The Extraordinary Visa is a special category of visa granted under exceptional circumstances, related to the foreign policy interests of Spain or the European Union. These visas are designed to address situations requiring an immediate response, particularly in sensitive areas such as national security, public health, international relations, or migration policy.
This visa is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation and is linked to Spain’s adaptation to urgent and internationally significant needs. Below, we detail what this visa entails, the requirements for applying, and the conditions that must be met for its approval.
What is an Extraordinary Visa?
The Extraordinary Visa is an exceptional permit granted to individuals who, due to reasons beyond the usual, need to enter or remain in Spain. This visa is issued based on a decision by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation, addressing extraordinary circumstances that may involve Spain’s foreign policy, national security, economic policy, or public health.
Examples of situations that may warrant the issuance of an Extraordinary Visa include:
- Public health emergencies, such as disease outbreaks affecting specific countries.
- Political or humanitarian crises, prompting certain citizens to seek asylum or temporary protection.
- Strategic interests related to bilateral or multilateral relations between Spain and other countries.
This visa is valid for a maximum of one year, and its issuance depends on the specific situation presented in each case.
How to Apply for an Extraordinary Visa
To obtain this visa, applicants must meet a series of specific requirements established by the Spanish authorities. Below are the steps and basic documentation required:
General Requirements to Apply for an Extraordinary Visa in Spain
- Application Form: The applicant must submit a duly completed and signed application form, available at Spanish consular offices.
- Not Being in Irregular Status in Spanish or Schengen Territory: The applicant must not be irregularly present in Spain or any other Schengen area country.
- Valid Passport or Travel Document: The applicant must provide a valid passport or a travel document recognized by Spain, with a minimum validity of one year.
- Criminal Record Certificate: If the applicant is of legal age, they must present a certificate proving no criminal record in the countries where they have resided in the past five years. If the applicant cannot obtain such documents due to exceptional circumstances, a sworn declaration asserting no criminal record in those countries may be submitted.
- Processing Fee: The applicant must pay the corresponding visa processing fee.
Exceptions to the Established Requirements
In some cases, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may allow exceptions to the documentary requirements, especially in extraordinary circumstances. If the applicant cannot obtain certain documents, such as a criminal record certificate from a country of residence, a sworn declaration may be accepted.
The applicant must adequately justify the impossibility of obtaining the required documents and provide a sworn statement regarding their situation. This flexibility is granted when the applicant’s circumstances demand it and are properly substantiated.
Procedure for Granting the Extraordinary Visa for Spain
Once the application has been submitted and the required documents provided, the General Directorate for Spaniards Abroad and Consular Affairs will forward the information to the General Directorate of Migration Management. This authority will evaluate the application and determine whether to grant the extraordinary visa based on the submitted documentation and the case’s exceptional circumstances.
It is important to note that this visa is valid for a maximum of one year, allowing applicants to remain in Spain for a limited time while the reasons for the visa are addressed.
Conditions of the Extraordinary Visa
Once granted, the extraordinary visa allows the applicant to enter Spanish territory. For the residence authorization to become valid, the applicant must fulfill an additional condition: they must register and enroll in Social Security within one month from the visa’s approval notification.
Upon meeting this requirement, the visa becomes fully effective.