Visa Requirements for Spain: What You Need to Know

Are you wondering “Do I need a visa for Spain?” Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay, it’s essential to understand the visa requirements for Spain based on your nationality, length of stay, and purpose of travel.

Who Needs a Visa to Enter Spain?

A valid passport or travel document is always necessary. It must be valid for at least three months after your intended departure from the Schengen Area, and issued within the past 10 years.

Citizens from the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland can enter with a national ID or passport. Unaccompanied minors using an ID must carry written permission from a parent or guardian.

Tourists from other countries may need a Spain tourist visa. If you already hold a residence permit or a long-stay visa from another Schengen country, a separate Spanish visa might not be required.

Authorities may ask for documentation to justify your trip, such as:

• Hotel bookings or letter of invitation
• Organized travel confirmation
• Proof of sufficient financial means
• Return or onward travel ticket

Entry requirements for Spain vary, so it’s recommended to consult your local Spanish Embassy or Consulate before you travel.

Types of Spain Visas

Spain Short-Stay Visa: This Spain visa type is for visitors from outside the Schengen Zone and allows travel for up to 90 days. It’s issued by Spanish embassies or consulates and is valid for the entire Schengen Area.

Spain Long Stay Visa: This is required if you plan to stay in Spain for more than 90 days—for reasons such as work, study, or family reunification—unless you are an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen.

Airport Transit Visa for Spain: Required for travelers of certain nationalities transiting through a Spanish airport en route to a non-Schengen destination.

Spain Remote Work Visa: Digital Nomad Visa

Spain now offers a digital nomad visa for international remote workers. This new Spain visa for non-EU citizens allows people to live and work remotely in Spain for up to one year.

To qualify for the Spain remote work visa, applicants must:

• Work online for companies outside Spain
• Prove at least one year of ongoing employment
• Have a contract or freelance agreement
• Show that the work can be done exclusively online
• Be a qualified professional with a degree or 3+ years of experience

If you’re outside Spain, you must apply through a Spanish embassy or consulate. If you’re legally in Spain (for example, on a tourist visa), you can directly apply for a three-year residence permit, renewable every two years.