Question about the non lucrative Spain visa
I am applying for the non lucrative Spain visa. Miami Spanish consulate is now asking for a ‘Proof of Pension.’ What is that? All we have are 401k and IRA statements that we have already sent to them. We are US citizens. They are saying we can email it.
Answers
These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
“Are they saying that your retirement savings accounts aren’t enough for the non lucrative Spain visa requirements? Did you also send bank statements showing cash deposits? Our understanding is that as long as you show enough total cash available to cover 12 months you should be fine. They also require 12 months of statements for your accounts showing that the money has been there. If you are of working age you must specify that you are quitting your job as well.”
“Perhaps you are going to a different consulate, but the LA consulate and the website says you only need the latest three months of bank statements. You are unable to print them yourself, but must go to the bank and have them print them. EACH PAGE MUST BE SIGNED AND DATED BY SOMEONE AT THE BANK. THEY MUST ALSO STAMP EACH PAGE WITH THE BANK STAMP. I was turned away because I printed them myself and was rudely told that I needed to walk into the bank to have it done. If your appointment doesn’t happen before one of them expires, you will need to return to the bank and ask for the latest statement.
I had my financial planner write a letter yelling them how much money I have in my retirement accounts and my investments. Again it had to be signed, dated and stamped. GOOD LUCK.”
“Perhaps they want cover letters from your 401k and investment companies to verify the statements?”
“IRA and 401k accounts do NOT count as they are not available money and can have tax liabilities and fluctuations due to the type of investment. They have always required “proof of pension” or proof of the required amount in accesible accounts that are unincumbered, at least that was the case when we applied in September 2022. If you can show that you are collecting a Federal pension for a period of time then it counts. I can’t tell you how long, specifically, but 6 months of monthly deposits that show from where it came each month would be a good starting point.”
“Send your SS letter that you recieve explaining how much money you will receive for the year.”
Based on the Spainguru’s Spanish non lucrative Spain visa group members’ responses, it seems that there is some confusion around what constitutes “proof of pension” when applying for a Spanish visa through the Miami consulate. Some members suggest that showing enough total cash available to cover 12 months should be sufficient, while others indicate that retirement accounts such as 401k and IRA statements may not be accepted. However, one member suggests that if you are collecting a Federal pension for a period of time, that could be considered proof of pension. Overall, it appears that providing documentation showing accessible, unencumbered accounts with a stable income stream may be the most reliable way to meet the consulate’s requirements.
Related questions & answers
“What about my VA Disability payments? I can show bank statements but I only started getting disability three months ago.” -You can print a letter that states how much you receive monthly for your va disability. Check the va benefits page or get in contact with a va office near you.
“How do they treat Social Security payments? Looking to retire on that and cash from saving and house sale in the US. Appreciate any input” – Social Security Benefit Verification letters can be printed from online account & are accepted as proof of income. Need to be translated, but accepted without an apostille for the initial and renewal applications.”
