Your complete guide to applying for Spain's Digital Nomad Visa through the Spanish Consulate General in London. Learn about BLS appointments, required documents, processing times, and the step-by-step application process for England & Wales residents.
Overview of the consulate's role in DNV applications
The Spanish Consulate General in London handles Digital Nomad Visa applications for all residents of England and Wales. The consulate is responsible for reviewing applications, verifying documentation, and issuing visas for eligible applicants.
London consulate has dedicated DNV staff trained in the latest requirements and timelines. The jurisdiction covers:
Scotland & Northern Ireland: Applicants in Scotland apply through the Spanish Consulate General in Edinburgh. Northern Ireland residents should also contact Edinburgh for guidance.
Applying through the London consulate offers advantages if you're UK-based:
However, many London applicants find it faster to apply through the UGE (Unidad de Gestión Exterior) in Spain, which processes DNV applications in approximately 20 days—much quicker than the London consulate's typical 4–12 week timeline.
Outsourced visa processing and appointment booking
BLS International is an outsourced visa processing centre contracted by the Spanish government. You don't submit your application directly to the consulate—instead, you book an appointment with BLS, submit your documents there, and BLS forwards everything to the consulate for review.
Address: BLS International UK Ltd, 39 Kensington High Street, London W8 5NP
Phone: +44 (0) 203 011 0909
Email: info@blsuk.com
Website: www.blsspain-uk.com
Go to the BLS Spain UK website and select "Digital Nomad Visa" as your visa type.
Register with your email address. You'll receive a confirmation email with login credentials.
Fill out the online form with personal information, employment details, and income confirmation.
Choose an available date and time. Slots typically fill 2–4 weeks in advance during peak season (spring–summer).
Bring all original documents, copies, and your application confirmation. BLS staff will verify documents and collect your application.
BLS London is very busy—appointments fill quickly. To maximize your chances:
BLS Service Charge: Approximately £10–15 per application
This is in addition to the Spanish visa fee (which is paid separately if your application is approved).
Arrive early and bring originals: BLS staff verify documents on-site. Missing originals will result in appointment cancellation and rescheduling.
8-step process from preparation to visa collection
Collect your passport, ACRO certificate (criminal record check), HMRC letters (tax returns or certificate of income), recent UK bank statements (6 months), and employment contracts or client agreements. Request apostilles on documents that require them.
Submit documents requiring apostilles to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or UK government apostille service. Processing typically takes 3–5 working days.
Have any documents not already in English or Spanish translated by a sworn translator (traductor jurado). UK bank statements, ACRO certificates, and employment letters should be translated.
Complete the online BLS application form. Ensure your income meets the minimum requirement (€2,300/month gross) and gather bank statements proving consistent income over the past 12 months.
Log into the BLS portal and select an available appointment date. Aim for 4–6 weeks out to allow time for document preparation. Confirm the date in writing.
Arrive 15 minutes early with all originals and copies. BLS staff will verify documents, scan your application, and provide a receipt with a reference number for consulate tracking.
The consulate will review your application. You can track progress using your BLS reference number. Processing varies; some applications are approved within 4 weeks, others take up to 12 weeks.
The consulate will notify you when your visa is ready for collection. You can collect it in person at the consulate or have it mailed to your UK address (additional postal fee may apply).
Total Timeline: From document gathering to visa collection typically takes 10–16 weeks, depending on processing speed and how quickly you prepare documents.
London-specific requirements and UK documentation rules
The following UK documents must have an apostille (UK government certification):
How to get UK apostilles:
UK documents must be translated into Spanish by a traductor jurado (sworn translator approved by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Required translations include:
Finding a sworn translator:
| Document | Original | Apostille | Translation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passport | ✓ | – | – | Valid 18+ months |
| ACRO Certificate | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | DBS order online |
| HMRC Documents | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Tax return or CoR |
| Bank Statements (6mo) | ✓ | – | ✓ | Min €2,300/mo income |
| Employment Contract | ✓ | – | ✓ | Self-employed or employed |
| Health Insurance | ✓ | – | – | Spain-valid coverage |
Typical timelines and factors affecting approval speed
From BLS submission to visa approval: 4–12 weeks
However, timelines vary significantly:
After 8 weeks without update: Contact BLS with your reference number. They can request a status check from the consulate.
After 12 weeks: Escalate to the consulate directly. You have the right to know your application status.
If documents are requested: The consulate will email you via BLS. Respond within 10–14 days to avoid application rejection.
Important: Do not submit a new application or book a new BLS appointment if you're waiting for consulate feedback. Contact the consulate directly first.
