⚠️ Why Do So Many NLV Applications Get Rejected?
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) is popular — but consulates reject many applications due to preventable errors. Whether it’s paperwork, timing, or misunderstanding the rules, even small mistakes can delay or derail your move to Spain.
Here’s how to avoid them.
❌ Top 10 Mistakes NLV Applicants Make
1. Applying with Insufficient Financial Means
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Most common rejection reason
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Applicants submit just enough to meet the threshold, but consulates prefer clear financial surplus
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Tip: Show extra cushion (~€5,000+ above minimum) to boost approval chances
➡️ [See Article 2 – Financial Requirements]
2. Submitting Incomplete or Outdated Bank Statements
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Submitting only 1–2 months of history instead of 3–6
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Using screenshots instead of official statements
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Missing translated versions or notarization
💡 Always provide clean, recent, PDF-format statements with translations.
3. Not Apostilling or Legalizing Foreign Documents
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Background checks and birth/marriage certificates must be apostilled
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Some consulates require legalization instead, depending on country
🚨 Applications are rejected if these are missing or improperly certified.
4. Providing Documents in the Wrong Language
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All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator (traductor jurado)
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Using unofficial or machine translations leads to rejection
➡️ Get a professional translator familiar with immigration paperwork
5. Lack of Private Health Insurance
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Applicants submit travel insurance instead of full private coverage
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Some policies don’t meet the requirement (must cover all of Spain, no copay, no gaps)
📌 Confirm with your insurer that your policy is NLV-compliant
6. Working Remotely While on an NLV
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Even remote work for foreign companies is a grey area or outright prohibited on the NLV
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If the consulate suspects you’re planning to work while in Spain, you could be denied
💬 Apply under the Digital Nomad Visa instead if you plan to work.
➡️ [See Article 6 – NLV vs Digital Nomad]
7. Applying Too Late Before Travel
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Processing time is 4–8 weeks, sometimes longer
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Many applicants book flights too early, risking delays
💡 Apply at least 2–3 months before your planned move.
8. Assuming All Consulates Have the Same Rules
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Each consulate sets its own checklist and appointment system
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Some require in-person visits, others accept mail
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Document order, translations, and number of copies can vary
📌 Always check your specific consulate’s website before applying.
➡️ [See Article 3 – Application by Country]
9. Incorrect Application Forms or Versions
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Spain has multiple visa application forms
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Using the wrong one or an outdated version may invalidate your request
✅ Use Modelo Nacional (non-working residence), not student or Schengen forms
10. Not Including All Family Documents for Dependents
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Missing birth/marriage certificates, incomplete applications for spouse/kids
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Not accounting for extra income needed for dependents
📌 Families must prove additional income and submit separate application packs per person.
➡️ [See Article 4 – NLV for Families]
🔁 Bonus: Renewal Mistakes to Avoid Later
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Letting your health insurance or empadronamiento lapse
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Not maintaining funds for 2-year renewal
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Leaving Spain too long (more than 183 days away may block renewal)
🧑⚖️ Want Help Avoiding Costly Mistakes?
At Borderless Lawyers, we ensure your NLV application is:
✅ Fully compliant with your consulate’s checklist
✅ Supported by correctly formatted documents
✅ Translated, apostilled, and presented clearly
✅ Structurally solid to avoid red flags