I’ve completed my Spain Non Lucrative Visa appointment at BLS San Francisco. The location was easily accessible, and for those needing accommodation, I highly recommend Hotel Bijou—a budget-friendly option with excellent service, cleanliness, and comfortable beds.
I arrived 30 minutes early, but the staff was running behind schedule.
During the appointment, I was informed that the requirements on the Spanish consulate’s website take precedence over BLS guidelines.
Since I am currently employed, they requested a letter from my employer confirming my contract termination. However, I pointed out that the Spanish consulate’s website only requires a letter from me stating my intention to cease work and not seek employment in Spain or the USA.
I had already prepared this signed and notarized letter, which I submitted. The staff warned me that submitting my application without an employer’s letter was at my own risk of rejection, but I decided to move forward.
They reviewed my medical insurance policy and raised no issues.
To avoid potential problems, I also attached a financial statement outlining my income and assets.
The appointment lasted about 30 minutes, which felt quite long.
Questions and Answers
Q: “What did you submit for employment verification?”
A: “They almost rejected my application for not having an employer’s termination letter, but I pointed out that the consulate’s website only requires a personal letter stating that I will cease work. After some back and forth, they accepted it but warned me that it would be processed at my own risk.”
Q: “Did the consulate previously require an employer’s letter?”
A: “Yes, when the consulate handled applications directly before BLS, they required an employer’s letter. However, the current requirement on the Spanish consulate’s website does not state this.”
Q: “Can you request passport delivery instead of picking it up?”
A: “Yes, they offered to ship my passport for a $35 fee, which I paid with a debit/credit card.”
Q: “Can the passport be mailed to a different address than the one on the application?”
A: “Yes, they provide a form where you can specify a different address for passport delivery.”
Q: “Did you translate your financial and bank statements?”
A: “No, I did not translate my bank statements, but I created a one-page document in Spanish summarizing my finances and had it notarized.”
Q: “Did they require a rental agreement?”
A: “No, I offered my Airbnb reservation, but they told me it wasn’t needed as it’s not a requirement.”
Q: “How far in advance can you book an appointment?”
A: “I’m not sure, but when you check their appointment system, the available dates will be displayed.”
Q: “Which list of required documents should I follow: BLS or the Spanish consulate’s website?”
A: “Follow the Spanish consulate’s website. They even called someone for confirmation when they were unsure.”
Comments
- “Great to know that passport delivery is available for $35! Saves a trip back.”
- “Thank you for clarifying the employer’s letter issue—it seems like a gray area, but good to know the personal letter was accepted.”
- “I didn’t realize that rental agreements aren’t required. That saves some stress!”
- “Glad to hear BLS is following the Spanish consulate’s official list, but frustrating that they still seem confused about some requirements.”
- “Looking forward to hearing how your application turns out!”
Conclusion
Applying for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa in San Francisco was straightforward but came with a few surprises. Here are the key takeaways:
- Follow the Spanish consulate’s website, not BLS – If there are conflicting instructions, go by what is stated on the official consulate website.
- Employer’s letter may not be needed – Although some applicants were asked for an employer’s termination letter, the consulate’s official list only requires a personal statement declaring that you will cease work.
- Passport delivery is available – You can opt to have your passport mailed for $35 instead of returning to pick it up in person.
- No need to translate bank statements – A one-page summary in Spanish with a notarized signature was sufficient.
- Rental agreements are not required – Applicants do not need to provide proof of housing.
- Arriving early doesn’t guarantee faster processing – The staff was delayed, so arriving too early may not be necessary.
Overall, while BLS is still adjusting to processing NLV applications, following the Spanish consulate’s official guidance and being prepared for minor inconsistencies can help streamline the process. This information is based on a personal experience and is not official.
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