Spain VISA 2023 Application Process | Types | Fees
Spain VISA 2023 Application Process – As a travel enthusiast, I have always dreamed of visiting Spain and its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine. So when I finally had the opportunity to plan a trip to this beautiful country, I was excited to start the visa application process. But I quickly realized there were many different processes for VISA to go through.
I also got to know that there were many different types of visas for Spain, and it was not always clear which one was the right one for me. I had to do a lot of research and gather many documents to complete my application. In this article, I will share my experience with the Spain visa process, including the requirements, fees, and eligibility criteria.
Is Schengen VISA Applicable for Spain?
Spain is part of the Schengen Area, a group of 26 European countries that have abolished passports and other types of border control at their mutual borders. With a Schengen visa, I was able to travel to Spain and other countries in the Schengen Area for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, you will not be able to work or study in the area with this type of visa.
To apply for a Schengen visa, you need to submit your application to the embassy or consulate of your main destination or the country where you will spend the most time. If you want to travel to multiple countries in the Schengen Area and don’t have a main destination, you will have to apply to the embassy or consulate of the country where you would enter the area.
Spanish VISA Types in 2023:
There are various types of visas for Spain, each with a specific purpose. I had to choose the right one based on my reasons for traveling to the country. Here are the common types of visas for Spain & the purpose they are served for:
- Spain Tourist Visa: For travel to Spain for tourism, such as visiting family, sightseeing, or cultural events
- Business Visa: For business travel, such as meetings, conferences, or contract negotiations
- Spain Study Visa: For study in Spain at a university or language school
- Spain Work Visa: For work in Spain as an employee or self-employed person
- Spain Family Reunion Visa: For joining a family member in Spain
- Spain Medical Visa: For medical treatment in Spain
- Spain Transit Visa: For transit through Spain en route to another country
- Cultural, Sports, Film Crew, or Religious Visa: For cultural, sports, film crew, or religious travel to Spain
Eligibility Criteria for Spanish VISA:
As I recently applied for a Spanish VISA so this is what I got to experience about the eligibility criteria:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
- Sufficient funds to cover expenses during stay in Spain
- A valid reason for traveling to Spain (tourism, business, study, work, etc.)
- No security risk or danger to public health
- No criminal record
- VISA Applicant may need to provide foreigner’s health exam clearance cert, itinerary, and residence proof.
How to Submit an Application for a Spanish VISA?
To apply for a Spanish visa, you should follow these steps:
- Determine which type of visa is suitable for your purpose of travel.
- Submit your application to the appropriate authority, such as the Spanish embassy or consulate.
- Complete the application form and gather all required documents, including statutory and visa-specific documents.
- Schedule a visa interview.
- Attend the interview at the designated location, such as the Spanish embassy or consulate.
Documents Requirements to Apply for Spain VISA:
To apply for a Spanish visa, you will need the following documents:
- A completed and signed Spanish visa application form.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- A valid passport with at least two blank pages and a validity of at least three months beyond your planned date of departure from Spain.
- Travel health insurance covers medical emergencies and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
- A round-trip flight itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- A cover letter explaining the purpose of your trip.
- Proof of civil status.
Application Fee for Spanish VISA:
The cost to apply for a Spanish short-term visa depends on the applicant’s age. The fees are as follows:
- €80 for adult travelers
- €40 for children aged 6 to 12
- No fee for children under 6 years old
It is important to note that these fees are subject to change, and you should confirm the current fee with the Spanish embassy or consulate where you will be submitting your application.
Processing Time Required for Spanish VISA:
As per my experience, the processing time for a Spanish short-stay visa typically takes up to 15 business days, but it may be extended to 30 days or even 60 days in exceptional cases. To avoid delays, you should submit your application as soon as possible, but no earlier than three months before your planned travel to Spain.