This is a firsthand experience of applying for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa at the New York City consulate, shared by a community member in April 2025.
We just left the New York City consulate. Family of 5 applying for a Spain Non Lucrative Visa starting July 1st 2025. Everyone was very friendly and we had everything that the website states is required but we have to return within 10 working days with more documentation.
- We showed statements from a savings account & investment account clearly showing more than the sufficient funds required. We are now required to bring in 3 months of our checking account statements.
- I retired 2 years ago. I have a letter from my company stating that I’m leaving the company effective that date. They want a current letter stating that I left the company when I did, along with salary information. (This makes no sense to me since it doesn’t mean I didn’t work somewhere else during those 2 years, but…)
- Our children will be going to a private school in Madrid. We had letters from the school in both English & Spanish. I should have proofread the letters (I didn’t even think we’d need them. Just added them in case) because the letters said my kids are current students, they’re not. Now we’re required to have new letters & a receipt proving that we have fully paid next year’s tuition. We have made a deposit – fortunately we should be able to pay the full tuition & get proof before the 10 working days.
I should also mention that the NYC consulate only takes money orders. No checks or credit cards accepted.
Questions and Answers
These are the questions Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
Q1: Why would they want an updated letter from your former employer stating you retired?
A1: Possibly due to age or to confirm you’re not working elsewhere. The user was asked to provide a current letter with past salary info despite retiring two years ago.
Q2: Do you need to provide a notarized letter stating you don’t intend to work in Spain?
A2: No explicit mention from the consulate, but many applicants voluntarily provide such a letter to strengthen their case.
Q3: Did you translate your U.S. tax forms into Spanish?
A3: Yes. Spanish versions of Form 1040 were used and filled in manually. Also included was a Spanish version of the e-filing form.
Q4: Was the checking account required to meet the full financial requirement on its own?
A4: Not necessarily. The consulate had already seen the full funds in savings and investments, but still requested the checking account to see transactional activity.
Q5: Did the checking account statements need to be translated, notarized, or apostilled?
A5: No. Just printed and submitted the raw statements. They are not government documents, so apostilles don’t apply.
Q6: Is a deposit for school tuition enough, or do you need to pay in full?
A6: In this case, because the school letter incorrectly stated the children were currently enrolled, the consulate required full tuition proof. A deposit might be sufficient if the letter is accurate.
Q7: When was the NYC appointment scheduled?
A7: The appointment was booked in February for the April 2025 visit.
Q8: Why do they want the checking account info if you’ve shown enough savings?
A8: The consulate wants to see an account with money moving in and out—likely to understand financial habits and liquidity.
Q9: Did the passport need to be left with the consulate?
A9: No. A full copy (including all pages) is required. The original passport is brought back once the visa is approved for stamping.
Q10: Were medical certificates and proof of insurance required for children too?
A10: Yes. Medical certificates and proof of insurance were required for all applicants.
Q11: Is tax documentation mandatory even if not listed on the NYC consulate’s site?
A11: It’s not listed, but many consultants recommend bringing it. The consulate accepted it when offered.
Q12: Was IRS Form 9325 required?
A12: Some applicants were asked for Form 9325, others only provided Form 8879 and 1040s. Requirements seem to vary by officer.
Q13: Were translations of Form 9325 needed?
A13: One applicant was asked for full translations but ultimately got approved without them after clarification with the consulate.
Q14: What kind of money order is accepted?
A14: Only USPS money orders are accepted at the NYC consulate.
Comments
“Helpful. Thank you!”
“Also, only USPS money orders are accepted.”
“Same as Italy’s requirement of a 1-year lease when applying for a similar visa, but I have seen people take that risk.”
“That’s Spain! Don’t try to logic it out.”
“Thanks for sharing this info! We will be applying for an NLV at the DC consulate. Does anyone know if they have similar unexpected requests for additional documents?”
Conclusion
The Spain Non Lucrative Visa application process at the New York City consulate can involve additional documentation requirements that aren’t clearly listed on the official site. Applicants should be prepared to provide:
- Checking account statements, even if savings/investments meet the financial criteria.
- Updated proof of employment history, even post-retirement.
- School documentation including accurate enrollment letters and full tuition payment receipts.
- Translations of tax forms (especially 1040s) and possibly Form 9325 or Form 8879.
Flexibility, patience, and thorough preparation are essential. Requirements may vary depending on the consular officer. Over-preparation is your best ally.
If you’re navigating this process, consider consulting with a Spain immigration lawyer listed on Spainguru.es to avoid surprises.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the contributions and experiences of Spainguru community members and is not legal advice. Consider consulting a legal expert for personalized guidance.
