Applying for a Spanish long-stay visa typically follows a defined process: choose the right route, prepare documentation (including apostille and translation), arrange health insurance, book a Consulate or BLS appointment, attend submission, and wait for decision. This guide walks through the steps for non-EU applicants.
Send your visa route, Consulate and appointment timing.
Get a QuoteTalk to an AdviserIdentify which Spanish long-stay visa applies to your situation. See Spanish visa types explained.
Country-issued documents typically require apostille from the issuing country’s authority, then certified Spanish translation. Allow 4–8 weeks for both steps combined.
Spanish Consulates commonly request health insurance evidence as part of the visa file. For non-EU long-stay routes, Spanish-regulated visa-compliant cover is the typical route — cover from a Spanish-authorised insurer, sin copago, sin carencias, annual cover with proof of upfront payment.
Appointments for most Spanish long-stay visas are booked through BLS International (the Spanish government’s visa application centre partner) or directly with the Consulate, depending on country. See our regional BLS hubs: UK, USA, Canada.
Attend the appointment with all documents, originals plus copies, photos, fees and biometric data. The submission centre forwards the file to the Spanish Consulate for decision.
Processing typically takes several weeks to a few months. The Consulate may request additional information.
Typically 3–6 months from starting documentation to decision.
Long-stay visas typically need to be applied from outside Spain via the Spanish Consulate covering your residence.
Refusal notices come via the submission route. Resubmission may be possible with corrected documents.
Yes — the insurance certificate is commonly part of the visa file at submission.
Some routes allow family applications together. Each family member typically needs their own documentation.
