Question
We are not moving till 30th September 2024 un the the Non Lucrative Spain Visa. Can I apply for my S1 (UK London BLS) now? Also, do letters confirming our pension annuities are for life need translating, if yes can I use google translate?
Answers
These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“Not an expert but as this is your future, I don’t think I would rely on Google translate. Although it’s good, sometimes things aren’t quite right and is it really worth all the hassle and stress of being asked for extra documents to save £100!”
“You will need original copies of your NHS S1 for your interview at BLS London. The NHS will not issue you an S1 if you are not intending to move to Spain within 90 calendar days of your application.
When contacting the NHS S1 application team ensure that the date you give them when prompted is within the 90 day period – even if that is not your true intended date – as your application will be declined. The S1 if granted is then immediately issued to you electronically with a hard copy typically arriving within 72 hours.
On the issue of translation services I would recommend an official translation service as recognized by the Spanish authorities. Once again assistance is available from the BKS offices. They are very pedantic, as is their right, but also incredibly helpful.
In my opinion it will also be necessary for any translated documents to be officially notorised- once again information on this is available from BLS. It sounds daunting but it isn’t. Hope this helps.”
“For official sworn translation services approved by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Spainguru recommends translators and services that meet all requirements for NLV applications at Spanish consulates. These sworn translators offer legally valid digital signatures, ensuring that all processes comply with regulatory standards. There’s no need to send physical documents.”
“No google translate. It has to be by a certified Spanish translator.”
Conclusion
The consensus among group members is clear: important documents such as pension annuity confirmation letters should be translated by certified, officially recognized translators, rather than relying on automated services like Google Translate.
This approach ensures that translations meet the stringent requirements set by Spanish consulates for the Non Lucrative Visa application, thereby avoiding potential complications during the visa approval process.
