Spain Visa Options: A Beginner's Guide to Pick the Best Fit for You (2024)

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When it comes to picking the best Spain visa options it can be hard to know where to start. With so many different visas available, it’s easy to feel lost.

Making the wrong choice can lead to delays, rejections, and additional expenses. You might end up waiting longer than expected, or worse, having to start the entire process over again. This not only disrupts your plans but also adds unnecessary stress and frustration to your move.

This comprehensive guide will demystify the process, breaking down each type of Spain visa options, its requirements, and the steps to apply. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of which visa suits your needs and how to navigate the application process smoothly, ensuring a successful move to Spain.

Spain Visa Options for US Citizens

The top 7 visa options for US citizens moving to Spain are:

1. Tourist Visa: For short-term stays of up to 90 days for tourism, family visits, or business.

2. Student Visa: For individuals planning to study at a Spanish institution for more than 90 days.

3. Work Visa: For those who have secured employment in Spain and need a visa to live and work.

4. Non-Lucrative Visa: Ideal for retirees or individuals who have sufficient financial means to support themselves without working.

5. Golden Visa: For investors who are willing to make a significant financial investment in Spain, such as purchasing real estate. IMPORTANT UPDATE: The Spanish Golden Visa was discontinued in April 2024.

6. Entrepreneur Visa: Designed for entrepreneurs who plan to start a business in Spain.

7. Family Reunification Visa: For family members of Spanish residents or citizens who wish to join their relatives in Spain.

8. Digital Nomad Visa: For remote workers and digital nomads who wish to live in Spain while working for non-Spanish companies. This visa offers the flexibility to stay in Spain while maintaining your job abroad, making it ideal for freelancers and remote employees.

Visa Requirements

Each visa type has specific requirements that must be met to qualify. Generally, applicants need to provide the following:

  • A valid passport

  • Proof of sufficient financial means

  • Proof of health insurance

  • A clean criminal record.

  • Additional documents may be required depending on the visa category, such as an employment contract for a work visa, enrollment confirmation for a student visa, or proof of investment for a golden visa.

It is crucial to check the specific requirements for your visa type and ensure all documentation is accurate and complete to avoid delays or rejections.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Documents must be translated to Spanish by a certified/sworn translator aka traductor jurado/a.

What needs to be translated for a visa in Spain?

For a non-lucrative visa, you typically need to translate financial documents, proof of private health insurance, and any other supporting documents, such as medical certificates. If you are looking for a top rated service to get your legal documents translated look no further Translayte offers the best service for sworn translations, providing quick, reliable, and precise translations that meet all the requirements set by the Spanish authorities. Using their service can help ensure that your visa application process goes smoothly, without unnecessary delays. Don’t take my word for it; check their Trustpilot reviews for unbiased opinions.

How to Apply for a Visa in Spain

To apply for a visa in Spain you need to follow the following steps, you can apply for a visa 6 months before the starting date of your study/work/research/other activities:

Step 1: Determine the Type of Visa You Need

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents and Fill Out the Spain Visa Application Form

Step 3: Get a Private Health Insurance

Step 4: Schedule an Appointment

Step 5: Attend the Appointment

Step 6: Pay the Visa Fee

Step 7: Wait for Processing

Step 8: Collect Your Visa

Determine the Type of Visa You Need

8 Questions to Ask Yourself to Determine the Best Visa Option for Spain:

  1. What is the primary purpose of your move to Spain?

  2. How long do you plan to stay in Spain?

  3. Do you have a job offer from a Spanish company?

  4. Are you financially independent?

  5. Are you planning to study in Spain?

  6. Do you have family members who are Spanish residents or citizens?

  7. Are you a remote worker or digital nomad?

  8. Are you planning to start a business in Spain?

Gather the Required Documents and Fill Out the Spain Visa Application Form

  1. Tourist Visa:

    • Documents required for a Tourist Visa can be found here

    • Tourist visa application forms for Spain can be found here.

  1. Student Visa:

    • Documents required for Spain Student Visa can be found here

    • Student visa application forms for Spain can be found here.

  2. Work Visa:

    • Documents required for Spain Work Visa can be found here

    • Work visa application forms for Spain can be found here.

  3. Non-Lucrative Visa:

    • Documents required for Spain Non-Lucrative Visa can be found here

    • Non-lucrative visa application forms for Spain can be found here and here.

  4. Entrepreneur Visa:

    • Documents required for the Entrepreneur Visa can be found here

    • Entrepreneur Visa application forms for Spain can be found here.

  5. Family Reunification Visa:

    • Documents required for the Family Reunification Visa can be found here

    • Family Reunification Visa application forms for Spain can be found here.

  6. Digital Nomad Visa

    • Documents required for Spain Digital Nomad Visa can be found here

    • Digital Nomad Visa application forms for Spain can be found here.

Get a Private Health Insurance

You will need to provide both the original and a copy of the certificate verifying the public or private health insurance contracted with an insurance provider authorized to operate in Spain. Here is a list of some of the top health insurance provider you can use for your visa application:

DKV

DKV's expat insurance is not just a basic health plan; it's a comprehensive solution tailored to meet the diverse needs of expats living in Spain. With its robust coverage, extensive network, and additional benefits, it stands as a top choice for those seeking reliable and extensive health insurance abroad.

Asisa: 

Asisa's expat insurance is characterized by its excellent value for money, adaptable insurance periods, multilingual support, and extensive global coverage, making it a top-tier choice for expatriates seeking reliable and comprehensive health insurance in Spain.

Feather

Feather is ideal for expats needing quick insurance coverage for visa or temporary residence permit applications. It offers a comprehensive package that not only meets legal requirements but also provides substantial coverage and support, making it a valuable option for expats in Spain.

ASSSA:

ASSSA stands out as a more compact insurance provider, yet it boasts a significant impact, especially among expats. Known for its accommodating policy offerings, ASSSA uniquely caters to expats up to the age of 79, which is notably the highest age limit observed in the industry.

Schedule an Appointment

To schedule an appointment for your visa application use the following link.

After making an appointment on the website below, it is essential to confirm your attendance, otherwise your booking will be canceled; 3 days before your appointment you will receive a confirmation e-mail and will have 2 days to confirm your attendance. However, if you made an appointment less than 3 days before your visa interview, your attendance will be confirmed automatically, without having to confirm it yourself. 

Attend the Appointment

You should request and attend the appointment from a Spanish Consulate in your home country unless you are applying for a student visa or for those under the Entrepreneur Law. Please note that the applicant must submit their documents for the visa interview at the scheduled time. If you arrive late, we will not be able to accommodate you due to other appointments booked by other applicants.

Pay the Visa Fee

Payment of the visa fee is mandatory and must be made at the time of submitting your visa application. The fee should be paid in local currency and is subject to change due to currency fluctuations.

Wait for Processing

The legal term for reaching a decision is 10 days, but this term may be extended when an interview or additional documents are requested. You can check the status of your visa on the following website: click here. 

If a visa is refused, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consular Office within 1 month from the day following the date of notification.

Collect Your Visa

Visas must be collected in person by the applicant or by their representative within 1 month, counted from the day after the date of notification.

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Laetitia woue

Laetitia is the author of Coming to Spain and has been living in Spain for over six years. She is passionate about traveling throughout Spain and helping others overcome their limiting beliefs to achieve their dream of moving to Spain. Through her writing and resources, she provides practical advice and insights to support and guide individuals in making their dream of living in Spain a reality.