This article shares a detailed firsthand experience of a Spain non lucrative visa application submitted through the Miami BLS office in December 2025. Real-life accounts like this are invaluable for future applicants because they reveal how procedures are applied in practice, not just how they appear on official checklists.
The Spain non lucrative visa Miami process can vary significantly depending on the BLS office, staff, appointment system, and even the day of the visit. This experience highlights practical considerations such as accommodation choices, appointment logistics, document handling, fees, staff interactions, processing times, and cultural expectations.
The goal of this article is to help future applicants better prepare, set realistic expectations, and understand what questions typically arise when applying for a Spain non lucrative visa through Miami BLS.
Firsthand Experience at Miami BLS (Copied Verbatim)
“Miami BLS drop off 8 December 2025
First I will start with the hotel. Everyone stays at the A-Loft and we did too, but I would not have stayed there had a realized there is a MUCH closer hotel at 3640 SW 22nd Street Miami (with the back of the hotel on Coral Way) the same street as the BLS and it is around 1/3 of a mile away from the BLS.
It is the Extended Stay America Premier Suites. Also, I believe they have self-parking for about 15.00 a day. I HATE valet parking and I HATE having to rush to get my stuff out of the car and it was 35.00 at A-Loft (for 24 hours). The dog came to A-Loft and I believe dogs are allowed at Extended Stay America
If you do not want to walk in the heat or pay 30.00 for an Uber to go 1.2 miles from A LOFT to BLS. this option at Extended Stay America might be worth looking into
Upon entering the office bldg. the security woman on duty told us to knock on door when we got up to the 6th floor which was the first I had heard of that!!
We sat in a waiting area on that floor for a little while then decided to go knock on the door. A woman waiting for a regular Schengen travel visa said she was just there last week and the security guard told people when to come to the office, so that’s why we waited a few minutes.
Sure enough security it now stationed in room 611 at the BLS and checking appts when people knock on the door.
The woman behind the counter was not friendly. The interaction became very bizarre when she asked if I was with anyone and I said spouse xxx. She locates both of our names on a list and then says “You only have one appointment, a family appointment, but it’s ok I will see you both.”
So right now, if you are saying “there is no such thing as a family appt” that’s what I was thinking. It was just too strange to let it go. I held up the two appointments and said “Ok, but there are two appointments”. She repeated herself that there is only one appointment, but that’s ok. Then I replied in Spanish “Tengo los dos aqui” because I suppose I still could not let it go. She repeated that I have only one appointment. We eventually moved off that topic.
This woman wanted all of the papers OUT of the accordion folder (like a few other people have commented in the past) and she said “I will give you two minutes to go and take all of your papers out of there.”
This does not mean you should not have your papers in that type of file system because it depends on who you get at the window since they all collect papers differently. As a matter of fact, we have already seen a post from someone who was there on the same day at the same time and they took his papers in the order he chose to give them.
Our person, on the other hand was on her cell phone every chance she got and kept us waiting while she talked on the phone. She was also very loud on her phone walking around her work area while others were working as well.
Then, we had not signed any of the papers in advance because I thought I was advised to sign them there (but must have remembered that wrong) so she had us go and do that a nearby table.
She spent time carefully reviewing the paperwork to make sure everything was there and asked for things (that were there but that she did not see).
The young guy that the other person who posted said was friendly got mad at me because as we had to stand at the counter for a long time while this woman did who knows what, I was bored and was listening to his conversation (and I guess staring) with a young Russian who did not bring print out his papers for his travel visa and did not understand the process and basically, it was just an interesting interaction to watch and it was taking place in very close proximity.
Well, I did not realize I was staring but then this young guy working there says in an annoyed voice “Do you need something?!” and I see he is pretty upset but I just slowly nod my head no, but I don’t look away quite yet.
So, he does huge, giant eye roll where his eyes practically go behind his head. It was never my intention to invade his space or his privacy and I did not realize my gaze was right on him. Again, I was just bored and this happening right in front of me essentially and frankly, I had nowhere to look as I did not want to stare at the woman who is doing who knows what with our papers as she already had an odd vibe.
