This article presents a detailed first-hand experience of applying for the Spain non lucrative visa at the San Francisco BLS office, shared by a member of the Spainguru community in October 2025. It offers practical insights into the appointment process, required documentation, timelines, and common questions prospective applicants frequently ask. Whether you are just beginning your Spain non lucrative visa journey or preparing for your consulate appointment, this testimony provides valuable, real-world guidance based on a successful application.
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First-Hand Experience: Spain Non Lucrative Visa Application in San Francisco (October 2025)
“Well, we got our Visas back less than two weeks from BLS San Francisco! Some points to keep in mind: It is possible!
We got our appointment on July 29th for September 22 and 25 2025.
Be ready with all the items you will need when making the appointment, the 200kb photo you will need to upload (have that ready to go before you make the appointment), your profile on the BLS site and your spouses, etc., we got our appointment at 7:50 a.m. on July 29th, so there is some truth to looking at the end of the month and early in the morning, it was a surprise for us!
When we went in for my appointment on Sept. 22nd they would not take us both, but we had an appointment for my spouse so at least she could go back on Sept. 25th 2025.
Have all your documents in the order that they ask for them on the website and in the office, they use the same checklist
We used a service to Apostille the FBI background checks and had a Sworn Translator from the BLS list to do the translations, paid to rush them because we got behind the 8-ball on those but they sent them back within plenty of time, for a pretty penny
The translator also translated our marriage certificate, which was a copy just over 6-months old and apostilled in the state we were married in.
Be aware that retired couples need to show taxes from 2024 along with all the other financial documents. We had enough in our bank account to show self-reliance but also had pension and Social Security printouts in English and Spanish and had them notarized.
Motivation letter and promise to not work in English and Spanish (translated by ChatGPT) and notarized the English copy
We printed out the Form 790 Code 052 after filling in the blanks online, the form could not be submitted online but they accepted the print out.
My guess is that since we are heading to a town in the Granada Province that we got processed much quicker than the big Cities, but 12 days after our appointment we got our Visas and passports back! We are proudly moving to Spain in November 2025.
Remember it can be done! See you in Granada or thereabouts.”— feeling excited.”
Key Insights from This Spain Non Lucrative Visa Experience in San Francisco
The firsthand account highlights several important aspects of applying for the Spain non lucrative visa at the San Francisco BLS office. Applicants often struggle with appointment availability, document preparation, and timeline expectations. This case offers clarity in all these areas.
Appointment availability in San Francisco
The applicant confirmed that appointment openings tend to appear:
- Toward the end of the month
- Early in the morning
Preparing BLS profiles before attempting to book is essential, as appointments disappear quickly.
Separate appointments for spouses
San Francisco BLS enforces one appointment per applicant, even for married couples.
Documents may overlap (financial records, marriage certificate), but each applicant must attend their own appointment.
Documentation matters — and so does the order
San Francisco BLS follows the official checklist strictly. Documents should be arranged:
- In the exact order listed
- Fully translated by a sworn translator
- Apostilled where required
This applicant used the BLS-approved translator list and opted for expedited services.
Financial documentation for retirees
Retired couples applying for the Spain non lucrative visa must provide:
- Prior year tax returns
- Pension statements
- Social Security statements
- Proof of funds demonstrating economic means
Having these documents in both English and Spanish, and notarized, helped ensure smooth processing.
Motivation letter & promise not to work
The applicant submitted:
- A motivation letter
- A separate affidavit promising not to work
Both were provided in English and Spanish, and the English version was notarized.
This aligns with typical requirements at the San Francisco office.
Fast processing when moving to smaller cities
The applicants received their visas in just 12 days.
They speculate that choosing a smaller municipality (Granada province) may have contributed to faster approval. While consulate processing times vary, this experience suggests location within Spain can play a role.
Common Questions Answered
How do you upload the required 200kb passport photo for the San Francisco BLS appointment?
According to the applicant, the process is simple:
- Take a photo while completing the form
- Crop and compress it under 200kb before uploading
Do you need a rental contract or address before applying?
A commenter asked whether only listing the region is acceptable. The applicant confirmed:
- They only provided a town and province (Granada)
- BLS San Francisco accepted this
How soon must you move to Spain after receiving the visa?
Though one commenter believed the limit was 90 days, multiple community members clarified:
- The rule changed recently
- You now have one year from issuance to enter Spain
Should the letter of intent and affidavit not to work be combined?
A commenter asked whether these could be merged.
Responses confirmed:
- They should be two separate letters
Do spouses need separate appointments at San Francisco BLS?
Yes.
Even if traveling together, the San Francisco office will not process two applicants in a single appointment. Each spouse must have:
- Individual appointments
- Individual application packets
Comments from Other Spainguru Community Members
Below is additional helpful information extracted from comments:
- Several users with San Francisco appointments also reported fast approvals, often within two weeks.
- The updated rule allowing one year to enter Spain after visa issuance was reiterated by multiple members.
- Applicants emphasized that organization is essential. Many noted that the process was surprisingly smooth when documents were in the correct order.
- Others confirmed that appointments released on July 29 are consistent with an end-of-month pattern.
- Community members relocating to Granada spoke positively about the region and its appeal for retirees.
- A commenter reinforced that uploading a photo to BLS is not intuitive but is easily solved by resizing or cropping the image.
- Applicants from other locations, such as London and Miami, mentioned similarly fast processing when documentation was thorough.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Spain Non Lucrative Visa in San Francisco
How long does it take to get a Spain non lucrative visa in San Francisco?
Processing times vary, but this firsthand case shows approval in 12 days. Other users report 2–4 weeks.
How do I secure an appointment at BLS San Francisco?
Appointments typically appear:
- At the end of the month
- Early in the morning
Create your BLS profile beforehand so you can book immediately.
Do I need a Spanish lease contract for the visa?
The San Francisco office often accepts:
- A city + province
- Or a region
A finalized lease is not always required.
What financial documents are required for retirees?
You must submit:
- Tax returns
- Pension statements
- Social Security statements
- Bank statements showing sufficient means
- Translations and notarizations where required
Do spouses share one appointment for the Spain non lucrative visa in San Francisco?
No.
Each applicant must attend their own appointment with a complete set of documents.
What translations are accepted?
You must use:
- A sworn translator
- Preferably from the BLS-approved provider list
Is the motivation letter required?
Yes.
Provide:
A separate affidavit promising not to work
A motivation letter
Disclaimer
This article is based on personal experience shared by a community member and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Visa requirements and consulate procedures may vary and are subject to change. For personalised guidance, please consult expert Spanish immigration lawyers, which you can find here: https://spainguru.es/services-for-spanish-visas/
