Renew Your Indian Passport Without the Hassle
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How to Renew Indian Passport in Spain
The Embassy of India in Madrid and VFS Global manage Indian passport renewals in Spain. You can submit your application at centers located in Madrid, Barcelona, and Las Palmas.
The renewal process requires several steps that include online applications and in-person submissions. This detailed guide will help you smoothly complete each step. You should start your passport renewal several months before it expires to avoid complications. We will walk you through the required documents, proper application completion, and what your VFS Global appointment entails.
Requirements for Indian Passport Renewal in Spain
Getting your Indian passport renewed in Spain starts with gathering the right documents. BLS International processes all passport applications through their centers in Madrid, Barcelona, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife.
Documents needed for standard renewal
A standard passport renewal requires:
- A completed online application form from embassy.passportindia.gov.in
- Your current passport with self-attested copies of first, last, observation, and endorsement pages
- Valid Spanish residence permit card with self-attested photocopies
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Declaration form (mandatory for all applications)
Additional documents for special circumstances
Some situations need extra paperwork:
For damaged passports:
- Annexure F form
- A detailed explanation of the damage
For lost passports:
- Police report stating full name and passport number
- English translation of the police report
- Annexure F form
- You must visit BLS Madrid or Barcelona office in person
For minors (under 18):
- Both parents' passports and Spanish residence permits
- Parents' signatures on the application form
- Declaration for change of appearance
- Annexure D signed by both parents/legal guardians
Photo specifications and guidelines
Your passport photos should meet these standards:
- Size: 35 x 45 mm
- Recent (taken within 6 months)
- White background
- Clear quality with 80% face focus
- Full face, non-smiling
- No glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless for religious reasons)
BLS centers accept multiple payment methods. The fee structure might change, so double-check the latest rates. Make sure to keep your payment receipt handy for your appointment.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
The online application process is a vital first step to renew your Indian passport. You can complete this process smoothly through the Indian government's passport portal.
Create an account on the passport portal
Visit embassy.passportindia.gov.in and click the "Register" link to set up your user ID. The system will send you an activation link by email. Your account becomes active once you click this link, and you can start your application.
Fill the online application form correctly
Select "Apply for Ordinary Passport/Emergency Certificate" on your applicant homepage after logging in. The form needs precise information. Make sure all your personal details match exactly with your current passport and supporting documents.
Some important points to consider:
- Check your name spelling and date of birth twice
- Confirm your current address details
- Pick the right passport type
- Select "ECNR" if you have completed 10th grade education
Common mistakes to avoid during application
Your application might face delays or rejection due to these errors:
- Typing errors: Wrong spellings, dates, or incomplete addresses can lead to rejections
- Signature mismatches: Your signature should be identical across all documents
- Document clarity: Use only clear, readable photocopies of supporting documents
- Payment issues: Your application might get affected by pending bills or dues
- ECR/ECNR selection: Pick the right category based on your education level
Print and prepar your application package
Print your completed application form after submission. These steps are essential:
- Put your passport-sized photograph in the marked space
- Keep the signature field empty - you will sign at the BLS Center
- Arrange all supporting documents in sequence
- Get photocopies of original documents ready
- Keep your Application Reference Number (ARN) accessible
The printed form must not have any pen or pencil modifications. You'll need to submit a fresh online application if you find errors after printing.
The online portal makes renewal easier, but accuracy is still critical. A thorough review of all details before submission helps prevent delays or rejections in your passport renewal process.
Book and Attending Your VFS Appointment
Your next step in the passport renewal experience is scheduling and attending your VFS Global appointment after completing your online application.
How to schedule an appointment with VFS Global
You can book your appointment at www.vfsglobal.com/india/spain. New users need to create an account by clicking "I don't have an account." You'll get an activation link by email after registration. Once you activate your account, pick either the VFS Madrid or Barcelona center depending on where you live.
Select "Indian services" as your appointment category to renew your passport. Fill in all applicant details correctly - parents can do this for their children.
