First, I would like to thank everyone for their help in navigating the Spain Non Lucrative Visa process for retired individuals. Your insight and suggestions made our process yesterday in Boston basically painless! To help those who are just starting the process or thinking about it, this is what we did:
The Boston Consulate’s website is pretty clear on what documents it requires, so I created a spreadsheet listing each line item needed, whether or not it needed copies, translations, apostilled or regular notary.
Put together a binder with tabs for each item and plastic sleeves to hold the various documents. Then got to work gathering all of the info.
For us, the window for second quarter appointments at the consulate was set to open on March 12th at 11:00 am. I crafted an email for myself and one for my husband requesting an appointment for the visa (I indicated in the emails that we already had our FBI Background check completed, apostilled and translated – heard through various Facebook groups that doing this would help in securing an appointment). At 11:00 am and 8 seconds, we both hit send.
A few minutes later, we both got the standard email that all appointments are now being assigned for the 2nd quarter and that 3rd quarter appointments would be open June 11th at 11:00 am. The following morning we received an email asking to forward a copy of the apostilled FBI Background document, which we did, and then a few minutes later we received our appointment email.
For every document the consulate asks for, they will also ask for a copy of it.
We had the following documents notarized: savings account statements showing we had sufficient funds, letter of intent, medical letter from our doctor, passport copies, driver’s license copies, social security benefit letters, 3-month signed lease.
We had our FBI Background and Marriage License apostilled. We had certified translations done on our FBI Background, Social Security Benefit Letters, and Marriage Certificate.
A bit long winded, but hope it helps someone.
Questions and Answers
These are the Questions and answers of the Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
Q1: In reading your post, does this mean we cannot request an appointment until June 11th 2025, or are they still scheduling appointments?
A1: You can send an email and ask, but you will get their standard email initially, and if an appointment is available, they would reach out to you. At the bottom of the standard email, it indicates when the next window of opportunity for appointments is.
Q2: I didn’t see paid health insurance in your list. Don’t we need that?
A2: The documents listed were the ones that needed notarization. The insurance certificate was not notarized because the notary we used would only notarize English documents.
Q3: How did you get your savings account notarized?
A3: Brought the statements to the bank and they notarized them.
Q4: Hoping you can clarify the appointment requesting process – hadn’t heard about the quarters thing.
A4: When sending an email to the consulate, the standard reply explains that appointments are assigned quarterly. For example, if the second quarter is full, the next opportunity opens for the third quarter on a specific date and time.
Q5: Is an Airbnb type of accommodation sufficient for the required 3-month lease?
A5: Some consulates might not accept Airbnb rentals. It’s advisable to check directly with the consulate. In this case, the applicant found a short-term rental through Idealista, and it was accepted.
Q6: Could the visa start date be mid-month, or must it be the 1st?
A6: No definitive answer was given on this point; it’s recommended to confirm directly with the consulate.
Comments
- “We are also applying from Boston and had to exchange several emails with the consulate, including sending copies of passports and a termination letter.”
- “Good luck with your appointment. We went to the Boston consulate last fall and were approved a week later.”
- “I think preparing a binder with plastic sleeves is a bit of overkill, but better to be over-prepared than underprepared. Good luck!”
- “Starting my process now with a June appointment at Boston. Tons of questions coming up!”
- “Using Idealista for a rental was helpful advice.”
Conclusion
Applying for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa through the Boston Consulate seems straightforward if you carefully follow their document requirements, organize everything meticulously, and stay proactive about the appointment process. Preparation, including notarizations, apostilles, and translations, is key.
The timing of appointment windows (quarterly system) is important to track, and flexibility with finding acceptable housing documents like a 3-month lease can help ensure approval. Overall, with the right approach, the process can be smooth and efficient.
This article is based on personal experience and is not legal advice. Consult official requirements.
