Visas, Residency & Relocation Spain

Visas, Residency & Relocation Spain Information for retired UK Citizens - about moving to & living in Spain. Help with Visas, Residency & Relocation. All about what you need to get set up in Spain.

During the summer months July and August everything slows down in Spain, including the processing of Non Lucrative Visa ...
01/05/2026

During the summer months July and August everything slows down in Spain, including the processing of Non Lucrative Visa applications. ☀️⛱️🍉😎

ℹ️The Non Lucrative Visa continues to be the most popular Visa for retired and non working British Nationals moving to Spain. Applications can be made in London, Manchester and Edinburgh. Since the start of the year we have seen some improvements in the turnaround times from application submission to receiving the Visa, although the times do still vary, from only a few days to several weeks. The next few months we expect to see applications increase as many will be aiming to submit theirs before the notorious slow processing months of July and August. In the previous 5 years we have seen the longest delays for many that have applied over these summer months.

✈️🌍🏡🌅If your plan is to move to Spain it is never to soon to start planning. The Visa is only a part of the journey and there is lots to organise from before you move, during the move and once you arrive. We have first hand experience of all of this and understand both the process side and emotional aspects of making such a move. Our professional and friendly team can be there to support you every step of the way. From basic assistance with paperwork to comprehensive supportive services, we have it all covered. 🇬🇧➡️🇪🇸

The Non Lucrative Visa continues to be the most popular Visa for retired UK Citizens moving from the UK to Spain. 🇬🇧➡️🇪...
21/04/2026

The Non Lucrative Visa continues to be the most popular Visa for retired UK Citizens moving from the UK to Spain. 🇬🇧➡️🇪🇸

The visa enables non eu Citizens to stay more than 90 days and up to 5 years as temporary residents.

After 5 years it may be possible to apply for Long Term Residency, subject to meeting the terms of temporary residency.

For long term residency a maximum time of 10 months in total can be spend outside of Spain.

The Non Lucrative Visa (NLV)is a temporary residency to enable Non EU Citizens to stay longer than 3 months in Spain, and up to 5 years.

The initial Visa is approval for temporary residency of 1 year and this can be renewed twice for 2 years at a time.

After 5 years it may be possible to apply for Long Term Residency, subject to spending less than 10 months in the 5 years prior, outside of Spain.

Applications for the NLV are submitted through the BLS agencies in London, Manchester & Edinburgh. They are then transferred to the local consulate in each area, for submission to immigration in the region you are moving to, and then once the residency is approved the final checks and issuance of the Visa is made by the consulate.

To apply for the NLV you will require a passive income / Savings, Healthcare, Criminal record check & Medical certificate.

As part of our fully supported relocation services, in addition we can also help with applications for initial NLVs, Renewals, Long Term Residency and Second NLVs (re-filing). All our services provide personal support, planning and ongoing guidance.

You can read more about the Non Lucrative Visa in the article posted in the comments below.
🇬🇧➡️🇪🇸

A great post to understand the journey of your Non Lucrative Visa Application.
19/04/2026

A great post to understand the journey of your Non Lucrative Visa Application.

🇬🇧➡️🇪🇸Applications for the Non Lucrative Visa in the UK are initially submitted through the agency BLS located in London, Manchester & Edinburgh.

Applicants should apply in the jurisdiction of their residence in the UK.

BLS will transfer the application the next day to the local Spanish Consulate General.

♦️The Consulate will check and input the application details into their system for submission electronically to Spanish Immigration, in the region you are planning to move to.

♦️After the application has been submitted additional documents or a request to attend an interview in support of the application can be requested.

The legal period for reaching a resolution is 3 months from the day after the application submission date, but this period may be extended if an interview or additional documents are requested.

♦️Once a resolution is reached by immigration, the Consulate are notified.

If approved the Consulate then make the final checks to issue the Visa and should notify applicants within 30 days of the resolution.

‼️It is a good idea to apply well in advance of the intended move to Spain, as it is not possible to influence how long an application can take.

The initial Visa is placed in your passport and will be valid for up to 1 year.

Your temporary residency on the NLV starts the first day you enter Spain after the Visa commences.

For help with moving to Spain you can find more information in the comments below. 🇬🇧➡️🇪🇸

When you reach the end of your 5 years temporary residency on the NLV you have the option to apply for Long Term Residen...
14/04/2026

When you reach the end of your 5 years temporary residency on the NLV you have the option to apply for Long Term Residency. It is important to understand what your options are at this stage and to plan ahead.

📆The 5 year anniversary is approaching for many British Citizens that first moved to Spain in 2021, with the Non Lucrative Visa.

After 5 years as temporary residents on the NLV, individuals can apply for Long Term Residency.

What are the main criteria for applicants?

