Visa Refused? Your Next Steps
A Spanish visa refusal has to be reasoned. The notification has to tell you the grounds, the remedy available against the decision, where to file it and the deadline for doing so. Start there. The letter may contain a deadline, so obtain advice promptly. The right next step depends on the reason: sometimes a challenge to the decision, sometimes a corrected new application.
What the refusal must tell you
Under the immigration regulation, a refusal must:
- be reasoned, stating the facts, documents and reports it relied on;
- state its legal basis;
- name the remedy available, the body to file it with and the deadline.
Where the refusal comes from the authorisation stage (the immigration office) rather than the visa itself, the consulate must tell you in the same document about the remedies against both decisions.
Keep a copy of the letter, the date you received it and everything you submitted.
Why visas are refused
The regulation lists the grounds for refusing a visa:
- the requirements weren't shown;
- false documents, inaccurate statements, bad faith or fraud;
- an inadmissibility ground that wasn't noticed when the application was received;
- the consulate isn't satisfied, beyond doubt, about identity, the validity of the documents or the truth of the stated reasons.
In some procedures, no answer within the legal period also counts as a refusal. For example, the immigration office has a month to decide a non-lucrative authorisation, and seven days for a study authorisation.
Challenge or new application?
- Challenging the decision asks the authority, or later a court, to change it. It's a formal legal procedure with deadlines, and it suits cases where the decision may be wrong on the evidence already given.
- A corrected new application fixes what was missing or wrong, such as financial evidence, a translation or an unsuitable insurance policy. It's often the practical route when the refusal reflects a gap in the file.
Which is right depends on the reason and your circumstances, so get advice on your own case before you choose.
Help after a refusal
Both services offer help after a refusal: reviewing the decision, and then either a challenge or a corrected new application. Ask each one which steps it can take on for your case and on what terms. The providers describe different arrangements following a refusal. Check the engagement terms before paying.
Non-lucrative visa
My Spanish NLV
A review of non-lucrative visa refusals.
- Your refusal letter and grounds assessed
- Options set out: appeal or a strengthened new application
Opens provider website. No details shared.
Platinum Legal Spain
Answers on refusals, appeals and reapplying, with consultations.
- How appeals and reapplications work
- A consultation on your case
Opens provider website. No details shared.
Digital nomad visa
My Spanish DNV
Help after a digital nomad visa refusal.
- Your rejection letter assessed
- An appeal drafted and filed, or a new application
Opens provider website. No details shared.
Platinum Legal Spain
Help after a digital nomad visa refusal.
- The refusal reviewed and the cause identified
- An appeal or a stronger new application
Opens provider website. No details shared.
Student visa
My Spanish Student Visa
A guide for refused student visa applicants.
- The common grounds for refusal
- Appeal or reapply, and a call to discuss
Opens provider website. No details shared.
Platinum Legal Spain
A guide to student visa rejections and responses.
- How to read the refusal letter
- Advice on the route that fits your case
Opens provider website. No details shared.
We don't pass your details to either service. Choosing one opens its website in a new tab, where you start a separate enquiry.
If the insurance was part of the problem
Insurance that doesn't match the consulate's wording, the wrong dates, or a certificate that doesn't match the application are things to fix before any new application. We check the policy and certificate against your route before you submit. If you already hold a policy with us, tell us about the refusal, and we'll look at the options under your policy with you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to declare a previous refusal?
Application forms can ask about previous refusals. Answer accurately; the service handling your new application can advise.
Can I reapply straight away?
Do not assume you can reapply immediately; have the refusal reason reviewed first.
Where do I find the deadline?
In the refusal notification itself, which must state the remedy, where to file it and the deadline. If anything in the letter is unclear, get advice promptly.