In this article
If you’re planning to visit Spain’s beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and historical treasures, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa. Understanding the application procedure and requirements is crucial, whether it’s for leisure, business, or study.
Our visa experts have crafted the following guide to assist you at every stage of the Spain Schengen visa application process. Filled with valuable insights and in-depth information based on our expertise, this comprehensive guide will help you thoroughly prepare for your Spain visa application.
How to Apply for a Schengen Visa for Spain?
The application process for a Schengen visa for Spain is as follows:
- Check whether you need a visa.
- Understand the visa type you need.
- Determine where to apply.
- Complete the visa application form.
- Schedule your Spanish visa appointment.
- Compile the document checklist.
- Attend the scheduled appointment.
- Await visa application processing.
- Collect your passport.
Check Whether You Need a Visa to Visit Spain
It’s important first to verify whether you need a Spain visa or not. This can change depending on your nationality and whether your country has a visa agreement with Spain.
Who Needs a Visa to Visit Spain?
You need to apply for a Spain visa if you are:
- A citizen of a non-EUcountry that has not reached a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU.
- A citizen of a non-EU country that has reached a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU, but you were rejected from entering Spain or any other Schengen country visa-free.
Exemptions from Visa Requirements
You are exempt from applying for a visa to enter Spain if you fall into any of the following categories:
- You are a citizen of an EU member state, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland.
- You hold a passport from the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, or anyother country with a visa liberalisation agreement with the EU.
- You possess a valid residence permit from any country within the Schengen area.
For those exempt from a visa, check out the required documents for entry into Spain. It’s always good to be prepared!
Understand the Visa Type You Need
Depending on your reasons for applying for a Spain visa you can apply for either a short-term visa (Schengen visa) or a long-term visa (national visa).
Short Stay Visa Types
- Airport transit visa. You need to apply for a transit visa if you are travelling through Spain as a transit country before reaching your main destination.
- Tourist visa. You need this visa if you are visiting Spain for purely tourism purposes.
- Visitor visa. If you have a family member or a friend who you want to visit in Spain, then you need a visitor visa.
- Medical treatment visa. This visa will allow you to seek medical treatment at a hospital or medical facility in Spain for short-term stays.
- Cultural visit and sports visa. You need to apply for this visa if you plan on visiting Spain for a cultural event, sporting event, festival, concert, attending an award ceremony, or as a part of a filming crew.
- Business visa. This visa will be issued if you have plans on doing business in Spain, such as meeting a business partner or attending a business conference.
- Schengen visa for official visits. You can apply for this visa if you have an official or diplomatic passport and you will be visiting Spain on official business.
- Short term study visa. This visa allows you to attend a short-term study program in Spain for up to 90 days.
Long-Stay Visa Types
- Work visa. You need this visa if you have an employer or work contract in Spain.
- Family visa. This visa is issued to family members who want to join someone who is a resident or citizen of Spain.
- Student visa. This visa is issued for long-term study purposes such as completing a Bachelor’s or a Masters.
- Working holiday visa. This visa is issued to young people between 18 to 30 to nationals of specific countries to work and enjoy a holiday in Spain at the same time.
- Digital nomad visa. You can apply for this visa if you are a digital nomad and want to work from Spain.
- Retiree visa. This visa allows you to move to Spain and spend your retirement there if you have the financial means to support yourself.
- Non-lucrative visa. You can apply for this visa if you want a residence permit to live in Spain but not work; you need enough money to support yourself and your family.
- Spain Golden visa. This visa grants residence to non-EU nationals who plan to make substantial investments in the Spanish economy.
Determine Where to Apply for a Spain Visa
The location where you should submit your Spanish Short-Stay visa application is determined by your place of residence. See below to find out whether you need to submit your visa application directly to the Spanish Embassy/Consulate or through the authorized visa application centers.
Finding the Right Submission Location
To find the place where you need to submit your Spain visa application, you can use the tool below:
Schengen Visa Wizard
I am a citizen of:
I am travelling to:
I am travelling from:
Have you ever been denied entry into the Schengen Area?
Do you hold a valid residence permit of ?
BLS International
If you are a resident of Algeria, Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, or South Africa, you should submit you application at BLS International in your country of residence.
Residents of Abuja, Nigeria should apply at the German Embassy in Abuja.
VFS Global
Spain Schengen visa applications may be submitted at the following VFS Global Centers:
- If you are a resident of Kyrgyzstan, you can apply for a Spain visa at the Hungarian visa application center VFS Global in Bishkek.
- If you are a resident of Sri Lanka, you can apply for a Spain visa at the French visa application center VFS Global in Colombo.
- Residents of Laos should submit their application at the German visa application center VFS Global in Vientiane
- Residents of Mongolia should submit their application at the German visa application center VFS Global in Ulan Bator.
