Spain Non Lucrative Visa in Chicago: A First-Hand BLS Experience from November 2025

Last Updated on May 19, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi

This article is based on a real first-hand experience of applying for the Spain non lucrative visa at the Chicago BLS office in November 2025. It illustrates how even well-prepared applicants can face unexpected issues with documents, formatting, and consular preferences, and it highlights the practical realities of dealing with Spanish immigration procedures from the United States. By analysing this Chicago Spain non lucrative visa case, we will extract lessons and answer key questions that most applicants have before their appointment, such as what to expect at BLS, how strict they are with medical certificates and photos, and what financial evidence they may request in practice.

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First-hand experience: Spain non lucrative visa appointment at Chicago BLS (November 2025)

“Report from our appointment at Chicago BLS (November 2025): The appointment was an individual for my wife but they took us both in.

They rejected our medical forms because there were two different colors of ink on the page. (eye roll) We had to go back to St Louis to get new ones from our doctors. They said a local Chicago medical clinic could do the forms but they didn’t know of one, and I had no luck when

I called several. I already had an appointment scheduled at BLS December 9 so we’ll use that to make another run at it.

On Modelo 790 they wanted our address in Spain, not St. Louis, but they let me correct it there.

Our pictures from the photo kiosk at our library were chosen to be visa size. They rejected them for being too small but said they could take our pictures for a fee. I plan to get pictures remade anyway in case their camera is broken when we go back.

It all went smoothly until the end when they objected to the medical form. Hope it will all go through next time.

They asked for bank statements but I had to volunteer our Social Security benefit letters and statements from savings accounts. Surprising, as those are the main proof of income and assets.

Note that Maps on our phones were malfunctioning I guess because of the tall buildings. We stayed just a few blocks away and next time I’ll print a map of the area.”

Key lessons from this Spain non lucrative visa case in Chicago

This first-hand Spain non lucrative visa experience in Chicago highlights how small technical details can derail an otherwise organized application. The couple arrived with their documentation, yet encountered three main problem areas: medical certificates, photographs, and the way financial proof was handled.

Appointment format and attendance

The appointment “on paper” was scheduled for one spouse only, but the Chicago BLS office allowed both to attend together. This is an important nuance:

• Officially, BLS often requires one appointment per applicant.
• In practice, some offices tolerate both spouses attending if one is the primary appointment holder.

Applicants should therefore:

• Always book separate appointments for each family member when possible.
• Still ask politely if both can be seen together, as happened here in Chicago.

Medical certificates and ink colour

The most critical issue in this Spain non lucrative visa story was the rejection of medical forms because there were two different colours of ink on the page. This might seem trivial, but it matches what other applicants have reported:

• Some consulates and BLS offices require forms to be completed in a single ink colour.
• Staff may expect black ink only, in capital block letters, with consistent handwriting and signatures.

In this case, the applicants had to drive back to their home city to obtain new certificates, despite having valid medical content. This underlines that:

• Formal presentation can be as important as the substantive wording.
• It is wise to instruct your doctor’s office to use one consistent ink colour and follow the template exactly.

Modelo 790 and address in Spain

On the Modelo 790 fee form, the couple initially entered their St. Louis address. At BLS Chicago, they were told the form needed their address in Spain instead. Fortunately, they were allowed to correct it on the spot.

This detail raises two common questions for Spain non lucrative visa applicants in Chicago:

• Do you need a Spanish address at the time of the appointment?
• Does it have to be linked to a formal lease?

From this experience and community feedback:

• Chicago BLS recently indicated that a lease is no longer strictly required; an address in Spain may suffice.
• Applicants often use a rental address, temporary accommodation, or the address of their intended town.

Photos for the Spain non lucrative visa in Chicago

The couple used photos from a library photo kiosk, specifically choosing the “visa size” option. However, BLS Chicago rejected the photos as “too small” and offered to take new photos for a fee.

Other community members later shared practical tips:

• Nearby pharmacies and commercial photo services close to the Chicago BLS office routinely handle visa photos and know the required dimensions.
• It is wise to bring multiple copies of passport-style photos from a reputable provider in advance, so you are not dependent on BLS equipment or pricing on the day.

This reinforces an important point: BLS may offer paid photo services, but they are not your only option, and being prepared with correct photo sizes beforehand gives you more control.

Financial proof: bank statements, pensions and savings

Another interesting aspect of this Spain non lucrative visa application in Chicago was the way financial proof was handled:

• BLS asked specifically for bank statements.
• The applicant had to volunteer Social Security benefit letters and savings account statements, even though these are central to demonstrating sufficient means.

This suggests that:

• The staff may follow a checklist that emphasises bank statements first.
• Applicants should be ready to proactively present pension, Social Security, and savings documentation without waiting to be asked.

For Chicago Spain non lucrative visa applicants, a robust financial package should typically include:

• Recent bank statements showing balances at or above the required minimum.
• Pension and Social Security award or benefit letters.
• Statements from savings or investment accounts, especially for retirees or early retirees.

Logistics: navigating downtown Chicago

Finally, the applicant noted that phone map navigation malfunctioned near the BLS office, likely due to tall buildings, despite staying only a few blocks away. This may seem minor, but on a high-stress day it can add unnecessary pressure.

