Whether you’re applying for a visa in your home country’s Consulate or extending your residency through the Spanish Immigration authorities, you will normally come across two results: approval or denial. However, sometimes a letter will arrive to you stating a “Requerimiento” or “Trámite - Requerido”. What does this mean for your visa application?

If you are not familiar with Spanish administrative and bureaucratic procedures, this may sound concerning. But, don’t panic! Getting a requerimiento doesn’t mean your visa application was denied or rejected, rather—it is an extra step within the Spanish immigration process.

This article explains what a requerimiento is, why it’s issued, and what are the next steps to follow in order to avoid delays or complications in your visa or residency process.

What is a Requerimiento and Why is it Issued?

A requerimiento is a formal request issued the Spanish immigration authorities asking for additional documentation or information regarding your visa or residence application. It indicates that the authorities require further clarification before making a decision or moving forward with the process. At this stage, the application remains open and is under review.

Instead of directly rejecting the application, the immigration authorities give you an opportunity to clarify your situation and strengthen your submission.

Most requerimientos are issued due to:

• Additional documentation
• Missing or unpaid tasa (administrative fee) payments

What to Do after Receiving a Requerimiento

Once a requerimiento is received, it is important to act promptly but accurate.

1. Review the notice carefully. Identify what is the exact document or fee you are missing.
2. Prepare the documentation needed. Ensure that it meets the Spanish administrative qualifications such as legalizations and sworn translations before submitting them.
3. Submit the response within the timeframe given. It is important to follow the deadline stated in the notice as late or incomplete submissions may lead to archived or denied application.

Understanding Deadlines: Días Hábiles vs. Días Naturales

The deadline for responding to a requerimiento will be specified in the request itself. It is legally binding, thus it must calculated correctly.

There are two types of days normally stated:

• Días naturales (calendar days) include all days, even weekends and public holidays.
• Días hábiles (business days) only include working days, typically Monday-Friday, excluding public holidays.

The countdown for a response begins the day after the requerimiento notice is received and not the same day. Misinterpreting this detail can significantly affect the outcome of the application.

Conclusion

A requerimiento does not constitute a rejection; however, it must be handled with accuracy and urgency. A strategic and properly prepared response can be decisive in determining whether a visa or residence permit application is approved or denied.

Here at Innolegals, we assist clients with:

• Legal review of requerimientos
• Document preparation and compliance
• Deadline calculation (días hábiles vs. días naturales)
• Submission of responses to Spanish immigration authorities

If you have received a requerimiento and want to avoid your application being archived or denied, timely and accurate action is essential. Contact Innolegals and let our experts guide you step by step.