Welcome to our guide on applying for a Spanish visa in the UK! Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing vacation or planning a business trip to Spain, we understand the importance of obtaining the right visa.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the application process, highlight the requirements, and provide valuable tips to make your journey smooth and successful.
Let’s dive in and get you one step closer to your Spanish adventure!
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What are the Common Short-Term Visas for Spain?
The most prevalent types of Spanish visas are the Tourist Visit and Business Visit visas, both falling under the category of Short Term Visas. These visas are typically issued for stays of less than 90 days. International students in the UK seeking to visit Spain are generally required to apply for a Short Term Visa Tourist Visit.
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Spanish Visa in the UK?
To apply for a Spanish visa in the UK, you must fulfill the following three application criteria:
Hold a Valid Passport
Your passport should have been obtained within the last ten years and must be undamaged, with at least 2 blank visa pages. It should also have your signature on it. Importantly, the passport should remain valid for at least three months after your intended date of travel to Spain. For example, if your passport expires on December 1st, you should submit your application before September 1st.
Reside in the UK with a Valid UK Visa
To meet this requirement, you should have held a UK visa for more than six months.
Meet one of the Following Requirements
- a) Spain is your only country of entry.
- b) Spain is the longest stay within your entire European itinerary.
- c) Spain is your first country of entry when you spend an equal amount of time in each country.
For instance, if you plan to spend 10 days in both Spain and Germany, you can apply for a Spanish visa if you stay longer in Spain than in Germany throughout your trip. Similarly, if you spend an equal amount of time in both countries, you can apply for a Spanish visa if you fly to Spain first.
What are the Documents Required to Apply for a Spanish Visa in the UK?
General Documents for All Applicants
- Completed and signed Application Form (original and photocopy).
- Recent passport-size photograph with a white or light-colored background. (Specific Requirements)
- Valid passport (original and photocopy) and, if applicable, old passport (original and photocopy).
- Valid Residence Permit, e.g. BRP Card (original and photocopy).
- Proof of funds: e.g. bank statement for the last 3 months with a bank stamp.
- Proof of transport: Round-trip plane tickets, train tickets, or boat tickets, along with a detailed itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation: Hotel booking confirmation slip or details of staying with friends.
- Overseas Insurance Policy (OIP): Original and copy, covering medical expenses of at least 30,000 Euros and the entire trip duration.
⚠️ According to the official list of documents for a Spain visa, the bank account balance should be a minimum of €100 per person per day of expenses and at least €900 per person in total, regardless of the duration of stay. The visa centre does not accept travellers cheques or overdrawn credit or debit card statements. It’s worth noting that some people have shared their experience that if there hasn’t been any recent activity in the deposit account, the visa centre staff may ask you to sign an additional document on-site to explain the situation.
Additional Documents Required for Students
For student visa applications, you will need to provide an additional original and photocopy of a School Letter issued by your university within the last three months. This letter should include the name of the program you are studying, as well as the start and end dates of the course.
Additional Documents Required for Applicants with Work Status
- You need to submit the original and photocopy of a certificate of employment issued within the last three months. The certificate should clearly state information about your employing company, including the start date of your employment, as well as your position and salary.
- Additionally, provide the original and photocopy of payslips for the last three months, demonstrating your income during that period.
Additional Documents Required for Self-Employed Workers
An additional letter issued by your solicitor, accountant, or bank manager within the last three months is required. This letter should provide details about your company, including shareholding and industry of operation. It must also specify the date of incorporation and earnings. Remember to provide both the original and photocopy of this letter.
Proof of VAT registration for your company, as well as evidence of tax payment for the previous tax year, must be submitted. Include both the original and photocopy of these documents.
Additional Documents Required for Non-Student, Non-Working Individuals (Married with Partner’s Financial Support)
- Provide the original and photocopy of your partner’s valid passport.
- Include the original and photocopy of a letter from your partner’s employer, issued within the last 3 months, indicating their job title, salary, and start date.
- Submit the original and photocopy of your partner’s bank statements for the last 6 months.
- Present the original and photocopy of your marriage certificate, or if it’s in Chinese, it must be translated into Spanish or English by an official translation agency.
- Include a Statement of Will to Support the Spouse.
