How to Apply for the Spain Non-Lucrative Visa from Your Country

🌍 Where Can You Apply for the Spain NLV?

To apply for the Non-Lucrative Visa, you must submit your application from your home country — not from within Spain.

Applications are handled by the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of legal residence. Each consulate has slightly different procedures, but the core requirements remain the same.

---

🧭 Step-by-Step Application Overview

1. Determine your Spanish consulate jurisdiction

2. Check your consulate’s document checklist

3. Gather and translate required documents

4. Legalize or apostille foreign documents (if needed)

5. Make an appointment online or via email

6. Submit your application in person

7. Wait 4–8 weeks for approval

8. Collect your visa and travel to Spain

9. Apply for your TIE (residence card) in Spain within 30 days

---

🇺🇸 United States – Apply for Spain NLV from the USA

• Jurisdictions are divided by state. Example:

  • NY: Consulate in New York

  • CA: Los Angeles or San Francisco

• Some consulates (like Los Angeles) require in-person appointments

• Documents must often be translated into Spanish and apostilled

• Fees: ~$150 (varies by consulate)

🔗 Los Angeles Consulate Requirements

---

🇬🇧 United Kingdom – Apply for Spain NLV from the UK

• Main consulates: London, Manchester, Edinburgh

• Must submit original and copy of all documents

• Health insurance is strictly reviewed — it must offer full coverage in Spain

• Fees: approx. £500–£550

🔗 London Consulate Instructions

---

🇨🇦 Canada – Apply for Spain NLV from Canada

• Jurisdiction based on province (Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver)

• Proof of funds must be in Canadian dollars, but consulate may ask for EUR equivalent

• Criminal record certificate must be federal (RCMP) and apostilled

• Fee: ~CAD $875

🔗 Toronto Consulate Info

---

🇦🇺 Australia – Apply for Spain NLV from Australia

• Main consulates: Sydney and Melbourne

• Medical certificates and background checks must be apostilled

• Processing time: 6–8 weeks

• Fee: AUD $980 (approx.)

---

🇿🇦 South Africa – Apply for Spain NLV from South Africa

• Apply at Pretoria or Cape Town consulates

• Criminal background check must be apostilled by DIRCO

• Consulates may require local translations by sworn translators

• Common issue: applicants not meeting passive income test

---

🌎 Latin America – Apply for Spain NLV from Argentina, Mexico, Colombia

Spain offers favorable visa terms for Latin American citizens. However, paperwork must still follow formal process:

💡 Special Note: Latin American citizens may qualify for Spanish citizenship after 2 years of residency on NLV.

---

📋 NLV Documents – Consulate Checklist (All Countries)

---

🔄 After Approval – What Happens Next?

Once approved, you’ll receive a visa valid for 90 days to enter Spain. After arrival:

1. Register your address (empadronamiento)

2. Book an appointment at the local police station

3. Apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)

4. Receive your residence card (valid for 1 year)

➡️ [Link to Article 5 on renewals]

---

❗ Tips for a Successful Application

✅ Apply 2–3 months before your planned move
✅ Translate and legalize all documents well in advance
✅ Make multiple copies of every document
✅ Dress professionally for consulate appointments
✅ Confirm consulate-specific rules (they can vary a lot!)

---

🧭 Want Help Navigating the Process?

At Borderless Lawyers, we help clients apply for the Spain NLV from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Latin America, and more.

✅ Application review & consulate coordination
✅ Certified translations & apostille guidance
✅ Local lawyer support once you’re in Spain