After visiting several countries in Europe over the past couple of years, Spain and Portugal were next on my bucket list. I’d seen so much about the food, the cities, and the culture, and I really wanted to experience it for myself.

For this trip, I planned to stay longer in Spain than in any other Schengen country, which meant I needed to apply for my Schengen visa through Spain. If you’re planning something similar, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Spanish Schengen visa from the Philippines - what to prepare, where to go, and what to expect.

Spain schengen visa

In this post, I’ll be discussing:

What is a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen Visa is a travel document that allows you to enter any of the 26 countries in the Schengen Area for a limited period, usually for tourism, visiting family or friends, or business.

Countries where a Schengen Visa is valid:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Where to Apply for a Schengen Visa

You cannot simply apply through any Schengen country. Where you apply depends on your travel plans.

  • If you’re only visiting Spain, you must apply through the Spanish embassy (via their official visa processing centre).
  • If you’re visiting multiple countries, apply through the embassy of the country where you’ll be staying the longest.
  • If you’re staying the same number of days in multiple countries, apply through the country you will enter first.

Most Schengen countries process applications via VFS, but for Spain, it's through BLS International. And it's recommended that you apply at least fifteen (15) days before your intended travel date. The earliest you can apply is up to six (6) months before your trip.

How to Get a Spanish Schengen Visa

The process for Spain is slightly different compared to other Schengen countries because the application form is not completed online through a portal. Instead, you need to download the official PDF form and fill it out manually.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Make an appointment at BL through their website. You’ll need to create an account and select your preferred date and time slot. Walk-ins are not allowed, so securing an appointment is mandatory.

2. Download and fill out the application form. You need to download the official Schengen visa application form in PDF format from the BLS, fill it out digitally on your computer, then print and sign it before your appointment.

3. Gather all the required supporting documents - see the full list below. Make sure everything is complete before your appointment to avoid delays.

4. Go to your BLS appointment. Arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time. You will then be asked to submit your completed application form and supporting documents, and then pay the visa fee, which is around €80, in peso equivalent. Lastly, you will have your biometrics taken.

5. After submitting your documents and completing biometrics, all you need to do is wait for the embassy’s decision. Processing time typically takes around 15 working days, though it may vary depending on the season and volume of applications. You’ll be notified once your passport is ready for collection, or you may opt for courier delivery for an additional fee.

Spanish Schengen Visa Requirements

The requirements for Spain are generally similar to other Schengen countries, but always double-check the BLS Spain website for any updates.

  • Passport - valid at least 3 months from the end of intended stay and must have at least two empty pages
  • 1 passport-size photo with white background
  • Cover Letter - with a short explanation of your purpose of travel and your intention to return to the Philippines
  • Detailed Trip Itinerary
  • Travel health insurance with a coverage of at least €30,000
  • If you are applying as a self-funded tourist:
    • Daily itinerary to explain the purpose of your trip - make it as detailed as possible
    • Proof of hotel bookings
    • Bank certificate
    • Bank statement showing your transactions for the past 6 month
  • If you are invited by a friend or family member:
    • Invitation letter, containing the host's address, your purpose of travel, and details about your travel and stay
    • Proof of relationship with the inviting person
    • Proof of their financial capacity if they are paying for your expenses
  • Roundtrip flight reservation - not an actual booking, just a reservation only
  • If you are employed:
    • Most recent Annual Income Tax Return
    • Certificate of Employment
    • Leave of Absence approval letter
    • Payslip for the last 3 months
  • If you are self-employed:
    • Most recent Annual Income Tax Return
    • BIR registration (for freelancers), or DTI registration (for business owners)
    • Invoices
  • If you are a student:
    • Proof of enrollment
    • Letter of exemption from studies (if applicable)
  • Other proofs of rootedness in the Philippines:
    • Proof of land or property ownership in the Philippines
    • Proof of car or vehicle ownership

Processing time can take up to fifteen (15) working days, but it varies. In my case, I opted for courier delivery, and I got my passport back after 5 business days, and the courier delivered on a weekend. It’s always best to apply well in advance of your travel date, especially during peak seasons.

I hope this guide helps you understand how to apply for a Spanish Schengen visa from the Philippines. For Schengen Visa FAQs, you can check out my previous post here. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment, and I’ll be happy to help!