This is a firsthand experience with the Spain Non Lucrative Visa at the Los Angeles BLS.
“I had my appointment at the BLS office in Los Angeles this past Wednesday (April 30 2025).
I will share some preliminary observations. I say ‘preliminary observations’ because until I am approved or denied, these are just observations and things may change as the process continues.
Any who have been reading messages of this Facebook group, and who have been pursuing the steps to getting their NLV should already be aware that:
- People in the group are applying from a variety of countries. Don’t get confused by remarks regarding the process in countries other than where you are applying.
- I am in America, and because I live in Colorado I must apply through the consulate in Los Angeles.
- It is clear that requirements, procedures, and processes vary from specific consulate to consulate.
- Now that ‘BLS’ is handling the NLV application process at many consulates, an additional degree of variance has been added.
- Each applicant ultimately has their own experience which may vary in minor or even major ways from other people here. Even if you walked through the very same door ten minutes after me, your experience is likely to differ.
So, take my observations with a grain of salt, because as we used to say ‘your mileage may vary!’
My personal circumstance is this: I am completely retired and well past the ‘normal’ retirement age of 65. I have not worked since 2016. I already have a house in Spain and a NIE.
I thoroughly read various BLS and consulate pages, spoke with legal professionals, and attended online seminars. I also called the BLS Los Angeles office twice. The information I received was often contradictory.
My appointment was at 11:00 AM. Thankfully, I arrived early. Despite making the appointment after BLS moved offices, my appointment document still had the old address! I was the third person that day redirected by a lobby attendant.
The BLS office was bright and comfortable. My interview was conducted entirely in Spanish, which was a surprise given my phone interactions, but I speak Spanish so it was smooth. The agent was pleasant and professional.
I brought two files: one with all required documents and another with extras. A few highlights:
- Passport: Only the photo page was requested.
- Application photo: Accepted as attached to the application per BLS specs.
- Tax returns: Though not technically required for retirees, I was asked for one. I offered more and they took them.
- Medical certificate: Accepted with the standard medical certificate template, corrected spelling, no stamp, just doctor letterhead and signature.
- Money order: I brought one for $151 as advised by BLS LA, and it was accepted.
- Marriage certificate: Not required for my solo application.
- Accommodation proof: I brought my ‘Nota Simple’ and ‘Escritura’ (Property Deeds), but only got asked whether the address I listed was mine.
- Passport pickup: I was told I must collect it in person, not via courier—disappointing since I live 1,000 miles away.
- Estimated decision time: 30 days, though officially it could take up to 90.
For bank statements, I provided stamped and signed ones from a local bank, along with a translated and notarized account verification letter. My CapitalOne docs were more generic, lacking a bank official’s signature, but I still had them translated and notarized.
I avoided any fabricated ‘certified’ stamps and focused on authenticity through letterhead, real signatures, and official translations. Now I wait to see if this approach was sufficient.”
Questions and Answers
These are the Questions and answers of the Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
Q1: “Did you get a text that they received your application at the consulate?”
A1: “I have not received any text messages nor emails. It’s been 16 days since my appointment. My application status still says ‘Application in progress’.”
Q2: “For the Money Order, I have never done one before. Can I get it at the post office and who should I make it out to?”
A2: “Yes, you can get a money order at the post office using cash or debit (credit counts as cash advance). For BLS Los Angeles, it should be made out to ‘Consulate General of Spain in Los Angeles’. You’ll have to fill it out yourself—write small!”
Q3: “I left mine blank and the BLS interviewer filled it in.”
A3: “Yes, that also works. Some people had the BLS staff complete the recipient field on the spot.”
Q4: “What did you do about bank statements? Sworn translations seem expensive.”
A4: “I submitted untranslated statements from both my checking and savings accounts, but also provided a translated and notarized account verification letter. For my CapitalOne account, I used printed online statements and a translated verification letter—also notarized.”
Comments
“Extremely helpful. And scary. But you’re right. Compared to our US requirements, this is a cakewalk.”
“Thank you for sharing your experience.”
“Just made my appointment for LA next month.”
“Thanks for sharing. Good luck!”
“My appointment with BLS is next week! Eeeeeee.”
“They will be fine as long as all documents are provided and photocopies are there of each one.”
“Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Saving.”
Conclusion
This firsthand experience applying for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa through the Los Angeles BLS office in April 2024 highlights how the process is thorough, sometimes inconsistent, and filled with nuances that differ depending on your circumstances. Key learnings include:
- Always double-check appointment locations and required documents.
- Prepare both mandatory and “just in case” supporting documents.
- A single money order for $151 addressed to the consulate was accepted.
- In-person passport pickup is mandatory at this consulate.
- Provide authentic documentation with stamps and notarizations when possible, but there’s some flexibility with translation requirements.
- Each experience varies, so patience and preparation are essential.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the contributions and experiences of Spainguru community members and is no legal advice. Consider consulting a legal expert for personalized guidance. Images may be digitally generated illustrations.
