The Spanish Official State Gazette (BOE) has published the Resolution of February 24, 2026, issued by the Undersecretariat of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, which formally establishes the procedure for the assessment and online payment of consular fees.
This is a relevant measure for individuals and legal entities carrying out procedures before Spanish consulates abroad, as well as Embassies and Consular Offices in Spain. Below, you can access the published Resolution (in Spanish):
We explain what this means in practice and how it may facilitate your administrative procedures.
⏺️ What are consular fees?
Consular fees are the amounts that must be paid for certain administrative or public certification services provided by Consular Offices, such as:
- Visa applications
- Legalizations and certified copies
- Consular notarial services
- Certificates
These fees are regulated under Law 9/2011, of May 10, on Consular Fees (Code 005).
⏺️ What changes under this new Resolution?
The main development is the formal establishment of the possibility to pay consular fees online through the electronic headquarters (e-office) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Online payment is voluntary. It does not necessarily eliminate existing payment systems, but it introduces a more streamlined and digital alternative.
⏺️ How does the online payment work?
💡 Although the Resolution has already been published and the legal framework is in place, the online payment system is not yet operational on the Ministry’s electronic platform. At ARC Legal, we will monitor its effective implementation and inform you as soon as it becomes available so you can use it with full legal certainty.
The procedure is carried out through Form 790, which must be completed on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ electronic headquarters. Once completed:
- You are redirected to the Spanish Tax Agency’s payment gateway.
- Payment is made (direct debit, debit/credit card, or accepted instant transfer).
- A Complete Reference Number (NRC) is generated as proof of payment.
- You may print Form 790 including the NRC, which serves as official evidence of payment.
This system enhances legal certainty, as the NRC certifies that the fee has been properly paid, similar to the system used for certain immigration procedures in Spain.
⏺️ What are the requirements?
To pay online, the applicant must:
– Have a Spanish Tax Identification Number (NIF).
– Use identification systems accepted by the Spanish Tax Agency if opting for direct debit.
– Hold a bank account with a collaborating financial institution or a card accepted by the payment platform.
It is important to verify in advance whether these requirements are met, especially in international contexts where Spanish electronic identification systems may not always be available.
⏺️ When does it enter into force?
The Resolution takes effect the day after its publication in the BOE. Therefore, the regulatory framework is already in force, although the practical operation of the system depends on its technical activation on the electronic platform.
⏺️ What are the practical implications for visas and other procedures?
From a practical standpoint, this measure may result in:
- Greater agility in visa processing.
- Fewer payment-related issues.
- The possibility of paying fees in advance before the consular appointment.
- Improved traceability and control of payment confirmation.
For many international applicants — particularly in visa or document legalization procedures — fee payment is one of the most sensitive stages of the process. An error in the amount or proof of payment may delay the entire application.
A structured online payment system helps reduce that risk.
⏺️ Our recommendation
Although the system simplifies payment, it remains essential to verify:
– Which specific fee applies to your procedure.
– The updated amount.
– Whether the relevant consulate has implemented this system or maintains specific payment instructions.
Not all procedures are the same, and in consular matters, practical criteria may vary depending on the office.
At ARC Legal, we review each case individually, including the correct calculation of fees and preparation of the corresponding form to prevent delays or issues.
If you are preparing a visa application, a legalization, or any other procedure before a Spanish consulate and want to ensure everything is properly submitted from the outset, we can assist you.
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¿Prefieres leer este artículo en español 🇪🇸? Puedes encontrarlo aquí: Pago telemático de tasas consulares: nueva regulación en España en 2026
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration law is subject to continuous interpretative and administrative changes. At ARC Legal we strive to provide up-to-date and verified information based on official sources, but we always recommend consulting with a qualified professional before starting any application or making legal decisions. If you need personalized advice, feel free to contact our firm.