Spanish Visa Types: Visa Application and Visa Requirements

A Comprehensive Guide For Travel Visas And Permits To Spain

If you're planning a trip to Spain, you might want to consider the type of Spanish visa you need to apply for. Spain offers many types of visas, and finding the correct one can be stressful and tiresome. In this complete guide, we'll talk about the types of Spanish Visas available and their respective requirements. Also, we'll answer some frequently asked questions many travelers to Spain tend to have. After this extensive guide, you'll be equipped with everything you need to know before applying for your specific visa.

Who Needs A Visa To Travel To Spain?

Spain boasts thousands of travelers throughout the year. But not all travelers require the same visa to visit Spain. Here we'll talk about which nationalities require a visa/permit to visit Spain.

If You Are A US Citizen

American citizens will be happy to know that they enjoy the benefit of visa-free travel. US citizens traveling to Spain for non-essential purposes don't have to apply for a specific visa. These purposes include tourism and short business trips. However, if you wish to travel to Spain for work, you'll need to apply for another type of visa.

US citizens can travel to Spain visa-free for a duration that doesn't exceed 90 days. If you wish to extend your stay, you'll need to apply for a Long Stay Visa. But don't worry! Later in this post, we'll be covering everything you need to know about Long Stay Visas.

Although US citizens enjoy visa-free travel, there are still specific requirements that they need to meet. These requirements are simple and easy to meet. We'll discuss the visa-free requirements soon.

Note that visitors who enjoy visa-free travel can visit the Schengen Area for 90 days without acquiring any type of visa. Countries that form part of the Schengen Area include:

Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

If you wish to know how US citizens can travel to Spain right now, check out our quick guide.

If You Are An EU, EEA, or Switzerland Citizen

The Freedom of Movement Act allows nationals from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland to travel to Spain without the need to apply for any type of visa. Citizens from these nations can travel, visit, work, and live in Spain freely. There is only one requirement for those who seek to live permanently in Spain. Individuals who wish to live in Spain will need to register with Spanish authorities and get a national identity number.

If you Are A US Green Card Holder

Sadly, US Green Card holders do not enjoy the same visa-free travel benefits as US citizens. Depending on your travel purpose, you'll need to apply for a visa. Note if you want to apply for a visa, you'll need to do so at the Spanish Embassy or Spanish Consulate General of your home country and not in the US.

If You Are A Non-EU/EEA Citizen

If you reside in a third country (Non-EU/EEA countries) that does not enjoy visa-free travel, you'll need to apply for a visa at your nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate. If you are unsure whether or not you benefit from visa-free travel, you can contact your nearest embassy.

In this post, we'll talk about the types of visas you can apply for and their requirements.

How to Get a Spain Schengen Visa

You can now save over 15 hours, and use Atlys to apply for a Spain Schengen visa in under 5 minutes on Atlys. Download the Atlys app, put in your travel details, and let Atlys handle all the paperwork for you.

What Are The General Required Documents For A Spanish Visa?

When traveling to Spain, there are document requirements for each type of visa. Here you'll find the general documents required when applying for your visa.

Visa Application Form

Two Biometric Photos

A Valid Passport

Return Flight Ticket/Travel Itinerary

Proof Of Sufficient Funds

Proof Of Accommodation

Valid Medical Insurance

Evidence Of Employment Status

The Spain Health Control Form (FCS)

These are the general required documents. For some visas, you may need to gather and submit additional documents. Later in this post, we'll discuss the types of visas and the additional documents they require.

Visa Application Form/Short Stay visa Or National Visa Application Form/Long Stay Visa

When applying for a visa to Spain, you'll find that there are 2 types of application forms. One for Short Stay visa applicants and another for Long Stay visa applicants. Depending on your purpose, you'll need to complete one of these forms.

Within each application form, you'll need to fill in your personal information, the purpose for your trip, and other relevant trip details. The information you provide must be correct and accurate. Your visa application might be denied if the information you provide is not correct. Check this guide to find out what mistakes you should avoid when applying for your Schengen Visa.

Two Biometric Photos

For your application, you'll need to submit 2 biometric photos. Your photos should not be older than 6 months, be in color, and meet the following requirements.

A Valid Passport

You'll need to submit a valid passport during your application. Note that your passport must be valid for 3 months beyond your intended date of departure from Spain. Also, it must be in good condition and not older than 10 years. Ensure that you have at least 2 blank pages available for your visa stickers.

