How does the BLS appointment for a Spanish student visa work?
All Spanish student visa applications from the UK are submitted in person through BLS International, the consulate's official visa centre; walk-ins are not accepted. Book the appointment early because slots run out weeks ahead, apply at least 2 months before your course starts, and bring every document plus photocopies. You pay at the appointment: the consular fee for UK citizens is about £345 for the long-term visa plus a BLS service fee of around £15, non-refundable even if refused.
Booking and timing
- Book through the BLS portal for your consulate (London, Manchester or Edinburgh, by where you live)
- Applications must be submitted at least 2 months before the course starts
- Slot availability is seasonal; summer books out fastest
- Decision time is legally up to 1 month from a complete submission, commonly 4-8 weeks
What happens at the appointment
You submit the full document set in person, give biometrics, and pay both fees. Your passport stays with the consulate during processing, so don't book flights for the processing window. Incomplete applications are the top cause of refusal, and the consulate does not answer status enquiries by phone or email while processing.
The document set
- National visa application form, completed and signed
- Passport (1+ year validity, 2 blank pages) plus photocopies
- Recent passport photo on white background
- Acceptance letter and proof of paid enrolment
- Proof of funds (IPREM minimum)
- GHIC or private insurance
- ACRO certificate and medical certificate, apostilled and sworn-translated
- Photocopies of absolutely everything
Streamline the whole process
Visado puts every step in the right order for your course date and walks you through them one at a time. Nothing missed, nothing late.
Start my free planFrequently asked
How much does the Spain student visa cost for UK citizens?
About £345 consular fee for the long-term visa plus roughly £15 BLS service fee, paid at the appointment and non-refundable.
How long does the Spanish student visa take after the BLS appointment?
Legally up to 1 month from a complete submission; in practice commonly 4-8 weeks. Don't book flights until it's granted.
Can someone else attend the BLS appointment for me?
Adults generally attend in person; under-18s attend with a parent or guardian. Collection is normally in person too.