Spain Non Lucrative Visa: Do I Need to Translate and Notarize My Letter of Intent?

Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

Question

For those writing a letter of intent for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa, did you have yours translated? If you’re bringing a dependent spouse, do you have them affirm they wouldn’t work, and did you have that translated? I’m applying at the San Francisco Consulate.

Answers

These are the answers of Spainguru’s Facebook group members:

“We had both the letter of intent and the affidavit that we wouldn’t work translated and notarized. My bank did it for free in one visit. San Francisco is very particular about the ‘motivation letter,’ which covered both of us since we’re applying together, and the ‘affidavit you will not work,’ which we each submitted separately.

My lawyer said translations and notaries were indispensable.”

Here you can find recommended Spanish sworn translators, extremely used to NLV applications, and a self-service sworn translation service with urgent service (48hs/24hs/12hs delivery). All are very knowledgeable about the documents needed for the NLV. You will also find reliable private apostille services in the UK and the US: https://spainguru.es/services-for-spain-non-lucrative-visa/

“We had the letter officially translated, though I’m not sure it was necessary. The letter of intent was from the whole family, so the primary and dependents were all included.

It wasn’t notarized, but as a dependent, I submitted my own statement about not working, in addition to my husband’s. We notarized and translated both of those.”

“We just got our visas, and somehow the letter of intent ended up being used for both of us, even though we originally wrote separate letters. It was short, we had it translated to Spanish but not notarized, and the San Francisco Consulate accepted it.

I also submitted paperwork affirming that I wouldn’t be working as the dependent.”

Conclusion

When applying for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa, especially at the San Francisco Consulate, it’s important to consider translating and notarizing your letter of intent and the affidavit affirming that a dependent spouse will not work.

While experiences vary, many applicants found that both translation and notarization were necessary, especially for a smooth process at this particular consulate.

If in doubt, it may be worth following the stricter route of having all documents translated and notarized.

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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.

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