Furthermore, you'll need to submit copies of all passport pages that contain your information. This includes your main passport page, visa pages, and pages with visa stickers and stamps.

A Return Flight Ticket/Travel Itinerary

One of the documents you'll need to submit, is proof that you'll return to your home country after you visit Spain. You can provide a return flight ticket or itinerary to prove you'll be leaving Spain after the duration of your stay.

When presenting your return ticket/flight itinerary, it'll need to mention your name, date of arrival and departure, and the places you'll be visiting. For example, if your main destination is Spain, but you want to visit Andorra, your itinerary will need to indicate that you'll be visiting Andorra.

Proof Of Sufficient Funds

You are required to prove that you can support yourself financially during your stay in Spain. There is a minimum amount of money you need to be eligible for travel.

If you're planning to stay in Spain for less than 10 days, you'll need around €57.32 per day. Trips that exceed 10 days will require you to have around €70.77 per day. Note that these are only an estimate and may be subject to change.

Note that you'll need to submit documents that prove you have the financial means to support yourself. These documents include:

Bank statements

Payslips

Credit card statements

If your trip is being financed by someone else, you'll need to provide a letter from your sponsor. Your sponsor should attach their bank statements to the letter to prove they'll be able to support you fully during your stay.

Those applying for a Long Stay visa will need to submit other documents that prove their financial stability/financial means. These documents include:

Pension statements, if you are retired

Income from your business, if you're self-employed

Employment contract showing your salary, if employed

Rental income, if you rent out any properties

Scholarship information that states the amount you'll receive, if you're a student

If you're unsure about the documents you need to provide, contact your nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate General of Spain.

Proof Of Accommodation

Another required document is proof of accommodation. During your visa appointment, Spanish authorities will require you to present a document that indicates where you'll be staying in Spain for the duration of your trip.

You can present the following:

An invitation letter

If you plan to stay with a friend or family member that lives in Spain, you'll need to submit a letter of invitation. The letter should include their details, such as the inviter's address, contact details, and the intended time you'll be staying with them.

Hotel reservations or Airbnb bookings

If you have made hotel reservations or an Airbnb booking, you'll need to submit it as proof. The booking details should include your name, the duration of your stay, and the details of the hotel/Airbnb.

A rental agreement

If you're renting a place to stay in Spain, you'll need to submit a rental agreement. It should be with the owner of the premises and include all relevant details like the home address, duration of your stay, and the owner's details.

Valid Medical Insurance

Due to the global pandemic COVID-19, all visitors traveling to Spain need to get valid health insurance. Your health insurance should cover any medical expenses up to €30,000 that may occur during your trip to Spain. It'll need to be valid across the entire EU and provide coverage for the duration of your stay. Note that your health insurance should provide coverage for a minimum of 7 days. For example, if your trip is only 2 days, your insurance should still provide coverage for 7 days.

When applying for a Long Stay visa, you'll need to get health insurance from an authorized provider in Spain. Your health care should cover all medical costs including, but not limited to medical emergencies, accidents, and medical evacuations.

Evidence Of Employment Status

When collecting the documents for your visa, you'll need to add evidence of your employment status.

If You Are Employed

Employment contract

Bank statements

Permission of leave from your employer

Income Tax Return (ITR) form or Certificate of Income Tax deducted at the source of salary

If You Are Self Employed

A copy of your business license

Your company's current bank statements from the last 6 months

Income Tax Return (ITR)

If You Are A Student

Proof of enrollment at a recognized educational institution

A reference letter from your school or university that states your educational information, such as what you are studying and when you'll be graduating. The letter should also include that you are approved for leave from the university.

If You Are Retired

A pension statement of the lastest 6 months

The Spain Health Control Form

The Spanish Ministry of Health has implemented a new health declaration form to ensure the safety of all visitors and residents. It is mandatory that you complete this form 48 hours before traveling to Spain. Once completed, you'll receive a QR code that you'll need to present to Spanish officials upon arrival. Check our guide for more information on the Spain Health Control Form.

All the documents you provide should be either in English or Spanish. If not, you will need to translate your documents by a certified translator.

Now you know the general documents you need when applying for a visa in Spain. Let’s move on to the required documents for visa-free travel.

