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What is BLS (Serviços de Vistos)?
BLS (Serviços de Vistos) is the official visa application service provider for Spanish embassies and consulates worldwide. BLS is a private company contracted by Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to handle visa applications, document collection, and payment processing.
Key Point: In most countries, you cannot apply directly at the Spanish consulate. You must submit your application through BLS. BLS operates in 150+ countries and handles all Non-Lucrative Visa applications for Spain.
Why Spain Uses BLS
- Reduces queues at consulates (applications processed off-site at BLS offices)
- Centralizes document collection and initial verification
- Enables online appointment booking and status tracking
- Processes payments securely and separately from consulate
- Streamlines the entire application workflow
What BLS Does For You
- Accepts your completed application forms
- Verifies all documents are present and complete
- Collects application and processing fees
- Sends your application to the Spanish consulate
- Tracks your application status
- Returns your passport with visa decision (approved or rejected)
- Provides optional courier services for document delivery
BLS vs Direct Consulate Application
In most countries, BLS is mandatory. You cannot choose to apply directly at the consulate instead. However, a few exceptions exist where direct consulate applications may be possible (this varies by country).
| Factor | BLS Application | Direct Consulate |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Available in 150+ countries | Only in capital cities (limited) |
| Appointments | Book online, same-day slots often available | Months-long wait lists in some countries |
| Processing Time | 30-60 days (typical) | 60-90+ days (can be longer) |
| Fees | Visa fee + BLS service fee (~€25-50) | Visa fee only |
| Location | Multiple cities per country | Usually only capital city |
| Convenience | Online appointment, document drop-off | In-person appointment required |
⚠️ Always check your country's requirements: Some countries have switched entirely to BLS; others allow both. Visit your nearest consulate's website or the BLS website for your country to confirm the current process.
Find Your Nearest BLS Office
BLS operates visa application centers in major cities across Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.
Quick Steps to Find Your BLS Office
- Visit the BLS directory: Go to our BLS Directory for contact info, hours, and appointment links
- Search by country: Find your country's BLS office location (most countries have multiple cities covered)
- Check the booking website: Each country's BLS has its own appointment booking portal (links provided in our directory)
- Choose your location: Select the BLS office nearest to you or most convenient for your schedule
Tip: Book your BLS appointment as soon as possible after receiving your travel/ID documents. Popular BLS locations (London, New York, Toronto, Sydney) can have 2-4 week wait times for appointments.
Major BLS Markets
The largest and most active BLS offices are in:
- Europe: London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Madrid, Barcelona
- Americas: New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Toronto, Vancouver, Mexico City, São Paulo, Buenos Aires
- Asia-Pacific: Sydney, Melbourne, Tokyo, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Delhi, Shanghai
Step-by-Step BLS Application Process
Collect all required documents for the NLV application (detailed list below). Make copies as instructed. Verify everything is complete before booking your appointment.
Visit your country's BLS booking website (via our directory). Select your preferred location and time slot. Receive a confirmation email with appointment date, time, and location. Print your appointment confirmation.
Fill out the required visa application forms (EX-00 and EX-01 for NLV). Forms must be typewritten (not handwritten in most cases). Sign where required. Print all forms.
Arrive 10 minutes early. Bring all original documents and copies as per the checklist. Submit your documents to the BLS official. Pay your visa fee + BLS service fee (cash or card, varies by location). Receive receipt and tracking number.
BLS forwards your application to the Spanish consulate. The consulate reviews your documents. You can track your application status online using your BLS tracking number. Most decisions are made within this window.
Once the consulate makes a decision, BLS notifies you. Pick up your passport in person (or arrange courier delivery, paid extra) at the BLS office. Your passport will have your NLV visa stamped inside.
Travel to Spain before your 90-day window expires. Upon arrival, register at your local town hall (Padron) and book your TIE appointment at the police station within 30 days.
What Documents to Bring to BLS
⚠️ Document requirements vary slightly by country and change periodically. This is a general checklist. Always check your specific country's BLS website for the authoritative requirements.
Original Documents (Bring the actual originals)
- Passport: Valid for at least 12 months from visa issuance date. Original only.
- Completed Application Forms: EX-00 and EX-01, signed and dated in original ink
- Birth Certificate: Original + certified copy (apostille required)
- Criminal Record Certificate: Issued within the last 3 months, original (apostille required)
- Proof of Income/Funds: Bank statements, pension statements, investment documentation (originals)
- Proof of Accommodation: Rental agreement or property deed (original or certified copy)
- Health Insurance: Original policy document proving NLV-compliant coverage
- Marriage/Divorce Certificate (if applicable): Original certified copy with apostille
Photocopies (Usually 2-3 sets)
- Passport (all pages with information)
- Birth certificate
- Criminal record certificate
- Bank statements (first and last pages)
- Proof of accommodation
- Health insurance policy (front and back)
- Marriage/divorce certificate (if applicable)
Documents Requiring Apostille
These official documents must be certified with an apostille (an international certification): birth certificate, criminal record certificate, marriage/divorce certificate, and any university degrees.
Apostille: A special certification stamp that proves a document is authentic according to the Hague Apostille Convention. Apostilles must be obtained from your home country's government office (e.g., Secretary of State in the US, Home Office in the UK). Apostilles typically cost £5-50 and take 1-4 weeks.
