Visa for Spain from Cape Verde: price, documents and processing time 2026

• Government fee90 EUR
• Application centre feeCapped at €45
• Agency or online serviceOptional, added on top
• ExtrasVariable

Signed application form, passport issued less than 10 years ago and valid at least 3 months beyond your return date, recent photos, travel insurance covering at least €30,000 of medical costs across the whole Schengen area, flight and accommodation bookings, and proof of funds. If you are staying with a relative in Spain, the official 'carta de invitación' issued by the Spanish police replaces the hotel booking.

The visa fee is €90 (standard Schengen rate, reduced for children). The official processing time is 15 calendar days, extendable to 45 in busy periods, in practice, allow 15 to 45 days. Ideally apply 2 months before departure to absorb any delays.

For a first application, your fingerprints are collected (VIS system); they remain valid for 59 months and simplify later applications. Your passport usually stays with the consulate during processing: avoid planning other trips over that period.

Applications are filed with Spain's representation in Cape Verde (the embassy in Praia, or its authorised service provider where applicable), at the earliest 6 months and at the latest 15 days before departure. Book your appointment early: slots fill up fast before summer and the year-end holidays. Spain must be your main destination (the country where you spend the most nights).

• Your application goes to the state that is your main destination. If Spain is where you spend the longest, it handles the file, whatever the entry point.
• With no main destination, the competent state is the one you enter first.
• If Spain has no consulate in Cape Verde, another Schengen state may act on its behalf under a representation arrangement, or the file goes to the post accredited for your country.

Then the application goes to the post accredited for Cape Verde, often in a neighbouring capital, or to a state acting on its behalf. Confirm which post is competent with the official source before travelling to a third country to apply, a rejected file at the wrong counter costs the trip and the fee.

The regime follows your nationality, not where you live. If you reside in Cape Verde but travel on another country's passport, the rule on this page is not yours. Filing usually still happens from your country of residence, at the post competent for it, but the requirement itself comes from your passport.

Non-compliant insurance (coverage below €30,000 or not valid across the whole Schengen area). Non-refundable tickets bought before the decision. A weak proof-of-funds file, the number one reason for Schengen refusals. And applying to Spain when your main stay is in another Schengen country: the application must target the country of your main stay.