Hello - We are a family living in California. My 11 yr old son can play football at a top academy in Barcelona where development and overall level is much higher. For the next 1-2 years I’m considering how we might make work, starting in August ‘24.
I have a hybrid job at a non-remote flexible company. In the short term, could my spouse who isn’t currently working apply for a non-lucrative visa for herself and our kids? We own a home and until I figure out an alternative work situation I would support their expenses from the US. Eventually I’ll likely rent out our home and find a more remote friendly job, if I’m unable to secure an exception with my company.
Obviously not ideal, but I’m hoping to understand the most straightforward path to obtaining the necessary documentation for my son so he can register to play. I did look at the home purchase option but would rather not commit to something like that.
Hello - yes, at younger ages clubs have to be careful. Part of the requirement is moving for “non-football reasons” which make the process a little more complicated. Hope that makes sense - thanks for your input!
Has your kid been recruited to train at this academy? You can’t just turn up at these places and jump in so presumably you’ve been in touch with recruiters or coaches, and high-level sports academies have offices that deal with these sorts of issues. Have you spoken to them about what visa they’re sponsoring your son on?
Otherwise, if you’re just moving to Spain and hoping your son can play football somewhere while you’re there, then yes, your family could go on an NLV, providing you have the cash upfront in savings (about 32k per year plus additional sums for each dependent) to qualify. NLVs are for one year, and when you renew in Spain at the end of the year the renewal period is 2 years, so your spouse would need further proof of 2 additional years worth of savings at the end of the first year.