Switched to non-lucrative because of remote work changes
Did your company look into using an EOR like Deel or Remote? That usually solves the social security agreement issue because the EOR becomes the local employer. It costs the company a fee but it is usually better than losing a good employee. It seems like a waste to stop working entirely just because HR was being lazy about Spanish labor laws.
A lot of US companies won't even use an EOR because of the permanent establishment risk. They are terrified of being taxed as a Spanish entity. It is a huge headache that the DNV was supposed to fix but clearly hasn't for everyone.
I am surprised you were able to switch from DNV to NLV while still in Spain. Are you sure that is legal? Usually you have to apply for the NLV at the consulate in your home country. If you did it from Alicante directly that is a huge change in how they handle these cases. Hopefully the police don't flag it during your next renewal.
I actually did the same thing and it was fine. As long as you have the financial means and the right insurance they don't care that much about the switch itself. The Alicante office is a bit more relaxed than Madrid or Barcelona.
If you already have a valid residency card you can sometimes switch categories without leaving, but the NLV is specifically meant for people entering the country. I would double check your paperwork. Spanish bureaucracy loves to let you make a mistake now and then fine you for it three years later.
The 30k requirement sounds low. I thought the IPREM went up again for 2025. I was told closer to 32k for a single person now.
That is a terrible idea. If the SS finds out, the company gets fined thousands and you get deported. Don't risk it.
Did you have to go back to the US to apply for the NLV or could you do the switch from within Spain? I heard you have to leave for this one.
You usually have to go back to your home country for the NLV initial application. It is not like the DNV where you can apply as a tourist.
I moved from the US to Alicante three years ago and the jump in savings requirements is getting annoying. It used to be much less. Just a heads up that when you renew the NLV for the first time you have to show double the amount because the renewal is for two years. Make sure you don't spend too much of that savings during your year off.
I paid 28k last year and it was fine. The Alicante office is usually more chill than Madrid or Barcelona for the money stuff.
Resigning from a SF salary sounds painful even if the cost of living is lower here. I hope you moved your money into a high yield account before you showed the 30k balance. Taxes in the Valencia region are some of the highest in Spain for wealth tax if you have significant assets back home. Keep an eye on those deadlines in April.
The work restriction is the dealbreaker for me. How are you going to explain the gap in your resume when you eventually want to work again?
It is wild how many companies are getting cold feet about the DNV now. I am in a similar boat where my HR department panicked once they saw the actual social security paperwork requirements. I did not want to quit though. Is your plan to just live off savings forever or are you hoping to switch back to a work permit later? Alicante is definitely cheap but 30k goes fast if you are not careful about your lifestyle.
Most people I know on the NLV usually try to modify to a work permit after the first year if they find a local sponsor. But doing that in Alicante is tough because the job market here isn't great unless you're in hospitality. Staying on savings is a risky game.
The health insurance thing is no joke. I saw a girl get her application rejected last week because she had a 10 euro copay on her policy. It has to be sin copagos or they just hand you the rejection paper immediately. Glad you got it sorted. Enjoy the sabbatical, Alicante is a great place to do nothing for a while if you stay away from the tourist traps.
It is called a sabbatical. Most European companies actually value people who take time off to live abroad. It is only the US hustle culture that hates it.
Good luck with Hacienda. Even if you aren't working, if you stay more than 183 days you are a tax resident. They will want to know about your global assets.
It is the bots. They scrape the site every millisecond. The 200 euros is basically a convenience tax at this point.
That 200 euro fee for a footprint appointment is honestly a scam but I get why you did it. The Alicante office is notorious for having zero availability on the website. I spent three weeks refreshing every morning at 8am before I gave up and hired a lawyer too. It feels like the system is designed to keep you paying middlemen just to get basic service.
Try ASSSA. They are based in Alicante and their office on Avenida de la Constitucion is very helpful for expats. No copay.
Did your company actually check if you left? I know people just staying on the DNV and not telling their HR that the SS certificate expired.
Are you planning to switch back to a work permit after the first year? I think you can do that if you find a Spanish employer.
Wait, if you are on the NLV you cannot work remotely at all? Even for a company in Japan or something?
The gestor fee for the appointment is such a scam. It is crazy that we have to pay people to access a public system.
Legally no. NLV is for retirees and people with passive income. If you work, you are violating the terms of the visa. Stick to the DNV if you need to work.
I am in Alicante too. Which health insurance did you go with? Sanitas quoted me 120 a month because I am over 40.