Spain Non Lucrative Visa: My Application at the San Francisco Consulate – October 2024

Last Updated on April 18, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

We dropped off our Spain Non Lucrative Visa applications at the San Francisco Consulate today!

It was fairly anticlimactic but very reassuring. I didn’t meet with a consul, just with the receptionist, but I showed them the email from the consulate indicating the submission timeframe, which was at the very front. I then opened each binder to show how it was organized, and he seemed very impressed.

I had each ‘document,’ whether it was one page or multiple, in a plastic sleeve, with each section separated with a labeled tab divider. I explained that I only had one prepaid USPS express mailer for the both of us since we’re applying together and placed it between the two binders, binding them with a big rubber band to make a cohesive package.

Inside the front cover of each binder, I tucked the respective passport open to the picture page in the pocket. Behind each passport, I placed a photocopy of our passports, driver’s licenses, and the money order (separate money order for each).

My notarized letter of intent (which should be titled ‘Motivation Letter’) was officially translated with the translator’s stamp—they made it clear they would not read anything in English.

We did just one motivation letter for both of us, signed by me as the lead applicant. The ‘Motivation Letter’ is separate from the ‘no work’ letter, which should be a notarized affidavit and then officially translated.

If you are mailing your application, I would recommend using a soft-sided 3-ring folder (like we used in high school!) since the tabs and plastic sleeves worked brilliantly.

We kept everything in hard binders since they were constantly being moved around the house, but it was overkill. The most important thing seems to be that everything is in the order set forth on the website. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! I will let y’all know the progress.”

Questions and Answers

Q1: “Thank you for the write-up! Very helpful. I didn’t know the ‘motivation letter’ and ‘promise not to work’ should be separate. We combined them in a single letter for translation. Do you think this will work?”
A1: “Good point! I’m not sure if they need to be separate—that’s just how my lawyer had me do it by giving me two separate documents to sign.”

Q2: “Did you have a mail-in date?”
A2: “No, but the consulate allowed us to drop off in person. Each consulate has its own approach, so it’s always good to double-check if mailing is required.”

Q3: “Did you do the application all by yourself?”
A3: “Yes, I did it myself with some guidance from a lawyer.”

Q4: “Did you translate your tax returns and bank account statements? I’ve heard mixed comments about this.”
A4: “No translation for the bank account statements, as the numbers matter more. We provided a signed letter from a financial representative confirming the total holdings, which we translated.

For tax returns, we printed forms from irs.gov in Spanish and filled in the data from our tax returns. The SF consulate previously stated they won’t read anything in English, so we chose to be cautious.”

Q5: “Dropped off???! How? They are insane about mailing dates.”
A5: “In SF, you have to apply during the specified timeframe they request, whether it’s mailed or dropped off. Each consulate has its own process.”

Q6: “I haven’t seen that they allow physical drop-off—this is awesome!”
A6: “The SF consulate’s email specifically states ‘mail in or drop off in person.’ It depends on what’s convenient for you. I’m lucky to live nearby, so drop-off wasn’t a challenge.”

Conclusion

Navigating the Spain Non Lucrative Visa application at the San Francisco Consulate can be a smooth experience with the right preparation. This applicant found success by organizing each document as outlined by the consulate, ensuring translations for all essential documents, and separating the ‘Motivation Letter’ from the ‘no work’ affidavit.

Consistent organization and thoroughness with document preparation, along with checking specific consulate instructions, can make a significant difference.

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.

See Full Bio

Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Spain Digital Nomad Visa Spanish Residency Taxes in Spain for Expats Moving to Spain