“We submitted our Spain Non Lucrative Visa application today at BLS Miami! We had a three-hour drive, so we arrived a day earlier and stayed in a nearby hotel.
There’s a parking garage practically attached to the BLS building on Coral Way, with a Terra Bank sign. The BLS office is on the 6th floor. The parking garage only accepts cash, $10 max for all day.
We asked the security guard at the reception desk how to find BLS, and he showed us the correct elevators to take to the 6th floor.
There were chairs outside the elevator, and a nice security guard regularly checked on us. He asked to see our appointment papers and told us when to go to Suite 611. Inside, it felt like a Social Security office.
We were in the BLS waiting room for three hours, even though our appointment was at 11:30, and our turn came at 2:00. They only accept debit cards for payment.
Once it was our turn, we submitted all our papers at the window, had our photo taken for the visa, and waited while they reviewed everything. After 30 minutes, we paid, received a receipt, and we were done!
Received text message this morning (day after appt) saying consulate has received our application and will process it within 14 days
Questions and Answers
Q1: “How long did it take to get an appointment?”
A1: “We booked in July 2024. It was hard to find Spain Non Lucrative Visa (NLV) appointments, so we selected a National Visa appointment and paid an extra $80 for coming on the wrong day.”
Q2: “Can you book a National Visa and pay the penalty for the NLV?”
A2: “Yes, we did that and paid the $80 per person fee for submitting on the wrong day. They processed our application regardless.”
Q3: “Do I need to book separate appointments for each family member?”
A3: “Yes, we made individual appointments for each of us. We were called to the window together, but each person needs an appointment. It may differ for children.”
Q4: “Did you do all your own paperwork?”
A4: “Yes, it took us about two months to gather everything.”
Comments
“Thanks for all the detailed information! Very helpful. I’ll be there on the 27th!”
“Hope it goes faster than three hours for you, and hope you’re on the right day for the NLV appointment so you don’t get charged for ‘premium’ service!”
“This info is amazing! I’m planning to apply in January and move by April-May. Found a place in Miami that can handle everything, from fingerprints to translations, in 3-4 weeks.”
Conclusion
Applying for a Spain Non Lucrative Visa at the BLS Miami office requires patience due to long waiting times and potential additional fees. Many applicants have faced challenges with booking the correct NLV appointment, often opting for a National Visa appointment and paying the extra fee.
Preparing all paperwork meticulously, booking individual appointments for each family member, and ensuring proper documentation will streamline the process.
Additionally, walk-in hours may be worth trying if you live nearby and can handle the uncertainty.
