I’m back to share my experience on our Miami BLS Spain Non Lucrative Visa appointment yesterday. For those who missed my update last week, BLS only allowed us to make separate appointments, even though we are applying as a family.
After a 4 1/2 hour trip, we had to turn back because not every family member was present. We were told that we had to go all together for the next appointment. So, we made another 4 1/2 hour trip back to Miami with a folder full of papers weighing 7 pounds!
Our appointment was scheduled for 8:30 am, but we were told to arrive at 8 am, which was helpful because it took a while to process everything for three people. We were greeted by a security guard who asked for proof of appointment and ensured everyone was present. Once inside, we were taken to a small room where the employees sat behind plexiglass.
When called, we handed over our passports and driver’s licenses. We were asked to provide the required paperwork one by one, but the employee didn’t want the copies we brought. We had to separate all the originals from the copies at a small table.
Afterward, we were told that our passport photos couldn’t be used because our hair covered our ears (even though this is not a passport photo requirement). They took us into a smaller room to take new photos with our ears showing, and we had to pay for these unnecessary photos. Then we waited while they photocopied everything.
Once called again, we signed and dated copies of our passports and some additional papers. The final fee for three people was $570, which included charges for the unnecessary copies and photos. We were given a receipt and confirmation numbers, along with instructions on how to check the visa status online. The next morning, we received a text message and a call from New York stating that the visa would be processed in 14 business days.
That was the entire process, and I hope these details help others!
Extra documentation
We turned in our Spain non lucrative visa applications 2 Tuesdays ago in Miami (Sept 26th). Two days later, on a Thursday, we got an e-mail from the consulate stating we needed extra apostilled and translated documents and that we had 10 business days to have it all done and returned to the consulate via mail.
That Thursday and Friday was when Hurricane Helene hit near Tallahassee so all government offices were going to be closed on those 2 days. Time was running out so we had to go to our local county courthouse to obtain some documents and pay $480 for a rush apostille service to get all the paperwork apostilled by the Florida Department of State as soon as the government offices opened. We received our apostilled paperwork last Wednesday and we proceeded to send everything to be translated.
I have to give a shoutout to Alba Fernández, she was amazing and she worked with us to, first, have 12 very complicated papers translated in 2 days and then she had 5 (the ones with apostilles) translated in 2 days again since I explained that a Hurricane was coming our way and I had to get everything out in the mail before the hurricane affected USPS deliveries (as the 10 business days were running out).
We had everything in-hand, apostilled and translated, this past Sunday and proceeded to send everything via USPS Priority Mail Express (overnight) yesterday. Today I checked and the packaged was already delivered to the consulate.
Yay! Between rush apostilles and translations it all came out to about $840 extra but thank God we were able to do everything they asked and have all the paperwork delivered to the consulate before the deadline.
Like I said, I want to give a shout out to Sworn Translator Alba Fernández
And also I have to give a shout out to whoever is answering e-mails at the consulate in Miami, as they answered all my questions, sometimes multiples a day, and verified all the papers I was going to send them via e-mail, always responding on the same day I sent the e-mails or the morning after, if they were already closed.
Visa approval
Visa Approved!!!! Yay!!! Thank God The wait was stressful! but it wasn’t long at all. Applied on September 23rd 2024, were asked for more paperwork on the 25th, mailed them all the extra paperwork on October 7th 2024, which arrived on the 8th and received the “Visa ready for pickup” text today in the late afternoon!! So happy we couldn’t stop jumping and screaming.
I’m super busy getting ready for the moving company but as soon as I can I will be making a post with everything I learned and what is needed for someone in my specific situation (family of 3, 2 parents backed by social security, pension, and savings and a 30+ old adult daughter included as a dependent).
We are ready to get on that plane!!!! Yay!!!!
Questions and Answers
Q1: “Did you mail your application or bring it to the Miami Consulate?”
A1: “You need to get all your paperwork ready and make an appointment through the BLS website. You visit the BLS office in Miami with all your paperwork, and they handle sending everything to the Spanish consulate. Mailing was allowed during COVID, but now you have to attend in person. After submission, you wait for visa approval and then go back to the BLS office to pick up your passport with the visa.”
Q2: “What is the exact address of BLS Miami, and do they require 1 year of bank statements?”
A2: “The physical address is 3191 Coral Wy Suite 611, Coral Gables, FL 33145. You can check the website for more details: BLS Spain Visa. Yes, Miami does require 1 year of bank statements.”
Q3: “Can I ask how long you needed to show proof of funds for?”
A3: “Miami requires 1 year of bank statements. You need to show the specific amount of funds that Spain requires for the full year.”
Q4: “Did you have to pay extra for a different type of appointment?”
A4: “We went to a different appointment we had already scheduled for another family member. Some people have booked other types of appointments and then paid extra to be seen for the NLV, but I’m not sure how that process works.”
Comments
“Wow, that was quite the experience, but I’m glad you got it done! Thanks for sharing all these details—it’s so helpful for those of us going through the same process.”
“Thanks for the tip about the photos! I didn’t know they could be that strict about showing your ears in Miami. We’ll be prepared for that now.”
“Congratulations on getting through the appointment! It’s nerve-wracking, especially with such a long drive involved. I had a similar experience, and it helps to know others are going through the same thing.”
“This post is so informative—it should be pinned to the top of the group! It’s a great resource for those applying at the Miami consulate.”
Conclusion
Applying for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa at the Miami Consulate (BLS Office) can be a complex and sometimes stressful process, particularly when applying as a family.
Key takeaways from this experience include the importance of arriving early, ensuring all family members are present, and being prepared for unexpected requirements like photo retakes.
Additionally, be aware that Miami BLS requires 1 year of bank statements and charges fees for extra services, like copies and photos. With patience and preparation, however, the process is manageable.
Join our community!
Make sure to join our dedicated Spanish Non Lucrative Visa group here!
