Last Updated on May 19, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
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This article shares a detailed firsthand experience of applying for the Spain non lucrative visa at the Chicago BLS office in January 2026. This couple’s account is especially valuable because it required two separate visits, revealing unexpected documentation requirements that caught even well-prepared applicants off guard. Their experience highlights how each BLS location can have its own interpretation of requirements, making real-world reports like this essential for future applicants.
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- Chicago consulate info: Chicago Consulate NLV Page
Firsthand Experience – Chicago BLS Office – NLV Appointment Experience January 2026
I thought it would be helpful to share our experience with the BLS in Chicago. Based upon what I have read here, each BLS criteria can be different. I’m not going to list the known/basic docs that are on all of the lists we’ve seen. I’m sharing the “didn’t know we needed to have that also” documents.
Some of these documents were pretty easy to obtain. Had I known of the possibility they might be needed I would have had them in hand. I’d rather be more prepared than have to return for a 2nd visit—which is what we had to do.
UPDATED Bilingual Medical Certificate
There is an updated medical form that is the ONLY form that BLS Chicago will accept. Our law firm provided us with a certificate that BLS refused to accept. We were told there were legal problems with the other certificate. So we had to go back to our Dr. to have them complete THIS form instead. Someone else who had come for an appointment today had the same issue. I saw them in the lobby of the BLS calling to try to find a doctor to complete the form for them as they were from out of town.
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Non-Working Spousal Letter
Even though I am not the primary applicant, I still needed to provide a notarized/translated letter that states I do not plan to work in Spain. My husband also provided a letter but he is accepting social security and provided that documentation (I am not yet of that age).
Letter of Retirement
I’m not the primary applicant. However, because I am not of retired age I needed to provide a letter from my last employer stating that I am no longer employed and had retired from working there (also translated/notary not needed).
THREE Years of Tax Returns
We were told that we needed to provide ONE year of tax returns, but then at our scheduled appointment we were asked for THREE years (US Form 1040).
Airbnb Reservation
We needed a confirmed three month Airbnb stay on record beginning date is when we plan to arrive. There is a print for visa option on the Airbnb website and you can print in both Spanish and English (not notarized).
Original Documents
A good reminder that documents must be original. For example: our medical form must have a wet signature (meaning not a scanned copy but printed and then signed IN INK, all one color by the doctor).
Walk-In Appointment
Because we had a “failed” scheduled appointment, the Chicago office allowed us to walk-in for our return appointment. It cost an additional $85 per person (there were two of us) that is in addition to the cost of the Visa application. Note there is signage in the waiting room that states “No Walk-in Appointments”.
BLS Chicago was so nice and very helpful. Other than the paperwork hiccups it was a good experience.
TIMING: We were told it could take up to two months to process.
Find Spainguru’s recommended NLV services: Services for Spanish Visas
Join the Facebook group: Spanish NLV Facebook Group
Analytical Breakdown: Key Takeaways from the Chicago BLS Experience
The Updated Medical Certificate: A Critical Change
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from this experience is the introduction of an updated bilingual medical certificate form at the Chicago BLS. The couple’s law firm had provided a medical certificate that the BLS refused to accept, citing legal problems with the older version. This is a major development because medical certificates are one of the core required documents for any Spain non lucrative visa application, and applicants relying on outdated forms risk having their entire appointment derailed.
The fact that another applicant at the same appointment was observed scrambling to find a doctor to complete the new form confirms this was not an isolated incident. Applicants preparing for a Chicago BLS NLV appointment should download the current medical certificate form directly from the BLS Chicago website before visiting their doctor. Applicants at other consulates may also want to verify whether this updated form has been adopted at their location, as changes at one BLS office often signal broader shifts across the system.