What Are The Required Documents For Visa-Free Travel?

Citizens who enjoy visa-free travel to Spain, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and so on, will need to meet the following requirements:

An Application Form

A Valid Passport

A Return Flight Ticket

Valid Health/Medical Insurance

Proof Of Sufficient Funds

The Spain Health Control Form (FCS)

Visa-free travelers will need to provide the following additional documents:

The COVID-19 Vaccination

The Spain Ministry of Health has implemented new COVID-19 precautions effective as of September 6, 2021. All visitors traveling for non-essential purposes must present a proof of vaccination document upon entry into Spain.

Reminder: Visa-free travel is only permitted for non-essential purposes such as tourism or short business trips. For other purposes like work and study, you'll need to apply for a specific visa.

What Are The Types Of Visas Available When Traveling To Spain?

Spain offers travelers a variety of visas they can apply for. Different purposes will require you to apply for a certain visa. With each specific visa, you'll need to meet its individual requirements.

There are 3 types of visas that allow you entry to Spain:

An Airport Transit Visa

A Short-Stay Schengen Visa

A Long-Term Visa

Each of these visas allows you to travel for different types of purposes. For example, a Schengen visa will only allow a short stay for non-essential purposes, where a Long term Spanish Work Visa will allow you to live and work in Spain.

Now, let's talk about each individual category.

An Airport Transit Visa

What Is An Airport Transit Visa?

The Airport Transit Visa, known in Spanish as the "visado de transito aeroportuario" grants travelers access into the international transit zone in a Spanish airport. Note that not all countries are required to obtain a transit visa. The visa will allow you to remain in a Spanish airport for a maximum of 24 hours. It is extended to travelers who need to stay in the airport while waiting for another flight.

You can check if you require a transit visa here. Once you click on the link, you'll find a government-issued document that indicates which countries require an Airport Transit Visa. For the purpose of Spain, you'll need to find ES on the top row of the table.

What Are The Required Documents For An Airport Transit Visa?

A Spanish Airport Transit Visa is the easiest visa to get. You'll need to apply at your nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate and present the following documents:

A completed visa application form.

2 recent passport photos. Your photos should be in line with the EU photo regulations.

A valid passport.

Copies of your passport pages. These should contain your personal data, previous visas, and residence permits.

A return flight ticket

Valid health insurance

Proof that you have paid for the visa

The application process is fairly simple.

First, you'll need to complete your visa application form. Once you are done, you'll have to schedule an appointment at the Spanish Consulate.

After scheduling your appointment, you'll need to attend it. At the appointment, you'll have a short interview with Spanish officials and your biometric data will be captured.

Lastly, you'll need to pay the transit visa fee. You can expect to pay around €80 for adult applications and €40 for children under 12 years.

What Short Stay Schengen Visas Are Available For Spain?

A Short Stay Schengen visa will allow its holders to stay in Spain for a duration that does not exceed 90 days. It is mainly used for non-essential purposes like tourism and short business trips.

Citizens from visa-free countries like the US, Canada, and Australia don't need to apply for a Short Stay visa to travel to Spain. However, if you may only travel to Spain for non-essential purposes. If you are traveling for other purposes that require you to stay more than 90 days, you'll need to apply for a Long Stay visa.

Note that you are not allowed to work in Spain with a Short Stay Visa.

Let's talk about the different types of Short Stay Visas you can apply for.

A Schengen Tourist Visa

A Schengen Tourist visa, also known as a visitors visa, is used to travel to Spain for tourist purposes. If your activities in Spain include tours, sightseeing, vacation, family visits, and so on. This is the visa for you.

The Schengen Tourist Visa process is simple and will be explained later in this post.

Note that citizens that qualify for visa-free travel don't have to apply for this visa.

A Spanish Business Visa

Those who are traveling to Spain for a business purpose will need to apply for a Business visa. A Business visa will allow you to stay in Spain for up to 90 days. It allows you to complete any unpaid business-related activities, such as a business meeting, conference, or training. Note that it must classify as an unpaid business activity. If you want to work in Spain or start a business, you'll need to apply for a different type of visa.

The required documents for a Business visa include:

Visa Application Form

Two Biometric Photos

A Valid Passport

Return Flight Ticket/Travel Itinerary

Proof Of Sufficient Funds

Proof Of Accommodation

Valid Medical Insurance

Evidence Of Employment Status

The Spain Health Control Form (FCS)

Additional required documents include:

Work certificate

The work certificate must include your position, salary, and the date you started working for the company.