💡 In addition to the previously mentioned documents for a Spanish visa, the visa centre may request additional documents based on individual circumstances. For a Spain business visa, the required documents are mostly similar to those for a tourist visa, but they need to be supplemented or replaced according to the purpose of travel. For example, a business visa requires an invitation letter from the Spanish company.
⚠️ Remember that all documents must be in English or Spanish and both originals and photocopies should be provided. Also, avoid stapling the documents together as advised by the Visa Centre.
😄 Find more information in the official document.
What is the Process of Applying for a Spanish Visa
in the UK?
Conventional Application Process
- Step 1: Visit the official website of Spain Visa, BLS, and select your current place of residence to find the appropriate visa centre location.
- Step 2: Once you have selected the location, the page will automatically direct you to the corresponding visa centre. Determine the type of visa you need to apply for.
- Step 3: Make an online appointment by registering and logging into your BLS account. Provide your personal information and schedule a date and time for visa delivery. Remember to bring the appointment slip with you to the visa centre.
- Step 4: Fill out the visa application form, print it, sign it, and gather the required original documents and photocopies.
- Step 5: Bring the appointment slip, application form, and copies of all original application documents to the Visa Delivery Centre.
New Option: Apply At Home
The Spain Visa Centre now offers a new method called “Apply At Home” in addition to the traditional in-person application at the Visa Centre. This method simplifies the process by eliminating the need to visit the Visa Centre in person. To apply, you simply need to fill in the visa application form, gather the original documents and photocopies, and schedule an appointment. On the scheduled day, a professional visa officer will visit your home to collect your documents, take your fingerprints, and submit them to the Spanish Embassy for visa approval. Please note that there is an additional charge of £175 per person for the “Apply At Home” service. This service is particularly convenient for individuals who prefer not to leave their house or have limited access to public transportation.
What is the Cost of Applying for a Spanish Visa
in the UK?
At present, the visa fees remain consistent across the three visa centres in London, Edinburgh, and Manchester. Applicants are required to pay two separate fees: the visa fee and the service charge.
- Visa Fee: For a Spanish Tourist Visa valid for less than 90 days, the visa fee is £68.95 (subject to potential exchange rate fluctuations). Children between the ages of 6 and 12 years old are charged a reduced fee of £34.50.
- Service Charge: In addition to the visa fee, the Spain Visa Centre imposes an additional service fee of £14.55.
It is important to note that payment of the visa fee and service fee does not guarantee visa approval. In the event of visa refusal, these fees are non-refundable. Furthermore, please be aware that the visa centres in Edinburgh and Manchester do not offer a “passport collection” service. Instead, an additional postage fee of £24.95 is required. Once your visa is approved, it will be sent directly to your home via Special Next Day Delivery.
Spain Visa Application Centres in the UK
Spain Visa Application Centre in London
- Address: Spain Visa Application Centre 20 St Andrew Street, London EC4A 3AG
- Nearest Tube Station: Chancery Lane
- Visa Application Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 to 13:30
- Passport Collection Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 to 10:00, 16:00 to 17:00
Spain Visa Application Centre in Edinburgh
- Address: Spain Visa Application Centre, 6 Dock Place, Suite 1A, First Floor Office, Ediburgh EH6 6LU
- Visa Application Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 to 12:30, .
Spain Visa Application Centre in Manchester
- Address: Spain Visa Application Centre, Suite 12, 8th Floor, St James’s House, Pendleton Way, Salford, Manchester M6 5FW
- Visa Application Opening Hours: 9:30 to 12:30
Applying for Spainish Visa in the UK FAQ
Is my Spain visa valid for travel to other countries?
Yes, your Spanish visa can be used to travel to a total of 27 Schengen countries.
How early can I submit my Spanish visa application?
The Spanish visa application can be submitted as early as 6 months in advance. For instance, if you plan to travel to Spain on December 1st, the earliest you can apply for the Spanish visa is on or after June 1st.
If my Spanish visa application is rejected, when can I reapply?
You can reapply for a Spanish visa as soon as you receive your returned passport. There is no specific time limit, and you are free to submit a new application at any time.
How long is the processing time for a Spanish visa application in the UK?
Typically, it takes approximately 15 days for a Spanish visa to be processed and granted in the UK. However, during peak seasons or if additional documents are required, the processing time may extend to 45 days or even longer.
If my application for a Spanish visa in the UK is declined, will I receive a refund for the application fee?
No, the application and service fees are non-refundable.