Tax Returns: One Year vs. Three Years
The discrepancy between the expected one year of tax returns and the three years actually requested at the appointment is a notable data point. Spanish consulates have varying interpretations of financial documentation requirements, and the Chicago BLS appears to take a more thorough approach. Under Spanish immigration law, the financial solvency requirement is designed to demonstrate that the applicant can sustain themselves without working. While one year of returns may satisfy the minimum legal standard, three years of Form 1040 filings give the reviewing officer a clearer picture of the applicant’s financial stability and income history.
This aligns with a general trend observed across BLS locations: bringing more documentation than the minimum is almost always advisable. The couple noted that they were told to expect one year but were asked for three. Applicants should prepare at least three years of federal tax returns as a precaution, particularly at the Chicago BLS.
The Non-Working Spousal Letter and Retirement Documentation
An important detail for couples is that both applicants may need to provide proof of their employment or retirement status, even if only one is the primary applicant. In this case, the non-primary applicant (who had not yet reached retirement age) was required to provide both a notarized and translated letter stating they would not work in Spain, and a letter from their last employer confirming retirement. The primary applicant, who was receiving Social Security benefits, provided that documentation instead.
This underscores a key principle of the Spain non lucrative visa application: consulates have a hard criteria about prohibited work or professional activity in Spain. Both spouses must independently demonstrate their intent and ability to comply with this requirement. For applicants who are not yet of traditional retirement age, a formal letter of retirement from the previous employer adds credibility to the application.
Accommodation Requirements: The Airbnb Approach
The Chicago BLS required a confirmed three-month Airbnb reservation as proof of accommodation in Spain. This is a common approach for applicants who have not yet secured long-term housing. Airbnb offers a “print for visa” option that generates a formatted confirmation in both English and Spanish, which the BLS accepted without notarization.
This is a practical solution for applicants who plan to search for permanent housing after arriving in Spain. The three-month duration aligns with the typical expectation that applicants should have accommodation arranged for their initial period of residence. Applicants should ensure the reservation start date matches their planned arrival date in Spain.
Walk-In Appointments and the Cost of a Failed Visit
The Chicago BLS allowed the couple to return as walk-in appointments after their first visit failed due to missing documentation. This cost an additional $85 per person on top of the standard visa application fee. While the signage in the waiting room stated “No Walk-in Appointments,” the office made an exception for applicants who had already been partially processed.
This flexibility is not guaranteed, and other community members have reported different experiences. One commenter noted that at the same Chicago BLS, they were required to create entirely new accounts and book fresh appointments after a failed visit. This inconsistency highlights the importance of arriving fully prepared the first time, as the walk-in option should not be relied upon.
Processing Time and Outcome
The couple later updated the community to confirm that their Spain non lucrative visa was granted. The total timeline from their second (successful) appointment to passport pickup was approximately 12 business days. Including the first unsuccessful visit, the entire process took about 4 weeks. They departed for Madrid on February 28, 2026. This timeline is consistent with recent reports from other BLS locations suggesting that processing times have been improving.
Comments from Other Spainguru Community Members
The original post generated several questions and discussions from other community members:
Tax Return Format and Type
A community member preparing for the Chicago BLS asked whether the office requires the full multi-page tax returns or just IRS transcripts. The original poster clarified that they obtained their returns from their tax accountant and submitted the first two pages of the 1040 form. Another community member confirmed the same approach. This suggests that full IRS transcripts are not necessary, but applicants should have the complete 1040 available in case additional pages are requested.
Printed vs. Original Financial Documents
A community member asked whether home-printed financial documents would be accepted or whether originals from banks, the IRS, or Social Security offices were required. The original poster confirmed that they home-printed their tax forms and Social Security documentation without issue. The requirement for originals applied specifically to documents that needed to be signed (such as the medical certificate with a wet signature) or apostilled.
Walk-In Policy Inconsistency
Another community member who also applied through the Chicago BLS reported a different experience with the walk-in policy. They were required to create new accounts and schedule entirely new appointments after a failed first visit. This member also noted that across two visits and two different agents, they received two different sets of requirements that did not consistently reflect Spanish law or even the BLS website guidelines. They credited their lawyer with providing a letter that ultimately allowed their application to be accepted.
