Last Updated on May 19, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
This is a first-hand experience with the Spain Non Lucrative Visa application process at the Miami consulate.
I had my appointment at BLS Miami yesterday. Just to share a few things that may help others who apply NLV in Miami:
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Start the Moving to Spain Hub →Give yourself plenty of time to get there. I gave myself 45 minutes for the 16-minute drive (according to Google Map) from Downtown Miami to the BLS location and I got there with minutes to spare. Miami’s streets are confusing and congested.
If you have the 8:30AM appointment as I did, parking inside the building is essentially free. They only take cash and the attendant wasn’t there to take cash when I left at 8:45AM.
When I got there, the room was already full but I was the only one with an appointment so I was the 1st one called. Per my conversation with a lady waiting there, all of them were applying for entire family and appointments for family were impossible to find.
They didn’t want a 2nd copy for any documents and that included copies of the passport.
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Explore Cities →They wanted the original apostille, not a copy.
They only took debit card for all charges. They didn’t take money orders.
They wanted the photo to be 2”×2” US passport photo size instead of the Spanish passport photo size (3.5cmx4.5cm). Good thing I had both with me.
The guy gave everything they didn’t need back to me. That included some of the 2nd copies, table of content and subsection covers. He told me to expect result in 4 weeks and they’d notify me by email if they needed anything else. I would have to pick it up in person between 3-4PM from Monday to Friday. I’ll consider booking a hotel stay for that trip.
It’s a bit much to drive 10 hours straight late in the day. I was out of there in about 15 minutes. It went well because I over-prepared.
I brought things I thought they might ask for like the original apostille, 2”x2” photos, more detailed statements about my investment accounts etc. I think the BLS guy only checked completeness of required documents. I don’t think he checked details of the contents. That will be done by the Consulate people.
I didn’t learn about the new bank balance requirement until last night. I’m so glad the requirement takes effect today (May 20) and my appointment was the day before. I don’t keep much money in my checking account. I wouldn’t have €28K in my bank account at the end of last year as required. I hope they’re not going to apply it retroactively. 🤞
Questions and Answers
Q: They wanted the US photo size?
A: Yes, the Miami office wanted a 2”×2” photo even though the BLS website specifies the Spanish size. Others have confirmed the same and were even charged to retake the photo.
Q: How much financial documentation did you submit?
A: I submitted 12 months of checking account statements, a Wise statement showing euro conversions, a Fidelity letter showing balances and access, my tax return, and a Social Security Benefits letter. I included a letter of intent explaining the monthly deposits.
Q: Did you translate your financial docs?
A: No translation was needed. I submitted statements as-is and explained things in the letter of intent.
Q: How did you handle Fidelity accounts?
A: I provided a Fidelity balance letter downloaded from their website. It listed all accounts and stated funds were accessible.
Q: Did Miami BLS ask for a year-end bank balance?
A: A new requirement starting May 20 asks for bank account balances as of December 31 of the prior year and average balances. Thankfully, my appointment was before that rule took effect.
Q: How important is the checking account?
A: Very important. Consulates reportedly focus more on checking accounts than investment accounts, as they show actual cash flow and access to funds.
Q: Did they take all your documents?
A: They gave back extra or non-required items like second copies and cover pages. It may vary by staff.
Q: Any tips for apostille payment?
A: Use a credit card. A check missing address info delayed someone’s apostille by weeks.
Comments
“We had our NLV approved in Miami. We used 12 months of checking account statements and a balance page from an investment account.”
“Crazy how requirements change. A few weeks ago they needed copies of everything. Now they give most of it back.”
“Overprepared is key! Houston accepted European size photos too, but Miami insists on US size.”
“Consulate staff just package the files. Decisions are made in Spain.”
“It’s helpful to know that you can explain deposits and transfers in a letter of intent rather than on the statements themselves.”
“Thank you for confirming that the Fidelity balance letter is accepted.”
Conclusion
The Spain Non Lucrative Visa application experience at the Miami Consulate shows the importance of preparation, flexibility, and understanding evolving requirements.
Applicants should ensure they bring 12 months of checking account statements, supporting documents for investments, and clearly explain their financial flows in a letter of intent. While the BLS staff mainly verifies completeness, the Spanish Consulate reviews the content.
Awareness of new financial requirements, such as year-end balances, is critical for those applying after May 20. Also, come prepared with 2”×2” photos, debit cards for payment, and patience for document inconsistencies.
Disclaimer
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. Image is a fictional representation created for illustrative purposes only.
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