This first-hand experience shares the challenges of applying for the Spain Non Lucrative Visa at the New York consulate in June 2025, including document requirements, bank statement issues, and advice from other applicants.
My Spain Non Lucrative Visa New York Experience
“UPDATE: TLDR of below, appointment was early June and I was unable to get letter from my bank with end-of-year balance and 2024 average. Instead, I submitted statements from all of 2024 along with an email from the bank saying they are unable to produce a document that satisfies the consulate requirements.
The New York consulate accepted my documents at the time, this would have been the second week of June. Mid-July I received a call asking me to come to the consulate to receive my result which they would not give me over the phone. I’ve just today visited the consulate to be informed that I’ve been denied, citing the fact that I’ve been unable to furnish the required documentation.
They refused to answer when I asked if anyone gets approved without that bank document. For context, while I’m a bit young at 45, all other variables were rock solid, financially secure, own a home in Spain, and clearly retired.
Just left the Spanish Consulate in New York after my first appointment. They have requested that I return within 10 days to submit a sworn statement that I would not work (notarized) in Spanish and English, as well as a document from my bank confirming the balance on December 31, 2024 and my average monthly balance for the year. My bank (Citibank) have categorically denied the ability to supply such a document. I’ve visited 3 branch offices and spent an hour on the phone with them.
Other documents not listed on the website that the consulate accepted. Thanks to all the sharing in this group otherwise I would not have had:
- IRS form 1040 in English and Spanish.
- IRS form 9325 in English and a translation by official translator.
- Letter from former employer confirming date, title, and salary at time of retirement.”
Questions and Answers
These are the Questions and Answers from Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
Q1: “Where do you get the 1040 form and the 9325 form from?”
A1: “1040 in Spanish is available online. Download and transpose the numbers yourself from your tax return — takes about 5–10 minutes. The 9325 doesn’t have a Spanish version, but it’s simple to translate after doing it once.”
Q2: “Is this done on the IRS website? Does freelancing make a difference?”
A2: “Yes, on irs.gov. Freelance status doesn’t change the process. If your accountant doesn’t use 9325, ask for the e-file confirmation code.”
Q3: “Do I need these forms for each year?”
A3: “Yes, if required by the consulate.”
Q4: “Are bank year-end statements the same as the required letter?”
A4: “No, Spain wants a letter with the average balance for the calendar year, not just monthly statements.”
Q5: “Isn’t that the same as monthly statements for January–December?”
A5: “No, they require it in one official letter. Many U.S. banks will not provide this in a single document.”
Q6: “Do investment accounts require the same documentation?”
A6: “Likely yes, though translation of disclosure pages may not be needed at all consulates.”
Q7: “Should I change banks if mine refuses to provide the document?”
A7: “Smaller banks or credit unions might be more willing, but changing banks means you won’t have 12 months of history there.”
Q8: “Can I calculate the average myself?”
A8: “Yes, some applicants have done this to mimic the requested document, but results may vary.”
Q9: “Does the 9325 form have to be from my tax preparer?”
A9: “If they don’t use it, you can fill it out yourself, but you’ll still need the official e-file confirmation code.”
Comments
“This is one of the bureaucratic hurdles that will make or break whether you make it to Spain.”
“Spanish bureaucrats follow procedure closely and expect documents to match their requirements exactly.”
“Some banks issue a year-end statement that includes the required details, others simply won’t.”
“I changed banks and provided an affidavit explaining why my first month’s balance was low.”
“At Houston BLS, they didn’t want financial documents translated but did require all pages of all statements in addition to balance letters.”
Conclusion
This Spain Non Lucrative Visa New York application experience in June 2025 highlights the importance of securing the exact bank documentation requested by the consulate, particularly the year-end balance and average monthly balance letter.
Even with strong finances and other requirements met, missing this single document can result in denial. Applicants should verify their bank’s capabilities early, explore alternatives such as smaller institutions or credit unions, and prepare all supplementary documents — including translated IRS forms — before their appointment.