A letter of invitation from the company of Spain

When conducting business activities in Spain, you'll need to add a letter of invitation from the company in Spain where these activities will happen. It should state the purpose of your trip and include all relevant business details.

A Schengen Cultural Visa

With a Schengen Cultural Visa, you'll be able to enter Spain and participate in cultural, sporting, filming, or religious activities. The main purpose of a Schengen Cultural Visa is to allow its holders to participate in short-term cultural activities. With this visa, you'll be able to stay in Spain for 90 days.

The required documents include:

Visa Application Form

Two Biometric Photos

A Valid Passport

Return Flight Ticket/Travel Itinerary

Proof Of Sufficient Funds

Proof Of Accommodation

Valid Medical Insurance

Evidence Of Employment Status

The Spain Health Control Form (FCS)

For people who plan to participate in a cultural event, additional documents include:

A letter from the Cultural Association in your country

The letter should confirm that you are part of the association, the association's contact details, and the purpose of your trip.

A letter from the Schengen country hosting the Cultural Association.

The letter should include the association's contact details and information. Also, it should provide proof of partnership with the association in your home country.

For people who plan to participate in filmmaking activities, additional documents include:

Letter from the Film-Maker

Letter with Film-Making crew names

Proof of authorization to shoot the film

Certificate of Registration of the Candidate as a Filmmaker Staff.

For people who plan to participate in a Sports event, additional documents include:

Letter from the Sports Association in your home country.

The letter must provide the name and contact information of the association. Also, it must include your name, as well as your employment period, responsibilities, and salary.

What Long Stay Visas Are Available For Spain?

A Long Stay visa is for trips that exceed a duration of 90 days. All visitors planning to stay in Spain for longer than 3 months will need to apply for a Long Stay visa. European citizens are the only nationals that don't need to apply for a Long Stay visa.

Depending on your purpose, you'll need to apply for a specific Long Stay visa. In this post, you'll find the types of Long Stay visas you can apply for and what the requirements are.

Before applying for a long-stay visa, you'll need to apply for a Foreigner's Identification Number (NIE).

What Is A Foreigner Identity Card (NIE)

If you intend to stay in Spain for longer than 6 months, you'll need to get an NIE. An NIE is a unique number that consists of seven numbers and two letters issued to all foreigners planning to apply for a long-stay visa. Your NIE will appear on all documents issued in Spain.

You can apply for your personal NIE by submitting an application form at your nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate. Ensure that you do this before starting a long-stay visa. The embassy will need your NIE when issuing your specific visa.

Next, we'll talk about the different types of Long Stay visas you can apply for.

Spanish Student Visa

A Spanish Student visa will allow its holders to stay in Spain for more than 3 months to complete education-related activities.

The type of Student Visa you need depends on the duration of your educational purposes. Depending on your stay, you'll need to apply for either a short-term Student visa or a long-term Student visa.

What Is A Short Term Student Visa?

A short-term Student visa will allow you to stay in Spain for more than 3 months but less than 6 months. Note that you’re not able to extend a short-term Student visa. These types of Student visas are perfect for those who plan to take short courses or language courses in Spain.

What Is A Long Term Student Visa?

If you're planning to study in Spain for a duration that exceeds 6 months, you'll need to apply for a long-term Student visa. You are also required to apply for a residence permit in Spain within a month after your arrival.

The following educational activities will allow you to apply for a Spanish Student visa:

Studying at a recognized educational establishment in Spain to obtain a degree

Participating in research or training activities

Participating in exchange programs at recognized educational establishments

Partaking in volunteer work as a student

Note that there are different document requirements for each purpose. We'll walk you through the most common documents required, but we highly recommend that you contact your nearest Spanish Embassy when applying for a Student visa to ensure that you gather the correct documents.

The general documents required include:

Visa Application Form

Two Biometric Photos

A Valid Passport

Return Flight Ticket/Travel Itinerary

Proof Of Sufficient Funds

Proof Of Accommodation

Valid Medical Insurance

Evidence Of Employment Status

The Spain Health Control Form (FCS)

Additional documents include:

An official medical certificate

You'll need to obtain a medical certificate from your doctor. It should not be older than 3 months and must include your personal details. Also, you'll need to get an apostille stamp for your document.

