Spain's visa requirements explained

Moving to Spain, or simply visiting? Sometimes, applying for a visa can feel like a lot of work.

From passports and photos to proof of accommodation and financial means, things can feel overwhelming fast.

The good news is, we’re here to help. Once you know exactly what’s expected, the process becomes much more manageable.

Preparation is key, so it’s essential to understand both the standard requirements and the extra paperwork depending on whether you’re a tourist, student, worker, or family member.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

The essential documents every Spanish visa application needs

The differences between Schengen short-stay and national long-stay visas

Special rules for students, employees, researchers, retirees, and family members

Details such a pricing, biometrics, and requirements on arrival in Spain

And how to avoid common mistakes

By the end, you’ll know what to prepare, how to prepare it, and have the confidence to submit your Spanish visa application without unnecessary stress.

Let’s dive in…

Application forms

The first step in applying for a Spanish visa is to download and complete the relevant application form.

There are two types of application forms:

Schengen short-stay forms are for shorter visits up to 90 days (perfect for tourists or those attending short conferences).
National long-stay forms apply if you’re planning to stay for a longer period of time.

You can usually find these forms on the Spanish consulate’s website or through a visa application center.

Ensure you select the correct form for your specific situation to avoid delays or unnecessary rejections.

Additionally, it’s essential to complete all sections clearly and ensure that your answers align with the documents you have submitted. Any discrepancies might raise red flags and slow down the process.

Learn more about the Spanish visa application process.

Required documents for a Spanish visa

Getting a Spanish visa can feel like a paperwork marathon, but things get much easier once you know what to expect.

Here are the 8 core documents you’ll need to prepare.

Passport: Spain typically requires a passport valid for at least 6 months after departure. You’ll also need two blank pages for the visa stamp.
Photographs: 35x45 mm, taken against a light background, showing your full face without shadows. We recommend using consulate-approved photo booths where possible.
Proof of accommodation: These can include hotel bookings, rental agreements, or a ‘carta de invitación (an official invitation from a Spanish host, issued by the police).
Travel itinerary: You’ll need a round-trip reservation, not a booked ticket. Many travellers opt for refundable bookings to avoid risking money on a flight that might not align with their visa approval.
Travel insurance: This must cover at least €30,000 in medical costs across the Schengen area, including emergency repatriation.
Financial means: Spain sets a daily minimum of €113.40 per person. Acceptable proof includes bank statements, credit card limits, or travellers' cheques.
Cover letter: A short letter including the purpose of your trip, duration of stay, and proof of ties to your home country (like work, studies, or family) can help clarify your case
Criminal record: This is only for long-stay visas, and must be legalized (apostilled) and officially translated into Spanish. The Ministry of Justice provides detailed guidelines on their website.

Additional documents

Depending on the purpose of your stay in Spain, you might have to provide additional documents.

These are just as important as the basics, so take the time to check whether you fall into any of the following categories:

Employees: Proof of stable work, such as an employer letter on official letterhead confirming your job, salary, and leave dates.
Self-employed: Recent tax-return history, or registration with the chamber of commerce, to prove your work is legitimate and tax-compliant.
Students: Letter of admission from a recognised Spanish institution, along with proof of tuition payment. Proof of payment is essential for student visas, so be sure not to forget it.
Researchers & academics: An official invitation letter from a Spanish university or research body, and a detailed research plan explaining the project and funding.
Retirees: Pension statements or savings proof (over €28,000 per year) to show that you can support yourself without working
Au pairs and volunteers: A legal agreement with a host family or organization approved by the authorities

Special categories and family considerations

For children under 18 traveling to Spain, you must have notarized parental consent if traveling alone. Consulates also require certified copies of both parents’ IDs or passports.

If these documents come from outside Spain, they must be legalized or apostilled and officially translated.

For family reunification visas, the sponsor (the family member already in Spain) must prove:

Legal residence status (like a residence card or long-term visa)
Adequate housing that meets official standards
Sufficient income to support the family without relying on state aid

This process can take several months, so planning ahead is crucial to ensure you receive your visa in a timely manner.

For non-EU spouses or partners of EU citizens in Spain, the rules differ by relationship type:

Marriage is straightforward if the EU spouse is registered as a resident in Spain.
Civil partnerships (pareja de hecho) are recognized, but requirements vary by region.

Spain also offers golden visas for certain property investors or entrepreneurs.