TLS Contact
If you are a resident of Cambodia, Madacascar, or the Republic of the Congo, you can apply for a Spain visa at the French visa application center TLS Contact.Residents of Rwanda should submit their application at the Belgian visa application center TLS Contact.
Capago
If you are a resident of Azerbaijan, Benin, or Burkina Faso you should apply for a Spain visa at the French visa application center CAPAGO.
French Embassy or Consulate
If you are a resident of Belarus, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Mauritius, Myanmar, or Saint Lucia you should apply for a Spain visa at the French Embassy or Consulate. Residents of Belarus may also apply at the Latvian visa application center VFS Global in Vitebsk.
Embassy or Consulate of other Schengen countries
- Canadian residents should apply at Spanish Consulates General or the Spanish Embassy, except for the residents of Vancouver who need to apply at the Swiss Consulate General in Vancouver.
- If you are a resident of Burundi, you should apply at the Belgian Embassy in Bujumbura.
- If you are a resident of Georgia, you should submit your application at the Dutch Embassy in Tbilisi.
- If you are a resident of Moldova, you should submit your application at the Czech Embassy in Chisinau.
- If you are a resident of Montenegro, you should submit your application at the Slovene Embassy in Podgorica.
- Residents of North Korea, may apply at the Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang
- If you are a resident of São Tomé and Príncipe, you should apply at the Portugese Embassy in São Tomé.
Spain Schengen visa applications from all other countries not mentioned above can be submitted at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.
Who Should Apply for a Schengen Visa at the Spanish Embassy/Consulate/VAC?
If Spain is the only country in the Schengen Area you plan to visit, it’s straightforward – apply at the Spanish embassy/consulate or the authorized Visa Application Center (VAC) in your country of residence.
However, if your journey includes Spain and at least one more Schengen state, apply at the Spanish embassy/consulate/VAC in your country of residence only if:
- You will spend more days in Spain than in the other Schengen countries.
- You will spend an equal amount of time in each country, but you are starting your Schengen adventure by entering through Spain.
You can’t apply for a short-stay Spanish visa from a country where you are currently on a short-stay visa. You must hold a residence permit in the country where you are applying.
For more in-depth details, please refer to:How to Choose the Right Embassy/Consulate/VAC to Submit the Visa Application
Complete the Spanish Visa Application Form
To apply for a Spanish visa, you can download the application form from the Spanish Embassy or Consulate website, the BLS International website, or by following this link based on where you apply. Remember that each visa applicant must fill out and sign the Spanish visa application form individually. Also, each applicant must complete a separate form. Lastly, do not forget to sign the application form.
Learn how to fill out the visa application form correctly
Book Your Spanish Visa Appointment
After you have completed the Spanish visa application form, you must set an appointment.
Make the Appointment
Depending on where you live, you have the option to make an appointment with one of the following:
- BLS International. If you are a resident of Algeria, Armenia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Cameroon, China, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Nepal, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, or South Africa.
- VFS Global. If you are a resident of Belarus (Vitebsk only), Kyrgyzstan, Sri Lanka, Laos, or Mongolia.
- TLS Contact. If you are a resident of Cambodia, Madacascar, the Republic of the Congo, or Rwanda.
- Capago. If you are a resident of Azerbaijan, Benin, or Burkina Faso.
- French Embassy or Consulate. If you are a resident of Belarus, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Djibouti, Mauritius, Myanmar, or Saint Lucia.
- Spanish Embassy or Consulate. If you live anywhere else in the world.
- Embassies and Consulates of other Schengen countries to whom Spain has delegated the processing of visa applications:
| Residence | Visa issuing authority |
|---|---|
| Burundi | Belgian Embassy in Bujumbura |
| Canada (Vancouver only) | Swiss Consulate General in Vancouver |
| Georgia | Dutch Embassy in Tbilisi |
| Moldova | Czech Embassy in Chisinau |
| Montenegro | Slovene Embassy in Podgorica |
| Nigeria (Abuja only) | German Embassy in Abuja |
| North Korea | Swedish Embassy in Pyongyang |
| São Tomé and Príncipe | Portugese Embassy in São Tomé |
When Should I Make an Appointment?
You should make an appointment to submit your application between 6 months and 15 days before your planned travel date. Seafarers can apply for a visa up to 9 months before their trip.
How Long Do I Have to Wait for an Appointment?
This depends on the overload of applications in the application centre in your country, but it can take between a few days to a few months. Usually, appointment slots in the summer are booked very early in the year, which makes it more difficult to find available slots during the summer months.
Appointment Fee
Scheduling an appointment for a Spanish visa application is free of charge. However, there are other fees associated with the application process, which we have outlined below in this article.