The Updated Medical Certificate Form
A community member at a different consulate noted that the updated bilingual medical certificate form could now be downloaded from the Chicago BLS website. They planned to have their doctor complete both the old and new forms as a precaution, anticipating that the new form would eventually be required at all locations. This is prudent advice for applicants at any BLS office.
Value of Legal Representation
The post sparked a discussion about whether legal representation is necessary for the NLV process. The original poster defended their decision to use a law firm, noting that the firm handled all translations, provided financial and tax guidance, and offered multiple Zoom sessions that were helpful throughout the process. Another community member who also used the Chicago BLS specifically credited their lawyer with enabling a successful application after encountering inconsistent requirements. While some applicants successfully navigate the process independently, legal representation can provide significant value, particularly when BLS requirements deviate from published guidelines.
Visa Approval and Departure
The original poster returned to the thread approximately four weeks later to confirm that their visas were granted and they would be departing for Madrid on February 28, 2026. From the second appointment to passport pickup, the process took approximately 12 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the updated medical certificate required by Chicago BLS for the Spain non lucrative visa?
The Chicago BLS introduced an updated bilingual medical certificate form in January 2026. This is the only medical certificate form they will accept. The previous version, even when provided by a law firm, was rejected. Applicants should download the current form directly from the Chicago BLS website and ensure it is completed with a wet signature (signed in ink, not a scanned copy).
How many years of tax returns does the Chicago BLS require for the NLV application?
While applicants were initially told to bring one year of tax returns, the Chicago BLS requested three years of US Form 1040 at the appointment. Applicants should prepare at least three years of federal tax returns to avoid delays. The first two pages of the 1040 form, obtained from a tax accountant or home-printed, were accepted.
Does the non-primary spouse need to provide employment documentation for the Spain non lucrative visa?
Yes. In this case, the non-primary applicant was required to provide a notarized and translated letter stating they would not work in Spain, as well as a letter from their last employer confirming retirement. Both spouses must independently demonstrate their intent to comply with the no-work requirement of the Non-Lucrative Visa.
Does the Chicago BLS accept Airbnb reservations as proof of accommodation?
Yes. The Chicago BLS accepted a confirmed three-month Airbnb reservation printed using Airbnb’s “print for visa” option. The confirmation was provided in both English and Spanish and did not require notarization. The reservation start date should match the planned arrival date in Spain.
Can I walk in for a second appointment at the Chicago BLS if my first visit fails?
In this case, the Chicago BLS allowed a walk-in return appointment at an additional cost of $85 per person. However, another community member reported being required to create new accounts and book fresh appointments. The walk-in policy appears to be applied inconsistently, so applicants should not rely on this option and should aim to arrive fully prepared for their first visit.
How long does it take to get the Spain non lucrative visa after submitting at Chicago BLS?
The applicants were told processing could take up to two months. In practice, their visas were granted approximately 12 business days after their successful second appointment. The total timeline including both visits was approximately four weeks. Processing times can vary and no guarantees are given.
Can I home-print financial documents for the Chicago BLS NLV appointment?
Yes. The applicants confirmed that home-printed tax forms and Social Security documentation were accepted. The requirement for original documents applies specifically to items that need wet signatures (such as the medical certificate) or apostilles. Standard financial printouts from online sources were sufficient.
Disclaimer: This article is based on an individual’s personal experience shared in a public Facebook group and is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. Immigration laws, consulate requirements, and BLS procedures can change without notice. For personalized legal guidance on your Spain Non-Lucrative Visa application, consult qualified immigration professionals.
Find expert legal help: Spainguru Recommended Visa Services
Non-Lucrative Visa Health Insurance Resources
- Non-Lucrative Visa Health Insurance Guide — Requirements, costs, and which policies are accepted
- Adeslas vs Sanitas vs DKV — Side-by-side comparison of Spain’s top insurers
- Health Insurance for Spanish Visas — Complete guide hub for all visa types
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