The religious visa for Spain is a type of visa aimed at non-EU or non-Schengen foreign nationals who are religious ministers, professed religious individuals, or members of the hierarchy of churches, confessions, and religious communities registered in the Religious Entities Registry of the Ministry of Justice.
Requirements for religious activity visas in Spain
- The activities to be carried out in Spain must be strictly religious, or in the case of professed religious individuals, contemplative or in line with the objectives of the order.
- Seminarians, individuals preparing for religious ministry, individuals linked to a religious order without having professed, and those intending to carry out labor activities in a religious community are excluded.
- All applicants, except for nationals of an EU/Schengen State, must apply for this visa, even for stays of less than 90 days.
- Those within the commitment period of non-return to Spain voluntarily assumed cannot apply.
Submitting the Religious Visa Application for Spain
- The application for the religious visa in Spain must be submitted in person at the relevant Consular Office of the applicant’s legal place of residence. The application cannot be submitted online for religious visas.
- Applications from individuals in an irregular situation in Spain or in the cases provided for in the Fourth Additional Provision of Organic Law 4/2000 and Article 46.a) of RD 557/2011 will be inadmissible.
- Incomplete applications or those with documents that do not meet the requirements will be requested to be corrected.
Deadlines and Resolution of Religious Activity Residence Visa in Spain
- The resolution period is 45 days for stays of less than 90 days and 37 days for stays longer than 90 days.
- In case of denial, the applicant will be notified in writing, specifying the legal basis, possible appeals, and the bodies where these can be submitted.
- If the visa is approved, it must be collected in person at the same Consular Office within 1 month. After this period, it will be archived due to renouncement.
Entry to Spain and Subsequent Procedures for the Religious Visa in Spain
Religious Visa Spain and Entry
- The holder of the religious visa must travel to Spain using the same travel document used to apply for the visa.
- Possessing the visa does not guarantee automatic entry; you must demonstrate that you meet the requirements that led to the issuance of the visa.
- The country of origin, nationality, or residence for religious individuals may have additional rules for departure.
Visas for Stays Longer Than 90 Days
- After the entry authorization, ensure your passport is stamped by the border authorities.
- If entering from a Schengen State without crossing external borders, you must go to a Police Station or Immigration Office within 3 working days to file an entry declaration.
- Apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the relevant Immigration Office within 1 month from entry or from the entry declaration.
Holders of visas for stays of less than 90 days are exempt from applying for the TIE.
Additional Considerations
- Holding an exemption for a work permit does not grant rights to obtain a residence permit for self-employment or employment.
- Visas for Imams during Ramadan allow a maximum stay of 90 days.
- Once residency is granted, this period counts towards obtaining Spanish nationality.
Documentation for Temporary Residence Visa with Work Permit Exemption (Religious)
Documents Required for Religious Visa Application
All applicants must submit:
- Original Passport: Valid, with a minimum validity covering the requested stay period.
- National Visa Application Form: Two copies, properly completed and signed.
- Photograph: Recent, in color, with a white background, passport size.
- Original Certificate from the Religious Entities Register: Certifying the registration of the religious denomination, community, or order you belong to.
- Certification from the Religious Entity: Issued by the entity and approved by the Ministry of Justice, confirming your status as a minister of worship, member of the hierarchy, or professed religious. It should also state the entity’s commitment to cover your living expenses and accommodation, and to comply with Social Security requirements.
- Proof of Payment of the Consular Fee: Or documents supporting the exemption, if applicable.
- Negative Medical Certificate: If the intended activity in Spain lasts more than 6 months, a medical certificate is required stating that you do not have any disease that could have serious public health consequences, according to the World Health Organization’s 2005 International Health Regulations.
- Criminal Record Certificate: If the intended activity in Spain exceeds 6 months, you must submit a criminal record certificate proving you have no criminal convictions for crimes recognized under Spanish law, issued by the country or countries where you have resided in the last 5 years. Criminal records in Spain will be checked automatically.
Important Reminders for Religious Visa Processing in Spain:
- Foreign documents must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator.
- Ensure that all documents are current and meet the specific requirements of the Consular Office.