We highly advise against scheduling appointments through non-accredited third-party intermediaries, as they may add extra fees.
How Can I Cancel or Change an Appointment?
If you’re eligible to apply for a Spain visa BLS (see above the list of countries), you can cancel your appointment via the designated website from where you apply in your country. There will be an option “cancel appointment” found at the top of the page, and you’re required to submit your appointment number, date of birth, name, and reasons for canceling your appointment.
If you made your appointment via an embassy or consulate, then you may be required to cancel the appointment via a specific email address— the embassy or consulate will let you know how you can do this.
Please note that you’re allowed to cancel your appointment a minimum of one day before your scheduled appointment.
Compile the Document Checklist
In order to obtain a Schengen visa, applicants need to follow a standardized set of documents specified in the Schengen visa code, though there may be some variations for each member country.
To meet the short-term stay visa requirements for Spain, applicants must submit the following documents to the Spanish embassy or consulate:
- The Spanish Schengen visa application form.
- Documents generally required for any Schengen visa application.
- Schengen visa insurance. The insurance should have a minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical emergencies and include repatriation in the event of death.
Each visa application undergoes a personalized review, so the required documents may differ. The Spanish authorities may also ask for additional documentation in some cases.
Understanding the Requirement for Travel Insurance
Travel Medical Insurance is compulsory for Schengen visas underRegulation (EU) 2009/810of the European Parliament.
Spanish visa applicants can obtain visa insurance from either Europ Assistanceorvti.travel, a European insurance comparison website, comparing insurance policies of AXA, Allianz, Europ Assistance and Mutuaide.
These insurance providers are acknowledged and accepted by Spanish Embassies and Consulates worldwide. Moreover, you can cancel the insurance at no cost by submitting proof of Spanish visa rejection.
Minimum Bank Balance
To obtain a Spanish Schengen visa, you are required to have a minimum of €45 per day to cover your expenses in Spain for the duration of your stay.
Other ways to prove financial subsistence for Schengen Visa
Attend the Scheduled Appointment
Make sure to arrive at the embassy, consulate, or VAC on time for your scheduled appointment. Remember to bring all the required documents in their original format, including any photocopies or supporting materials, as specified.
Biometrics
During your scheduled appointment, your biometrics will be collected (photo and fingerprints). Applicants under 12 years of age or who have had their fingerprints recorded within the last 59 months are exempt from fingerprinting. However, if the fingerprints obtained are poor quality, the Consular Office may request that you return for another data collection session.
Attending the Visa Interview
On the day of your visa appointment, you will be required to attend a short visa interview. The consular officer will ask you some short questions about your scheduled trip to Spain. Please answer all the questions honestly and calmly.
See mistakes to avoid during your interview.
Pay the Application Fee
At the time of your appointment, you will need to pay the application fee of 80 EUR. If you are applying from a visa application center, you must pay an extra cost, depending on your nationality. The application fee should be paid in your country’s currency and can be made through cash or other payment methods specified by the embassy, consulate, or VAC.
Can Someone Else Apply on My Behalf for a Spain Schengen Visa?
Yes, someone else can apply for a Spain Schengen visa on your behalf. However, certain conditions must be met.
Most importantly, this is allowed only when you are exempt from submitting your biometrics, e.e., you already have done this in the last 59 months. Additionally, the person applying on your behalf must have your written authorization. Lastly, they may be required to provide proof of their relationship to you (if applicable) and any relevant supporting documents.
Await Visa Application Processing
After you submit your application, it takes at least 15 working days to process. However, this may extend to 30 days or more. Processing times vary based on factors like the number of applications and the complexity of your case. Be patient and avoid making non-essential travel plans until you receive a decision.
Track Your Application
After paying the application fee, the Consular Office will provide an application receipt containing a code. This code enables the applicant to check the processing status of their file through the following link.
Receiving a Positive Answer
If your visa application is positive, you will receive a notification regarding your application. You will be notified on how you can proceed to collect your passport and then enter Spain for the validity of your visa.
Receiving a Negative Answer
It’s a possibility that your visa application may be denied; this can happen for a number of different reasons. In this case, you have one of the following options:
- Appeal against the denial of your visa. You need to write an appeal request and send it to the relevant Spanish embassy or consulate within one month of receiving your denial notice. If, after your appeal, the decision is still negative, you can submit a written request, in Spanish, for judicial review with the High Court Justice of Madrid. You must send your request within two months of receiving a notice of your visa denial or dismissal of the appeal.
- Reapply for the visa. You also have the option to reapply for the visa. For this, you need to go through the application process again, but this time you must pay attention to the reasons for your initial denial.
Please note that in your rejection letter, you will find the reasons why your visa request was denied in the first place.
Can I Get a Refund for the Visa Fee?
Visa fees are non-refundable. Once you have paid the visa fee and submitted your application, it is unlikely that you will be able to obtain a refund, regardless of whether your visa is approved or denied.
Collect Your Passport
Once your visa finishes processing, you can retrieve your passport, which will have your visa affixed to it as a sticker. It depends on the application center you applied to, whether you’ll be required to pick up your visa or receive it via mail or courier service. If you do have the option to have your passport sent to you, please note that this service may require an additional fee.
How to Enter Spain?
Now, after you receive your passport and visa, you can finally enter Spain and stay according to the validity of your visa.
It’s important to note that you need to carry some documents, in addition to your passport, with you when going through border checks. These documents include proof of insurance, proof of financial means, proof of accommodation, and an invitation letter if applicable.
How Much Money Do I Need to Visit Spain?
To visit Spain, you must have at least 100 EUR per day for trips lasting less than nine days and a total minimum of 900 EUR per person, regardless of the length of stay intended.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Can I Stay in Spain With a Schengen Visa
You can stay in Spain with a Schengen visa for 90 days within a 180-dayperiod. Sometimes, the consulate may decide to shorten the validity period, and the actual dates you can enter and exit Spain will be specified on the visa sticker or document issued by the Spanish consulate or embassy.You can use the Schengen calculator to count your days correctly.
How Long Can I Stay in Spain With a Schengen Visa
You can stay in Spain with a Schengen visa for 90 days within a 180-dayperiod. Sometimes, the consulate may decide to shorten the validity period, and the actual dates you can enter and exit Spain will be specified on the visa sticker or document issued by the Spanish consulate or embassy.You can use the Schengen calculator to count your days correctly.
Is it possible to extend my Schengen visa?
Yes, it is possible to extend a Schengen visa> under certain circ*mstances. To extend your visa from Spain, you need to head out to the National Police Website>, where they detail the requirements and documents you need to submit. You then need to submit your request for an extension, in person, to either an Immigration Office near you where you are staying in Spain or the local Police Station.
What if I overstay my visa?
If you overstay your visa, you’re breaking the law, which can lead to serious consequences. Immigration authorities take overstaying seriously, and depending on the circ*mstances, you might face fines, deportation, or even being banned from entering the Schengen Area in the future. These consequences can vary depending on the length of your overstay, your previous compliance with visa regulations, and the reasons for your overstay.
Can I visit other Schengen countries with a Spain visa?
Yes, you can visit other Schengen countries with a visa to Spain. Schengen visas issued by Spain allow for travel to other Schengen member states within the visa’s validity period.
Can I travel to non-Schengen countries with a Spain visa?
If you meet certain criteria, you may be able to travel to non-Schengen countries with a Spain Schengen visa. However, you must check the entry requirements of the country you intend to visit beforehand.
Can I work in Spain with a Schengen visa?
No, you cannot work in Spain with a Schengen visa. Schengen visas are typically issued for short-term stays and tourism purposes, not for employment. If you wish to work in Spain, you must apply for a work visa.
Other Information:
Latest News Related to Spain
Spain Ends Real Estate Route for Golden Visa Program 09.04.2024
Spanish Police Detain 3 Individuals for Illegally Bringing Workers From Maghreb Region to Work in Agricultural Farms 08.04.2024
Balearic Property Owners Warned of Up to €10,000 Fines for Registering Undocumented People 08.04.2024
Bolivia to Investigate Incident of 69 Compatriots in Spain for Potential Human Trafficking 05.04.2024
Bolivian Passengers Removed From Cruise Ship in Spain Due to Visa Problems 04.04.2024
Spanish Authorities Detain a Cruise Ship Carrying 1,500 Passengers Due to Bolivian Passengers’ Invalid Visas 04.04.2024
Colombians Saw Highest Increase in Residence Permits Obtained in Spain in 2023 04.04.2024
Residence Permits for Hondurans in Spain Surged by 20% in 2023 03.04.2024
03.04.2024
Spain Ranks Among Top 10 EU Countries With Highest Foreign Population 29.03.2024
Data Protection
The processing of visa applicants’ personal data aligns with the regulations outlined in the [General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)].
Individuals seeking to exercise their rights regarding access, correction, or deletion of their personal data within the Visa Information System (VIS) can contact:
– Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation
– General Services Inspection
– Postal Address: Plaza de la Provincia, 1, Madrid, Spain
– Email: [[emailprotected]]
For this purpose, the following forms are available:
– [Right of Access (Spanish-English version)]
– [Right to Rectification (Spanish-English version)]
– [Right of Deletion (Spanish-English version)]
Related Links
Working in Spain
How to purchase property in Spain?
Spain travel insurance
Health insurance for expats in Spain
Did you find this page helpful?
Yes No
