I recently successfully obtained my Spanish visa and would like to share the entire process of applying through BLS International. As the official designated visa application center for Spain visa pending status, BLS International is indeed the main channel for Spanish visa applications, but there are still many important points to consider throughout the process.
Pre-Application Preparation
First, you need to register an account on the BLS International official website and complete the online application form. I especially want to remind everyone to carefully verify all information when filling out the form, as subsequent modifications can be quite troublesome. I once made an error with one digit in my passport number, which nearly affected my entire application progress. I recommend preparing electronic copies of all required documents, including passport bio page, photos, itinerary, etc., to make the filling process smoother.
Document Checklist and Requirements
Based on my application experience, here are the detailed requirements for essential documents:
| Document Type | Specific Requirements | Important Notes |
|---|
| Original Passport | Valid for 6+ months | Need 2 photocopies |
| Application Form | Fill online and print | Must be signed personally |
| Photographs | White background color photo | 35mm×45mm specification |
| Itinerary | Detailed travel plan | Include accommodation and transport |
| Insurance Policy | Medical coverage 30,000+ EUR | Must cover entire Schengen area |
Bank statements are key review materials. I recommend providing the last 3 months of salary account statements with a balance preferably above 30,000 EUR. For those needing unemployment certificate, this documentation is crucial. I’ve seen friends get rejected due to insufficient account balance, so this is really important.
Appointment and Submission Process
When booking appointment slots at BLS International, I suggest choosing weekday morning time slots as they tend to be less crowded with higher processing efficiency. I chose a Tuesday 9 AM slot and was processed immediately without queuing. Staff will check each document individually during submission, pointing out any issues on the spot, so thorough preparation is essential.
The entire submission process takes about 30 minutes, including document review, fingerprint collection, and fee payment. The visa fee is 60 EUR plus service charges, and you can pay via digital payment methods, which is very convenient.
Processing Time and Result Inquiry
Normally, Spanish visa processing takes 10-15 working days. You can check progress on the BLS International website by entering your application number, though this tracking system sometimes doesn’t update promptly. My visa actually took 12 working days to process, slightly faster than expected.
Once you receive the SMS notification, you can collect your passport at the BLS International center - remember to bring your ID and collection slip. If you choose courier service, it will be mailed directly to your home address, but requires additional shipping fees.
The process of applying for a Spanish visa through BLS International is quite standardized. As long as documents are properly prepared and requirements are followed, the approval rate is quite high. I hope this experience helps friends preparing to apply, and feel free to discuss any questions in the comments section.