Other Items to Bring
- Your appointment confirmation email (printed)
- Payment method (cash and/or credit card — check which your BLS accepts)
- Pen for any forms that require signature
- Your contact details written down (phone, email, address)
Pro Tip: Use a checklist before your appointment to verify you have everything. Missing even one document can delay your application by weeks. Take photos of all documents before submission as backup.
Application Timeline & Processing Times
Overall Timeline from Start to Visa Issuance
| Stage | Timeline | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Preparation | 4-8 weeks | Gathering documents, getting apostilles, completing forms |
| BLS Appointment Booking | Same-day to 4 weeks | Depends on your location and demand at that BLS office |
| Document Submission at BLS | 1 day | Your appointment day at BLS office |
| Consulate Processing | 30-60 days | Consulate reviews documents and makes decision |
| Passport Return | 5-10 business days | After decision, BLS returns your passport with visa |
| Total (typical) | 3-5 months | From first BLS booking to receiving visa |
Peak vs Off-Peak Seasons
- Peak Season (Jan-March, Sept-Oct): BLS appointments may take 2-4 weeks to book. Consulate processing can stretch to 60-90 days.
- Off-Peak (May-August): Shorter wait times for BLS appointments (often same-week). Consulate processing typically 30-45 days.
Tip for Fast Processing: Submit your application as early in the calendar year as possible (January-February). Avoid summer months when consulates are often understaffed and processing slows.
Checking Your Application Status
- Save your BLS tracking number (given on submission day)
- Visit your country's BLS website
- Enter your tracking number and application reference
- Check status: "Submitted," "In Process," "Approved," "Rejected"
- Status updates typically appear 1-2 weeks after submission
Fees & Costs for BLS Application
What You'll Pay
| Fee Type | Amount (approx.) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | €60 | Spanish government visa fee (non-refundable) |
| BLS Service Fee | €25-60 | Varies by country (document handling, processing) |
| Courier Return Service | €15-40 | Optional — if you want BLS to courier your passport back (vs picking up in person) |
| Translation Services | €0-100 | Optional — if BLS offers document translation services |
| Total at BLS | €85-160 | What you pay on appointment day (visa + BLS fee + optional services) |
Separate Costs (Not Paid at BLS)
- Apostille Certification: £5-50 per document (4-8 documents needed)
- Document Copies: €1-3 for official copies of birth cert, divorce decree, etc.
- Health Insurance: €500-2,000 per year (separate from visa costs)
- Travel to Spain: Flights, accommodation, transport costs
BLS Service Fee by Country Examples: UK (£25), USA ($50), Canada ($45), Germany (€35), Australia (A$50), Mexico ($500-600 MXN). Always check your specific country's BLS site for exact fees.
Payment Methods at BLS
- Cash (in local currency)
- Credit/Debit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
- Bank transfer (in some locations, must arrange in advance)
⚠️ No Refunds: Once you've paid the visa application fee at BLS, it is non-refundable even if your application is rejected. The BLS service fee is also non-refundable in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions About BLS
In most countries, no — BLS is mandatory. Spain's consulates have delegated visa processing to BLS in 150+ countries. A few exceptions may exist where direct applications are still possible, but this is increasingly rare. Always check your country's consulate website to confirm the current process.
From BLS appointment to receiving your visa: 30-60 days on average. The timeline breaks down as: 1-10 days for BLS to forward to consulate, 30-50 days for consulate to process, 5-10 days for BLS to return your passport. Peak season (Jan-March) can extend this to 90 days.
Yes, all BLS offices offer online appointment booking through their country-specific websites (linked in our BLS Directory). You create an account, choose your preferred date/time, and receive a confirmation email.
BLS will not accept your application if any required document is missing. You'll be asked to reschedule your appointment after obtaining the missing document. This can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline. Always verify completeness before your appointment.
No, it's optional. Most people pick up their passport in person at the BLS office (free). If you prefer not to travel back to the BLS office, you can pay €15-40 extra for courier delivery to your address. Check your country's BLS site for courier availability.
Yes. You'll receive a BLS tracking number when your documents are submitted. Log into your country's BLS website and enter your tracking number to check status. Status updates typically appear 1-2 weeks after submission, then periodically as your application moves through consulate review.
The consulate will provide a rejection reason. Common reasons: insufficient income documentation, missing documents, criminal record issues, or incomplete forms. The visa fee is non-refundable. You can reapply once you've addressed the rejection reason, but you'll pay the fee again.
Once your visa is stamped in your passport, you have 90 days to travel to Spain. You should travel before this window expires. Upon arrival in Spain, you have 30 days to register for your Padron and book your TIE appointment at the police station.
Each family member needs a separate BLS appointment (they can't use your single appointment slot). However, you can often book appointments on the same day at the same BLS office. Each person needs their own complete set of documents and pays their own visa fee.
BLS is the official government-contracted visa application processor. A visa agency like My Spanish NLV helps you prepare your application, gather documents, complete forms correctly, and navigate the process — but you still must submit through BLS. Our service reduces rejection risk and speeds up the process through expert guidance.
Ready to Submit Your NLV Application?
Find your nearest BLS office and book your appointment today. Check your country's BLS booking website using our directory.
Browse BLS Directory