Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Question
Is it possible to enter Spain on a tourist visa and pick up our non lucrative Spain visa while we are in Spain?
Or do we need to leave to get them? If we need to leave Spain, how close to Spain? (We would prefer not to have to return all the way back to our home state of Oregon to get it).
Planning your move to Spain?
Get the free step-by-step roadmap used by 10,000+ expats — covering visas, budget, housing, and the mistakes to avoid.
Start the Moving to Spain Hub →Answers
These are the answers of some Facebook group members:
”I am an immigration consultant. Unfortunately you can only pick up your Visa from the consulate, you can fly to Spain after you get the Visa. Are your girls starting school in September or before? If you are doing the application now in May, you should get your Visa by July or August, and then you can be here by September at the most, I have heard that the San Francisco consulate is being quite quick at the moment.”
”You have to be out of Spanish territory. It says so in the Consulate information application. I was in Spain and had to leave to apply from Texas. Now waiting for an answer”
”I recently noticed that San Francisco Consulate had updated their requirements and that included being able to apply by mail and have passport returned to you by mail”
In conclusion, according to Spainguru Facebook group members, it is typically not possible to enter Spain on a tourist visa and collect a non-lucrative visa while in the country. The visa must be obtained from the Spanish consulate in the country of residence, and applicants are usually required to be outside of Spanish territory when applying. Some consulates may offer the option to apply by mail and receive the passport back by mail. It is important to check with the consulate for the latest and specific requirements.
Get your free step-by-step Spain move plan
10 emails over 2 weeks covering visas, budget, housing & the mistakes to avoid.
Join 10,000+ expats who used this roadmap.
100% free · No credit card · Unsubscribe anytime
