How long does a Spanish Schengen visa take, and how early can I apply?

Checked on 2026-10-25

Under the EU Visa Code you can apply no more than six months before your trip (nine months for seafarers) and, as a rule, at least 15 calendar days before it. The consulate must decide within 15 calendar days of an admissible application. In individual cases, especially when closer examination is needed, this can stretch to 45 calendar days.

Key facts

What	The law says	Source
Earliest you can apply	6 months before the start of the visit (seafarers: 9 months)	Visa Code, art. 9(1) as amended by Reg. 2019/1155
Latest you should apply	As a rule, 15 calendar days before the start of the visit	Visa Code, art. 9(1) as amended
Urgent cases	Consulates may accept later applications in justified urgent cases; urgent cases are decided immediately	Visa Code, arts. 9(1) and 23(2a) as amended
Normal decision time	15 calendar days from lodging an admissible application	Visa Code, art. 23(1)
Longest decision time	Up to 45 calendar days in individual cases	Visa Code, art. 23(2) as amended
Appointment	You may have to book one before lodging the application	European Commission, “When to apply”

The application window

The Visa Code says applications are lodged no more than six months before the planned visit, nine months for seafarers in the exercise of their duties, and as a rule no later than 15 calendar days before it. In justified urgent individual cases, consulates or central authorities may allow a later application. The European Commission’s guidance repeats the 15-day and six-month limits and says you may need to book an appointment first.

How long the decision takes

The law sets 15 calendar days from the date an admissible application is lodged. In individual cases, especially when the application needs a closer look, the period can be extended to a maximum of 45 calendar days. The Spanish Consulate General in London says the 15 days run from the day after submission and that the extension to 45 days can happen when an interview or extra documents are requested. It also says applications from nationals of certain countries need consultation with central authorities, which can lengthen the procedure.

Fee: €90 for adults, €45 for children aged 6–12, per the European Commission’s guidance.
Which consulate: the one of your main destination, covering the place where you legally live (Visa Code, arts. 5–6).

Sources

Change history

2026-10-25: Page created

This is general information, not legal advice, and Lumen is not a law firm. Rules change and offices differ: check the official sources above before you act. Found something wrong or out of date? Write to support@lumen.observer.