She told us to sit and wait for our picture to be taken even though she glued the passport pictures were brought. I know you all say they do the picture anyway.
They made us wait a long time for the pictures when they were not very busy. We were out in about 65 minutes, which is really a long time compared to the 20-minute reports I read here. It was ok but a bit odd that we did not just sit for the pictures more quickly.
They said flex time pickup was 45.00 but I thought it used to be 35.00. It ended up being 210.00 each. The woman waiting for her Schengen trave visa said she pays highly variable prices each time she gets a visa like 160 and 220
One idea (that I will not call a recommendation though) I have is I think it is important to speak some Spanish at the Miami BLS if you can, such as greeting the security guard before getting down to business, and greeting the agent and thanking them in Spanish and wishing them a good day in Spanish and if you have other operational Spanish, it’s great to speak the language because visiting the BLS feels a lot like visiting Spain to me and I think it would help improve the image of an American requesting a Spanish Visa.
I made a few replies in Spanish during the interaction, and I feel it lets them know that I am making an effort. Also greeting everyone first and bidding them farewell shows a cultural competency.
Ok that’s it, status: processing at mission. Thanks everyone for all for all of your tips, hints and guidance. Without the help, things would have been so much harder, but now with it in the rear view mirror it seems easy!
It’s super fun seeing how things morph each time someone goes to the Miami BLS and learning about all of the experiences!
Cheers!”
Here you can find Spainguru’s recommended NLV related services: https://spainguru.es/services-for-spanish-visas/
Join Spainguru’s Spain Non Lucrative Visa Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spanishnlv
Comments from Other Spainguru Community Members
Several community members shared relevant insights that help clarify expectations for the Spain non lucrative visa Miami process.
One applicant reported receiving their visa approval 11 days after submission, noting that politeness, flexibility, and avoiding confrontation helped keep the process smooth. Even when duplicate fees were charged, they chose not to dispute them and later received their visas without issue.
Another contributor confirmed similar staff behavior at Miami BLS, including being charged additional services without explicit consent and encountering staff who appeared disengaged or unaccountable. Their takeaway was preparation and emotional detachment: submit the paperwork correctly and move on.
A particularly important discussion emerged around processing times depending on the destination city in Spain. Community members confirmed that applications linked to highly popular Spanish cities may take longer to process. In this case, the destination was Valencia, and the application submitted in late April was approved in 11 days, which many considered unusually fast.
The group also clarified appointment booking logistics. Miami BLS releases appointments one month at a time, meaning applicants cannot book several months in advance. To secure a desired month, applicants must actively monitor appointment releases and book as soon as slots open.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spain Non Lucrative Visa Miami
What is the Spain non lucrative visa and who is it for?
The Spain non lucrative visa is for non-EU nationals who wish to live in Spain without working there. It requires proof of sufficient passive income, private health insurance, and a clean criminal record.
Where is the Spain non lucrative visa submitted in Miami?
Applications are submitted through the Miami BLS office, which acts as an administrative intermediary for the Spanish Consulate.
How long does a Miami BLS appointment usually take?
Experiences vary. Some applicants report 20 minutes, while others, like this December 2025 experience, report around 65 minutes.
Are appointment fees and service fees fixed?
No. Applicants report variable fees depending on services selected or assumed. Flex pickup and additional service charges may be applied.
Do both spouses need separate appointments?
Yes. Each applicant should have their own appointment, even if attending together. Confusion around “family appointments” has been reported.
Should documents be signed in advance?
Yes. Documents should be signed in advance unless explicitly instructed otherwise.
Is Spanish language ability helpful at Miami BLS?
While not required, basic Spanish greetings and courtesy phrases can improve interactions and demonstrate cultural awareness.
Does the destination city in Spain affect processing time?
Yes. Community feedback suggests that applications tied to highly popular cities may take longer to process.
When are Miami BLS appointments released?
Appointments are typically released one month at a time. Applicants must monitor availability closely.
Disclaimer
This article is based on personal experience shared by Spainguru community members and is not legal advice. Immigration procedures change frequently. Consult with expert immigration lawyers that can be found here: https://spainguru.es/services-for-spanish-visas/
