Can I apply for a Spain student visa at a different consulate if London appointments are full?

As a UK resident, your designated consulate is London. Unlike some countries, UK residents cannot choose to apply at a different country's Spanish consulate. If London BLS appointments are fully booked, you will need to wait for new slots to open — they are typically released on a rolling basis. Using BLS International's appointment alert system can help you secure a slot quickly.

What is the EX-00 form and where do I get it?

The EX-00 is the official Spain long-stay visa application form. You can download it from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (maec.es) or from the BLS International Spain visa page. Print it, complete it in full, and sign it before your appointment. Do not submit a digital or electronic copy.

Consulate Guide

Spain Student Visa at the London Consulate: Everything You Need to Know

The Spanish Consulate General in London is one of the busiest Spanish consulates in the world. Here is exactly what to expect, how to book, and how to prepare.

Start Your Application ← All Guides

For UK residents planning to study in Spain, the Spanish Consulate General in London is the gateway to your estancia por estudios visa. Following Brexit, all UK nationals — regardless of where in the UK they live — must go through this consulate. It is one of the highest-volume Spanish consulates outside of Europe, which means appointment slots can be competitive and processing times stretch significantly during peak season. This guide covers everything you need, from consulate contact details and the BLS International booking system through to what happens after your visa is approved.

Consulate Location and Contact Details

The Consulate General of Spain in London is located at 20 Draycott Place, London SW3 2RZ. The consulate itself does not handle visa appointment bookings directly — all long-stay visa applications (including the student visa) are processed through BLS International, the outsourced visa application centre.

The nearest Underground stations are Sloane Square (District and Circle lines, approximately 5 minutes' walk) and South Kensington (District, Circle and Piccadilly lines, approximately 10 minutes' walk). The area is well served by buses along the King's Road and Brompton Road.

The consulate's official website is www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/Londres. Visa enquiries, however, should be directed to BLS International rather than to the consulate directly.

Important: Do not contact the Spanish Consulate in London directly about your visa application status. All student visa queries — appointment booking, document submission, tracking, and passport collection — are handled by BLS International. Contact BLS International's UK customer support for application updates.

How to Book an Appointment Through BLS International

BLS International is the official outsourced visa application partner for the Spanish Consulate in London. To apply for your Spain student visa, you must book an appointment through the BLS International online portal.

Visit the BLS International Spain visa website for the UK
Create an account or log in
Select "Long Stay Visa" and then "Student Visa" (estancia por estudios)
Choose your preferred appointment date and time at the BLS London centre
Pay the BLS service fee online (in addition to the consulate visa fee)
Receive your appointment confirmation by email
Prepare your documents and attend your appointment in person

Appointment slots are released on a rolling basis. During the peak season (March–August), slots can be fully booked 4–8 weeks in advance. Check daily or use BLS International's appointment alert system to be notified when new slots become available.

Peak vs Off-Peak Timing

Timing your application carefully can make a significant difference to both your waiting time for an appointment and your overall processing time. The London consulate follows a clear annual pattern:

Period	Demand Level	Appointment Wait	Processing Time
November – February	Low	1–2 weeks	3–5 weeks
March – April	Moderate	2–4 weeks	4–6 weeks
May – August	Peak	4–8 weeks	6–10 weeks
September – October	Moderate	2–3 weeks	4–6 weeks

If your course starts in September or October, aim to have your appointment booked by April or May at the latest — and ideally apply in March. If your course starts in January or February, applying in October or November is ideal.

Full Document Checklist for the London Consulate

The Spain student visa document checklist for the London consulate is based on the national requirements set by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with some practical specifics for UK applicants. Prepare originals and photocopies of all documents.

Valid UK passport: must be valid for at least 1 year beyond your course end date, with a minimum of 2 blank visa pages. Include photocopies of all pages showing personal details, stamps, and previous visas.
Completed EX-00 application form: downloaded from the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, printed, completed in full, and signed by hand.
Two recent passport photographs: 35×45mm, white background, plain expression, taken within the last 6 months.
Letter of enrolment from your Spanish institution: must be on headed paper, signed, and specify your name, course name, course duration (exact start and end dates), and the number of teaching hours per week. It must confirm your place is confirmed and fees paid or payment arrangements made.
Proof of course fee payment: a receipt or bank transfer confirmation showing fees have been paid to your Spanish institution.
Criminal record certificate: A DBS Enhanced Disclosure (England and Wales), a Disclosure Scotland certificate, or an AccessNI certificate (Northern Ireland). Must be apostilled by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and accompanied by a sworn Spanish translation by a MAEC-registered translator.
Medical certificate: issued by a licensed doctor (GP or private doctor) confirming you are free from diseases listed in the 2005 International Health Regulations. Must include your passport number and the doctor's GMC registration number, be dated within 3 months of your appointment, and be accompanied by a sworn Spanish translation.
Proof of financial means: minimum approximately €7,200–€10,000 for a full academic year, shown via UK bank statements (last 3–6 months), a parental sponsorship letter with supporting bank statements, or a scholarship award letter.
Private health insurance certificate: policy must cover Spain for the full duration of your course, with minimum €30,000 coverage, no co-payments, and be valid from the first day of your stay. Your EHIC/GHIC card is not accepted.
Proof of accommodation in Spain: a rental agreement, student halls confirmation, or a signed letter of invitation from a host, showing your address in Spain.
Visa application fee payment: approximately €80 (charged in GBP equivalent at the BLS centre), plus the BLS service charge.

