Spain Non Lucrative Visa: Our San Francisco Consulate Experience – May 2025

First-hand experience with the Spain Non Lucrative Visa process at the San Francisco consulate (BLS Office) in June 2025.

“NLV Application submitted! I submitted my NLV application at the BLS office in San Francisco on May 17th 2025. Everything went well. I might not hear back for 2 or 3 months, but I’ve done everything I can at this point, and it feels like a relief. Now the wait begins…

A little more detail: Things were running behind a bit, so my turn came up at 11:30 (instead of 11:00). Once it was my turn, it only took 15 minutes to submit all of my visa application documents.

The BLS rep who assisted me was very pleased with how organized and complete my paperwork was, and she said it’s a strong application (but she added that she can’t influence the consulate’s decision in any way).

She also said that the consulate is only accepting 1 NLV application per day, and there are quite a few NLV applicants ahead of me waiting to have their apps sent to the Consulate. As a result, mine won’t be sent to the consulate for about three weeks.

After that, she warned that it can take up to three months to hear back about approval (or request for more info). I’ve been seeing two-week turnaround times reported by folks in various Spain FB groups, so fingers crossed it’ll go fast once the Consulate receives my application. I hope to leave by mid-July, or about 8 weeks from now.

While I was waiting, BLS reps processed four student visa applications. The reps were very helpful to each applicant, guiding them through what they needed to finalize submission. It was actually sweet seeing the earnestness of the students and how kind the staff was.

Documents submitted included appointment confirmation, visa form with photo, EX01 form, TASA 790-052 (2 copies), passport + copy, driver’s license copy, notarized and translated motivation and no-work letters, four months of bank statements, three years of tax returns (all pages), pension letter, FBI background check (with apostille and translation), prepaid health insurance, doctor’s certificate, lease agreement in Spanish, and a $151 money order. I also paid a $9 BLS fee with debit card.”

Questions and Answers

Q1: “Any tips on how to get an appointment in San Francisco?”
A1: “Appointments are tough to get. Keep checking and be persistent. Others reported waiting weeks or months.”

Q2: “Did you submit 12 months of translated financials?”
A2: “They asked for 3 months. I provided 4. No translation needed for bank statements. They also asked for 3 years of tax returns (all pages), also not translated.”

Q3: “Did you submit all the supporting forms with your tax returns?”
A3: “Yes, I submitted the entire packet for each year.”

Q4: “Did they require extra copies of financials?”
A4: “No, only one copy. But I brought extras just in case.”

Q5: “Did they ask for a motivation letter and sworn no-work affidavit?”
A5: “Yes, both were requested and submitted with sworn translations and notarization.”

Q6: “What health insurance did you use and did they require passport info?”
A6: “I used Asisa via an agent. I sent them a copy of my passport and requested a policy from July 1–June 30. They’ll refund unused months if the visa is denied.”

Q7: “Did they ask if you had a mortgage?”
A7: “No, they didn’t. I have one and wasn’t asked. A friend also has a mortgage and had no issue receiving his visa.”

Q8: “How will you know your application status?”
A8: “You’ll get a text when the Consulate receives your file. They may also email you or BLS if further information is needed. I received a receipt with my application number for tracking.”

Comments

“It’s very confusing for everyone but that’s why it’s important to say which consulate or BLS you are applying through so you get accurate answers.”

“At SF I submitted just the summary pages for 3 years in English and Spanish (I used the IRS Spanish forms to complete my own translation). Not consistent but I was approved in March.”

“Very organized and thank you for sharing!”

“We applied in July 2024 (pre-BLS) and were told that in summer, student and family applications are prioritized due to the school year deadline.”

“So helpful. Can’t believe how many people will benefit from this exchange.”

“Thanks, we go July 2nd to SF, so your info will be very helpful.”

“This has been incredibly informative. Best of luck with your move!”

Conclusion

This firsthand experience sheds light on the Spain Non Lucrative Visa application process at the San Francisco BLS office. The applicant provided a complete, well-organized package, which helped the appointment go smoothly despite long wait times. The consulate currently accepts only one NLV application per day, so delays in forwarding documents are expected.

Key takeaways include the importance of preparing extra documents, bringing a debit card for the BLS fee, including full tax returns, and ensuring all translated documents are properly notarized. Mortgage holders should not worry, as it’s not a disqualifying factor at this consulate.

Staying organized and over-prepared is the best strategy, as requirements can vary by location and even change over time. This experience offers a detailed, up-to-date snapshot of the San Francisco process.

Disclaimer: The content of this article is based on personal experiences and contributions shared by members of the Spainguru community. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Always consult a qualified expert for guidance specific to your situation.

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