...
Home Community answers Do Spanish consulates in the US want a letter of why you...

Do Spanish consulates in the US want a letter of why you want to move to Spain and a promise you won’t work? (Non lucrative visa Spain)

Last Updated on March 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Question about the Non lucrative visa Spain

Do Spanish consulates in the US want a letter of why you want to move to Spain and a promise you won’t work? (Non lucrative visa Spain)

🇮🇸

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 applied end of April 2023. First, they asked for a US doctor since my doctor in Spain wasn’t good enough. They ignored my appeal. Then they asked for the letter. Then they asked for the letter translated and notarized. Then they asked for a wet signature on a form. Each came with a shorter deadline. I got my Visa beginning of August 2023”

”This is listed on the website for anyone they consider working age (meaning you don’t have social security)”

”Yes. Miami wanted one also. We did them as 2 separate letters. One was a “love letter” (Intent letter) that talked about why we wanted to move to Spain. (No mention that you want to use it as a European base to travel, they want to know that you are spending money in Spain) The 2nd was a “We will not work in Spain letter”. Both were done on Google Translate then proofed by my favourite educate Colombian and notarized”

”Yes, that’s correct! The same in Houston”

”Chicago consulate asked for the notarized letter promising not to work, even online, for the duration of the visa. I expanded my letter to also include the reasons why we love Spain and want to live there”

In conclusion, according to Spainguru Facebook group members, San Francisco Spanish consulate requires a letter of intent (Or two separate letters) from applicants for the non-lucrative visa (NLV) stating why they want to move to Spain and promising that they will not work in Spain during the validity of the visa. The letters must be translated into Spanish and notarized.

📖 Related Reading: For a complete overview of requirements, application process, renewals, and financial proof, see our Non-Lucrative Visa: The Complete Guide.

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.

Start the Free Roadmap →

100% free · No credit card · Unsubscribe anytime

author avatar
Bruno Bianchi CEO & Spain Immigration Expert
Bruno Bianchi is the founder and CEO of Spainguru, Spain's largest expat immigration community with 150,000+ members. Since 2014 he has helped thousands of people relocate to Spain through expert guides, webinars and vetted professional services covering visas, residency, taxes and life in Spain.