These are a very specific type of visa that requires a significant investment, such as purchasing real estate worth €500,000 or more.

Visa fees and pricing

No matter which type of visa you’re applying for, you’ll need to pay a fee.

Fees for Schengen short-stay visas depend on age. They are currently:

€80 for adults
€40 for children aged 6-12
Free for children under 6 years old

Prices for national long-stay visas vary depending on the type of visa and the reason for your stay (study, work, joining family, etc). Prices for these visas generally start at €160.

Payment methods vary by country and by consulate. Some only accept cash, whilst others allow debit/credit cards or direct bank transfers.

We recommend checking your consulate’s specific instructions beforehand to avoid any unwanted surprises!

It’s also important to note that visa fees are non-refundable. This is true even if your application is rejected, no matter the reason.

Fees are used to cover the cost of processing, so make sure to double-check all your forms and documents the first time around to avoid having to re-apply and pay the fees again.

Biometric Data

As part of the application process, most first-time applicants must also provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photo).

This is often done on-site at the consulate and only takes a few minutes.

Your biometric data will then be stored in the Schengen Visa Information System (VIS) for 5 years. That means that if you apply again within that time, you won’t need to resubmit fingerprints.

Not everyone is required to provide their biometric data, however. Some individuals, such as certain diplomats and children under the age of 6, are exempt.

Arriving in Spain on a long-stay visa

If you’re moving to Spain on a long-stay visa, you’ll need to complete a few more steps upon arriving, before the process is officially over.

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

This card is proof of your legal stay in Spain. You’ll need it to open a bank account, sign a rental contract, and access national healthcare.

Additionally, you’ll have to register your new address at the local town hall (ayuntamiento). This ties you to your municipality for local services and tax purposes.

Many residence categories also require proof of valid health insurance in Spain.

Learn more about how health insurance works in Spain.

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

Frequently asked questions

Do all documents need originals, or are copies accepted?

You’ll need to bring the originals to your appointment so the consulate can verify them. However, they usually keep only certified copies in their files.

For long-term visas, some consulates demand apostilled or legalized originals. This is especially true for civil status documents and criminal records.

Can documents be submitted in digital form or must they be printed?

Spain still relies on printed submissions, and you’ll need to submit physical documents at the consulate or BLS center.

The EU digital visa system is planned for 2026, which is expected to make the process smoother.

What happens if my passport expires in less than six months?

Even if you meet the Schengen legal minimum (three months), applications with less than six months remaining on your passport are often refused.

It’s definitely safest to renew your passport before applying, even if that does add an extra step.

How much money do I need to show for proof of funds in Spain?

As of 2025, applicants for a Spanish visa must demonstrate a minimum daily expenditure of at least €113.40 per person for each day of their stay.

Since consulates can be strict, we recommend providing more than the minimum if possible.

Do I need an invitation letter if staying with family or friends?

If you’re staying with friends or family, Spain requires a carta de invitación.

Your host must apply in person at their local police station. Processing often takes several weeks, so as always, it’s a good idea to apply sooner rather than later.

How long does the Spanish visa process take?

Short-stay Schengen visas are typically processed within approximately 15 calendar days. However, during peak travel seasons (July-August and December-January), the processing time can extend to 30–60 days.

Long-stay national visa timelines vary, but expect a processing time of 1–3 months, depending on the type (student, work, or non-lucrative).

Can I apply for a Spanish visa while already in another Schengen country?

In most cases, the answer is no. Spain requires you to apply from your country of residence, not from another Schengen state you’re just visiting.

The only exception is if you’re legally residing in another Schengen country. In that case, you may apply through the Spanish consulate in that country.

When should documents be legalized or notarized?

Spain makes a sharp distinction between legalization and notarization.

Legalization/apostille applies to official documents from abroad, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and criminal records.

Notarization, on the other hand, applies to translations or copies that need authentication for the visa file.

For up-to-date guidance, check Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) page on document legalization.

Conclusion

It’s no secret that navigating Spain’s visa requirements can feel like an enormous task.

Although it is true that the Spanish system can be stricter than other Schengen countries in some areas, if you take the time to prepare carefully, you have no reason to worry.

Thousands of people apply and receive visas every year, and your local embassy is always there to help if things get confusing.

The key is to ensure that you have all your documents ready in advance, so you can focus on making the most of your stay in Spain.