This is a first-hand experience of a Spain Non Lucrative Visa appointment at the Los Angeles BLS office in June 2025, including what to expect, documents to bring, and tips for a smooth process.
“BLS Los Angeles NLV Appointment – What to Expect & Bring (June 25th, 2025. 9:10 AM)
Just had our visa appointment at BLS in LA and wanted to share my experience, tips and reminders for anyone preparing for theirs –
Before the Appointment
Arrive Early – They’re very strict with late arrivals. If possible, plan for traffic delays and consider using the fast track lane if you’re coming from far.
We parked on the street without any issues. Although there’s paid parking underground.
Ring the Doorbell – The front door is always closed. Ring the bell 10 minutes before your appointment. The front officer asks for your ID, checks your name and time before letting you in.
Inside the office is a small waiting room – I guess it’d be good to:
- Turn your phone on silent
- Avoid phone calls
- No photos allowed
- Staffs were incredibly kind and professional. I had an excellent experience – A+++ service!
Payment
Bring cash ($1, $5, $10 bills preferred) for additional fees.
Make a money order directed to the Consulate: $140 + $11
Documents Checklist
Make sure all documents are prepared before the appointment:
- 1-year tax return (2024)
- Last 3 months of bank statements
- Bank letter (balance amount, signed & stamped by the bank)
- 2 passport-sized photos
- Medical certificate
- 1-year health insurance policy
- Criminal record – Apostilled, notarized, and translated into Spanish
- Letter of non-employment – Notarized & translated
- Intent letter – In both English and Spanish
- Driver’s license copy – Front & back
- Passport + 2 copies
- Disclaimer form
- Form 790-052
- Form EX 01
- Money order
- National visa application form
- No Airbnb or housing proof needed
Final Tips
Bring everything in order (printed and organized).
Stay calm — the staffs are very friendly and helpful. Javier especially was amazing!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions — they’re there to assist. But of course – Be on your best behavior –
Wishing everyone a smooth and successful appointment!”
Questions and Answers
These are the Questions and Answers from Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
Q1: “Did you have the Letter of Non-employment translated to Spanish first and then notarized the Spanish letter?”
A1: “We wrote our Letter of Non Employment in English then translated it to Spanish. Our translator is ATA certified, their service includes notary also.”
Q2: “What about form 9325? Did it need to be in Spanish? And was the 1040 form required?”
A2: “LA does not require 9325 – that’s a NY thing. 1040 is required if that’s what you filed. If under retirement age, 3 years are needed; if retired, 1 year. We printed Spanish versions of our tax transcripts online, so no need to translate.”
Q3: “What bank information did you provide? Did it need to be stamped?”
A3: “We gave 3 months of statements plus a statement showing average balance for the last 12 months, date account opened, and redacted account number. Letters came on bank letterhead but not stamped. Avoid accounts with other co-owners.”
Q4: “Did you provide housing proof?”
A4: “No housing proof was requested. We just wrote ‘Madrid’ on the application form.”
Q5: “What is the response time after the appointment?”
A5: “We were told 8-12 weeks. You must return in person to pick up your visa or pay extra to collect during regular business hours.”
Q6: “What about translating documents and apostilling FBI fingerprints?”
A6: “FBI fingerprints must be apostilled in DC and then translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.”
Q7: “When should health insurance start?”
A7: “Ours starts September 1st, 2025, matching our travel date. Insurance companies usually issue policies up to 90 days before the start date.”
Comments
“Ask your bank for a verification of deposit letter via online banking. It should be current year and date, signed and stamped by the bank manager on letterhead.”
“Bring 401(k) or other asset statements as optional proof of financial means.”
“457 accounts can be used if they show stable income during the visa period.”
“Requirements for tax returns differ by age – under retirement age generally needs 3 years, retired applicants usually 1 year.”
Conclusion
From this June 2025 Los Angeles appointment experience, applicants for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa should be well-prepared with a complete document set, organized presentation, and awareness of specific consulate requirements.
At the Los Angeles BLS office, form 9325 is not required, housing proof may be skipped, and financial documentation should focus on 3 months of statements plus a bank letter with average balances. Health insurance should align with the intended arrival date.
The process is generally smooth, with friendly staff and clear timelines, making the Los Angeles consulate a manageable option for NLV applicants.
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