Spain Visas

Written by Mike Arnold Moderated by Oleksandra Dosii

Mike Arnold

Mike is a freelance writer with eight years of experience and a love for travel, all things business, tabletop games and green tea.

Oleksandra Dosii

Oleksandra is a dedicated marketer with a passion for growing HR-tech products. She believes content marketing is about delivering high-quality content that provides value—not just generating leads. Since 2016, Oleksandra has been involved in tech talent relocation.

Last update: September 20, 2024

Next update: Scheduled for February 1, 2025

Spain, a country renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes, attracts millions of visitors each year for both business and leisure. In 2023 alone, the country saw over 85 million tourist arrivals, making it one of the most popular global travel destinations.

Whether you're drawn to its historical landmarks, bustling cities, or picturesque countryside, you’ll need to understand Spain's visa requirements before your trip to ensure a smooth journey.

This guide will provide you with detailed information on Spain's visa types, application procedures, and necessary documents, ensuring your journey to Spain is smooth and enjoyable.

When do you need a visa for Spain?

Spain is part of the Schengen Area, allowing visa-free travel for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for citizens of many countries.

If you plan to stay in Spain for less than 90 days for tourism, business, or visiting family or friends, you may not need a visa, depending on your nationality.

Some of the other visa options include:

• Long stays & work: If your stay in Spain will exceed 90 days, or if you intend to work in Spain even for a shorter period, you'll need a national visa (long-stay visa) or a residence permit. This applies to third-country nationals, meaning those who are not citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland.
• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland do not need a visa to live, work, or study in Spain for any duration. However, they must register for a residence in Spain once they arrive.
• Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: Family members accompanying EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who benefit from the right to free movement must apply for a residence permit in Spain. If they require a visa due to their nationality, they should apply for a visa for family members of an EU citizen.
• National Visa & Schengen travel: While a national visa allows you to stay in Spain for longer than 90 days, it also permits you to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, meeting all entry requirements at the border is still necessary.

Remember:

• The specific visa requirements and exemptions can vary depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, so always check the official web pages for up-to-date information or use a professional visa consultant service.

Spain visa requirements

The requirements for a Spanish visa vary dramatically depending on the visa you're applying for, so always check the individual visa page to see what is needed.

However, there are some general requirements you'll need to get sorted that include:

• Completed application form: Fill out the official visa application form accurately and completely. The form can usually bedownloaded from the website of the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country or obtained from a visa application centre.
• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in Spain and have at least two blank pages.
• Passport photos: Provide recent passport-sized photographs that meet the specified requirements (usually two photos).
• Travel medical insurance: You must have travel medical insurance that covers your stay in Spain and the Schengen Area. The minimum coverage amount istypically €30,000.
• Proof of accommodation: Provide evidence of where you will be staying in Spain, such as hotel reservations, a rental agreement, or a letter of invitation from a host.
• Proof of sufficient funds: Demonstrate that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Spain, which is typically a minimum of €114 per day. This can be done through bank statements, payslips, or other financial documents.
• Documents related to the purpose of your visit: Depending on the type of visa you are applying for, you may need to provide additional documents, such as:
  • Employment Visa: Employment contract or job offer letter from a Spanish employer.
  • Student Visa: Acceptance letter from a Spanish educational institution.
  • Family Reunion Visa: Proof of relationship with the Spanish resident or citizen.
  • Business Visa: Invitation letter from a Spanish company or organisation.

Remember:

• The specific requirements may vary depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for.
• It's always recommended to check the official website of the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country or a visa application centre for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
• All documents should be in Spanish or translated into Spanish by a certified translator. You can find the full list here.

How to get a permanent residence permit in Spain?

Once you have fulfilled the residency requirements, applying for a permanent residence permit in Spain is a relatively straightforward process.

Application process

1. Gather documents: Prepare the necessary documents, including the application form (EX-17 form), your current passport and residency permit, proof of residence in Spain, medical certificate, health insurance, and evidence of living in Spain for the required period (usually five years). You may also need to provide additional documents such as criminal record certificates or marriage/divorce certificates.
2. Submit your application: Take your completed application and supporting documents to the relevant police station or immigration department in Spain. It is advisable to apply approximately three months before your current visa or permit expires.
3. Await a notification: If your application is successful, you will receive an official notification.
4. Complete the process: Visit the local police station to provide your fingerprints and finalise the application.
5. Collect your card: You will typically receive your permanent resident card within a month.

Costs

The cost of applying for permanent residency in Spain is generally low. The application fee itself is €80. You may also incur minor fees for obtaining certain documents or translations if needed.

Learn More

How do I get Spanish citizenship?

There are several paths to acquiring Spanish citizenship:

Citizenship by naturalisation

To obtain Spanish citizenship by naturalisation, you must meet the following requirements:

• Residency: You must have resided in Spain legally and continuously for at least ten years. 

  Exceptions: Refugees can apply after 5 years, and nationals from Ibero-American countries, Spanish territories, or those of Sephardic Jewish origin can apply after 2 years.

• Clean criminal record: You must have no criminal record in Spain or your country of origin.

• Language and cultural knowledge: You must pass two exams:

  ◦ The A2 Spanish language test (DELE)

  ◦ The cultural exam (CCSE)

Other paths to citizenship

• Citizenship by marriage: You can apply for citizenship if you marry a Spanish citizen and plan to reside in Spain.
• Citizenship by descent: You may be eligible for citizenship through your maternal or paternal line or grandparents.
• Citizenship by possession of status: If you have been using Spanish nationality for ten years in good faith, unaware that you were not a Spanish national, you may be able to apply for citizenship based on this.

Learn More