This article shares a detailed first hand experience of a Spain non lucrative visa application submitted at the BLS Miami office in December 2024. First hand reports like this are extremely valuable for prospective applicants, as they reveal how the Spain non lucrative visa process works in real life, beyond official guidelines and published checklists.
The experience described below comes from a family of four applying together and highlights several important aspects of the Spain non lucrative visa process, including appointment availability, fees, document handling, unexpected costs, logistics on the day of the appointment, and practical tips for applicants dealing with BLS Miami.
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First hand experience: Spain non lucrative visa application at BLS Miami
Below is the original first hand experience exactly as shared in a Spanish Non Lucrative Visa Facebook group. The text has not been modified.
This group and a few others were a HUGE help as many people have said so I’m going to share a bit of our experience this morning at BLS Miami.
- We got our appointments on Oct 30th for a family of four. We made 4 separate appointments for Primetime and paid $85 for appointment plus $19 BLS service fee per person each. My last daughter’s appointment was made for the next day because by the time I got through for hers, the 29th was FULL. This morning they did take all 4 of us BUT they charged me AGAIN to take my daughter today instead of tomorrow and when I asked, they said because her appointment was tomorrow. As another night in a hotel would cost more and we’re driving 3hrs back, I paid for the change. Less grief and rip the bandaid all at once.
- We arrived at 8am for first appointments, me and hubby had 8:30am. We were the first ones which made them prioritize our group, but originally security told us we would each go separate. Once in, he gave me a list to sort all info in the order of their checklist which seemed to be for the other long stay visa so I alerted him that we were NLV and then they said we would all be seen together as I was the main applicant.
- There was no checklist for NLV items in the office, they asked me to separate everyone’s items into stacks and alert them when I was ready. I then asked for the 790 052 form because neither online on the websites worked so I was given those to fill out on site. This was quick for me because everything had a section in a pendaflex I brought.Then the ladyb took me at the window and asked me to hand her IDs and passports first which she clipped together to make copies even though I had notarized copies in our files for her. She then asked for each file one at a time and briefly reviewed the order. Once done, she sent us to have a seat while she reviewed more thoroughly and made copies. Thoroughly was 5 minutes because she quickly called us back and charged us for everyone’s files who were scheduled. That’s when she then told me a separate additional charged would be for my daughter for the change and she charged me for her. She then told us to have a seat again and we would be called for photos even though we brought photos which she accepted and put on our visa apps.
- We were charged for additional photos and I did ask what they were for since we already had photos to which the girl said it was part of the end of the process. Honestly at that point it was so hot and I was so ready to be done that I was just happy we were at the finish line! They took our photos, gave us our receipts to bring back when they email us that our passports are ready and that was IT!
We left at 9:30am. Also, they charged $45 for flexi for each even though we had already paid for Primetime and when I asked they said that was different which contradicts what I had read on some previous posts. To everyone, good luck. Now, we wait and pray.
May you all have a blessed New Year, hopefully in Spain.
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Appointment booking and fees at BLS Miami
One of the key takeaways from this Spain non lucrative visa experience is how competitive appointment availability can be at BLS Miami. Appointments were booked approximately two months in advance, on the day December slots opened.
Each family member required a separate appointment, even though the applications were submitted together. Applicants paid both an appointment fee and a BLS service fee per person. Additional costs arose when one family member’s appointment was scheduled for a different day and later moved to align with the rest of the group.
This highlights the importance of budgeting not only for official visa fees but also for potential administrative changes, especially when applying as a family.
Arrival and check-in process at BLS Miami
Arriving early proved to be a significant advantage. Being the first applicants of the day helped ensure the family was processed together, despite initial indications from security that each applicant might be handled separately.
Applicants should be aware that security staff may not initially distinguish between different long stay visa categories. Clearly stating that the application is for a Spain non lucrative visa can help avoid confusion and ensure correct handling.
Document submission and application handling
A notable point from this experience is the absence of a specific Spain non lucrative visa checklist at the BLS Miami office. Applicants were asked to organize documents themselves and present them in individual stacks.
The required 790 052 form was not available online at the time, so it was completed on site. Having documents pre-organized made this step quick and manageable.
Even though notarized copies were provided, the office still made their own copies, reinforcing the importance of bringing originals and being prepared for redundant administrative steps.
Unexpected additional charges and photo requirements
Despite bringing compliant passport photos, applicants were charged additional photo fees at the end of the process. While the reason given was that it was part of the final procedure, this contradicted the applicants’ expectations based on prior research.
Additionally, flexi service fees were charged even though primetime appointments had already been paid for. This discrepancy underscores the importance of preparing financially for unexpected charges when applying for a Spain non lucrative visa through BLS.
Final steps and departure from the BLS Miami office
The entire process took approximately 90 minutes, with the family leaving by 9:30 am. Applicants received receipts and were instructed to wait for email notification regarding passport collection.
Despite the frustrations related to fees and unclear service distinctions, the overall processing time was relatively efficient.
Practical takeaways from this Spain non lucrative visa experience
This first hand account highlights several important lessons for future Spain non lucrative visa applicants:
- Appointments should be booked as soon as slots open
- Families should expect separate appointments and per-person fees
- Early arrival can significantly improve the experience
- There may be no dedicated NLV checklist at BLS Miami
- Additional charges for photos and services are common
- Applicants should budget beyond the official visa fees
Being mentally and financially prepared for these variables can reduce stress on the day of the appointment.
Common questions raised by other applicants at BLS Miami
How far in advance can you book your Spain non lucrative visa appointment?
Appointments were booked approximately two months in advance, on the day the relevant month’s slots opened. Booking earlier was required for earlier months.
Do you need to travel and stay overnight for a BLS Miami appointment?
In this case, the applicants drove approximately three hours and chose to stay overnight to ensure early arrival. Others traveling from further away may need flights and multiple hotel nights.
Hotel and transport recommendations near BLS Miami
A nearby hotel within short driving distance of the BLS Miami office was recommended as convenient and reasonably priced. Taxi and ride-sharing services were reported to be easily available from nearby hotels.
Comments from other Spainguru community members
Other community members shared similar experiences regarding unexpected charges for photos and copies, noting that these additional services appear to be a common source of revenue for BLS offices.
One commenter confirmed that despite these inconveniences, their Spain non lucrative visa was ultimately approved and they are now living in Spain, offering reassurance to new applicants.
Frequently asked questions about the Spain non lucrative visa at BLS Miami
What is the Spain non lucrative visa?
The Spain non lucrative visa allows non-EU nationals to reside in Spain without engaging in work or professional activities, provided they can demonstrate sufficient financial means.
How early should I book my Spain non lucrative visa appointment?
It is advisable to book as soon as appointment slots open, often two to three months in advance, especially for high-demand locations like Miami.
Does BLS Miami provide a checklist for the Spain non lucrative visa?
Based on this experience, there was no specific NLV checklist available at the office. Applicants should prepare their own organized document sets.
Are additional fees common at BLS Miami?
Yes, applicants should expect potential additional fees for services such as photos, copies, appointment changes, or service upgrades.
Should I bring passport photos even if I already have them?
Yes, but be aware that BLS may still charge for additional photos as part of their internal process.
Can families apply together for the Spain non lucrative visa?
Yes, families can apply together, but each member typically requires a separate appointment and fee.
Disclaimer
This information is based on a personal experience and is not legal advice. Spain non lucrative visa requirements and procedures can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always consult with expert immigration lawyers before applying. You can find recommended professionals here: https://spainguru.es/services-for-spanish-visas/