Preparing for your in-person visit
Make sure you have these items ready before your appointment:
- Printed appointment confirmation letter
- Complete application package with all required documents
- Payment method for service fees
- Original passport and residence permit
Make sure all photocopies are clear and properly self-attested. You'll need to rebook if you have missing or incomplete documentation.
What to expect during your appointment
Here's what happens during your visit:
A VFS representative will check your application package carefully. They will verify your documents meet requirements and collect biometric information if needed.
Note that you need to submit your passport during this process. The VFS center provides these extra services:
- Photo services
- Photocopy assistance
- Form filling support
- Secure courier delivery for passport return
The VFS center offers secure courier delivery for document return - each applicant needs a separate envelope. Their representative will help answer any questions about your application during the visit.
Getting to the center 15 minutes early will help with smooth processing and security checks. You must submit applications in person at the VFS center.
Track Your Application and Receive Your Passport
Your passport renewal journey starts after submitting the application. The Indian Embassy offers several ways to track your application's progress.
How to check your application status
You can track your application on the official passport portal. The system sends email notifications about your renewal status. SMS updates on your phone give you precise tracking details. Make sure to keep your Application Reference Number (ARN) ready because you'll need it to track your application.
Estimated processing timelines
Several factors affect how long it takes to process your passport:
A standard passport re-issue takes 4-8 weeks. Some cases need more time:
- Lost or damaged passports need at least 8 weeks and can take over 3 months
- Police verification cases depend on when the verification at your Indian address gets completed
- Complex cases like adoption, single parent applications, and major name changes take 30 days or more
The process stops if you need to submit more documents. You get 7 days to provide any extra documents the embassy asks for. The embassy returns applications that stay incomplete for 20 days.
Options for passport delivery or collection
DHL delivers your new passport to your application's address. The delivery rates are:
- Peninsula and Balearic Islands: 14.89€ (including IVA)
- Canary Islands: 19.70€
Family members living at the same address can share one DHL fee for their passports. You don't need insurance because the embassy replaces lost passports during transit at no extra cost.
The embassy might ask you questions or need more documents, especially when you have police verification or complex documentation. Quick responses help avoid delays in processing your application.
Conclusion
Renewing your Indian passport in Spain might seem complex, but this piece makes the process manageable. Success depends on careful preparation - you need to gather all required documents, complete the online application accurately and attend your VFS appointment prepared.
Standard renewals typically take 4-8 weeks to process. A well-prepared application helps avoid unnecessary delays. You should begin the renewal process before your current passport expires, definitely 3-4 months ahead.
The whole process moves from the original application to passport delivery in a clear sequence. Your attention to document requirements and application details will ensure smooth processing. VFS Global staff and the Indian Embassy in Madrid are ready to help you through the renewal experience if you need clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions: Renew Indian Passport in Spain
Q1. What documents are required for renewing an Indian passport in Spain?
For a standard renewal, you'll need a completed online application form, your current passport with self-attested copies of key pages, a valid Spanish residence permit card with photocopies, recent passport-sized photographs, and a declaration form. Additional documents may be required for special circumstances like damaged or lost passports.
Q2. How long does it take to renew an Indian passport in Spain?
The standard processing time for passport renewal in Spain is typically 4-8 weeks. However, this can vary depending on individual circumstances. Cases involving lost or damaged passports, police verification, or complex situations may take longer, sometimes extending beyond 3 months.
Q3. Can I apply for passport renewal online?
Yes, you can start the renewal process online. Visit the official passport portal (embassy.passportindia.gov.in), create an account, and fill out the application form. After submission, you'll need to print the form and schedule an in-person appointment at a VFS Global center to complete the process.
Q4. How much does it cost to renew an Indian passport in Spain?
The total cost for a standard passport renewal is approximately 80.97 €, which includes a service charge, ICWF fee, and consular fee. Additional optional services like photo service, form filling assistance, and courier delivery are available for extra fees.
Q5. How can I track my passport renewal application?
You can track your application status through the official passport portal using your Application Reference Number (ARN). The Indian Embassy also provides email notifications for updates. Additionally, you can opt for SMS updates on your phone for more precise monitoring of your application progress.
