How to apply for a Spanish visa

Applying for a Spanish visa can feel daunting, but with the right preparation, the process becomes much easier.

Whether you’re moving to Spain or simply visiting, we’re here to help you figure out which visa is right for you and how to apply with confidence.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

What types of visa exist in Spain

How to apply, step-by-step

What documents to prepare

How to book your appointment and handle the interview

Typical fees, processing times, and next steps after arrival

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to apply for the right Spanish visa, and avoid any delays or common mistakes.

Let’s get started!

Choosing the right visa

Whether you’re traveling for tourism, study, work, or visiting family, Spain’s visa rules depend on how long you’ll stay and the purpose of your visit. Choosing the right type from the start is crucial!

There are two main categories:

Schengen short-stay visas are valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. They’re usually used for tourism, short business trips, or visiting friends and family.
Spanish national long-stay visas are required for stays exceeding 90 days, with options available for students, workers, retirees, and family reunification.

Who does not need a visa?

It’s also worth noting that not everyone needs a visa.

Citizens of the EU/EEA and countries on Spain’s visa-waiver list (like the US, Canada, Australia, and Japan) can enter freely for short stays.

For others, even a brief trip usually requires a Schengen visa. Since Brexit, UK citizens also need a national visa for long-term stays in Spain.

Step 1: Complete the visa application form

Once you know which visa you need, the next step is filling in the official application form.

You can find these forms on the official website of the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country. In some regions, Spain outsources this part of the process to agencies like BLS International.

Ensure you download your form from an official website and always verify that you have the most up-to-date version.

Once completed, you’ll usually need to sign the form by hand and submit it in person. Digital submissions do exist, but are rare and only available in a few countries.

Common mistakes to avoid when filling out the application form include:

Sections left blank
Inconsistent travel dates
Incomplete financial details
Choosing the wrong visa category

Take the time to complete the form carefully to avoid any unnecessary delays.

Step 2: Prepare your documents

Once you’ve completed and submitted the application form, it’s time to gather the necessary paperwork.

Almost every visa application must include the following:

Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay, with two blank pages.
Passport photos: 35x45 mm, with a neutral background and no shadows.
Proof of accommodation: Hotel reservations, rental agreement, or an invitation letter from a host.
Proof of financial security: Recent bank statements or payslips showing you can cover living costs.
Flight itinerary: You won’t need a paid ticket, but a reservation showing your intended travel dates will be required.
Travel insurance: Must cover at least €30,000 in medical expenses valid across the entire Schengen area. The European Commission’s Schengen insurance page lists acceptable policies.

Depending on your visa type, you may also need:

Proof of enrolment from a Spanish university or school (for student visas)
A signed employment contract and authorization from Spanish labor authorities (for work visas)
Proof of family relation, such as marriage or birth certificates (for family reunification visas)

Non-EU documents often require legalization or an apostille. Without this, the Spanish authorities won’t accept them.

Certified Spanish translations are also required for most foreign-language documents.

Remember to take the time to check your specific requirements. It will increase your chances of success, expedite the process, and alleviate stress down the line.

Step 3: Book your visa appointment

Once your documents are ready, the next step is to schedule your appointment to submit everything.

Depending on your country of residence, you’ll apply with either:

Your local Spanish consulate or embassy
External visa centers: In many countries, Spain works with third-party providers (such as BLS International or VFS Global).

Appointments can only be made online in most places, and walk-ins are rarely accepted; therefore, make sure to plan ahead.

Wait times can vary widely:

In low-demand countries, you might get a slot within a week.
In high-demand countries (India, Nigeria, the Philippines, etc.), the wait can stretch into several weeks or even months.

If you’re applying from a high-demand country, we recommend scheduling your appointment at least three months prior to your intended travel date.

Once you have a confirmed slot, you can focus on preparing for the interview.

Step 4: Attend the visa interview

The visa interview is your opportunity to demonstrate that your documents are genuine and that your plans in Spain are credible and well-founded.

Expect questions relating to:

The purpose of your visit
Your travel itinerary
Your financial situation, and how you plan on supporting yourself whilst in Spain
Your accommodation details whilst in Spain
Any family or friends you might have in Spain (especially relevant for those applying for a family reunification visa)

Ensure your answers are clear, concise, and supported by relevant documents.

Remember that consular staff are looking for straightforward responses, not long-winded stories!

Step 5: Provide biometric data

After the interview, most applicants need to provide biometric data.

Your fingerprints will be scanned, and a digital photograph will be taken on-site. The entire process typically takes only a few minutes.

Some individuals may be exempt from providing biometric information, such as children under 12 years old, certain diplomats and government officials, and applicants with relevant medical conditions.

Once collected, your biometric data is stored in the Schengen Visa Information System (VIS) for a period of 5 years. If you apply again within that time, you won’t need to resubmit fingerprints.

Step 6: Pay the visa application fee

Every visa application comes with a fee.

Here are the typical fee ranges for Spanish visas:

Short-stay Schengen visa: approximately €80 for adults and €40 for children aged 6-12.
Long-stay national visa: generally €160 or more, depending on the purpose.
Golden visa: much higher, often several hundred euros, plus legal and investment costs.

Students and researchers may be eligible for discounted rates, depending on their specific circumstances.

Payment methods vary by country and by consulate. Some accept cash only, others allow debit/credit cards. Always check your consulate’s specific instructions beforehand to avoid any unwanted surprises!

Importantly, visa fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied.

This is true no matter what the reason for refusal is, so take your time to make sure you’ve filled out all the necessary forms and submitted all the necessary documents before finalizing your application.

Step 7: Wait for processing

Once your application is submitted, the waiting begins.

Processing times vary depending on the type of visa, the time of year, and your country of residence.

Here are the average timelines:

Schengen short-stay visas: usually decided within 15 calendar days. In complicated cases, this can stretch up to 45 days.
Long-stay visas: often take much longer, ranging from several weeks to a few months, depending on the category.

Delays in processing times are common during:

Seasonal surges, such as holiday periods (June-August and December-January)
Public holidays, both in Spain and in your country of residence
Political or administrative changes

Most consulates and visa centers provide tracking tools on their official websites. In some cases, you’ll receive email or SMS notifications as soon as a decision is made.

Waiting can feel frustrating, but it’s a normal part of the process. Building in extra time when planning your trip ensures that even if delays happen, your travel won’t be at risk.

Step 9: Receive your visa

The final step is to collect your visa and prepare for the journey!

You can collect your visa in a few different ways:

In-person pickup: Most consulates and visa centers require you to return with your receipt and ID to collect your passport.
Courier services: Some providers offer delivery for an extra fee.
Authorized third-party collection: In certain cases, you may authorize a family member or representative to collect it, typically through a signed consent form.

Once you have your visa in hand, always check that the entry dates, number of entries, and duration of stay are correct.

What to do after arriving in Spain

If you’re moving to Spain on a long-stay visa, there are a few key steps you must take once you arrive.

Within 30 days of arrival, you must apply for a foreigner’s identity number (NIE) and the physical residence card (TIE) at the immigration office or local police station.

This card serves as proof of your legal stay in Spain and is required to open a bank account, sign a rental contract, or access healthcare services.

You’ll also have to register your address at the local town hall (ayuntamiento). This ties you to your municipality for local services and taxes.

Many residence categories also require proof of valid health insurance in Spain. In the short term, you may want to consider short-term or expat health insurance.

Lean more about health insurance in Spain.

Settling into Spain is much easier when you handle these essentials quickly. Once the paperwork is done, you can truly relax and enjoy your time here.