Australia, feel free to contact me for further information.

Here’s a list of typical documents you’ll need to have translated:

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

2. Apostilled Police clearance certificate from your home country (indicating no criminal record). In Australia it is best to apply for a fingerprint and name AFP police check rather than a state based police check, as they can be rejected.

3. Medical certificate indicating you do not have any of the diseases listed in the 2005 International Health Regulations. Some doctors will issue a bilingual certificate and these do not require translation.

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

5. Birth and marriage certificates proving kinship of secondary applicants, where necessary.

6. You may wish to write a cover letter explaining your personal situation. You can write this in Spanish yourself, or write it in English and have it translated.

7. You do not need to have your proof of residence and ID documents translated, such as your driver licence and passport.

   
   

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 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 translation, 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 appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Spain. These translations are recognised by Spanish consulates and government bodies.

• 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 you may need to have the translations apostilled if you are using them for Spain. It is safest to have a sworn translation.

  
  

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. Scan your documents. Scanned copies are better than photographs of the documents. Not everyone has a scanner so you can also take a clear photograph of your documents, or use the scan feature on your phone if you have one.

2. Check translation requirements. Requirements vary from consulate to consulate and from visa to visa. Spanish consulates in some countries accept certified translations by locally certified translators, but others only accept translations by a sworn translator appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

3. Contact your preferred translator. I offer translation services to applicants around the globe and provide digitally signed translations that you can print out yourself. I can also provide hard copies for those who do not have easy access to a printer or simply would prefer to receive a hard copy.

4. Make payment. If you choose CJM Translations, you can pay by credit card payment in any currency, or bank transfer in Australian dollars, NZ dollars, euros, British pounds and some other currencies.

5. If you need assistance reading the application forms, I offer phone or video appointments to assist in completing application forms. I am not a migration agent, so my assistance is limited to ensuring you understand the Spanish correctly.

   
   

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 AUD $50 and $65 per document.

• Sworn translation of apostilles: AUD $25

• Notary certificates: $50

• Financial documents can vary. Everyone's banking situation is different, but try to translate as few pages as possible, as the costs can add up. You may decide to only translate the first page of each statement, depending on what information appears on that first page. You find that due to the way your bank displays information, you need more pages translated than you would like to. If this is the case, feel free to get in touch with me before you start gathering your documents to see how you can keep costs down.

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.

For further information, be sure to check the website of the Spanish consulate where you will be applying, as requirements can vary between consulates.

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. I am also a NAATI Certified Translator, but I always certify any translations for Spain with my Spanish sworn translator (traductor jurado) credentials. Feel free to contact me for a quote or further assistance with your visa-related translation needs.