There are eight Spanish Consulates in the US. Each has specific jurisdiction over all the US states and territories. You must apply at the consulate with authority over the state in which you live.

While all the consulates share the same core set of documents, the exact requirements for Non Lucrative Visa Applications can vary tremendously from one consulate to the next. Some of these demands make the process A LOT harder and A LOT more costly.

Knowing that, you’re probably thinking… Why not just apply at a more easygoing consulate?

Because you need to prove your residence within that consulate’s district by showing your driver’s license or government issued State ID at your visa application appointment. So, unless you’re prepared to legally change your residence just to get an ID for a state governed by one of the more chill consulates, you’re out of luck.

The take away in all of this? Make sure you follow the instructions for your consulate. This is the only way to assure you do everything you need to do, and minimize what you don’t.