Spain Visa Types
WHAT VISAS EXIST IN SPAIN?
Interested in living in Spain and not sure how? Spain offers various types of visas depending on the purpose and duration of stay. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the different visa categories available for those planning to visit, live, or work in Spain:
1. Schengen Visa (Short-Stay Visa)
- Purpose: For stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.
- Requirements: Proof of travel insurance, sufficient funds, and accommodation details.
- Application: Apply through the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.
More information: European Commission – Schengen Visa.
2. Long-Term National Visa (D Visa)
- Purpose: For stays longer than 90 days, such as for work, study, or family reunification.
- Types:
- Work Visa: For employment in Spain. Includes various categories such as general employment, highly skilled workers, and seasonal work.
- Student Visa: For long-term study programs. Requires proof of enrolment and sufficient financial means.
- Family Reunification Visa: For family members of Spanish residents or citizens.
More information: Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – National Visas.
3. Residence Visa
- Purpose: Allows individuals to reside in Spain for extended periods. This includes:
- Temporary Residence: For individuals who wish to stay for a specific period, often linked to work or study.
- Permanent Residence: For those who have resided in Spain for five years or more and wish to obtain long-term residency.
More information: Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration.
4. Work Visas
- Purpose: For non-EU citizens planning to work in Spain.
- Types:
- Highly Skilled Worker Visa: For professionals with high qualifications or specialised skills.
- Intra-Company Transfer Visa: For employees of multinational companies transferred to the Spanish branch.
- Self-Employed Visa: For entrepreneurs and freelancers planning to start a business or work independently.
More information: Spanish Ministry of Labour and Social Economy.
5. Student Visa
- Purpose: For individuals enrolled in a long-term study programme in Spain.
- Requirements: Proof of enrolment, financial means, and health insurance.
- Application: Apply at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.
More information: Spanish Ministry of Education and Vocational Training.
6. Entrepreneur Visa
- Purpose: For individuals planning to start a business or invest in Spain.
- Requirements: Business plan, proof of investment, and demonstration of economic benefit to Spain.
More information: Spanish Ministry of Economy.
7. Au Pair Visa
- Purpose: For young individuals (aged 17-30) coming to Spain to live with a host family, learn Spanish, and assist with childcare.
- Duration: Typically up to one year.
More information: Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Au Pair.
8. Internship Visa
- Purpose: For students or recent graduates undertaking internships in Spain.
- Duration: Usually up to six months.
More information: Spanish Ministry of Labour and Social Economy.
9. Youth Mobility Visa
- Purpose: Allows young people from specific countries to live and work in Spain for up to one year, based on bilateral agreements.
- Requirements: Varies by agreement and nationality.
More information: Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
10. Golden Visa
- Purpose: For individuals investing in Spain, such as through real estate or significant business investments.
- Requirements: Minimum investment thresholds and proof of economic benefit.
More information: Spanish Ministry of Economy.
Application Process
- Determine the Visa Type: Based on your purpose of stay and duration.
- Gather Documents: Including proof of purpose (job offer, admission letter, etc.), financial means, and health insurance.
- Submit Application: At the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country.
- Await Processing: Processing times vary by visa type.
- Arrival in Spain: Complete any additional requirements such as residence permits.
Additional Resources
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Spanish Ministry of Labour and Social Economy
- European Commission – Schengen Visa
By understanding these visa options, you can better navigate the requirements for living, working, or studying in Spain.