Critical timing note on the criminal record certificate: The DBS Enhanced Disclosure can take 2–8 weeks to arrive, and the FCDO apostille adds another 1–3 weeks. The sworn translation adds 2–5 working days. Start this process at least 10–12 weeks before your planned appointment date to ensure all documents are in hand with time to spare. The certificate must have been issued within 3 months of your consulate appointment.

Processing Times: What to Expect

Once BLS International has submitted your documents to the Spanish Consulate, the consulate has up to 90 days by law to make a decision — but in practice, most decisions are made within 4–10 weeks during peak season and 3–5 weeks during quieter periods.

You will receive an email or notification through BLS International when your passport is ready for collection. Do not book your flights until you have your visa sticker in hand.

If you have not heard anything after 8 weeks, contact BLS International customer support to request a status update. The consulate does not provide direct application tracking to applicants.

What Happens at Your BLS Appointment

Your appointment at BLS International's London centre lasts approximately 20–30 minutes. Here is what to expect:

Document check: A BLS staff member will review your documents against the checklist. They will check originals and take copies where needed. Missing documents may result in your application being returned.
Biometrics: Your fingerprints and a digital photograph will be taken. This is mandatory for all long-stay visa applicants.
Fee payment: You will pay the consulate visa fee (approximately €80 in GBP equivalent) and any remaining BLS service charge at the centre.
Receipt: You will be given a receipt confirming submission. Keep this — you will need it when collecting your passport.

Attend your appointment having double-checked every document. BLS staff are not immigration advisers and cannot assist you in making your application stronger — they simply process what you bring.

After Approval: Collecting Your Passport and Your First Steps in Spain

After your visa is approved, you will be notified to collect your passport from BLS International. Your passport will contain a visa sticker showing the visa type, validity period, and the number of permitted entries.

You must enter Spain within the validity window shown on your visa sticker. Once you arrive in Spain, you have 30 days to complete two critical steps:

Empadronamiento: Register on the local municipal census at your town hall (ayuntamiento). This proves your address in Spain and is required for many administrative processes.
TIE card application: Apply for your Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero (TIE) at the local extranjería (foreigners' office) or national police station. Bring your passport, visa, two passport photos, completed EX-17 form, proof of enrolment, and proof of address (empadronamiento certificate).

Your TIE card is your official Spanish residency document and must be carried with you at all times in Spain. It replaces the need to carry your passport for day-to-day identification purposes.

Common Reasons for Refusal at the London Consulate

The London consulate is thorough and the volume of applications means errors are scrutinised carefully. The most common reasons UK applicants are refused or asked to resubmit include:

Missing apostille on the DBS certificate: The UK criminal record certificate must be apostilled by the FCDO. A non-apostilled DBS certificate will not be accepted.
Insufficient financial evidence: Bank statements that only show a brief period, or accounts with a large recent deposit that suggests funds were moved specifically for the application, are likely to be questioned or rejected. Show a consistent balance over 3–6 months.
Non-compliant health insurance: Travel insurance, EHIC/GHIC cards, and NHS coverage are not accepted. You must show a dedicated student visa health insurance policy.
Enrolment letter missing teaching hours: The letter of enrolment must specify the number of teaching hours per week. Without this, your application does not meet the study visa criteria.
Expired or incorrectly translated medical certificate: The medical certificate must be dated within 3 months of your appointment and be sworn-translated into Spanish by a MAEC-registered translator.
Accommodation proof missing: While not always listed as mandatory, the London consulate frequently requires proof of where you will live in Spain. Include a signed rental agreement, student halls confirmation, or a host's signed letter.

Tips for UK Applicants Post-Brexit

Brexit changed the rules for UK nationals wishing to live and study in Spain. Here is what is essential to understand:

No more free movement: UK nationals can no longer live in Spain simply because they are EU citizens. The student visa is mandatory for stays exceeding 90 days.
The 90-day rule: UK nationals can visit Spain (and the entire Schengen Area) for up to 90 days in any 180-day rolling period without a visa. If your course is shorter than 90 days, you may not need a student visa — but check carefully, as studying on a tourist entry may carry risks.
ETIAS: The EU's ETIAS travel authorisation system may apply to UK nationals for visa-free Schengen travel from 2025 onwards. If you hold a student visa, ETIAS does not apply — your visa is your authorisation to enter Spain.
NHS coverage in Spain: Your UK NHS entitlement does not extend to Spain for residents. You must hold private health insurance throughout your stay.
UK students can work in Spain: Spain student visa holders (including UK nationals) can work up to 30 hours per week. After arrival, register with Spanish social security (Seguridad Social) and obtain your NIE.
Plan your timeline carefully: Given the London consulate's processing times, never book one-way flights or commit to a lease in Spain before your visa is in hand.

