Your purpose of travel and nationality will determine whether you need a Spanish visa or not. Citizens of the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland can enter, live and work freely in Spain without needing a visa.
Foreign nationals of visa-exempt countries, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, can visit Spain for up to 90 days in a 180-day period without needing a visa.
Citizens of other non-visa-exempt countries, such as China, India, Nigeria, and the Philippines, must obtain the appropriate visa to enter Spain, such as a tourist, work, or study visa, depending on the purpose.
There are different Spanish visas available for foreigners who want to travel to the country, whether temporarily or permanently, and we will explore them in this guide.
We will also highlight how our immigration experts at Global Citizen Solutions can help you achieve your Spanish immigration goals.
Spain Visas: Key Takeaways
Do you need a visa for Spain?
Whether you need a visa for Spain depends on your nationality, your purpose of entry, and your length of stay. Citizens of the European Union, the EEA, and Switzerland enjoy free movement and do not need a visa or residence permit for entry or long-term stays.
Short-Stay Exemption or Schengen Visa
Citizens of about 60 visa-exempt countries, such as the US, Canada, and the UK, do not need a visa for short visits of 90 days in a rolling 180-day period, but will need to obtain an appropriate visa and, in some cases, a residency permit for longer stays.
Nationals who need a visa and want to visit Spain for short periods (90 days in a rolling 180-day-period), either for tourism or business trips, must obtain a Schengen Visa (Type C). As of 11 June 2024, this visa costs €90 (USD 102) for adults and €45 (USD 51) for children aged 6 to 11. There may be specified reductions, waivers, and service-center charges.
When a Spanish National Visa is required
A Spanish National Visa (Type D) is required for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who plan to stay in Spain for more than 90 days in a rolling 180-day period. It is also required for foreign nationals from non-visa-exempt countries moving to Spain for work, even if the work contract duration is less than 90 days.
Since visa requirements and entry rules change often for different nationalities and specific cases, you should always confirm the current information with the relevant consulate before traveling.
Spain Visa Types at a Glance
| Purpose | Work model | Stay framework | Official Guidance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visit | Tourism, family visits, or short business trips. | Short stay of up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period in the Schengen region. This visa is required depending on the applicant’s nationality | Schengen Visa Guide |
| Non-Working Residence | No gainful activity, including remote work. Applicants must have sufficient and guaranteed means to live on | Non-Lucrative Visa is granted for one year | Non-Lucrative Visa Guide |
| Family Reunification | Work rights depend on the family member and applicable authorization | Residence for qualifying relatives of a foreign resident, with a visa where required | Family Reunification Guide |
| Remote Work | Employees work remotely for companies outside Spain. Self-employed applicants may work for Spanish clients only within the official 20% limit. | Digital Nomad Visa is granted for one or three years (depending on where you apply from) and can be renewed for up to five years | Digital Nomad Visa Guide |
| Ordinary Employment | Authorized employment with a Spanish employer | Employee residence and work authorization, followed by a visa where required | Employee Visa Guide |
| Highly Qualified Employment | Highly skilled Spanish employment for specialists and high managerial roles | Allows foreign nationals with advanced skills to live in Spain for three years, and can be renewed for two more if the role continues | Highly Qualified Employment Visa Guide |
| Self Employment | Live and work in Spain as freelancers, business owners, and independent contractors. | The visa is issued for one year and can be renewed for four years | Self Employed Visa Guide |
| Innovative Entrepreneurship | For foreign nationals who intend to develop innovative entrepreneurial activity that has special economic interest for Spain | The visa is issued for one year (if applying from abroad) and can be renewed in two-year increments for up to four years. If applying from inside Spain, you are granted a three-year residency, which can also be renewed in two-year increments. | Innovative Entrepreneurship Visa Guide |
| Study | Foreign nationals enrolled in study programs that last more than 90 days for higher education studies or post-compulsory secondary education, student mobility, volunteering services, and training activities. | The visa is granted for the duration of your study (usually 90 days to a year initially). It can be renewed from Spain to cover your entire time of study | Spanish Study Visa Guide |
| Post Study Job Search | For foreigners who have previously held a long-term study visa and have completed higher education in a Spanish institution and received an accredited University degree | The visa is granted for 24 months and cannot be extended. Holders cannot work during this time | Post Study Job Seach Guide |
Residence Routes for Living in Spain
Foreigners who want to live in Spain can explore the residence routes such as the Digital Nomad Visa and the Non-Lucrative Visa.
Digital Nomad Visa
The Spain Digital Nomad Visa is designed for non-EU/EEA nationals who want to work remotely in Spain. It allows remote workers and freelancers to live in Spain while working for foreign companies or clients.
Successful applicants receive three years of temporary residence (if applying from inside Spain) or one year (if applying from a consulate), both renewable for four years, after which you can apply for permanent residence.
It provides access to healthcare, the option for family members to join, and a route to Spanish citizenship after ten years of continuous legal residence (2 years for Ibero-Americans, the Philippines, Portugal, Andorra, and Equatorial Guinea citizens).
Visa requirements
- Be over 18 and hold a valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Submit a completed application form and a passport-sized photo
- Provide proof of a stable employment contract or freelance relationship of at least 3 months with a foreign company
- Show professional qualifications, a university degree, or at least 3 years of industry experience
Visa cost
Visa fee as of 1 January 2026 differs based on reciprocity. Here is the breakdown
| Nationality | Fee |
|---|---|
| United States | $190 |
| Australia | $3,020 |
| Canada | $1,566 |
| Ethiopia | $546 |
| Mauritania | $282 |
| United Kingdom | $963 |
| All other citizenships | $106 |
Additional fees may apply for family members
Live in Spain while working remotely for a foreign employer with the Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
The Spain Non-Lucrative Visa is a long-stay visa for individuals who wish to reside in Spain without engaging in any professional or commercial activity. It is primarily used by retirees, or individuals with passive income and sufficient means to live in Spain long term without needing a job.
Applicants must show proof of funds equal to 400% of Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM), which is about €28,800 ($32,677) per year for a single applicant. 100% of the IPREM must be added for each family member.
Successful applicants receive an initial one-year residency, which can be renewed in two-year increments for a total period of 5 years.
Visa requirements
- Be over 18 and hold a passport with at least two blank pages and a validity period of at least one year
- A completed application form
- Recent passport photograph
- Proof of sufficient economic means or passive income (bank statements, retirement benefits, etc.)
- Police-issued background check covering the past 5 years, with official translation and apostilles
- Health insurance covers the Schengen Area
- Medical certificate verifying the applicant does not suffer from any disease that could impact public health
- Marriage certificates or birth certificates (with official translation)
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
Visa cost
The fee depends on your nationality. Americans pay $140 while nationals from other countries pay $106.
Payment is made at the consulate general or consular office during the appointment.
Work and Business Routes
Spain has separate routes for foreign nationals who want to enter and live in the country for work and business purposes. The right pathway for you depends on the kind of work you intend to do and the authorization requirements.
Ordinary Employment Visa
The Ordinary Employment Visa or Spanish Work Permit is a national visa requested by an employer or business owner to hire a non-EU foreign national for more than 90 days, and less than five years.
It leads to a residency permit and can be renewed based on continued employment. The job the employer is hiring for must be included in the catalog of hard-to-fill jobs published quarterly by the State Public Employment Service.
On approval, the employee is granted an initial 90-day validity for a standard one-year contract.
Visa requirements
- Secure an employment contract with a Spanish company that meets wage and occupational criteria
- Apply in person at the relevant Spanish consulate within one month of your employer being notified of authorization approval
- Provide a passport or a recognized travel document valid for at least one year
- Submit criminal record certificates covering your countries of residence during the past five years
- Provide a medical certificate
- Submit proof of payment of the visa fee
After the visa is approved, you must:
- Collect the approved visa in person within one month of notification
- Enter Spain during the visa’s initial three-month validity
- Complete Social Security registration within three months of entry
- Apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within one month of Social Security registration
Visa cost
Fees range from €90 ($102) to €167 ($189), depending on job category and the consulate you apply through. It is due at the time of visa application submission and must be paid within ten working days.
Highly Qualified Employment Visa
The Highly Qualified Professional Visa Spain is a residence and work permit for non-EU foreign nationals who have a Spanish job offer in an executive, managerial, or highly technical position.