Why many London applicants apply through the UGE instead
You have two options for applying as a UK resident:
Many London applicants choose to apply through Spain's UGE because it's significantly faster. Here's how the routes compare:
Processing Time: 4–12 weeks
Cost: BLS fee (~£10–15) + apostille/translation costs (~£200–400)
Pros:
Cons:
Processing Time: ~20 days
Cost: UGE fee (~€80–100) + apostille/translation costs (~£200–400)
Pros:
Cons:
Choose London if:
Choose Spain UGE if:
Many clients use My Spanish Visa's application services to handle the UGE route, which is much faster despite the travel requirement.
Where to apply based on your UK residence
Temporary residence in different region? Apply through the consulate corresponding to your permanent address or where you hold a residential lease. If you're moving house during the application, notify the consulate immediately.
No. You must apply through the consulate corresponding to your residence. However, if you're planning to move to Scotland or relocate, some applicants have successfully requested a transfer to the appropriate consulate. Contact BLS or the consulate to discuss.
Best practices to speed up your application
Still waiting? My Spanish Visa clients with London Consulate delays can request expedited review. Book a consultation for assistance.
Recommended insurance specialists
Spanish Health Insurance — visa-compliant private health insurance for English-speaking foreigners in Spain.
247 Expat Insurance — health and all types of expat insurance in Spain, tailored for international residents.
Get expert guidance on your London Consulate application. My Spanish Visa has helped 8,000+ applicants navigate the UK route—we know the shortcuts and common pitfalls.
Common questions from London applicants
We recommend booking 6 weeks in advance. During peak season (April–July), appointments fill 8–10 weeks out. If you're applying in off-peak months (September–February), you may get slots 2–4 weeks out. Create your BLS account as early as possible—you can book the moment you're ready with all documents.
The consulate will email you via BLS with a list of additional documents needed. You typically have 10–14 days to respond. Submit the requested documents through the BLS portal or by mail. Processing restarts once the consulate receives them, adding another 2–4 weeks to your timeline. This is one reason why submitting a complete application the first time is critical.
The consulate will notify you when your visa is ready. You can collect it in person at the Spanish Consulate General in London (1 Montagu Place, London W1H 2AL) during business hours. Alternatively, they can mail it to your UK address for a small postal fee. Personal collection is faster and avoids postal delays.
If your application hasn't been approved after 12 weeks, contact BLS with your reference number and request a status update from the consulate. Extended delays sometimes happen due to staff holidays or high application volume. You have the right to know where your application stands. If the consulate requests additional information, respond immediately to avoid further delays.
If your employment or income changes significantly during processing, notify the consulate immediately. Minor changes (like a new client) don't require resubmission. However, if your income drops below €2,300/month or your employment ends, you may need to reapply. Contact BLS to discuss your specific situation.
If you live in England or Wales, apply through London. If you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland, apply through Edinburgh. Your jurisdiction is determined by your permanent residence address (not where you're visiting). If you're in the process of moving, apply through the consulate for your current address and notify them of your planned move.
The London Consulate does not offer formal expedited processing (unlike some other visa types). However, Spain's UGE offers standard processing in 20 days. If speed is a priority, many applicants find it faster to apply through the UGE in Spain or hire a visa agent. See our UK vs Spain route comparison guide for details.
There is no Spanish Consulate in Manchester. England is served by the London consulate (with BLS in London). Manchester residents must apply through London. However, some applicants choose the faster UGE route in Spain if they don't want to travel to London for a BLS appointment. See our Manchester applicant guide for alternative options.
Appointments are booked through the consulate's online appointment system at the Spanish Embassy London website. During peak periods, appointments book out 6-10 weeks in advance. Check availability as soon as you start preparing documents.
UK applicants must obtain an ACRO Police Certificate — not a standard DBS check. ACRO covers the entire UK police database and meets the Spanish consulate requirement. Apply at acro.police.uk. The certificate needs to be apostilled by the FCDO and sworn translated into Spanish.
The FCDO apostille service typically takes 2-3 weeks by post. Faster turnaround is available through registered solicitors at higher cost. Budget 3-4 weeks minimum when planning your application timeline.
Yes. If you're already legally in Spain, you can apply for the DNV from within Spain at the Oficina de Extranjeros (UGE). This in-country route grants a 3-year initial residence authorisation rather than 1 year, and avoids the consulate appointment wait.
Yes. UK nationals who obtain the Digital Nomad Visa and register in Spain can apply for the Beckham Law — a flat 24% tax rate on Spanish-source income up to €600,000 for up to 6 years. Apply via Form 149 within 6 months of registering with Spanish social security.
The income threshold is approximately €2,646/month (200% of the Spanish SMI in 2026). For UK applicants, this is roughly £2,200+/month using typical exchange rates. Bank statements and employer documentation must clearly show this level of consistent income.
More information about Spain's Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa process can be complex, especially when dealing with UK documentation and apostilles. My Spanish Visa specializes in London consulate applications and has helped thousands of UK residents navigate the process successfully.
Your visa application requires proof of comprehensive health insurance valid in Spain. We recommend: