Visa for Spain in 2026: requirements and application

The Kingdom of Spain is one of the key tourist destinations in Europe. This country attracts tourists from different countries with its warm sea climate, its rich cultural and natural heritage, developed infrastructure, and relatively low prices compared to northern EU countries.

The main requirement for entering Spain today is obtaining a Schengen visa issued by the consulate of the country of stay. Entry to Spain with Schengen visas from other countries is not restricted but affects personal visa history.

Spanish visa types

All Schengen visas to Spain can be divided into two types: short-term visa C and long-term national visa D. The short-term visa allows you to stay in Spain for up to 3 months and requires leaving the country to obtain a new visa. The long-term visa is issued for a period of 6 months or more and can be extended within Spain.

Tourist visa

The most common type of short-term visa is the C visa. It can be issued for the duration of the trip, from several weeks to months, and can be valid from 1 to 5 years. The period of stay in Spain under this visa is up to 3 months every six months. The main requirements for issuing the visa are to have financial guarantees, ties to the country of residence, and a travel itinerary.

Depending on the purpose of the trip, other types of short-term visas may be issued: short-term study visa, business visa, private invitation visa, or transit visa. In all cases, in addition to the basic set of documents, confirmation from the inviting person or organisation will be required (except for the transit visa).

Non-Lucrative residence visa

A type of long-term national visa D, issued to individuals with high incomes who wish to live in Spain. The visa is issued at the Spanish consulate in the country of residence for 1 year and can then be extended in Spain. The main requirement for obtaining a Non-Lucrative residence visa is having a passive income outside the Eurozone that is four times the minimum wage in Spain. The visa allows the applicant to include family members in the programme, open a bank account in Spain, and stay in the country for an unlimited amount of time. One of the conditions of this visa is the requirement to reside in Spain for more than 183 days a year, which means becoming a tax resident. Working as an employee is not allowed.

Digital Nomad visa

Digital Nomad visa in Spain is a type of long-term national visa D, issued to employees working remotely for a foreign company and wishing to live permanently in Spain. The main requirements include a confirmed high income, a long-term contract, and qualifications in the relevant field. Under this visa, it will be necessary to become a tax resident of Spain and reside in the country for more than 183 days a year. The advantage is the ability to earn up to 20% of income in Spain.

There are also other types of long-term national visas: study visa for more than 90 days, family reunification visa, and work visa. Each visa requires an invitation from the host party in addition to the standard set of documents.

Startup Visa in Spain

The Spanish startup visa is a residence permit for entrepreneurs launching an innovative project recognised as beneficial to the country’s economy. The main requirements are preparing a business plan and obtaining approval from the competent authority. The programme allows applicants to live in Spain, develop their business, and include family members in the application. The initial residence permit is granted for several years, with the possibility of renewal and eligibility for permanent residence after five years. The status does not automatically make the holder a tax resident: tax residency generally arises if a person spends more than 183 days per year in Spain or moves their centre of vital interests there. The residence permit grants the right to work legally and conduct business activities in the country.

Processing time for a visa to Spain

The processing time for a Schengen visa application by the consulate can take up to 45 days. However, a decision is usually made earlier, within 1–2 weeks.

Validity period of a Spanish visa

The minimum period for which a Spanish visa is issued is the duration of the trip. Often, the visa is issued with an entry and exit corridor: for 1–3 months. It can also be issued for a longer period, from 6 months to several years. In such cases, the 90/180 rule applies, allowing the tourist to stay in the country for up to 90 days every 6 months, with a mandatory exit for the next 90 days. Regarding the number of entries, the visa can be single-entry or multiple-entry.

Documents required for a visa to Spain

• Visa application form for Spain and consent for the processing of personal data. It must be completed in a special form in English. The applicant’s personal signature is required.
• Passport. It must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of the trip. At least 2 free pages are required for the visa and stamps.
• Photo. A colour photo 35×45 cm, matching the sample for a Schengen visa, is required. The face should occupy at least 70% of the frame.
• Receipts for payment of consular and service fees.
• Health insurance. Coverage must be more than 30,000 euros within the EU and Schengen area, and the policy must be valid for the entire duration of the trip.
• Copies of all pages of the ID card of the country of residence.
• Property booking in Spain. Proof of booking and the ability to pay for it: hotel, apartment, or invitation letter from the host party.
• Round-trip tickets. Alternatively, a travel itinerary describing the movement of tourists in Spain and their return home.
• Financial guarantees. The applicant can provide one of the following: proof of employment (a letter from the employer detailing the salary and leave approval), business ownership documents, or a sponsorship letter. A bank statement showing a sufficient amount for the trip and a report on financial transactions for the last 3 months are also required.
• Additional guarantees. Additional documents proving ties to the country of residence may be provided, such as property ownership documents.

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

Biometrics

At the visa centre, all applicants may be required to undergo biometric procedures, even if biometrics have been submitted less than 59 weeks ago.

Applicant requirements

• the applicant must not be on the EU sanctions list;
• the applicant must not have been previously deported from EU countries and must not have violated visa regulations;
• no criminal record in the country of citizenship or residence;
• health insurance must be issued by an authorised insurance agency;
• a residential address in the country of residence is required;
• financial reliability and transparency of income must be confirmed.

Photo requirements

A colour photo 35×45 cm, matching the sample for a Schengen visa, is required. The face should occupy at least 70% of the frame.

Visa application procedure

You can apply for a tourist visa to Spain at the general consulate of the country of residence and in regional visa centres by appointment.

The entire procedure for submitting documents and obtaining a visa can be divided into several stages:

1. Preparation of documents. At this stage, the applicant collects all necessary documents, notarizes them, and translates them if required. Registration is completed and the applicant’s form is filled out.
2. Searching for an appointment slot to submit documents at the visa centre. The applicant books a specific date to submit the documents at the visa centre.
3. Submission of documents. The applicant arrives on the appointed day with the prepared documents and submits them at the visa centre. Biometrics are also collected for the Schengen visa. The fee is paid. Document submission can be done through a third party.
4. Waiting for a response from the consulate. It can take up to 45 days from the date of submission, but usually takes about 14 days. During this period, the consulate may contact the applicant for additional documents. You can check the status of the application on the website of the visa application centre using the details issued on the day of submission.
5. Getting a visa. Pick up the documents yourself or by using a courier.

Possible reasons for visa refusal

The main reasons for a possible visa refusal are: incorrectly filled in data or an incomplete package of documents, providing false information (for booking a hotel or documents), insufficient financial resources, inconsistencies in the type of visa issued for the purpose of travel, suspicions of the possibility of migration, violations of the visa regime for past trips to the Schengen area.

In case of refusal to issue a visa, you can appeal — with the provision of missing documents and detailed evidence of the purpose of the trip. This is a standard procedure that can be followed by a positive decision on issuing a visa to the appellant.

The Tranio team provides professional advice on obtaining visas and residence permits for investors who want to buy property in Spain.

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