Clean criminal record/background check

You'll need to provide a clean criminal record that proves you will not be a threat to the public. It must be issued in your home country and not be older than 90 days.

Note that these additional documents must have an apostille stamp and be translated to either English or Spanish by a certified translator.

Additional documents that prove the purpose for a Study visa:

Studying in Spain

If you plan to study in Spain, you'll need to attach an admission letter from an educational institution in Spain. The letter needs to contain your personal information and study information.

Research or training purposes

For this purpose, you'll need to submit an admission letter issued by a research or training facility.

Non-labor practices

A recognized vocational training center will need to provide an agreement to you. The agreement must be signed by both parties and be submitted during the visa application process.

Volunteer services

The organization hosting the volunteer service will need to provide you an agreement that must be signed by you and the organization. The agreement must include all your personal information, responsibilities, and accommodation information.

Spain Work Visas

If you wish to work in Spain and earn a salary, you'll need to apply for a Spain Work Visa. A Spain Work Visa will allow you to stay in Spain for more than 90 days and permits you to work freely around Spain, as long as you are eligible to do so.

There are 2 types of visas for working in Spain. These are known as:

The Employment Visa for Spain

An employment visa will allow you to work for a company, institution, or organization in Spain. The main employment visas are Spain Au Pair Visas, Spain Working Holiday Visas, and Spain Entrepreneur Visas.

Self-Employment Visas for Spain

A Self-employment visa is for those who want to establish a new company in Spain, invest in an established company, or work remotely in Spain.

The general required documents include:

Visa Application Form

Two Biometric Photos

A Valid Passport

Return Flight Ticket/Travel Itinerary

Proof Of Sufficient Funds

Proof Of Accommodation

Valid Medical Insurance

Evidence Of Employment Status

The Spain Health Control Form (FCS)

Additional documents for a Work Visa in Spain:

Work authorization

Once you get a job in Spain, your employer needs to obtain a work authorization document on your behalf. Your work authorization must not be older than 1 month when submitting it.

Clean criminal record

Your criminal record should not be older than 6 months and prove that you have not been part of any criminal activities in the past 5 years.

Proof of professional qualification

You'll need to prove that you are qualified for the position you have been offered in Spain.

Work contract

An agreement between you and your employer. It should include your personal information, responsibilities, work conditions, and monthly payment.

Note that Spain may require different documents for your Work visa depending on the country you reside in. We recommend that you contact your nearest Spanish Embassy to find out more about the documents you require.

Spain Au Pair Visa

Spain offers an Au Pair visa for those who wish to work as an au pair. It will allow a long stay in Spain so you can complete your au pair responsibilities. To be eligible for an Au Pair visa, you'll need a host family before applying.

Once you have found a family to work for you'll need to gather the following documents:

Visa Application Form

Two Biometric Photos

A Valid Passport

Return Flight Ticket/Travel Itinerary

Proof Of Sufficient Funds

Proof Of Accommodation

Valid Medical Insurance

Evidence Of Employment Status

The Spain Health Control Form (FCS)

Additional documents you need to gather include:

An agreement with the host family

The agreement must include the duration you'll be working, responsibilities, your personal information, the host family's information, working days, and so on.

A notarized invitation letter from the host family in Spain

The host family will need to send an invitation letter that has been notarized. It is only required if you do not plan to stay for more than 6 months.

A Spain Golden Visa

A Spain Golden visa, also known as an Investors visa, is a program that requires significant investment in Spain. People who apply for a Golden visa will receive a residence permit that can be used to live in Spain. In most cases, a Golden visa is used to obtain permanent residency. The investment options for a Golden visa include creating employment opportunities, investing in real estate, or investing in a company.

The standard required documents include:

Visa Application Form

Two Biometric Photos

A Valid Passport

Return Flight Ticket/Travel Itinerary

Proof Of Accommodation

Valid Medical Insurance

Evidence Of Employment Status

The Spain Health Control Form (FCS)

Additional documents you require include:

Proof of Investment

You'll need to provide all documents that state the type of investment, the amount invested, and your financial means used to invest.

Certification of Ownership and Outstanding Liens from the Land Registry of the property.

The certificate must have been issued within 90 days before any liens or mortgages.

