If you plan to travel to Spain, whether for a short period or to live and work long-term, the first step is to understand what type of visa you need. Choosing the right visa will depend on your purpose in the country and the length of your stay.
We help you understand the types of visas available to travel and immigrate to Spain, explaining the requirements and the application process. By the end, you’ll be able to determine which visa best suits your situation.
What Visa Do I Need to Travel to Spain?
Depending on your plans and how long you intend to stay in the country, you will need a specific type of visa. The key question is: What do you want to do in Spain? Are you thinking of living, working, studying, or simply taking a tourism trip?
Another important factor is the length of your stay. If you plan to stay in Spain for less than three months, you will need a short-term visa, but if your intention is to stay longer, a long-term visa will be required.
We explain below the three main groups of visas available in Spain and their differences:
Types of Visas in Spain
There are various types of visas to enter Spain, each designed for different purposes and durations. The airport transit visa allows you to stay in the international transit area of a Spanish airport during a layover or connection without entering national territory. The short-stay visa is for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, ideal for tourism, business, or activities that do not involve paid work. The long-stay visa is for those who wish to engage in activities lasting more than 90 days in Spain, such as studies, volunteering, or training activities. The residence visa allows you to live in Spain for more than 90 days for non-work-related reasons, such as family reunification or investment. Finally, the extraordinary visa is granted in exceptional situations related to foreign policy, security, or public health, with a maximum duration of one year.
Spain offers several types of visas, primarily divided into three categories: short-stay visas, transit visas, and long-stay visas. Below, we explain each in detail.
Short-Stay Visas in Spain
Short-stay visas, also known as Schengen visas, are for those planning to stay in Spain for a limited period, typically up to 90 days within a 6-month period. These visas allow short stays and are ideal for activities such as tourism, short-term studies, or business.
Tourist Visa (Schengen)
This is the most common type of visa for individuals who want to visit Spain as tourists. If you plan to stay in Spain for less than 90 days, the tourist visa is the right option.
Citizens of certain countries do not require this visa if their stay in Spain is less than 90 days, thanks to bilateral agreements with the European Union. However, citizens of other non-EU countries must apply for this visa to enter the country.
Requirements for the Tourist Visa:
- Completed application form
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photographs
- Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or an invitation letter if staying with friends or family in Spain
- Round-trip tickets
- Travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000
- Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay
- Visa fee payment (approximately €80)
Short-Term Student Visa
If you plan to take language courses or short-term programs (less than 3 months), this visa is the right choice. However, if your course lasts longer than 3 months, you will need a long-term student visa.
Requirements for the Short-Term Student Visa
- Forms and additional documents as required by the institution and course
- Acceptance letter from the educational institution
- Health insurance
- Proof of financial resources
Transit Visas (Type A)
Transit visas are designed for individuals who must pass through Spain en route to another destination. This type of visa allows a very short stay in the country without an extended visit.
Types of Transit Visas:
- Airport Transit Visa: For those making a layover at a Spanish airport en route to another country. This visa allows travelers to remain in the international airport area without leaving the restricted zone.
- Maritime Transit Visa: For those traveling by sea who need to make a stop at a Spanish port.
- Territorial Transit Visa: For those who must cross Spain by land as part of a longer journey to a destination outside the EU. This visa allows a stay in Spanish territory for a maximum of 5 days.
Long-Term Visas in Spain
Long-term visas are required if you plan to live, study, or work in Spain for more than 90 days. This type of visa is more complex and may involve a longer application process, but it allows you to stay in Spain long-term.
Non-Lucrative Residence Visa Spain
Non lucrative residence visa: This visa is designed for individuals who wish to live in Spain without working. It is ideal for those who have sufficient financial resources to support themselves without relying on employment in Spain.
Requirements Non-Lucrative Residence Visa:
- Proof of financial means (minimum €27,000 in a bank account).
- Private health insurance.
- Completed application form.
Work Visa Spain
If you plan to work in Spain, you will need a work visa. There are two main types:
- Work Visa for Employees: For those who have secured a job in Spain and will work for a Spanish company.
- Self-Employed Work Visa: For those who wish to be self-employed or entrepreneurs in Spain.
Requirements Work Visa:
- Employment contract (for employees).
- Proof of economic activity (for self-employed individuals).
- Additional documentation depending on the type of work.
Family Reunification Visa Spain
Family reunification visa: This visa allows foreign residents in Spain to bring their immediate family members (spouse, minor children, dependent parents) to live with them.
Requirements Family Reunification Visa:
- Proof of economic dependency.
- Certificates of kinship.
- Proof of legal residence in Spain.
Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
The Golden Visa is granted to individuals who invest in real estate, company shares, or Spanish government bonds. The minimum investment required is €500,000.
Requirements:
- Proof of investment.
- Health insurance.
- Sufficient financial means.
Extraordinary Visa
- Exceptional Circumstances for the Extraordinary Visa
This visa is issued in exceptional situations related to Spain’s or the EU’s foreign policy interests, such as national security or public health. - Duration and Conditions of the Extraordinary Visa
The visa has a maximum duration of one year and is granted based on specific circumstances affecting Spain’s national or international interests.
Job-Seeker Visa
Purpose of the Job-Seeker Visa: This visa allows holders to enter Spain to seek employment for a period of 12 months, facilitating the opportunity to settle in the country.
Requirements to Convert the Visa into a Work Authorization
If the holder secures a work contract during this period, the employer must file an application for a temporary residence and work authorization, enabling a smooth transition to formal employment in Spain.
How to Apply for a Visa to Travel to Spain
The application process depends on the type of visa and your country of origin, but generally, you will need to follow these steps:
- Identify the appropriate visa based on your purpose of stay and duration.
- Complete the corresponding application form.
- Gather the required documents, such as a passport, photos, proof of funds, among others.
- Submit the application at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin.
- Pay the corresponding fees and wait for the decision.
Which Visa Should I Choose If I Want to Immigrate to Spain?
Choosing the right visa for your stay in Spain is a crucial step to ensure you meet all the legal requirements of the country. Whether you wish to visit Spain for tourism, study, work, or live permanently, understanding the available visa types and correctly following the application process is essential.