🇬🇧 London ConsulateSpanish Consulate London
Spanish Consulate London
Spain Student Visa 2026
Everything you need to know about applying for a Spain student visa at the Spanish consulate in London in 2026 — processing time, appointment booking, and what to bring.
At a Glance
Spain Student Visa — Spanish Consulate London, United Kingdom
Book early — London is heavily subscribed. Peak season can push waits to 6–8 weeks. Start your ACRO certificate the same week you enrol.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Serves | Residents of England, Wales, and Northern Ireland |
| Address | Spanish Consulate General, 20 Draycott Place, London SW3 3RZ |
| Appointments | Book directly through the official consulate website |
| Processing Time | 4–8 weeks (one of the slower consulates globally) |
| Peak Period | May–August — appointments 6–8 weeks out |
| Criminal Record | ACRO Criminal Records Office |
| Apostille Authority | FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) |
| Visa Fee | Approximately €80 — confirm current fee on the consulate website |
Documents
What to Bring to the Spanish Consulate in London
Standard Documents (All Consulates)
- Original passport + photocopy of data page
- EX-00 form completed in Spanish and signed
- Enrolment letter from your Spanish school
- Bank statements (3–6 months)
- Spain student visa-compliant health insurance
- Medical certificate from a licensed doctor
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
- 2 passport-sized photographs
London-Specific Documents
- Criminal record: ACRO Criminal Records Office
- Apostille from: FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)
- Sworn Spanish translation of apostilled certificate
- Visa fee payment at appointment
FAQ
Spanish Consulate London — Spain Student Visa Questions
Appointments are booked directly through the consulate official website. There is no VFS Global system for student visas at the London consulate. Check the official website for the current booking portal.
Typically 4–8 weeks after your appointment — one of the longer processing times globally. Allow 12–14 weeks total.
Yes — the ACRO Criminal Records Office police certificate is the required criminal record document for UK applicants. Apply at acro.police.uk. Apostilled by the FCDO.
Yes — the FCDO offers a premium same-day counter service at their London offices. The postal service takes 2–4 weeks.
Residents of Scotland apply at the Spanish Consulate in Edinburgh, not London.
Start at least 14–16 weeks before your intended Spain start date. ACRO takes 2–4 weeks, FCDO apostille adds time, and London processing is 4–8 weeks. For a September start, begin in May.
Private health insurance valid in Spain with no excess, no co-payment, and repatriation coverage. NHS entitlements are not accepted. A Spain-specific international health insurance policy is required for your application.
Yes — up to 30 hours per week with work authorisation included in your student visa. This must be requested at the time of your London consulate application — it cannot be added after the visa is issued.
Processing takes 4–8 weeks. Once approved, collect your passport with the visa or arrange postal return. Enter Spain within the validity period and complete TIE card registration within 30 days of arrival.
Documents not in Spanish require a sworn (certified) Spanish translation. UK bank statements and some supporting letters may need translation. Your immigration specialist can arrange certified translations as part of your application preparation.
Yes — our immigration specialists work with many clients applying at the London consulate, managing the complete dossier, ACRO guidance, FCDO apostille, translations, and EX-00 form completion.
The Spanish Consulate General in London covers England and Wales. Applicants based in Scotland or Northern Ireland should apply at the Spanish Consulate in Edinburgh. Always apply at the consulate covering your UK region of residence.