Spain Schengen Visa in 2024

Following the results of the high tourist season of 2024, Spain was again recognized as the most suitable European country for summer holidays, according to the rating of the SchengenVisaInfo portal. Spain’s beaches, cuisine, friendly locals, and sunny weather were highly rated. In total, 748 beaches in Spain received the Blue Flag award, which is a record number among EU countries.

Ways to obtain a Schengen visa to Spain

Applicants must submit their documents to the visa application centre in their district of residence.

It is possible to apply to the visa application centre:

• in person;
• with the help of close relatives;
• through a travel agency or an accredited commercial intermediary.

The rules for issuing a Schengen visa do not exclude the possibility of applying in a third country, even if the applicant does not have a residence permit of that state. In this case, it is necessary to justify why the applicant cannot apply for a visa in his country of residence.

Requirements for a Schengen visa for Spain

The main requirements of the consulate for the applicant are reliability and a guarantee of the tourist’s return to his homeland after the expiration of the visa. Applicants must prove strong ties to their home country through factors like property ownership, employment, and financial stability.

Here are the main requirements for applicants:

• the applicant must not be on the EU sanctions list;
• the applicant must not have previously been deported from EU countries or violated visa rules;
• no criminal record in the country of citizenship and residence;
• medical insurance from an authorised insurance agency is required;
• the applicant must have a registered address in their country of residence;
• financial reliability and proof of legal income must be provided.

The procedure for obtaining a Schengen visa for Spain

Currently, a tourist Schengen visa is most often issued for up to 6 months with the possibility of staying in the country for up to 3 months every 183 days. However, it can also be issued for a longer period, up to 5 years or for the exact dates of the trip. The length of the visa depends on factors such as prior Schengen visas and the proper use of those visas, as well as the purpose of the trip.

The process of obtaining a visa can be divided into several key steps:

1. Preparation of documents. The applicant gathers the required documents, gets an apostille, and translates them if necessary. Registration on the visa centre’s website and completion of the application form are also required.
2. Submission of documents. On the appointed day, the applicant arrives at the visa application centre with a full package of documents. Biometrics is also carried out at the centre. The consular fee is paid. Documents can also be submitted through a representative.
3. Waiting for a response from the consulate. When submitting documents, approximate waiting periods are indicated — up to 45 days, but usually a decision is made in 14 days. The Consulate may request additional documents during this period. The status of the application can be tracked on the website of the visa application centre using the issued details.
4. Obtaining a visa. You can pick up the documents in person or order delivery by courier.

List of documents

• Visa application form for Spain and consent for personal data processing. Must be filled out in English or Spanish in block letters. The applicant’s signature is mandatory.
• Passport. Must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of the trip and have at least 2 blank pages for the visa and stamps.
• Photo according to the sample. A colour photo 35×45 mm that meets the Schengen visa requirements. The face must occupy at least 70% of the frame.
• Receipts for the consular and service fees.
• Medical insurance. The insurance policy must be from an authorised agent, covering more than €30,000 in the EU and Schengen zone, and valid for the entire duration of the trip.
• Proof of accommodation in Spain. This can be a hotel or apartment booking, or a letter from the host party with payment confirmation.
• Round-trip tickets or a detailed itinerary describing the movements of tourists within Spain and their return home.
• Financial guarantees. One of the following must be provided: proof of employment (a letter from the employer specifying salary and vacation approval), business documents, or a sponsorship letter. A bank statement confirming sufficient funds for the trip and a report on transactions for the last 3 months are also required.
• Additional guarantees. Documents proving ties to the country of residence, such as property ownership, can be provided.

Additionally for children:

• Original and copy of the birth certificate.
• Notarized consent from both parents, along with copies of the first pages of their passports, if the child is travelling without parents.
• Notarized consent from the second parent, if the child is travelling with only one parent.
• If the accompanying parent already has a visa, a copy of that visa and round-trip tickets must be provided.

The consulate reserves the right to request additional documents if the provided information is insufficient.

Photo Requirements

A colour photograph measuring 35×45 mm is required, meeting Schengen visa standards. The face must occupy at least 70% of the frame. Clothing and makeup should be neutral. Photo editing is not permitted.

Cost of Processing

The consular fee is €90 for applicants over 12 years old and €45 for children under 12 years old, except for children under 6 years old. The service fee can be also required.

The Tranio team provides professional consultations on visas and residence permits for investors interested in purchasing property in Spain.

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Author: Polina Fedotova