This article shares a detailed firsthand experience of applying for the Spain non lucrative visa through the San Francisco BLS office in December 2025. It is based on a real application submitted by a family applicant and expanded with follow-up questions and answers from other members of the Spainguru community.
Firsthand experience: Spain Non Lucrative Visa San Francisco – December 2025
Our San Francisco BLS appointment experience on 29 December 2025. We had a prime time family appointment for two that we obtained on 30 Oct 2025 at about 9am. We arrived to the building 15 minutes early and the security guard directed us to take the elevator to the fourth floor.
A BLS employee on the fourth floor checked our last name and asked us to sit in the waiting area there. It was not at all busy. There were about 20 chairs in the waiting area and only about five people waiting at any time. There were six desks for BLS employees to process applicants (3 for Spain and 3 for Germany). Only 2 of the 3 desks for Spain were manned (or womanned).
Our appointment was for the 9:00-9:30 time slot. We were called up to a desk at 9:32, and were done providing all our documents by 10:15. The employee helping us was very friendly and helpful. They collected my (the primary) documents first.
- BLS Appointment letter (and copy for wife)
- Money order $153 for each applicant
- Debit transaction $8 each for BLS fees, no cash accepted
- Application, original only
- One US passport size photo, she glued it on application
- EX01 form, we had an old version, she had us transfer all the info to a new form, which she provided
- She then had us sign disclaimers that she provided
- Form 790-052, three pages, all originals signed (page 1 & 2 same, page 3 different)
- CA driver license color copy
- Passport and one color copy
- Bilingual Affidavit to not work, notarized (notary not translated)
- Letter of Intent in Spanish only, notarized (notary not translated)
- FBI apostilled and translated (the official translation included a color copy and no other copies were requested)
- Marriage certificate less than 90 days since produced, apostilled and translated, original in wife’s file, full color copies of cert, apostille, and translation for my file
- Bilingual Good health certificate (template), signed and stamped by primary physician
- Health insurance certificate, front page only
- Joint Tax Return 1040 (2 pages) for 2024 and proof of electronic filing (one copy each file)
- Joint account bank statements, Dec 2024, Sep–Nov 2025, one original only (not translated)
- She didn’t even ask for the average balance certificate or bank letter for previous year, but she took it when I offered
- Pension letter proving my retirement and sufficient monthly income for life (no copy needed for wife’s file, since joint appointment)
- Because we already have NIE numbers, she asked for the certificate provided by Spain, and we had color pdf copies ready to provide
Note: Our applications included our proposed address in Girona province, but no proof of housing contract was required.
She provided a receipt with an SF number to check a website later for status. She indicated if the website responds with “processing at mission,” that means the passports are with the Spanish Consulate.
Update: On 16 Jan 2026 I got an email from the Spanish consulate confirming they are processing my application, with an identificador number. Now when I query the Spanish consulate website it responds that my application is “pending processing.”
Here you can find Spainguru’s recommended NLV related services: https://spainguru.es/services-for-spanish-visas/
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Spain Non Lucrative Visa San Francisco: Key takeaways from the experience
Appointment availability and timing
One of the most critical aspects of the Spain non lucrative visa process in San Francisco is securing a BLS appointment. Appointments appear unpredictably, typically ranging from one day to 60 days in advance. According to this experience, documents were only gathered after securing the appointment, due to the 90-day validity rule for several documents such as criminal records and medical certificates.
Prime time appointments
Prime time appointments were used in this case. These are paid premium slots, approximately $100 per person, and in some cases may be the only available option. While they do not change document requirements, they may offer better time availability during high-demand periods.
Document flexibility at the BLS office
This experience highlights that while official requirements are strict, some flexibility exists in practice. An outdated EX-01 form was accepted and replaced on-site, untranslated bank statements were accepted, and proof of average bank balance was not strictly requested. However, applicants should never rely on flexibility and should always aim to overprepare.
Housing proof not required at application stage
Despite listing a proposed address in Girona province, no rental contract or property deed was requested. This is consistent with many Spain non lucrative visa applications, where proof of accommodation is not always mandatory at the initial visa stage.
Tracking the application
Initial tracking numbers provided by BLS may not always work. The most reliable tracking number appears to be the identificador provided directly by the Spanish consulate via email once processing begins.
Comments from other Spainguru community members
Several community members added valuable context to this experience.
Appointment booking challenges
Members applying through San Francisco highlighted that summer months are particularly difficult due to student visa volume. Some reported starting to look for appointments as early as April to secure slots for August. Others confirmed that persistence and checking the BLS website multiple times daily is often necessary.
Best times to check for appointments
Multiple members reported success checking the BLS system during the last three days and first three days of each month, specifically around 6:00 and 8:00 Pacific Time.
Processing timelines
Reported processing times varied significantly. Some applicants received confirmation emails within days, while others waited several weeks. One member reported a total processing time of approximately 12 days in October, while another confirmed delays during the Christmas holiday closure.
Clarifications on forms and disclaimers
Questions arose regarding the EX-01 form and disclaimers signed at BLS. It was clarified that the EX-01 form is separate from the long-stay visa application form, and that outdated versions can be replaced at the appointment. The disclaimer signed at BLS states that applicants will not hold BLS liable for assistance in completing forms.
Validity of the Spain non lucrative visa
Community members confirmed that once approved, the Spain non lucrative visa allows entry into Spain within one year from the intended arrival date indicated in the application.
FAQ: Spain Non Lucrative Visa San Francisco
What is the Spain non lucrative visa?
The Spain non lucrative visa allows non-EU nationals to reside in Spain without engaging in professional or economic activity. It is typically granted for one year and can be renewed from within Spain.
Where do I apply for the Spain non lucrative visa in San Francisco?
Applicants under the San Francisco jurisdiction apply through BLS International San Francisco, which processes applications on behalf of the Spanish Consulate.
How far in advance should I book a BLS appointment?
Appointments can appear anywhere from one day to 60 days in advance. Due to high demand, especially in spring and summer, it is advisable to start checking several months before your intended travel date.
Do all documents need to be translated into Spanish?
Not all documents are always requested in translation, but official documents such as FBI background checks and civil certificates must be translated by a sworn translator. Financial documents may sometimes be accepted without translation, depending on the office.
Is proof of accommodation required for the Spain non lucrative visa?
In many cases, including this one, proof of accommodation was not requested at the application stage. However, requirements can vary, and applicants should be prepared in case it is requested.
How long does processing take after the appointment?
Processing times vary. Some applicants receive confirmation within days, while others wait several weeks. Holiday periods can significantly delay processing.
Disclaimer
This information is based on personal experience and community feedback and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules and practices can change. Always consult with expert immigration lawyers before applying. Trusted professionals can be found here: https://spainguru.es/services-for-spanish-visas/
