This article is based on a firsthand experience shared inside a Spanish Non Lucrative Visa Facebook group and focuses on a Spain non lucrative visa application processed through the Washington DC BLS office in November 2025.
Firsthand experience
“Excellent news: we just got notified that our VISAs are ready for pick-up at the DC office — exactly 10 calendar days after our appointment. Amazing!!! (At least we hope it’s amazing and that there is actually a VISA in our passports when we get there.)
QUESTION: We are currently traveling. Does anyone know how long we have to pick up the VISAs?
We just booked plane reservations to DC for the day after we get home, but I can’t find anywhere on the BLS website that tells us how long we have to get there and pick up our VISAs. We’re hoping that we have at least a couple of weeks.
UPDATE: we picked up our VISAs — both of us — 13 days after we received the notice that my passport was ready for pick up.
We had been a bit worried because we never received an official receipt (we should have asked for one before leaving the application meeting!) and only I received a notice that my passport was ready. My husband never got a notice and my notice only mentioned my application. But, the person at the BLS office today (the same person who had handled our application meeting) told us that our applications were submitted together and all correspondence went to just one of us. I’m pretty sure we didn’t know that from our first meeting, but no worries. It all worked out fine.
Also, we called the BLS contact number the morning we were in DC to pick up my passport and ask about the status of my husband application. Although we hadn’t managed to get any information before, during that call we were told that his passport was also ready for pick up.
At the BLS office, we were given our passports with the VISAs affixed and a few of the documents we had submitted with our application. For each of us, they returned our apostilled FBI background report, our original, signed health certificate, Form EX-01, and Form 790 (052). The two forms bear stamps and dates and we were told to bring them to the police office when we apply for our TIE. We were also told that we should bring along the other papers too (especially the FBI report, just in case the local police want to see it).
One tip that may be helpful to others: the Washington DC BLS office does not allow shipping of passports. All pick-ups must be in person and the pick-up window is from 3PM until 4PM only. But, we went an hour and a half early anyway and were lucky enough to be in the lobby when the person we met with when we applied came down. We asked if we could do an early pick-up and he said no. Then he said that it was possible only if we paid an early pick-up fee ($30 each, in cash). We paid the fee and got our passports quickly enough to catch an early flight home. Excellent!
I can’t find any information about this early pick-up option on the DC BLS website, so don’t know how we could have arranged it in advance. But, we were pleased it was possible. We’ll be off to Spain soon!!! (Yes, we know we’ll have more bureaucracy to deal with when we arrive.) . I hope this info helps others.”
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
Process Observations
Understanding this Spain non lucrative visa Washington DC experience is particularly valuable because BLS offices often apply internal rules that are not clearly published online. Applicants frequently assume consistency across locations, but this case shows how local procedures — especially around passport collection — can differ significantly.
The reported ten-calendar-day processing time is notably fast for a Spain non lucrative visa. While this should not be considered typical or guaranteed, it demonstrates that complete and well-prepared applications can move quickly once accepted.
Another important insight is how Washington DC BLS handles joint applications. In this case, all correspondence was sent to a single applicant, which caused confusion but ultimately did not affect the outcome. Applicants submitting together may want to clarify this point during their appointment.
Finally, the lack of passport shipping and the very narrow daily pick-up window at the Washington DC BLS office underline the importance of logistical planning. For Spain non lucrative visa Washington DC applicants, travel arrangements may need to remain flexible even after approval is granted.
Comments from other Spainguru community members
Several Spainguru community members contributed comments that help further interpret this experience. One member stated that when applying for the TIE in Spain, only the passport with the visa is strictly required, along with a passport photo for fingerprinting. According to this view, additional paperwork may not always be requested by Spanish police offices.
The original poster raised a follow-up concern, explaining that the BLS officer specifically stated the stamped forms were proof that the residence fee had already been paid and that without them the fee might need to be paid again. This highlights a recurring area of confusion and suggests that practices may vary between police offices in Spain.
Another community member shared that during their own Spain non lucrative visa process at the Washington DC office, they were told they had 30 days to pick up their visas after notification. They collected their passports three weeks later without any issues.
Future applicants also asked for general advice about applying through the DC office. While no formal checklist was provided, the overall discussion emphasized careful preparation, asking detailed questions during the appointment, and confirming passport collection rules in advance.
FAQ
Spain Non Lucrative Visa Washington DC: how long does processing take?
Processing times vary widely. While this firsthand experience reported a ten-day turnaround, applicants should generally expect several weeks for a Spain non lucrative visa Washington DC application.
How long do I have to pick up my passport after approval?
Based on community feedback, the Washington DC BLS office typically allows up to 30 days for passport pick-up, although this is not clearly stated online and should be confirmed directly.
Can my passport be mailed back from the Washington DC BLS office?
No. According to this experience, the Washington DC BLS office does not allow passport shipping. All passports must be collected in person.
What documents are returned with the approved visa?
Applicants may receive original documents back, including apostilled FBI background checks, medical certificates, and stamped application forms. These should be kept and brought to the TIE appointment in Spain.
Are stamped forms required for the TIE appointment in Spain?
Experiences differ. Some applicants report that only the passport is required, while others were advised that stamped forms prove fees have already been paid. Bringing all returned documents is strongly recommended.
Is fast approval guaranteed for the Spain non lucrative visa Washington DC?
No. Fast processing depends on many factors and cannot be guaranteed. This experience should be viewed as informative rather than predictive.
Disclaimer
This article is based on a personal experience shared by a Spainguru community member and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules and procedures may change. For professional guidance, consult expert immigration lawyers listed here:
https://spainguru.es/services-for-spanish-visas/