Practical tips include:

• Printing a paper map of the area around BLS Chicago.
• Allowing extra time for walking from accommodation to the office.

Comments from other Spainguru community members

Other community members who used BLS Chicago for their Spain non lucrative visa added valuable context and practical advice:

• Several applicants reported that medical certificates are a frequent problem. Some were sent to a nearby primary care or travel clinic just a block away from BLS, where multiple people were redoing their certificates specifically for Spanish visa purposes, at a fixed fee per person.
• Others used a travel clinic in the suburbs to obtain medical certificates that BLS Chicago accepted without issue. This suggests that clinics familiar with international travel forms tend to understand the level of detail and formatting required.
• One couple shared that they received their first visa in about two weeks, but the second passport took nearly seven more weeks to arrive, causing a long period of anxiety. The final outcome was positive, and they were able to register their padrón and move forward with obtaining their TIE in Spain.
• Another family reported needing three trips to Chicago BLS before their documentation was accepted. The overall message was that perseverance is often required, and initial setbacks do not necessarily mean the application will ultimately fail.
• Regarding photos, some applicants learned that trimming photos to fit the small box on the paper form can cause problems because the scanner cannot read them at that size. Bringing full-size passport photos from a reputable provider, such as a shipping store or pharmacy, was a more reliable approach.
• On financial requirements, one commenter asked whether Chicago still expects a large lump sum in the bank based on family size, or mainly ongoing passive income. Another respondent highlighted that, in their case, BLS Chicago focused on continuing income but did not always explicitly ask for all the underlying documentation, reinforcing the need to be ready to present it proactively, as in the main case.
• One applicant clarified that BLS Chicago informed them that a lease is no longer mandatory to show at the appointment. An address in Spain remains necessary, but formal rental contracts may not be required at this stage. This aligns with broader moves to simplify documentary burdens.
• Several users discussed BLS itself, noting that Spain has outsourced much of the visa intake process to this company. In the United States, many jurisdictions must now file through BLS rather than directly with the consulate, though a few consulates still accept direct applications.
• Other community members emphasised that while BLS and consulate-level bureaucracy can feel arbitrary, the lifestyle in Spain after approval makes the process worthwhile. Many are already living in coastal towns or cities and consider the administrative stress a one-time hurdle.

Frequently asked questions about the Spain non lucrative visa in Chicago

What is BLS Chicago’s role in the Spain non lucrative visa process?

BLS Chicago acts as the intake and processing interface for Spain non lucrative visa applications for residents of its jurisdiction. It collects documents, checks formal requirements, and forwards cases to the Spanish authorities for a final decision. Applicants no longer deal directly with the consulate for the initial submission in most U.S. regions served by BLS.

Do both spouses need separate appointments at BLS Chicago?

In principle, each applicant should have an individual appointment for the Spain non lucrative visa. However, as seen in this Chicago case, staff sometimes allow both spouses to attend together when only one appointment is booked. To avoid problems, spouses should:

• Book separate appointments where possible.
• Bring full documentation for each applicant.
• Ask politely at the desk if they may be seen together.

How strict is BLS Chicago about medical certificates?

The Chicago office can be very strict about technical details on medical forms, including:

• Ink colour consistency on the document.
• Correct completion of all fields by the doctor.
• Use of the proper template and wording required by Spanish regulations.

Applicants should instruct their doctor to:

• Use a single ink colour, often black.
• Complete all personal details and sign clearly.
• Avoid mixing pen colours or handwriting styles on the same page.

What address should appear on Modelo 790 for Chicago Spain non lucrative visa applications?

For Chicago, the expectation in this case was that the address in Spain should appear on the Modelo 790, not the U.S. address. If you mistakenly enter your U.S. address, you may be allowed to correct it during your appointment, but it is safer to fill it with your intended Spanish address from the start.

Do I need a Spanish lease for the Spain non lucrative visa at BLS Chicago?
Recent experiences suggest that BLS Chicago may no longer require a signed lease contract at the appointment stage. Instead, an address in Spain is typically requested. Applicants often use:

• Short-term rentals.
• Accommodation booked for the first weeks.
• The address of the town or area where they plan to settle.

What financial documents should I prepare for Chicago?

Even if staff do not ask for everything, a robust financial package should include:

• Recent bank statements for the required period.
• Pension or Social Security benefit letters.
• Savings or investment account statements.

This is especially important for retirees or those with passive income. In the case described, the applicant had to volunteer Social Security and savings documentation, even though this evidence is central to proving sufficient means.

How long does the Spain non lucrative visa process take from Chicago?

Timelines can vary. Some applicants reported receiving their first visa in around two weeks, while others waited several more weeks for family members’ visas. BLS Chicago itself may give general guidance, but final timing depends on the Spanish authorities’ decision-making process.

Disclaimer

This article is based on personal experience and community feedback and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Visa rules and consular practices can change, and each case is unique. Consult expert immigration lawyers for personalised guidance: https://spainguru.es/services-for-spanish-visas/

Bruno Bianchi CEO & Spain Immigration Expert

Bruno Bianchi is the founder and CEO of Spainguru, Spain's largest expat immigration community with 150,000+ members. Since 2014 he has helped thousands of people relocate to Spain through expert guides, webinars and vetted professional services covering visas, residency, taxes and life in Spain.

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