A mini guide about Spanish Schengen visa

Last updated on June 26th, 2025 at 09:22 am.

If you are a citizen from a non-EU country and you’re thinking of visiting Spain or staying for more than 90 days, you will need a Spanish Schengen visa.

In this article, we explore what a Spanish Schengen visa is, who needs one and how to apply for a Spanish Schengen visa. 

The European Commission has released data showing that there were 11.7 million Schengen visa applications made during 2024, marking a 13.6% increase on visa applicants in 2023. Overall, 9.7 million Schengen visa applications were approved in 2024, with visa refusal at around 14.8%.

After France, Spain is the second most popular country to apply to, with over 1.6 million applications in 2024. There were over 1.3 million visas issued, with a rejection rate of 15.7%. Having all of your documentation in order, such as proof of accommodation and travel insurance helps to achieve visa approval. 

There are some important changes in 2024-2025:

1. Entry/Exit System (EES)

This replaces passport stamps and requires non-EU nationals to register digitally when entering or exiting border crossings using biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial images. 

2. ETIAS

ETIAS is a travel authorisation process for visa-exempt travellers. This is now not needed for 2025, but is expected to be implemented later in 2026. 

3. Digital visa process

It is anticipated that the EU will fully digitalize the visa application process by 2025, potentially involving online application platforms and automated processes. 

Experts are predicting that there will be increased travel to Spain this year for property and business purposes. This is because of a promising economic outlook with GDP potentially reaching 2.6% and increased levels of tourism. 

What Is a Spanish Schengen Visa and Who Needs It?

A Spanish Schengen visa is a short stay entry permit for non-EU or non-EAA citizens to access so they can visit Spain and other countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days. 

Non-EU or Non-EAA citizens looking to visit Spain for tourist, business, leisure or family purposes must apply for a Schengen visa and have it approved before travelling. This kind of visa is only issued for citizens of countries listed in the following official EU document.

There are different types of Schengen visas, such as single entry, multiple entry or airport transit visas. 

If your country of origin is not within the EU list, it means that you will not need a Schengen visa. However, a different kind of visa is required to stay in Spain for more than 90 days, such as a tourist, student, work or resident visa.  

Understanding the 90/180 Day Rule and Schengen Area

When you hold a Schengen visa, you will be able to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. The reason for your trip could be tourism, business, visiting a relative or to study in Spain. 

The 90/180 day rule means you can travel to multiple countries in the Schengen area, but you can’t go over 90 days in this area during any 180-day period. This 180-day period is rolling, which means it starts from your entry date and extends for 180 days. You need to make sure you don’t spend more than 90 days in a 180-day window in the Schengen area. The 90 days can be a single continuous stay or multiple shorter stays. 

The Schengen area is made up of 29 countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

How Can You Apply for a Spanish Schengen Visa Successfully?

You can apply for your Schengen visa at the consulate for the country you want to visit. If you’re visiting more than one Schengen country, apply at the consulate for the country where you’ll be spending most of your time. 

For travel times of equal length to several countries, apply to the consulate for the country you wish to visit first. 

It’s best to apply for your Schengen visa at least 15 days before you plan to visit and no earlier than 6 months before you plan to travel. Check if you have to book an appointment at the consulate before you submit your application. 

The normal processing time is around 15 days, but can be extended to 45 days if more detailed analysis of your documentation is needed. We recommend that you apply around 3 months before you want to visit Spain so the visa has enough time to be processed and approved. 

An adult visa costs around 80 euros and children between the ages of 6-12 cost around 40 euros. 

What Documents and Requirements Do You Need?

There are a number of documents you need for a Spanish Schengen visa application, including:

• A valid passport. This should have an expiry date at least 3 months after the date of your departure from the Schengen area. For a multiple-entry visa, the expiry date should be at least 3 months after you leave the last country you visit. 
• A Spanish Schengen visa application form. 
• A photo of yourself that complies with ICAO standards. These involve the age and size of the photo and how you should look in the photo. 
• Medical insurance that covers emergency medical care, any hospital care and repatriation if necessary. 
• Any supporting documents that are directly relevant to the reason for your stay and your Spanish Schengen visa application, such as evidence of financial status, your accommodation during your stay and evidence of your intention to return to your home country at the end of your visit. 
• Your fingerprints will likely be collected when you submit your application. There are exemptions for applicants in specific categories. 
• The consulate where you apply for your Spanish Schengen visa may request additional information and documents.

What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Applying?

To help ensure that your Spanish Schengen visa application is successful, try to avoid the following 5 common mistakes:

1. Incorrect documentation: make sure you submit the correct documents and include all of the information the consulate has requested. Submit the completed application form, passport, photos, financial and accommodation information plus travel insurance and documents. 
2. Lack of financial information: having evidence of your financial situation will help your visa application to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your visit. Bank statements or pay slips can help with this. 
3. Invalid travel insurance: your travel insurance should cover the Schengen requirements. These include minimum coverage for at least €30,000 in medical expenses and cover any expenses that might arise in connection with repatriation for medical reasons. 
4. Wrong visa type: choose the visa that suits the purpose of your trip. For example, if you’re visiting Spain as a tourist, then apply for a tourist visa. 
5. Unmet special requirements: it’s important to include information about every specific aspect of your visa application. If you’re visiting Spain for business, then it’s likely you will need to provide an invitation letter. If you’re a student, then you may be asked to supply proof of enrollment. 

How Long Does the Application Process Take and What Are the Costs?

A Spanish Schengen visa application typically requires 15 days for processing standard applications. This can be extended to 45 days for more complex cases, such as if additional documentation or an interview is needed. 

We recommend applying for this visa around 3 months before you plan to visit Spain so that you can make sure all of your documentation is in place and that the consulate has enough time to process your application. 

At the time of writing (June 2025), the current costs for a Spanish Schengen visa are:

• Adults: 80 euros
• Children between 6-15: 40 euros
• Children 5 and under: free

Why Professional Legal Guidance Remains Important

Gaining the support of a legal professional can help simplify and clarify the Spanish Schengen visa application process. Professional legal guidance is particularly important if you’re applying for a work visa, as collating the correct information and making sure you have covered all of the relevant requirements is essential to the success of your application. 

Professional support during your application process can ensure that you have made the strongest case possible in terms of demonstrating financial stability, ties to your home country, and meeting the visa criteria. 

Originally published on 23rd March 2023, updated on 18th June 2025