✅Not exceeding 10 months outside of Spain during the 5 year period of temporary residency.
✅Maintaining the conditions of temporary residency throughout.
✅Having no criminal record in Spain.
✅Being up to date with tax obligations.

ℹ️The NLV is designed for non EU citizens who wish to reside in Spain without working, allowing stays beyond 90 days and up to 5 years under temporary residency.

For those who may not meet the criteria for Long Term Residency, reapplying for the Non Lucrative Visa may still be an option, depending on individual circumstances.

If you are nearing your 5 year anniversary, it can be helpful to review your situation in advance and ensure you are prepared for the next step.

If you would like guidance tailored to your circumstances, feel free to get in touch.

📧[email protected]

Premium Services for support moving to Spain and help with the Non Lucrative Visa from Lifestyle Spain @
02/04/2026

Premium Services for support moving to Spain and help with the Non Lucrative Visa from Lifestyle Spain @

📍 London visit ✔️

📸BLS Spain Visa Application Center London

Where the NLV application is submitted, but not where the journey begins! 🇪🇸

A successful move to Spain involves much more and starts much earlier with careful planning and preparation.

Picture a slower pace, better weather, and more time to enjoy life ☀️

A move to Spain with the Non Lucrative Visa doesn’t have to be complicated, we make it simple, clear, and as stress free as possible!

✔Tailored planning & preparation
✔️Expert guidance
✔️Fully prepared and managed applications
✔ Step by step personal support
✔ Complete peace of mind

📩 Contact us today and turn your dream of living in Spain into reality. 🇬🇧☔️➡️🇪🇸☀️

Happy Easter 🌸⛪️🐰🐣
02/04/2026

Happy Easter 🌸⛪️🐰🐣

Happy Easter from everyone at Lifestyle Spain.
🌷🐇🐣⛪
We are closed today and tomorrow for the holidays in Spain. 📆🇪🇸

Waiting times for the NLV from the UK! Edinburgh - Manchester - London🇬🇧➡️🇪🇸
20/03/2026

Waiting times for the NLV from the UK!
Edinburgh - Manchester - London
🇬🇧➡️🇪🇸

We are reaching the end of the first quarter of 2026 and are starting to see some speedy turn around times with the NLVs from all 3 UK consulates. Although this is overall really positive, applicants should remain cautious with the timings as there is still inconsistency.
🇬🇧➡️🇪🇸

In the last 4 weeks we have seen NLVs approved in any time from the following;
🏢Manchester 4 - 20 weeks
🏢Edinburgh 2 - 8 weeks
🏢London 2 - 13 weeks

The next few months we expect to be extremely busy with applicants wanting to get their applications in before the mad slow down of the summer months of July & August.

You can find out more about applying for the NLV from the UK in our article posted in the comments.

If you would like our help or would like to speak to us to find out more about you own situation, you can either email us, or complete the form below to request a call.

We recommend retirement in Spain and the NLV is the number 1 Visa for UK Citizens making that move! 🇬🇧➡️🇪🇸
14/03/2026

We recommend retirement in Spain and the NLV is the number 1 Visa for UK Citizens making that move!
🇬🇧➡️🇪🇸

Retire in the Spanish Sun! ☀️

The Non Lucrative Visa is the most popular route for those who want to live in Spain without working. It’s perfect for retirees with a stable pension, passive income or substantial savings who want to make Spain their home.

Why live in Spain?
✅ Warmer climate & outside Lifestyle
✅ High quality Lifestyle & slower pace
✅ Spanish culture & traditions

🇪🇸 Ready to start your Spanish chapter? We’ve updated and broken down the 2026 requirements in our latest article.
👇 Find out more about the Non Lucrative Visa in the link below posted in the first comment!

Information about paying into the state health care in Spain. 🏥🇪🇸
26/02/2026

Information about paying into the state health care in Spain. 🏥🇪🇸

The Convenio Especial in Spain allows foreign residents in Spain to access the National Health System for a monthly fee.

🟢The cost is 60€ per month for those under 65, and 157€ for those over 65.
🟢 Applicants must have completed 1 full year of residency to qualify.
🟢Applicants must not have access to the public system through other means, such as employment, pension or S1 form.
🟢Provides full access to primary and specialised public healthcare, including coverage for pre-existing conditions.
❎It does not cover pharmaceutical prescriptions, orthoprosthetics, or non-urgent medical transportation.
🟢If switching from private health insurance it is important that there is no gap in cover between the change over. Temporary residents such as those on the NLV usually apply during their second year of residency to avoid a gap in cover.
🟢Applications are made through regional health authorities or the Social Security office, requiring proof of no other access to state cover, registered address and 1 year of residency.

The convenio especial is an official alternative to private health insurance and meets the health care requirements for residency and renewals.
You can read more about this in our article in the comments.

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