Spain Non-Lucrative Visa Documents Checklist 2026

Start 4–6 Months Before Your Application

These documents take the longest to obtain. Start these first.

Criminal Record Certificate (FBI / ACRO)

Important for US applicants: The FBI background check used to be the biggest bottleneck, but the FBI eDO online portal (edo.cjis.gov) now returns results in 3–5 business days, and approved channelers in 1–3 days. Only mail submissions still take 8–12 weeks. Start this early if you plan to use mail.

If you’ve lived in multiple countries in the past 5 years, you need a criminal record certificate from each country.

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Start 2–3 Months Before Your Application

Financial Documentation

• Bank statements (12 months) — From all accounts showing income deposits. Most consulates want statements from the most recent 12 months. Apostille + translation required.
• Pension verification letter — Official letter from your pension authority (SSA, UK Pensions Service, etc.) stating your monthly benefit amount. Apostille + translation required.
• Investment account statements — If using investment income, provide 12 months of statements from your brokerage. Apostille + translation required.
• Property rental agreements — If using rental income, provide lease agreements and bank statements showing deposits. Apostille + translation required.

See our complete financial requirements guide for what income types are accepted and how much you need →

Health Insurance Policy

• Purchase a policy from a Spanish-authorized insurer
• Policy must state: sin copagos (no copays), sin carencias (no waiting periods), cobertura nacional (nationwide coverage)
• Coverage start date should align with your planned entry into Spain
• No apostille or translation needed if the policy is already issued in Spanish by a Spanish company

Compare NLV-compliant health insurance plans and prices →

Start 1 Month Before Your Application

Medical Certificate

• Visit your GP or doctor and request a medical certificate stating you don’t suffer from any diseases with serious public health repercussions (per International Health Regulations 2005)
• Must be recent — issued within 3 months of application
• Apostille + translation required
• Some consulates provide a specific form for this; check with yours

Passport

• Valid for at least 1 year beyond your planned entry date
• At least 2 blank pages for visa stamps
• Color photocopy of the bio page (some consulates want two copies)
• No apostille or translation needed

At the Time of Application

Application Forms

• EX-01 form — The national visa application form. Complete in Spanish (some consulates accept English). Available from the Spanish consulate website or in person.
• Passport photos — 2 recent passport-size photos (white background, specific dimensions — check your consulate’s requirements)
• Visa fee payment — Varies by nationality: US citizens USD $140; Canadians ~CAD $115; UK/Australian reciprocity fees; other nationalities ~€60–80. Payment methods also vary (some consulates accept only money orders; others accept cards). Confirm with your consulate.
• Proof of accommodation in Spain — Some consulates request this (rental contract, hotel booking, or property deed). Not universally required but good to have ready.

Declaration of Non-Employment

• A signed statement declaring you will not work in Spain
• Some consulates provide a template; others accept a self-written declaration
• Must be in Spanish

Complete Document Checklist Summary

Apostille and Translation: What You Need to Know

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an international certification that authenticates a document for use in another country (under the Hague Convention). For the NLV, every official document from outside Spain must be apostilled before it can be accepted.

• US documents: Apostilled by the US Department of State (federal documents like FBI checks) or your state’s Secretary of State (state-level documents)
• UK documents: Apostilled by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)

Certified Translation

All non-Spanish documents must be translated by a “traductor jurado” (sworn translator) officially registered with Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Regular translation services don’t count — the translator must have an official stamp and registration number. Many sworn translators work remotely and can handle documents digitally.

Want Professional Help With Your Documents?

Document preparation is where most DIY applicants make mistakes. Our vetted immigration lawyers review every document before submission, ensure apostilles and translations are correct, and know the specific requirements for each consulate. They’ve helped hundreds of Spainguru community members successfully submit their NLV applications.

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Frequently asked questions

Disclaimer: general information only — not legal, tax or immigration advice. Requirements change and vary by consulate; verify with your consulate or a qualified professional before acting.