Visas for Spain: A comprehensive guide

Spain attracts numerous immigrants each year owing to its rich cultural heritage, strong history, and mesmerising landscapes. Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your visit, a visa may be needed to enter Spain. This article encompasses the many visas available for Spain, with an outline of the requirements and necessary documents in order to apply for them.

Visas for Non-European citizens

Non-European citizens may require a visa to enter Spain. The type of visa varies based on the reason for visitation and length of stay. Here are a series of the most common visas used by Non-European travellers:

1. Schengen Visa

The Schengen visa permits its holders to travel freely within the 26 Schengen countries for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It's beneficial for travellers, tourists, and those conducting short business trips or planning brief study periods.

Key requirements:

• Application Form: A fully completed and signed visa application form.
• Passport: A valid passport with at least two blank pages and valid for at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from the Schengen area.
• Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos.
• Travel Itinerary: Your detailed trip itinerary including proof of booked round trip flight tickets with dates and flight numbers specifying entry and exit.
• Proof of Financial Sustenance: Proof that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay, such as bank statements or payslips.
• Travel Health Insurance: Valid international health insurance coverage of at least €30,000.

2. Work Visa

To work in Spain as a non-EU citizen, you'll need to secure employment first. Your prospective employer will initiate the work visa process by applying for a work permit on your behalf.

Requirements:

• Completed visa application form
• Passport-sized photos
• Valid passport
• Job Contract from a Spanish employer
• Approval of the work authorisation by Spanish authorities: applied for by your future employer in Spain. Your employer will need to prove that there's no Spanish or EU citizen available who can perform the job.
• Medical certificate: A health certificate showing you're free from any diseases that can have serious public health repercussions.
• Certificate of criminal records: Confirming that you have no criminal records in any of the countries you have lived in during the last five years.

3. Investment Visa (Golden Visa)

The Spanish Investment Visa, colloquially known as the Golden Visa, is designed for non-EU individuals making significant financial investments in the country, such as buying real estate, investing in a business, or contributing to a public project.

Requirements:

• Non-EU citizenship
• Not currently residing in Spain unlawfully
• Investment: A minimum investment of €500,000 in real estate, €1 million in shares of Spanish companies, or €2 million in Spanish government bonds, among other options.
• Health Insurance: The applicant must have valid public or private health insurance with a provider authorised to operate in Spain.
• Financial Resources: Proof of sufficient financial means to support oneself and any dependents during their stay in Spain is required.
• No Criminal Record: The applicant should not have a criminal record in their home country or Spain.

4. Non-Lucrative Visa

The Non-Lucrative Visa, often referred to as the Spanish retirement visa, is ideal for individuals or retirees with a high regular income or substantial savings who wish to live in Spain but not engage in any income-generating activities. Find out more about the Non-Lucrative Visa here.

Requirements:

• Proof of sufficient economic means: This could be in the form of a passive income (pensions, dividends, etc.) or substantial savings. The minimum annual income required is €28,800 for the main applicant and approximately €7,200 for each additional family member.
• Private health insurance: Full-coverage private health insurance with a company authorised to operate in Spain.
• No Criminal Record: The applicant should not have a criminal record in their home country or Spain.
• Not currently residing in Spain illegally
• Proof of Accommodation: Could be in the form of a rental agreement or a property deed.

5. Digital Nomad Visa

This visa is a relatively new programme launched by the Spanish government aimed at attracting remote workers and freelancers to Spain. Non-European Union citizens can live and work in Spain while working remotely for companies or clients based outside Spain under this program.

Key Benefits:

• Fast-Track Application: The resolution of the application occurs within 20 working days.
• Special Tax Regime: Holders of the digital nomad visa can benefit from a special tax regime where they pay a flat rate of 24% on income derived from work up to €600,000.
• Visa-Free Travel: Visa holders are allowed to travel freely within the Schengen area.
• Visa Renewal: The visa can be renewed after three years for an additional two years.
• Permanent Residency: Visa holders can be eligible for permanent residency after five years and can include their family (spouse and children) on the visa.

Requirements:

• Employment situation: The applicant's company should be located outside Spain and income from Spain or Spanish companies should not account for more than 20% of the total income.
• Proof of remote work: Proof of at least 3 months working in a company with a minimum of 1 year of activity and company certification that teleworking for your position is authorised.
• Work Experience/Education: At least 3 years of experience or professional training (graduate or postgraduate) from a reputable university or business school.
• No Criminal Record: Applicants need to provide proof of no criminal record for the last 2 years.
• Health Insurance: Applicants must secure private health insurance with full coverage throughout Spain.
• Proof of Income: Evidence of income or economic solvency relative to the minimum wage in Spain, with at least €30,000 in bank deposit for the primary applicant.

This visa programme offers an impressive range of benefits for digital nomads looking to base themselves in Spain. However, as these requirements are subject to change, it is always advisable to consult with an immigration expert or directly with the Spanish embassy.

6. Entrepreneur Visa

The Spanish Entrepreneur Visa, part of the Entrepreneurs' Law that came into effect in 2013, targets foreign entrepreneurs planning to develop innovative projects in Spain. It enables them not only to live in Spain but to also benefit from streamlined visa procedures. This visa is meant for entrepreneurs introducing innovative projects, start-ups, or those having a substantial socio-economic impact within Spain. For a project to be eligible, it should be innovative in nature and have a viable business plan. The plan will be assessed based on its potential for job creation, the industry's profile, and the project's contribution to the Spanish economy as a whole.

Requirements and conditions:

• The applicant should be a non-EU national.
• Business Plan: A detailed business plan indicating the intended business to be started in Spain should be provided. The plan should include a market analysis, details on proposed strategies, and what benefits it will bring to the Spanish economy.
• Economic Viability: An economic viability study of the project is required. This viability study should outline projected profits and losses and explain how the project is sustainable.
• Economic Means: Evidence of having enough economic funds to support oneself for at least one year should be submitted.
• Criminal Record: The applicant should have no criminal records in Spain or in any of the countries where they have previously lived during the last five years.
• Visa validity: The initial validity of the entrepreneur visa is one year, after which it can be renewed annually.
• Residence Permit: After one year of legally living in Spain, the applicant can apply for a two-year residence permit for entrepreneurs. This visa also offers a path to eventual permanent residence and Spanish citizenship.
• Family Members: The visa includes provisions for immediate family members to join the entrepreneur, including spouse and minor children.

It's important to note that while the government supports entrepreneurship through this visa, the application process can be challenging and thorough. It's recommended to seek professional guidance when applying for this type of visa.

7. Family Reunification Visa

A family reunification visa in Spain permits foreign citizens who have been legally living in the country for more than a year to bring their relatives to Spain.

Main Features of the Visa:

• The visa allows any foreigner living in Spain to bring their relatives to the country, granting them a residence and work permit.
• The holder cannot consider this procedure with the first residence card obtained. It's applicable only after having the residence permit renewed, i.e. after living in Spain for one year and being able to live legally in the country for an additional year.

Who Can Apply for Family Reunification:

• Parents (if the applicant has a long-term residency card, i.e., living in Spain for at least 5 years, and the parents are over 65).
• Spouses or civil partners.
• Parents of spouse/civil partner (in-law).
• Son or daughter, provided they are under 18 years old (or dependent, in a case where they cannot provide for their own needs).

Requirements:

• Family Relationship: Must provide evidence of familial relationship to the resident living in Spain. An important requirement where certificates like birth or marriage certificates are necessary
• Proof of Residence: The resident in Spain must provide evidence that they have legally resided in Spain for a continuous period of one year and have obtained authorisation to stay at least one more year.
• Adequate Accommodation: Must provide evidence of having adequate housing in Spain for the family.
• Financial Support: Must prove financial means sufficient to support the family without resorting to the social assistance system in Spain.
• Nationality of the foreigner in Spain: Non-European residents in Spain who have been legally living in the country for more than a year.
• No criminal records
• Private health insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance coverage for the relocated family members.

The process's specifics can vary, so it's recommended to work with immigration lawyers or professionals who can guide you through the requirements and legalities for a smoother procedure.

8. Student Visa

For non-European citizens wishing to study in Spain for durations longer than three months, a student visa is required. This visa allows for extensions within Spain and lets students work part time under certain conditions.

Requirements:

• Completed application form
• Passport photographs
• Valid passport
• Admission letter: An official letter from the Spanish institution confirming your acceptance and detailing course duration and curriculum.
• Proof of Financial Sufficiency: Documented evidence that you have enough funds to sustain yourself throughout your study period.
• Medical certificate: A document from your doctor confirming you're free from any diseases likely to have serious public health implications.
• Health insurance: Full-coverage private health insurance from a company authorised to operate in Spain.
• Certificate of Criminal Records: Official certificate confirming that you have no criminal records.

9. Working Holiday Visa (Youth Mobility Visa)

The Spain Working Holiday Visa, also known as a Youth Mobility Visa, allows young people from certain countries to live, work, and travel in Spain for a specified period, typically up to one year. The programme is available to citizens of Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. It is for young people aged between 18 and 35. However, the upper age limit varies by country.

Requirements:

• Valid passport
• Proof of sufficient financial resources for the stay
• Medical Insurance: Applicants must have health insurance that covers them in Spain
• No criminal record
• Age and Nationality: The applicants should typically be aged between 18 and 30 years old

  and be a citizen of a country that has a bilateral Youth Mobility agreement with Spain.

• No Dependents: Individuals can't be accompanied by dependents.
• Return Ticket: Applicants must have a return ticket or sufficient funds to buy one.

This visa offers young individuals the opportunity to experience life in Spain, improve their Spanish language skills, and familiarise themselves with the Spanish culture while having the freedom to work.

Again, it's crucial to note that the specific requirements and application process may vary depending on the applicant's nationality. Therefore, it's recommended to check with the relevant Spanish Embassy or Consulate for the most accurate information.

Visas for European citizens

Citizens from the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland enjoy the freedom of movement within the EU, which means they typically do not require a visa to enter Spain. However, if the length of stay exceeds three months, additional procedures are necessary.

1. Registration Certificate

EU citizens who intend to stay longer than three months need to obtain a registration certificate. This certificate serves as evidence of the citizen's right to reside in Spain for more than three months.

Requirements:

• Valid passport or ID
• Evidence of employment or proof of sufficient financial resources
• Proof of public or private health insurance

2. Family Member Residence Card

Family members of EU, EEA, and Swiss citizens have the right to stay in Spain. They'll need a Family Member Residence Card if the stay is more than three months.

Requirements:

• Valid Passport
• Proof of the family relationship
• Proof of sufficient financial resources
• The registration certificate of the EU citizen they’re joining

This guide is designed to provide an overview of the visa possibilities available. Actual requirements may vary, and it's advisable to check with the nearest Spanish consulate or embassy for the most accurate and up-to-date information. In order to apply for any of them you should contact the nearest Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Many Spanish consulates and embassies also provide information and guidance for visa applications on their official websites. The application process may take time, so it's advisable to begin preparations well in advance of your intended travel date. With correct preparation, exploring the beauty of Spain is just a visa application away!

Begin your journey to becoming part of the vibrant Spanish community today by starting your search for the perfect place to live here. Whether you're looking for a cosmopolitan city flat or a beachside villa, there's a myriad of fantastic properties for rent waiting for you. Start exploring your options now and let the beauty of Spain captivate you!