Proof of real estate purchase worth €500.000 free from any liens or mortgages.

The part of the investments that exceeds the required amount may be subject to any liens or mortgages.

Proof of enough periodic income

This will include but is not limited to investments, annuities, and any other source of income providing sufficient funds to live in Spain without doing any type of lucrative activity. The minimum income required is 400% of the IPREM (public income index) annually plus 75% for each additional family member.

A clean criminal record

For capital investors:

Investments made in government bonds will require a certificate from the financial institution or the bank of Spain.

A certificate from the financial institution if you made a bank deposit investment.

If you invest in listed shares, you'll need to acquire a certificate from a financial intermediary that has been registered with the National Commission of the Stock Market or the Bank of Spain.

If you invest in a company or unlisted shares, you'll need a statement of investment made in the Registrar of Foreign Investments of the Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness.

A Non-Lucrative Visa

A non-Lucrative, also known as the Spanish Non-Lucrative Residence Visa, is classified as a long-stay visa and is used to reside in Spain without working. An important requirement is that you need to have sufficient financial means to provide for yourself fully during your stay in Spain.

Once you arrive in Spain with your Non-Lucrative visa, you'll need to apply for your residence permit for non-Lucrative purposes.

The general documents you require for your Non-Lucrative visa include:

Visa Application Form

Two Biometric Photos

A Valid Passport

Return Flight Ticket/Travel Itinerary

Proof Of Accommodation

Valid Medical Insurance

Evidence Of Employment Status

The Spain Health Control Form (FCS)

The additional documents you require include:

An NIE number

You can apply for an NIE number at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate before starting the application process for your non-Lucrative visa. An NIE number is given to all foreigners who wish to stay in Spain for longer than 6 months.

Proof of sufficient funds

The required funds are a bit different from the required funds from previous visas. You'll need to provide proof that you'll have a minimum of €2,150 per month, and an extra €535 per month for every dependent you plan to bring with you. Documents you can provide as proof include bank statements, proof of investments, and other types of income documents like rental income.

A clean criminal record

The document needs to prove that you have not been involved in any illegal activity in the last 5 years. Also, it should not be older than 3 months.

Spain Working Holiday Visa

A Spain Working Holiday visa is issued to people of a younger age allowing them to work in Spain during holidays. This visa is only issued to citizens from a select few countries. Citizens of the following countries qualify for a Spain Working Holiday visa:

Australian citizens (age 18 - 30)

Canadian citizens (age 18 - 35)

Japanese citizens age (18 - 30)

South Korean citizens age (18- 30)

Citizens from New Zealand (age 18 - 30)

In order to get a Spain Working Holiday visa, you'll need to meet the following criteria:

You have never participated in the program before.

Vacationing is your main purpose.

The job position can not be filled by a Spanish citizen.

You have obtained a work permit.

You will not be working for a duration that exceeds 6 months.

You won't work for the same employer for more than 3 months.

You have proof of accommodation in Spain.

You will return to your home country after the seasonal work contract ends.

You have sufficient funds to cover your travel costs.

Your employer meets the conditions for hiring a foreign employee.

The general document requirements for a Spain Working Holiday Visa include:

Visa Application Form

Two Biometric Photos

A Valid Passport

Return Flight Ticket/Travel Itinerary

Proof Of Accommodation

Valid Medical Insurance

Evidence Of Employment Status

The Spain Health Control Form (FCS)

Additional documents you'll need to submit include:

Proof that you have completed at least 2 years of higher education.

Proof that you have a basic understanding of the Spanish language.

A letter of support from the Department of Immigration and Border Protection.

A work contract with all the specific agreements between you and the employer.

A Foreigner's Identification Number (NIE).

How To Apply For Your Schengen Tourist Visa to Spain

As mentioned earlier in this post, a Schengen Tourist visa is for visitors who do not enjoy visa-free travel. Visitors who want to travel to Spain for non-essential purposes will have to apply for a Schengen Tourist visa.

Now, we'll talk about everything you need to know about your Schengen Tourist Visa.

Who Needs A Schengen Tourist Visa To Spain?

If you are a citizen from a third country that does not enjoy the benefit of visa-free travel, you'll need to apply for a Schengen Tourist visa. Note that a Schengen Visa can only be used for non-essential purposes. If your purpose doesn't include tourism or short business trips, you'll need to apply for another type of visa.

