Unlike Australia (100% online), the Spanish Working Holiday is an in-person process. There is no single portal that handles everything: you complete the official national visa application form on paper/PDF, book an appointment and show up with your documents. In Buenos Aires, booking and submission are done through BLS International since October 2025. Here is the step-by-step guide to book your appointment, complete the application and avoid getting stuck in the process.
Application platform: In-person national visa application. In Buenos Aires, appointment booking and submission through BLS International (argentina.blsspainvisa.com). In Rosario, Córdoba, Mendoza and Bahía Blanca, appointment at the consulate / MAEC electronic office..
🪜 Step by step
1
Identify your consulate
Check the address on your DNI: it determines which consulate you must apply at (Buenos Aires, Rosario, Córdoba, Mendoza or Bahía Blanca). You cannot choose freely: it has to be the one for your consular jurisdiction.
2
Download the national visa application form
Get the official 'national visa application' form from the consulate's website (
exteriores.gob.es) or from BLS. It is the same form for all of Spain; you fill it in just once.
3
Fill in your personal details
First and last names EXACTLY as on your passport, date and place of birth, nationality (Argentine), passport number and address in Argentina. Any difference from your passport can delay or block the application.
4
State the visa type
In the purpose/type box, tick that you are applying for the Youth Mobility Programme visa (Working Holiday). If the form has an open field, write clearly 'Programa de Movilidad de Jóvenes – Acuerdo España-Argentina'.
5
Create your BLS account (Buenos Aires)
6
Choose a date and time
Select the visa type 'Programa Movilidad Jóvenes' and an available date. Appointments fill up fast when there is quota left: check often for new slots. Keep your appointment confirmation.
7
Prepare the NIE forms
If the consulate asks you to start the NIE at the same time, complete form EX-15 (NIE application) and the fee form 790 code 012. In Buenos Aires they are usually handled together with the visa application.
8
Sign and check everything
Sign the form. Check that your name, passport number and dates match your document. Make sure the insurance covers €30,000 and the whole stay, and that your proof of funds meets the required minimum.
9
Attend the appointment with originals and copies
Bring all documents as originals and photocopies, plus the 2 photos (4x3 cm). At BLS Buenos Aires, applications are received Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 13:00. The application is personal and cannot be delegated.
10
Pay and keep your receipts
You pay the visa fee, the NIE fee if applicable, and the BLS service charge. Fees are not refunded even if the visa is denied. Keep every receipt until you have your passport with the visa in hand.
⚠️ Common mistakes to avoid
- Entering a name or passport number that differs from the one in the document.
- Applying at the wrong consulate: it has to be the one for your DNI's jurisdiction, not the one that suits you best.
- Bringing a criminal record check that is not apostilled, or that has expired.
- Taking out insurance that does not cover €30,000, or does not include repatriation, or relying on credit card coverage (not accepted).
- Not proving your funds properly (incomplete statements, in someone else's name without explanation, or below the current SMI).
- Buying tickets before the visa has been granted: if it is denied, you lose the money.
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