This is a first-hand experience with the Spain Non Lucrative Visa application process at the Los Angeles Consulate.
“Sharing my experience applying at the Los Angeles consulate. Hope this helps!
Tuesday, June 24th 2025:
We had an appointment for 8:30 AM but didn’t get seen until about 9:30 AM. They’re processing a high volume of student visas but there’s also been an increase in non-lucrative applications — at least in Los Angeles, where they’re receiving eight or so per day. Expected wait time due to heavier volume is 8–12 weeks.
I’m applying alongside my spouse and had to provide the following:
- Visa Application, Non-Working Residence, and Modelo 790 forms
- Copy of passport and driver’s license
- Letters of intent from both of us
- Sworn statements not to work from both of us
Because I’m the breadwinner, a sworn statement where I commit to covering all my spouse’s costs - Bank statements for the previous 3 months and our final statement for 2024 (so they know what your balance was at or around December 31). We used stamped copies from our checking account and online prints of our savings account. Both were accepted. They asked for one extra copy of our more heavily used bank accounts.
- While we weren’t asked for this, we offered a Certificate from our checking accounts showing the average balance for the last 12 months, which they accepted. Our savings account’s bank doesn’t issue this document so we didn’t have it but, again, we weren’t asked for this initially.
- Form 1040 of our 2024 tax returns
- Medical certificates. They asked for an extra copy here.
- Health insurance confirmation
- FBI Background Check — with apostille and translated
- Marriage certificate — with apostille and translated
- Passport picture
- Money Order (they can instruct you how to fill it so feel free to have it blank)
Pro tips:
- Make sure you’re going to the BLS Visa Application Center and NOT the Spanish consulate. I saw a devastated applicant from San Diego get turned away because she mistakenly went to the consulate instead and missed her appointment. The address is on your appointment letter.
- There’s street cleaning on Monday and Tuesday mornings, which can make street parking tricky during those windows. We got lucky and found an available meter so I don’t know what it costs to park in the building.”
Questions and Answers
Q1: How did you schedule the appointment — as a family or as individuals?
A1: “I scheduled as family.”
Q2: How long is the current estimated wait time for approval after the appointment?
A2: “We were told to expect 8–12 weeks due to high application volume.”
Comments
“Congrats on getting through the process — now the waiting begins! At least they are telling you up front to expect 8–12 weeks. We will be at week 9 this Friday.”
“Congratulations and big thank you for sharing the details!”
“Congratulations on the successful appointment! Thank you for sharing. I hope you get the visa approvals by 8 weeks or before. We applied May 2nd and will hit our 8th week this Friday. I hope for the best for all of us.”
“Congratulations! I’m going to try for an appointment closer to the end of the year in LA so any information from people going through the process now helps me.”
“Congratulations and thanks for sharing!”
Conclusion
Applying for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa at the Los Angeles Consulate involves patience, detailed preparation, and clarity on where to go — especially distinguishing between the BLS center and the consulate itself.
The wait time has increased due to growing application volumes, with approvals now expected within 8–12 weeks.
Applicants should ensure they bring not only the listed documents but also be ready with extra copies and optional financial documents, like balance certificates, which may be accepted even if not explicitly required. Scheduling as a family streamlines the process for joint applications.
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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