This national visa is ideal for executives, specialists, or graduates with in-demand profiles. It grants access to a residency permit, Schengen travel, and the possibility of bringing family members under the same application.
The initial visa is granted for one year, while the actual residence permit is granted for three years or for the duration of your employment contract.
Visa requirements
- Be at least 18 years old and not a citizen of the European Union or affiliated states
- Possess a valid passport with a suitable validity period and two blank pages
- Have a job offer from a Spanish employer that meets the required salary thresholds and qualifications. Managerial roles require a minimum annual salary of €41,356.36 with no reduced rate.
- Submit a completed application form, passport photo, and signed employment contract
- Provide proof of qualifications (degree, diploma, or at least 3 years of industry experience)
- Submit bank statements or employer sponsorship for sufficient economic means
- Provide health insurance and a recent background check with an official translation
- Register with Spanish Social Security upon arrival
- Include official documents proving the company’s legal status and business activity
- Additional documents may be requested by the consulate general or consular office
Visa cost
Approximately €80 ($90) to €100 ($113), depending on the consulate you apply from.
Self-Employed Visa
Also known as the Freelance Visa, the Spain Self-Employed Visa allows non-EU nationals to live and work in Spain by setting up their own businesses or offering freelance services. This program is designed for freelancers, business owners, and entrepreneurs who want to live and work in Spain long-term. Applicants must prove sufficient financial means to support themselves and fund their businesses in Spain.
The visa is initially granted for one year and can be renewed for up to four years, unless long-term residence applies. Workers must register for Social Security within three months of entry before beginning any activity.
Visa requirements
- Submit your completed visa application form
- Submit a copy of your valid passport and any previous visas
- Criminal record certificates from your home country and any country where you lived for more than six months during the past five years
- Medical certificate confirming you have no illness that poses a public health risk
- Detailed business plan, including an execution schedule, required licenses, and evidence of startup resources
- If joining an existing company, you must show proof of the company’s tax and Social Security compliance
- Show all required business authorizations and licenses or evidence of their application status
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself and your business in Spain
- Recent passport-sized photographs of yourself and any dependents and proof of family relationship
- Relevant registration documents, tax filings, and proof of participation, if joining a cooperative or partnership
Visa fee
The standard fee is €80 ($90) for most applicants. However, it varies by consulate and your nationality.
Citizens of Ibero-American countries, the Philippines, Andorra, Equatorial Guinea, Sephardim, children and grandchildren of persons of Spanish origin, and foreigners born in Spain are exempt from paying the fee for self-employed work permits.
Innovative Entrepreneur Visa Spain
The Entrepreneur Visa is aimed at third-country nationals who want to launch an innovative business in Spain. It offers a pathway to a residence permit for individuals whose projects are deemed beneficial to the Spanish economy and innovation ecosystem.
This visa is initially valid for one year if you apply from a consular office abroad, and it serves as your entry way into Spain. Once you arrive in Spain, you can transition to or apply for your broader residence framework or TIE (Foreigner Identity Card). The underlying residence permit under this framework can be renewed for another two years.
Visa requirements
- Submit a detailed business plan approved by ENISA
- Present a valid passport with a sufficient validity period and two blank pages
- Provide a completed application form and a passport-sized photo
- Show evidence of the project’s economic viability, innovation, and potential for job creation
- Present proof of sufficient economic means to support living expenses
- Submit health insurance documentation
- Provide a background check with an official translation
- Show qualifications, professional experience, or certifications relevant to the business
- Confirm the proposed business has the necessary civil registry documentation, licenses, or official translations if required
Visa cost
Approximately €80 ($90) to €100 ($113). Fees vary by consulate and are payable upon visa application.
Study and Post-Study Job Seeker Visas
These visas are designed for foreigners who want to study and possibly remain in Spain after completing higher education.
Spain Study Visa
The Spain Study Visa allows third-country nationals to reside in Spain while undertaking full-time studies, research, training, or voluntary service programs.
It applies to academic programs that last longer than 90 days and grants eligibility for a residence permit tied to the course duration. After completing your studies, this visa can be extended or modified into other permits, such as a work permit or residency permit.
