This article shares a detailed firsthand experience of applying for the Spain non lucrative visa at the San Francisco BLS office in February 2026. Real experiences from applicants provide valuable insight into what actually happens on the day of the appointment, what documentation is requested, and how the process is handled in practice.
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Firsthand Experience – SF BLS Office – NLV Appointment Experience 26 February 2026
Arrived at the SF BLS office about 20 minutes early. Analiz greeted us right away and had us take a seat while someone else wrapped up. We started maybe 5 minutes past our scheduled time.
We had 3 back-to-back appointments (that I booked in early January). I accidentally booked my husband first even though I’m the primary applicant, but she let us all go together and had me start.
I didn’t write down, but from memory, she asked for items in this order:
- Appointment letter
- Application
- 720 form
- EX01 form
- Photos: I brought two sizes, she took the smaller one (She only took 1 even thought I thought it referenced needing 2)
- Passport + color copy
- ID + copy
- Letter of intention (translated via ChatGPT and notarized)
- Promise not to work letter (I also included my resignation email exchange and previous job employment verification letter with termination date, both professionally translated)
- Bank statements: last 3 months + Dec 2024
She highlighted the balances on each page
I also gave a “VOD” or verification of deposit bank letter from my Capital One 360 savings account. This included account number, open date, deposits for last 12 months, 3 month avg balance, 3 month lowest balance, available balance as of Feb, and account holders (joint – me and my husband) I had it professionally translated even though that was probably overkill bc it was literally just those things plus the numbers.
I included my own financial letter, where I included a written calculation of the 12-month average as well as an explanation of deposits since the last 12 month depsoit was a big number, and I had a large recent deposit within the last 3 months
Added asset verification letters from E*TRADE (where all the deposits came from) and their “2025 cash activity recap” doc (not translated)
- Health insurance
- Medical certificate
- Taxes
I had just filed 2025, so I gave my 1040 (no official IRS Spanish version yet)
I filled out the Spanish 1040 from the IRS site for the first few pages only and included both English + Spanish
She then asked for the last 3 years of taxes, so I gave 2024, 2023, and 2022 in both English and Spanish (IRS versions)
Disclaimer form – I signed ahead of time, but otherwise she had a blank copy ready for me to sign
We had signed most forms in advance but missed a couple. She flagged it and let us sign on the spot before submitting.
My husband went next and gave all of the above except the financial docs since were were all applying together. I’m glad I came prepared, but a LOT of wasted paper because I had copies of everything x2 – for my husband and daughter (bank statements, taxes in English and Spanish). So if your bank account clearly shows you are joint owners, save yourself some paper and only come with one copy. (maybe 2 to be safe.
For all three of us, we were done in an hour even though we were allotted 30 min each. She thanked me for having everything so organized. (Thanks to this group!!)
Some minor concerns I have and will be holding my breath on till we hopefully get an approval:
My daughter’s photo was the same as her passport photo since we just got it in December. I later saw guidance saying the photo should be different from the passport photo, but Analiz had the passport up while attaching the photo and didn’t say anything, so hoping it’s fine.
Our “promise not to work” letters both listed future resignation dates. She skimmed mine and seemed to read my husband’s more closely and didn’t flag anything, so hoping no issues there.
Some notes regarding our minor daughter
Both parents had to sign all documents. Needed an extra copy of both parents’ IDs (which of course I had, the second copy was in black & white, which she said was fine).
When booking the appointment, I had to use my sister’s phone number for my daughter’s BLS account because it wouldn’t let me reuse mine or my husband’s. Analiz was able to update it to my number in their system. So be sure to ask if you use a family member so they dont get update texts after
Couple last things
There was a note asking us to leave a review for Analiz if we were happy with her service, but the QR code doesn’t seem to work. If anyone knows how to leave a review, please tell me. I’d really love to leave her a positive one.
Understanding the Spain Non Lucrative Visa Process in San Francisco
This experience at the San Francisco BLS office highlights several key aspects of the Spain non lucrative visa process that applicants should understand.
First, BLS staff generally follow a structured checklist and request documents in a clear order. Being organized significantly speeds up the appointment. In this case, three applications were completed in one hour because the documentation was well prepared.
Second, financial documentation is carefully reviewed. The officer highlighted account balances page by page. This indicates that proof of sufficient economic means remains one of the most critical elements of the Spain non lucrative visa.
Financial Requirements: What This Case Shows
The primary applicant provided:
– Three months of bank statements plus a December 2024 statement
– A detailed verification of deposit letter
– A personally written financial explanation letter
– Asset verification letters
– Tax returns for the last three years
This goes beyond the minimum documentation typically required, but it demonstrates a proactive approach. When there are large deposits or recent significant movements in funds, providing explanations reduces the risk of doubts about the origin or stability of the funds.
For family applications, if accounts are joint and clearly show co-ownership, duplicating every financial document for each family member may not be necessary. However, bringing at least one extra copy is advisable.
Taxes and Translations
One particularly relevant point for Spain non lucrative visa applicants in San Francisco is tax documentation.
The applicant provided:
– The most recent 1040
– Spanish-language IRS versions
– Three previous years of returns in both English and Spanish
Although translations may not always be strictly required in every case, presenting documentation in Spanish can reduce friction and processing delays. This case suggests that San Francisco BLS may request up to three years of tax returns, so applicants should prepare accordingly.
Applying with a Minor Child
For families applying for the Spain non lucrative visa in San Francisco, this case provides practical guidance:
– Both parents must sign the child’s documents.
– Copies of both parents’ IDs are required.
– Black and white copies may be accepted.
– The BLS booking system may require unique phone numbers per application profile, but this can be corrected at the appointment.
These logistical details are often not clearly explained on official websites, yet they can cause unnecessary stress if not anticipated.
Common Concerns After Submission
Two concerns were raised after the appointment:
- Using the same photo as a recently issued passport photo.
- Listing future resignation dates in the “promise not to work” letter.
In practice, if the officer accepts the documentation without objection and does not issue a deficiency notice, it is generally a positive sign. However, final approval depends on the Spanish Consulate’s review, not solely the BLS intake.
The Spain non lucrative visa is ultimately granted by the Consulate, and BLS acts as an administrative intermediary.
FAQ – Spain Non Lucrative Visa in San Francisco
Is BLS in San Francisco the final decision-maker for the Spain non lucrative visa?
No. BLS collects and verifies documentation, but the final decision is made by the Spanish Consulate.
How many years of tax returns are required for the Spain non lucrative visa in San Francisco?
Based on this experience, applicants may be asked for the last three years of tax returns. It is advisable to prepare them in advance.
Do financial documents need to be translated into Spanish?
Not always, but providing Spanish versions or certified translations may reduce the likelihood of requests for additional documentation.
Can families submit financial documents once for all applicants?
If the accounts are clearly joint and funds cover all family members, one complete set of financial documents may be sufficient. Bringing a backup copy is recommended.
Do both parents need to sign documents for a minor child?
Yes. When applying for the Spain non lucrative visa in San Francisco with a minor, both parents must sign the relevant forms and provide ID copies.
Is it acceptable to show a future resignation date in the promise not to work letter?
This experience suggests it may be accepted if clearly explained and supported by documentation. However, approval depends on the Consulate’s assessment.
Disclaimer
This information is based on personal experience and is not legal advice. Consult with expert immigration lawyers that can be found here: https://spainguru.es/services-for-spanish-visas/
