Spain Schengen Visa
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) · For Nigeria citizens
Planning a trip to Spain as a Nigerian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for your Schengen visa application: required documents, current fees of €80, processing times of 15 to 20 calendar days, and strategies to improve your chances. With approval rates around 55% for the Nigeria to Spain corridor, thorough preparation and strong documentation are essential for success. Your visa grants access to all 29 Schengen member states.
Spain Schengen Visa for Nigerian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Nigeria citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your current passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area
Complete the official Schengen visa application form in English or Spanish
Two recent colour photographs meeting Schengen specifications
Original bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your entire trip
Documentation proving your employment status and income
Personal letter explaining the purpose of your visit and your ties to Nigeria
Confirmed hotel bookings for your entire stay in Spain
Round-trip flight booking showing entry and exit from the Schengen area
Detailed day-by-day plan of your activities in Spain
Valid travel insurance covering medical emergencies and repatriation in all Schengen states
Evidence demonstrating strong reasons to return to Nigeria after your visit
Fingerprints and digital photograph taken at BLS Spain Visa Application Centre
Recommended (Optional)
Official invitation letter issued by the Spanish National Police (Policía Nacional de España)
Documents proving family relationships for group applications
Notarized affidavit from the non-travelling parent authorizing travel
Application Process
All Spain visa applications from Nigeria must be submitted through the BLS Spain Visa Application Centre in Lagos.1 The process involves several steps that must be completed in person.
1. Prepare Your Documents
Gather all required documents according to the official checklist.2 Ensure bank statements have original stamps and signatures, as online-only statements are not accepted. Make colour photocopies of your passport data page and all previous visas.
2. Complete Application Forms
Download and fill out the Schengen Visa Application Form in both English and Spanish versions.1 Use blue or black ballpoint pen. Sign in the designated boxes. Ensure all information matches your supporting documents exactly.
3. Book Your Appointment
Create an account on the BLS Spain Nigeria portal and book an appointment.1 Appointments should be made well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (summer and Christmas periods). Submission times are from 8:00 to 14:00.
4. Attend Biometrics and Submit Application
Visit the BLS centre on your appointment date with all documents.1 Your biometrics (fingerprints and digital photo) will be captured. Pay the visa fee and service charge at the bank inside the centre. Original documents will be retained until the decision is made.
5. Wait for Decision
Processing takes 15 to 20 calendar days.1 Track your application status online through the BLS portal. Once a decision is made, collect your passport from the centre between 8:00 and 16:00.
Fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Schengen Visa (Adult) | €80 / NGN 160,200 |
| Schengen Visa (Child 6-12) | €40 / NGN 80,100 |
| Schengen Visa (Under 6) | Free |
| BLS Service Charge | NGN 30,100 |
All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, even if your visa is refused.1 Payment must be made in cash at the bank inside the BLS centre. The visa fee in Naira is subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
What You Need to Prove
Spanish visa officers evaluate your application based on several key factors.3 You must demonstrate:
- Intent to leave: Strong evidence you will return to Nigeria before your visa expires3
- Sufficient funds: Financial resources to support yourself at minimum €90 per day3
- Genuine purpose: A clear, legitimate reason for visiting Spain for tourism3
- Valid documentation: All required documents complete, current, and authentic1
The burden of proof is on you. Officers will refuse applications if they have any doubt about your intentions or documentation.
Processing Times
Standard processing time for Spain Schengen visa applications from Nigeria is 15 to 20 calendar days.1 This is measured from the date you submit your complete application at the BLS centre.
Processing may take longer (up to 45 days) if:1
- Additional documentation is requested
- Your application requires detailed examination
- Security or verification checks are needed
You can submit your application up to 180 days (approximately 6 months) before your intended travel date, but no later than 15 days before departure.1 Apply at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance to avoid delays affecting your travel plans.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your Schengen visa will be affixed to your passport. The visa sticker shows the validity period and number of entries (single, double, or multiple). Your Spain Schengen visa grants access to all 29 Schengen member states, including France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, and others.4
At the Spanish border (or any Schengen entry point), immigration officers may ask to see:
- Return flight tickets to Nigeria
- Proof of accommodation for your stay
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Travel insurance certificate
- Detailed travel itinerary
Having a valid visa does not guarantee entry. Border officers make the final decision based on your documentation and responses.
If Your Visa is Refused
If your visa application is refused, you will receive a letter stating the reasons for refusal. Nigerian applicants face a rejection rate of approximately 45%, so refusals are common.
