Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question about the non lucrative Spain visa
For those who have applied for a non lucrative Spain visa at the Spanish consulate in Chicago or New York – does having a mortgage negatively impact the application? Since I would have no assurance that I’d get the visa, I’d like to wait to sell the house until I get the visa. Also, once you get the visa, how many months/days allowed before you are physically required to be in Spain?
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru Facebook group members:
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Start the Moving to Spain Hub →“They didn’t ask us at all about our mortgage (we’re just now closing on the house) when we went to Chicago. We already have our NLVs. You get 90 days to move.”
“If you sell your house, you might want to wait until the last 6m of the year to enter Spain, due to taxes on the home sell (or not, if you enter late enough). I’m referring to Spanish taxes. They will take a cut if you’re considered a tax resident for the year you enter (& sell your house). If you’re not a tax resident in Spain, the year you …”
“Apparently the only consulate in the US that has a “no mortgage” policy is Los Angeles. Check (number 11): “Copy of most recent Tax Return. Residency applicants cannot have/leave loans or mortgages in the United States when applying for residency in spain.” http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/LOSANGELES/en/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Pages/Residence-Visa.aspx “
In conclusion, according to Spainguru Facebook group members, applying for a non lucrative Spain visa at the Spanish consulate in Chicago or New York does not seem to be negatively impacted by having a mortgage. The consulate in Chicago did not inquire about mortgage status during their application process, and individuals have successfully obtained their Non Lucrative Visa (NLVs). Additionally, once you receive the visa, you are granted a 90-day period to move to Spain. It’s worth noting that if you plan to sell your house before entering Spain, it may be advantageous to do so during the last six months of the year to potentially minimize taxes associated with the sale. However, this tax consideration may depend on your tax residency status in Spain. Keep in mind that the Los Angeles consulate appears to have specific policies regarding loans or mortgages, so it’s advisable to check the requirements for the specific consulate where you intend to apply.
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