What Documents Do I Need For My Spanish Schengen Tourist Visa?

You'll need to gather the following documents when applying for a Schengen Tourist Visa:

Visa Application Form

Two Biometric Photos

A Valid Passport

Return Flight Ticket/Travel Itinerary

Proof Of Sufficient Funds

Proof Of Accommodation

Valid Medical Insurance

Evidence Of Employment Status

The Spain Health Control Form (FCS)

Note that as of September 6, 2021, all visitors traveling to Spain for non-essential purposes will need to provide proof that they have been vaccinated against COVID-19.

How To Apply For A Spanish Schengen Tourist Visa - Easy To Follow Instructions

Now that you know what the general requirements are, you can start your Spanish Schengen Tourist Visa. The visa application process can take a while to complete and may get confusing. We recommend using Atlys when starting your application. Atlys will remove any confusion you might have and cut the application time in half. With Atlys, you don't need to worry about taking time out of your busy schedule to complete your Spanish Schengen Tourist Visa.

Step 1 - Filling Out Your Schengen Tourist Visa Application Form

The first thing you need to do is get your application form. There are 2 ways of obtaining it. You can go to your nearest Spanish Embassy or Consulate, or you can fill out the form online.

Ensure that the information you provide on your application form is correct and accurate. Incorrect information can lead to your visa application being denied.

Step 2 - Schedule An Appointment For Your Visa Interview

After you have completed your visa application form, you'll need to schedule an appointment for your interview with embassy officials. You can do this while at the embassy, or by contacting your nearest embassy.

Step 3 - Gather All The Required Documents

Now that you have completed the first 2 steps, you'll need to start collecting all the required documents for your visa. During your interview with an embassy official, you'll need to submit all the supporting documents. Ensure that you start collecting these documents well before your scheduled appointment, as some documents may take some time to acquire.

Remember that the documents you submit must be in English or in Spanish. If not, you'll need to get it translated by a certified translator.

When applicable, ensure that your documents have an official Apostille stamp. You'll need to get an Apostille stamp for your documents when public documents are being transferred between countries that are a party to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961.

Step 4 - Attend Your Interview

The day of your interview has arrived, and you are one step away from getting your Spanish Schengen Tourist Visa. On the day of your appointment, you'll need to travel to the embassy to attend your in-person interview. You must have all your supporting documents at hand, as you'll need to submit them to the embassy official who'll be interviewing you.

The interviewer will ask you some basic information about yourself, your trip, and the purpose of your trip. Make sure that you are prepared for your interview. For example, dress appropriately, be on time, and ensure that you have all your supporting documents.

Step 5 - Pay Your Visa Application Fee

You are finally finished with the application process. All you need to do now is pay the visa application fee and wait for feedback from the embassy.

Note that paying the visa application fee does not guarantee a Spanish Schengen Tourist Visa. Also, the application fee is non-refundable.

How Long Will I Wait For My Schengen Tourist Visa?

You can expect to wait up to 15 calendar days for feedback. During this time, your application will be processed, and a final decision will be made.

Note that in extreme cases, you may need to wait between 30 - 60 days for feedback. A delay like this can be caused by a sudden demand for tourist visas to Spain, political unrest, new travel regulations, and so on.

We recommend you start your visa application process at least 2 months before your intended date of departure. This will leave you enough time to resolve any unforeseen events that may occur during the process.

Now you know about all the different visa types Spain offers and how to apply for your Spanish Schengen Tourist Visa.

Here Is Something You Need To Know

Our experts and writers have done a lot of research on the different types of visas for Spain. Our research leads us to believe that applying for a Spanish Visa, no matter the type of visa, can be a very difficult task.

The information provided by the Spanish website, and other websites, might be confusing at times, especially for those who have never been through a visa process before. There are also constant updates and new regulations that are being implemented i.e. the Spanish Health Declaration Form. We understand that planning a trip can be stressful at times. The last thing you want is to add confusion and uncertainty to the process.

That is why we recommend using Atlys. Atlys always has the most up to date information regarding your visa, meaning you can always feel confident when applying through Atlys. Atlys’s ease of use eliminates any stress you may have had during the traditional process. This leads to a stress-free, easy and simple experience. Eliminate your confusion and uncertainty with Atlys!