Question
I heard a rumor today that the New York City Consulate requires proof that you have completed work before the Spain non lucrative visa appointment date, as opposed to having a resignation letter with confirmation for one month after the appointment date. Can anyone confirm or debunk this rumor? Thanks.
Answers
These are the answers of Spanish Non Lucrative Visa group members:
“At New York City consulate had notarized letter from boss with a work termination date of May 1. We were told to come back after May 1 with a letter from HR stating our end date. So not allowed to present resignation letter in advance of the date even if company signed off on it.”
“Well, I heard that they have changed the rules, and, based upon [another person’s] post, it certainly sounds like that is the case. It makes planning impossible, and with so many pieces to this puzzle, I don’t know what I’m going to do.
I don’t know where I’m going to live, what to do with my belongings, how to deal with health insurance before and after, etc, etc, etc. If anyone has a current application that has been accepted in New York City with a future termination date suitably documented, I would love to hear it.”
“Yes that’s true. I went there on Feb 25th 2025 with a resignation letter and a letter from HR saying they accepted my resignation for March 28th. I was told my application would be accepted but I had to bring a letter from HR saying I had indeed finished work, before they would fully process my application. So I have to go back first week in April.”
“No indication of how long it would take to process, but they noted I want to be in Spain April 15th, that will be two weeks post me handing in the termination letter. There was no need to have the letter translated, and I didn’t have the other letter from HR translated either.
The one saying I had resigned. Technically they did change the rules. I had been there in January 2025 with paper work that wasn’t complete – longer story, they handed me a list of the requirements and it clearly stated you had to provide a letter from HR saying you had finished work. I took a chance and gave them the HR letter saying I had resigned.”
“This was not our experience during summer ‘24 application. We supplied a resignation letter stating the end of work date before the date we indicated on our application of arriving to Spain.”
“Hello, I’m retired. Does the New York City consulate ask if you have a mortgage? What about the 9325 tax form? Is that needed? My tax preparer did not know what that tax form is.””Yes. 9325 tax form is needed. Send the form to your accountant and explain you need it. These must be officially translated.”
“The requirement for the 9325 form doesn’t really make much sense. It is something that the IRS created that allows preparers who file electronically on behalf of a client to record that they have done so.
It is not completed by the IRS and has no value for them. Somehow, the Spanish authorities heard about it and thought it meant something, so they made it a requirement. However, because they think it has some validity, you absolutely need it and you also need it to be translated into Spanish.”
“My tax preparer did not check any boxes and just filled out lines #1 & #2 on the 9325. 3-6 does not apply to me. I am preparing to send the email to nyc consulate. Any thoughts?”
Conclusion
According to the most recent experiences shared in the Facebook group, the New York City Consulate now appears to require applicants for the Spain non lucrative visa to show official proof that they have already ended employment—not just a future resignation letter.
While in the past, a resignation letter with a future termination date might have sufficed, members report being asked to return with documentation from HR confirming that they are no longer employed.
Some exceptions may still occur, but it’s clear the rules have become stricter.
Additionally, applicants are required to submit IRS Form 9325, even though it has no direct tax value—it must also be officially translated into Spanish.
This demonstrates the importance of not only having all documents prepared but also anticipating unexpected requirements from the consulate.
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