I recently successfully obtained a Spanish visa in Tokyo and would like to share the entire application process experience with everyone. As a foreigner living in Japan, applying for EU country visas does have some special considerations that need attention.
Visa Center Basic Information
The Spanish visa application center in Tokyo is located in Minato Ward, specifically at 4F Akasaka Twin Tower Main Building, 2-17-22 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo. Operating hours are Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM. It’s important to note that they don’t close for lunch, but they stop accepting applications at 3 PM. I recommend going in the morning to avoid long queues.
Required Documents Checklist
Preparing documents is the most crucial step. I’ve compiled a detailed checklist for reference:
| Document Name | Requirements |
|---|
| Original Passport | Valid for at least 6 months |
| Residence Card | Original and photocopy |
| Application Form | Fill online and print |
| Photos | 35×45mm white background color photos (2 pieces) |
| Itinerary | Detailed travel plan |
| Hotel Booking | Cancellable reservation is acceptable |
| Flight Booking | Round-trip flight reservation proof |
| Insurance | Coverage for entire Schengen area |
Special reminder: The residence card’s validity must cover the entire travel period. If it’s about to expire, consider renewing it before applying for the visa.
Appointment and Submission Process
Tokyo’s Spanish visa center now operates on an appointment system, requiring advance booking on their official website. My experience suggests booking at least one week in advance, as popular time slots fill up quickly. After successful booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email - remember to print it out.
On submission day, I recommend arriving 15 minutes early. Register on the first floor, then go to the 4th floor. Staff will check document completeness, and if there are issues with your Spanish visa application in Tokyo, you can supplement them on the spot. The entire process takes about 30 minutes, and you’ll receive a tracking number at the end.
Fees and Processing Time
The visa fee is 60 euros, converted to yen at the daily exchange rate and paid in cash only. There’s also a service fee of approximately 3,000 yen. I previously heard card payments were accepted, but when I went, only cash was allowed, so I recommend preparing cash in advance.
Official processing time is 5-15 business days. My actual experience was receiving a pickup notification after 8 business days. You can choose to collect it yourself or pay an additional fee for home delivery.
Overall, the process for applying for a Spanish visa in Tokyo is quite smooth. As long as documents are well-prepared, most applications are successfully approved for Tokyo Spanish visa. I hope this experience helps friends preparing to apply. Feel free to leave comments below for any questions.
