Are you unsure about the requirements for your Spanish visa? This quick guide explains the different types of Spanish visas and what you need to apply.
What Types of Visa Are There?
Depending on why you are visiting Spain, you can apply for one of the following kinds of Schengen visas:
- An airport transit visa is required if you are passing through a Spanish airport on your way to a non-Schengen country.
- A tourist visa allows you to visit Spain for holidays or leisure.
- A visitor visa is for those travelling to see friends or family living in Spain.
- A business visa is required for those travelling to Spain for meetings, conferences, or other work-related activities.
- An official visit visa applies to members of delegations travelling to Spain on formal government or organisational business.
- Those seeking medical attention in Spain can apply for Spanish medical visas.
- Students who wish to enrol in a course at a Spanish educational institution for up to 3 months may apply for a Spanish study visa.
- A cultural, sports, or film visa is available for those attending or participating in events in Spa.
You can find official visa categories and requirements on the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
What Documents Are Required For a Spanish Visa?
When applying for a Spanish visa, you will need to provide documents confirming your identity, your travel plans, and the reason for your visit. You will likely need the following:
- Completed visa application form. Fill out the form on your computer, print it, and sign the bottom.
- Two passport-sized photos. The photos must be in passport format, recent, whole-face photos with a light backdrop.
- Your passport must have at least two blank pages for the visa. Additionally, it must be valid for at least three months after the day you want to leave Spain and the entire Schengen area, and it cannot be older than ten years.
- Copies of your prior visas.
- Copies of previous passports.
- Before applying for a visa, you should obtain travel health insurance that covers the whole of Spain and all other Schengen countries. Your insurance must cover a minimum of 30,000 euros for medical emergencies, including repatriation in the event of death.
- The confirmation of your flight to and from Spain, together with the round-trip flight route. There should be a list of names, dates, and flight numbers.
- Proof of accommodations, for example, a hotel reservation.
- Proof of sufficient financial resources. To enter Spanish territory, international tourists must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to cover their stay (requirements vary depending on the length of the visit).
- A cover letter from you explaining why you are going to Spain, how long you plan to stay, when you plan to leave, and other relevant details.
- Supporting documents where relevant (e.g. marriage certificate or birth certificate). If your documentation relates to inheritance matters, you can learn more on our Spanish Succession Tax information page.
For a full breakdown of financial requirements and supporting documents, see schengen visa info. For those dealing with estates or legal matters in Spain, visit our home page to contact us, or visit Probate Forms for a full succession TAX guide.
For help with Spanish probate issues, contact Spanish Probate Matters on 0208 150 2010.