Your options after refusal:
-
Understand the reasons: The refusal letter will cite specific grounds. Common reasons include insufficient financial evidence, weak ties to Nigeria, or incomplete documentation.
-
Address the issues: Gather new or additional evidence that directly addresses each concern raised in the refusal letter.
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Reapply with improvements: There is no waiting period to reapply, but submitting the same application without changes will likely result in another refusal.
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Appeal the decision: In some cases, you may appeal to the Spanish authorities within one month of receiving the refusal notification. Appeals are handled by the Consulate General of Spain.
Consider consulting an immigration professional if you have received multiple refusals or have complex circumstances.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Insufficient Financial Documentation
Bank statements do not demonstrate sufficient funds to cover the trip, show suspicious patterns, or include large unexplained deposits close to the application date. The required minimum is €90 per day of stay.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of consistent bank statements with regular salary credits. Avoid sudden large deposits. Include fixed deposits, savings, and investment accounts. Your balance should exceed estimated trip costs by a comfortable margin.
Doubts About Intent to Return
The officer is not satisfied that you will leave the Schengen area at the end of your stay. Lack of evidence showing strong ties to Nigeria such as stable employment, property ownership, business interests, or family obligations.
How to avoid: Provide comprehensive proof of ties: property documents (Certificate of Occupancy), employment letter showing tenure of 2+ years, CAC business registration if self-employed, marriage certificate, birth certificates of dependent children, and investment portfolios in Nigeria.
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing required documents, errors in the application form, documents not matching the checklist requirements, or information that contradicts across different documents.
How to avoid: Use the official BLS checklist meticulously. Cross-verify all dates and figures match across documents. Ensure bank statements have original stamps and signatures. Do not submit photocopies where originals are required.
Unclear Purpose of Travel
The travel purpose is vague, implausible, or does not match the documents submitted. A poorly planned itinerary or unrealistic travel plans raise concerns about genuine tourism intent.
How to avoid: Provide a detailed, realistic day-by-day itinerary. Include specific attractions you plan to visit. Your itinerary should match your accommodation bookings. Explain clearly in your cover letter why you want to visit Spain.
Invalid or Insufficient Travel Insurance
Travel insurance does not meet Schengen requirements: coverage below €30,000, not valid in all Schengen states, or duration does not cover entire stay plus buffer period.
How to avoid: Purchase insurance from BLS-approved providers like Europ Assistance or SIA Insurance. Ensure minimum €30,000 coverage for medical emergencies and repatriation. Coverage must extend 15 days beyond your planned departure from the Schengen area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in Spain with a Schengen visa?
A Schengen visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period in Spain and other Schengen member states combined. You cannot extend this stay without leaving the Schengen area for at least 90 days.
Can I visit other European countries with a Spain Schengen visa?
Yes. Your Spain Schengen visa grants access to all 29 Schengen member states including France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, and others. However, Spain must be your main destination or first point of entry.
How long does Spain visa processing take from Nigeria?
Standard processing time is 15 to 20 calendar days from the date you submit your application. In some cases, processing may take up to 45 days if additional documentation or verification is required.
What is the Spain Schengen visa fee for Nigerians in 2025?
The visa fee is €80 for adults, €40 for children aged 6-12, and free for children under 6. Additionally, BLS International charges a service fee of NGN 30,100 per application.
Do I need to book flights before applying for a Spain visa?
You need to show flight reservations, but it is strongly recommended to book refundable tickets only. Do not purchase non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
What is the approval rate for Spain visas from Nigeria?
The approval rate for Nigerian applicants seeking Spain Schengen visas is approximately 55%. This means thorough preparation and strong documentation are essential for success.
Where do I submit my Spain visa application in Nigeria?
All Spain visa applications from Nigeria are submitted through the BLS Spain Visa Application Centre in Lagos. You must book an appointment online before visiting the centre.
How much money do I need to show for a Spain visa?
You must demonstrate minimum financial means of €90 per day of stay, with an absolute minimum of €810 for any trip. Your bank statements should show funds comfortably exceeding your total estimated trip costs.
Can I work in Spain on a tourist Schengen visa?
No. The Schengen tourist visa does not permit any form of work, paid or unpaid. If you need to work in Spain, you must apply for a separate work visa or residence permit.
What happens if my Spain visa is refused?
You will receive a refusal letter stating the reasons. You can reapply with improved documentation addressing the issues, or in some cases, you may appeal the decision to the Spanish authorities within one month of receiving the refusal.