Need expert help with your Spain student visa from the UK? Our immigration specialists at My Spanish Student Visa handle your full application end to end — document checklist, translations, form completion, and consulate preparation. See our pricing or start your application today.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions: Spain Student Visa at the London Consulate

Everything UK applicants ask about the Spain student visa process at the Spanish Consulate General in London and BLS International.

Where is the Spanish Consulate General in London?

The Consulate General of Spain in London is located at 20 Draycott Place, London SW3 2RZ. The nearest London Underground stations are Sloane Square (District and Circle lines) and South Kensington (District, Circle and Piccadilly lines).

Do I need to use BLS International to book my Spain student visa appointment in London?

Yes. The Spanish Consulate in London has outsourced appointment scheduling and document submission to BLS International. You must book your appointment through the BLS International website and submit your documents at the BLS centre, not directly at the consulate.

How long does the Spain student visa take to process at the London consulate?

Processing times at the London consulate typically range from 3–5 weeks during quieter periods (September–February) and 6–10 weeks during the peak season (March–August). Always apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date.

What is the Spain student visa fee for UK applicants?

The standard Spain student visa fee is approximately €80 (charged in GBP equivalent). UK nationals are not exempt from the visa fee following Brexit. The fee is non-refundable regardless of the outcome of your application. Check the BLS International website for the current GBP equivalent before your appointment.

Can I apply for a Spain student visa if I live outside London?

Yes. The Spanish Consulate General in London handles applications for the entire United Kingdom, including Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and all of England. Wherever in the UK you are based, your application goes through London. BLS International manages document submission so you may not need to travel to London in person in all cases — check BLS International's current procedures.

What criminal record certificate do UK applicants need?

UK applicants need a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure certificate (England and Wales), a Disclosure Scotland certificate (Scotland), or an AccessNI certificate (Northern Ireland). The certificate must be apostilled by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and sworn-translated into Spanish by a MAEC-registered translator.

Can UK citizens work in Spain on a student visa?

Yes. Spain student visa holders — including UK nationals — can work up to 30 hours per week in Spain. You will need to register with Spanish social security (Seguridad Social) and obtain your NIE (foreigner identification number) after arrival. Some activities may require prior authorisation — check your visa conditions carefully.

Do UK citizens need a Spain student visa after Brexit?

Yes. Following Brexit, UK nationals are treated as third-country nationals for immigration purposes in Spain. UK citizens can visit the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, but for study stays of more than 90 days, a full estancia por estudios student visa is mandatory.

What health insurance do I need for a Spain student visa from the UK?

You need private health insurance that covers Spain for the entire duration of your course, with a minimum of €30,000 coverage, no co-payment clauses, and valid from the day you arrive. UK EHIC or GHIC cards and standard travel insurance are not accepted. Buy a dedicated student visa health insurance policy from a provider that explicitly states it meets Spanish consulate requirements.

What happens after my Spain student visa is approved at the London consulate?

After approval, your passport is returned to you with a visa sticker valid for the duration of your course. You must enter Spain within the validity period shown on the visa. Within 30 days of arriving in Spain, you must apply for your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) card at the local extranjería or national police station.

What are the most common reasons for Spain student visa refusal at the London consulate?

The most common refusal reasons at the London consulate are: insufficient proof of financial means, missing apostille on the criminal record certificate, expired or unsworn-translated medical certificate, enrolment letter that does not specify teaching hours, and health insurance that does not meet Spanish requirements. Carefully review every document before submission.

How do I collect my passport after the Spain student visa decision?

Passport collection is handled by BLS International. You will be notified when your passport is ready for collection. You can collect it in person from the BLS centre or, in some cases, have it returned by courier. Check BLS International's current collection procedures when you book your appointment.

Can I book a Spain student visa appointment outside of peak season to get a faster decision?

Yes — timing your application strategically can make a significant difference. Applying in November, December, or January for courses starting the following September or October typically means both shorter appointment wait times and faster processing. The London consulate is at its busiest from March through August.

Is there a BLS International service charge on top of the visa fee?

Yes. BLS International charges a service fee in addition to the consulate's visa application fee. This covers the document handling and appointment booking service. Check the BLS International website for the current service charge before submitting your application.

Do I need to attend my Spain student visa appointment in person?

In most cases, yes — you must attend your BLS International appointment in person to submit biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). Remote or postal-only submissions are not currently available for first-time student visa applicants at the London consulate.

Do I need to show accommodation proof for the Spain student visa at London?

Many consulates, including London, expect you to show where you will be living in Spain — either a rental agreement, a letter from student halls, or a letter of invitation from a host. While accommodation proof is not always listed as a mandatory document, providing it substantially strengthens your application.

After I receive my Spain student visa, what are my first steps in Spain?

Within 30 days of arriving in Spain: (1) Register on the local census (empadronamiento) at your town hall (ayuntamiento). (2) Apply for your TIE card at the local extranjería or national police station — bring your passport, visa, completed EX-17 form, two passport photos, and proof of enrolment. (3) Open a Spanish bank account to simplify day-to-day payments. (4) Register for Spanish social security (Seguridad Social) if you plan to work.