A Spainguru community member shared their detailed spring 2025 experience applying for the Spanish Non Lucrative Visa (NLV) at the Toronto Consulate, after successfully completing the process as a Canadian family with dependents.
The applicant created a Spain Non Lucrative Visa Checklist (Spanish Consulate in Toronto) to help others navigate the process. The document clarified that requirements were current as of March 2025 but could change at any time, encouraging applicants to always verify with the official consulate website. It also emphasized that translations must be done by a sworn translator (traducción jurada).
Their checklist included the following key details:
- Applicants must complete both the National Visa Application Form and the EX-01 Non-Working Residence Form for each adult and child, with no photocopies required.
- The Payment Form 790-052 must be filled out and printed in triplicate, and fees are paid in cash: $1,085 CAD for the visa plus $16 CAD for processing per applicant.
- A recent color photo (European passport size: 35 x 45 mm) is required, with a photographer’s stamp and date.
- The original passport must be valid for at least one year, with a photocopy of the ID page only.
- Original, bank-stamped statements are required showing financial means of at least 400% of Spain’s IPREM for the main applicant and 100% for each dependent.
- Proof of comprehensive health insurance is mandatory. The applicant reported choosing a Spanish policy via an expat broker, noting that their annual family premium was around €2,642.88 EUR.
- The criminal record certificate (RCMP) must include fingerprints, an official seal, and a signature. It must then be apostilled federally by Global Affairs Canada, translated by a sworn translator, and photocopied alongside the original and apostille.
- The medical certificate follows a similar process: obtain the notarized original, apostille it in the issuing province, translate both the notarized copy and apostille, and provide photocopies of all.
- Proof of residence in the consular district (such as a driver’s license) is required for adults but not for minors.
- Marriage and birth certificates must also be apostilled and translated, with copies of both the original and the translations.
- All applicants, including minors, must attend the interview in person.
The member confirmed that the Toronto Consulate did not retain passports during the application process. Applicants must return to Toronto once approved to have the visa inserted into the passport, which can mean multiple trips depending on where applicants live.
In response to other applicants’ questions, they explained that their birth certificates were about one year old but were accepted since the apostille was recent. They also clarified that the apostille itself does not expire, but the RCMP background check must be recent—preferably within five months of submission.
Another applicant who used the same checklist later reported that by mid-2025, the Toronto Consulate began requiring proof of accommodation, such as a rental contract, even for families who had not yet moved to Spain. This change added a new layer of preparation for future applicants.
Finally, the original poster noted that they received their visa approval about three weeks after their appointment and described the process as organized and transparent, despite requiring multiple visits and detailed documentation.
Conclusion
The Spain Non Lucrative Visa process at the Toronto Consulate is highly structured and detail-oriented, particularly for Canadian families applying with savings instead of pension income. Each document must be apostilled, translated by a sworn translator, and often presented in both original and photocopy form.
Applicants should also prepare for in-person attendance for all family members, multiple consulate visits, and potentially new requirements such as proof of accommodation. Keeping documents current—especially the RCMP background check—and organizing them clearly is essential.
While time-consuming, community feedback consistently describes the Toronto Consulate as professional, methodical, and fair, making careful preparation the key to a successful Spain Non-Lucrative Visa application.
This article is based on personal opinions from the Spainguru community and is not legal advice.