Visa requirements
- A valid passport with a minimum validity period equal to the study duration and two blank pages
- Completed application form and recent photograph
- Letter of acceptance of study from a Spanish educational institution
- Proof of sufficient economic means via bank statements or financial sponsor documents
- Health insurance that is valid in Spain for the full stay
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
- Background check certificate with the official translation (if staying over 180 days)
- Medical certificate stating the applicant has no illnesses that pose a public health risk
- For minors: parental consent and officially translated birth certificates
Visa cost
Spain Study Visa fees are around €60 ($68) to €140 ($158) for most nationalities. The actual cost will depend on your consular and reciprocity arrangements.
Spain Post-Study Job Seeker Visa
The Post-Study Job Seeker Visa Spain allows non-EU nationals who previously held a Spain Study Visa and graduated from a higher education institution, reaching at least level 6, to legally reside in Spain for a limited period while searching for employment.
Recent graduates or qualified professionals often pursue this visa to transition into a residence permit linked to an eventual employment contract or work permit.
This visa is valid for 24 months and does not permit employment during the job search period, but it can be converted into a work or professional visa once a job is secured.
Requirements
- Be a recent graduate from a Spanish higher education institution and hold a recognized foreign qualification equivalent to at least Level 6 of the European Qualifications Framework
- Submit a completed application form and a valid passport with two blank pages.
- Show proof of sufficient economic means for the entire stay, at least 100% of IPREM
- Provide health insurance coverage in Spain
- Provide proof of accommodation
- Background check with an official translation
- Academic credentials with official translation and legalization
- Additional documents may be requested by the consular office based on the applicant’s nationality and situation
Cost
Approximately €90 ($102). Non-refundable and payable at the time of visa application.
Family Reunification Visa
The Spain Family Reunification Visa is a temporary residence authorization granted to qualifying relatives of foreigners residing in Spain. The sponsor must have lived in Spain for at least one year and have applied for authorization to extend their stay for at least another year. However, there is an exception:
- To bring their parents or their spouse’s or partner’s parents, the sponsor applicant must hold long-term Spanish or EU residence status.
The visa is initially granted for 90 days to allow holders to enter Spain. The duration of the final residence permit will match that of the sponsor.
Eligible family members include:
- Spouse or partner aged over 18
- Children of the sponsor, or their spouse, or partner
- People legally represented by the sponsor
- Dependent parents of the sponsor, or their spouse, or partner
- An adult child of the sponsor or their spouse or partner acting as a carer
Visa requirements
- A full copy of the sponsor’s passport, travel document or valid registration card.
- Proof of sufficient income or funds to support the family.
- For employed sponsors: an employment contract, pay slips from the last six months, and the latest income tax return.
- For self-employed sponsors: evidence of business activity and, where applicable, the latest annual income tax return or the last two quarterly returns.
- For sponsors who do not work in Spain: bank certificates or other accepted evidence of available funds.
- Show proof of monthly resources equal to 150% of IPREM for two family members, plus 50% for each additional member.
- Proof of suitable housing, supported by a report from the competent regional or authorized local authority.
- Health insurance for the sponsor and the family members joining them.
- Proof that any other dependent children already in Spain who are of compulsory school age attend school.
Visa fee
The visa fee is €80 ($90) but may vary slightly by consulate.
From Spanish Residence to Citizenship
Legal and continuous Spanish residence can support a future citizenship pathway, but the qualifying period and conditions depend on the applicant’s circumstances.
Spanish Citizenship grants full rights as a Spanish national, including free movement within the European Union, access to national services, and eligibility for a Spanish passport.
Requirements
To be eligible for Spanish citizenship, the applicant must:
- Reside legally in Spain for 10 consecutive years for most foreigners
- Hold a valid residence permit and maintain uninterrupted residency
- Pass the A2 DELE Spanish language exam unless exempt
- Pass the CCSE cultural exam covering Spanish society, laws, and government
- Provide a clean background check with an official translation
- Submit civil registry documents, including birth and marriage certificates, with official translation and apostille
- Prove integration into Spanish society through schooling, employment, or community involvement.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is an advisory migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
