Traduction en cours. Contenu en anglais affiché temporairement.
Visa Services
Spain Visa Guide
Consulate procedures, documents, and timelines for studying, visiting, or working in Spain
Application channel
Spain-Visas portal + appointments via BLS International / Spanish consulates
Processing time
15 days (Schengen) • 4–6 weeks (Student D visa)
Biometrics
Fingerprints & photo collected at BLS/consulate for all applicants 12+
Visa fees
EUR 80 Schengen | EUR 60 Student D | EUR 75 residence authorisation (≈ 865 / 650 / 810 MAD)
Overview
Spain issues Schengen short-stay visas (Type C) and national long-stay visas (Type D). Applications start online via Spain-Visas or consular portals, followed by appointments at BLS International centres or Spanish consulates. Long-stay visa holders must register with local authorities within 30 days of arrival to obtain a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero).
Spain Visa Types
Student Visa (Tipo D)
For studies exceeding 90 days at recognised institutions. Allows part-time work up to 20 hours/week and internships authorised by the university.
Schengen Short-Stay Visa
Tourism, business trips, short courses, and conferences up to 90 days within 180 days.
Residence & Work Visas
Includes highly qualified professional permits, entrepreneur visas, intra-company transfers, and seasonal work.
Family & Dependant Visas
For spouses, children, and reunification cases where the sponsor holds a valid Spanish residence permit.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements differ by visa category but typically include proof of purpose, funds, accommodation, and clean immigration history.
general
- Passport issued within the last 10 years and valid for at least 3 months beyond planned departure from Schengen.
- Completed Spain-Visas application form printed and signed.
- Proof of accommodation for the entire stay (university residence, lease, hotel, or invitation letter).
- Evidence of financial means: EUR 113 per day for Schengen or EUR 600 per month for student/residence visas.
- Travel insurance with minimum EUR 30,000 coverage for medical emergency and repatriation.
student
- Official acceptance letter from an accredited Spanish institution with programme length and schedule.
- Proof of tuition payment or capacity to pay, plus living expenses for the entire programme.
- Police clearance certificate for stays over 180 days, legalised and translated into Spanish.
- Health certificate stating absence of illnesses posing public health risks.
work
- Signed employment contract or company resolution for intra-company transfer.
- Work authorisation issued by Spanish authorities (where required) or entrepreneur visa approval.
- Evidence of qualifications and professional experience relevant to the role.
visitor
- Flight itinerary and travel plan covering the entire trip.
- Invitation letter (carta de invitación) or hotel reservation proof.
- Proof of socio-economic ties (employment letter, enrolment certificate, property deeds) guaranteeing return to home country.
Required Documents Checklist
Core Documents
- Passport + photocopy of biodata pages and previous visas.
- Printed online application form, signed visa declaration, and appointment confirmation.
- Two recent colour photos (white background, 32mm x 26mm).
- Visa fee payment receipt (cash or card depending on BLS/consulate policy).
Financial Proof
- Personal bank statements for the last three months showing consistent balances.
- Sponsorship letter with legalised affidavit if a family member funds the stay.
- Scholarship or grant confirmation showing amount and duration.
Purpose-Specific Documents
- Students: LOA, academic transcripts, proof of accommodation, insurance certificate, medical and police clearances (for stays > 180 days).
- Workers: Employment contract, work authorisation (Resolución de autorización), company tax registration, and proof of qualifications.
- Visitors: Invitation letter, itinerary, and proof of ties to home country.
- Family: Marriage/birth certificates, sponsor’s NIE/TIE copy, proof of housing and income.
Translations & Legalisation
- Sworn Spanish translations (traductor jurado) for all documents not in Spanish or English.
- Legalisation or Hague apostille where required for official certificates.
- Photocopies of every document submitted, organised as per consulate checklist.
Application Steps
1. Prepare dossier
Check category-specific checklists, arrange translations, and assemble originals and copies.
2. Complete online form
Fill out the Spain-Visas application, upload supporting files (if requested), and print the confirmation.
3. Book appointment
Schedule a slot with BLS International or the Spanish consulate, pay service fees, and arrive with a confirmed booking.
4. Submit biometrics
Provide fingerprints, photo, and all documents in person. Missing items typically require a second appointment.
5. Track and respond
Monitor status online. Respond promptly to additional document requests from the consulate.
6. Collect passport
Pick up your passport or opt for courier delivery. Verify visa dates, entries, and remarks immediately.
Visa Fees & Optional Services
Fees are payable in EUR or local currency at the consulate’s exchange rate. Additional charges may apply for service fees, SMS alerts, photocopying, or courier returns.
| Visa category | Fee (EUR) | Approx. MAD |
|---|---|---|
| Schengen short-stay | EUR 80 | ≈ 865 |
| Student visa (Type D) | EUR 60 | ≈ 650 |
| Residence visa with work authorisation | EUR 75 | ≈ 810 |
| BLS service fee | EUR 17 | ≈ 185 |
| Courier / SMS (optional) | EUR 10 | ≈ 110 |
Processing Times
Processing time starts after biometrics and complete documentation are lodged. Peak seasons (June–October) experience longer queues for student and tourist visas.
Standard processing
Schengen: 15 calendar days; Student/Residence visas: 4–6 weeks.
Peak season
June–October and December holiday period.
Allow 6–8 weeks and book appointments immediately after receiving admission or job offers.
Priority options
No official priority processing. Limited emergency slots may be granted with documented justification.
Tracking & Updates
BLS International tracking
Login with your reference number and passport to view application status updates.
Spain-Visas portal
Use application ID and date of birth to confirm whether a decision has been issued by the consulate.
Checklist
- Retain receipts and tracking numbers for your records.
- Check email regularly—consulates often request additional information via email.
- If the status remains unchanged after the published processing time, contact the consulate with your reference number.
After Approval
Enter Spain within visa validity
Ensure you arrive before the start date printed on the visa and carry supporting documents for border checks.
Apply for TIE
Book an appointment with the local immigration office (Extranjería) and submit fingerprints to obtain the residence card within 30 days of arrival.
Register your address
Complete municipal registration (empadronamiento) to access local services and healthcare.
Join healthcare & tax systems
Apply for a social security number if working and arrange public or private health coverage as required.
Common Issues & Solutions
Incomplete translations
Use sworn translators accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and submit both originals and translations.
Late appointment availability
Monitor BLS daily for cancellations, consider applying through a different consulate if jurisdiction allows, and assemble documents early.
Insufficient funds
Supplement bank statements with scholarship letters, notarised sponsor affidavits, and accommodation receipts to demonstrate financial stability.
Expired police or medical certificates
Certificates older than 90 days are rejected; request fresh copies close to your appointment date.
Frequently Asked Questions
How early should I apply for a Spanish visa?
You can apply up to six months before travel (three months for Schengen). Students should book appointments immediately after receiving admission letters, ideally 8–10 weeks before departure.
Can I work on a Spanish student visa?
Yes. You may work up to 20 hours per week if your employer obtains a student work authorisation and the job is compatible with class schedules.
Do I need to legalise my documents?
Official documents such as birth certificates, police clearances, or academic diplomas must be legalised (Hague apostille) and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
How long does it take to receive the TIE?
After submitting biometrics in Spain, residence cards are typically ready in 3–6 weeks. Keep the resguardo (receipt) as proof of legal stay while waiting.
What if my visa is refused?
You can request a reconsideration within one month (recurso potestativo) or lodge an administrative appeal with the Spanish High Court within two months, providing additional evidence.
Can family members accompany me?
Family members may apply for dependant visas once the principal applicant has a valid residence authorisation and demonstrates sufficient income and accommodation.