BLS International Spain: A Complete Guide to Avoid Visa Delays in 2025

Why BLS International Spain Feels So Complicated

If you're applying for a Spanish visa through BLS International Spain, it can quickly become stressful.

Most applicants face at least one of these problems:

• Difficulty booking an appointment at the BLS center
• Confusing document requirements for each visa type
• Long queues, waiting times, and uncertainty
• Fear that one missing document could cause a rejection
• Not fully understanding the health insurance requirement

The truth is, even a small mistake—like the wrong insurance policy—can delay your file by weeks or even lead to a refusal from the consulate.

This is especially true for the health insurance requirement, which must be Spain visa compliant, with:

• No co-pay or deductibles
• No waiting period
• Unlimited medical coverage
• Repatriation of remains
• Coverage through a Spanish insurer or accepted provider

Many people arrive at BLS with travel insurance or basic international plans that don’t meet these rules—and their applications are put on hold.

A Simple Way to Make BLS International Spain Less Stressful

By the end of this guide, you will know:

• What BLS International Spain actually does
• Which core documents you must prepare before your visit
• The most common mistakes applicants make (and how to avoid them)
• How to meet the health insurance requirement correctly
• How to walk into your appointment confident and organized

Think of this as a friendly checklist that helps you avoid unnecessary delays and focus on getting your visa approved as smoothly as possible.

How BLS International Spain Actually Works

What Is BLS International Spain?

BLS International Spain is an official outsourcing partner for Spanish consulates in many countries. Instead of everyone going directly to the consulate, BLS handles much of the front-end visa process.

They are responsible for:

• Managing online appointments
• Checking documents and forms for completeness
• Collecting biometric data (fingerprints, photos)
• Collecting visa and service fees
• Forwarding your application to the Spanish consulate

Typical Documents Required at BLS

The exact list depends on whether you're applying for a student visa, non-lucrative visa, Golden Visa, or another long-stay permit. But in general, you can expect to provide:

• Valid passport and photocopies
• Completed and signed visa application form
• Recent biometric photos
• Proof of accommodation in Spain
• Criminal record certificate and medical certificate (for long stays)
• Financial proof (bank statements, income, savings)
• Acceptance letter from a Spanish institution (for student visa)
• Spain-compliant private health insurance certificate

The Health Insurance Requirement: A Major Filter at BLS

Under Spanish immigration rules, long-stay applicants must present medical insurance that:

• Operates in Spain
• Covers primary care, specialists, emergencies, and hospitalizations
• Has no co-payments or deductibles
• Has no waiting periods
• Includes unlimited coverage and repatriation

Travel insurance or minimal coverage policies are usually not accepted at BLS centers for long-term visas.

Step-by-Step Strategy to Pass BLS International Spain Smoothly

1. Book Your Appointment Early

During peak months (especially August to October), appointment slots at BLS International Spain can fill quickly. As soon as your documents are almost ready, start checking the online system for available dates and times.

Don’t wait until the last minute—your travel or study start date might be affected if you do.

2. Follow the Official Checklist Exactly

Each BLS center and visa type may have a slightly different checklist. Always download the latest PDF or requirements from the official website of your BLS center or Spanish consulate.

When printing and organizing your file:

• Avoid staples and unnecessary plastic folders
• Print forms single-sided
• Place documents in the order requested
• Keep copies of everything you submit

3. Secure Visa-Compliant Health Insurance Before Your Appointment

One of the easiest ways to avoid BLS delays is to arrive with the correct health insurance already in place.

Your policy should:

• Be specifically marked as Spain visa compliant
• Be issued by a Spanish insurer (e.g. ASISA, Sanitas, Adeslas, DKV)
• Offer unlimited medical coverage
• Have no co-pay and no waiting period
• Include repatriation of remains

Many applicants buy cheap travel insurance, only to find out at BLS that it doesn’t meet long-stay visa standards. That means wasted money and another appointment.

Using a provider that clearly states 100% visa-compliant Spanish health insurance with instant digital certificates can save you a lot of time and stress.

4. Arrive Early and Stay Organized

Plan to arrive at least 15–20 minutes before your appointment. Some BLS centers are strict about time and may not allow late entry.

Bring your documents in a simple, clearly labelled folder so you can access each item quickly when the officer asks for it.

5. Submit Biometrics and Keep Your Receipt Safe

After your documents are accepted, you’ll complete biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and pay your visa fees.

You’ll then receive:

• A BLS payment receipt
• A tracking reference number
• Confirmation that your file is being sent to the consulate

Keep this receipt safe—it’s your proof of submission.