How do I apply for a Schengen visa for Spain?

Applying for a Spain Schengen Visa for travel to Spain costs €80 and has traditionally been done via your nearest Spanish embassy or consulate. But nowadays, in many countries, parts of the process are outsourced to BLS International visa application centers. This is true of China and India, where you will need to schedule an appointment at one of these centers.

What documents are required with my Schengen Visa for Spain application?

With your Schengen visa application, you will need to provide the original and copy of the documents hereinafter. Depending on your country of origin and situation, additional documents can be asked. All documents must be in English or Spanish only, translations must be certified. Screenshots will not be accepted.

Spain visa requirements

1. Two Spain Schengen Visaapplication forms completed and signed on the last page. 

• Spain visa 2022 application form (English)

2. A Cover letter stating the applicant’s personal information, the purpose of their trip, the dates of their arrival, and information on their return trip. The cover letter must also include information concerning any other accompanying persons. This includes family members, friends, or business associates traveling for the same purpose. Please mention any special circumstances or requests to the Consulate.
3. A Passport valid for a minimum of three months after the expected visa to Spain stays and with at least two blank pages available. The passport must also have been delivered in the last 10 years.
4. Two passport-size colour Photos, 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 mm), printed on matte or glossy photo quality paper, taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance and in front of a plain white or off-white background
5. Proof of Residence status(for U.S. residents) if necessary: Alien Residence Card (Green Card) or residence visa valid in the US (B1/B2 tourist visa holders cannot apply). The visa must be valid for re-entry into the United States of America if coming back to the US
6. Proof of Travel: Your confirmed travel reservations (round-trip) concerning your entry in and departure from the Schengen area. It is highly recommended not to buy your tickets until you get your visa.

• If you plan on traveling in Spain by car, you will need to provide a copy of your driver’s license as well as documentation concerning car insurance, vehicle registration (V5 document), or car rental documentation. If someone else will be driving, you will need to add a letter from the driver with a copy of their passport.
• If you intend on visiting other Schengen countries, you will need to provide your full itinerary. You will also be required to provide documentation showing means of crossing the different borders (by air or land e.g. flights, bus, ferry tickets, or Eurotunnel tickets).
• If you are traveling for business purposes, you are required to provide documents to prove the purpose of your stay such as an invitation from a company or organization based in Spain to participate in a meeting, convention, fair, congress, etc.

7. Proof of Accommodation(dates must be the same as flight/travel dates):

• A detailed hotel reservation for the duration of the stay OR
• The ORIGINAL invitation letter from a family member or friend issued by the “Policía Nacional” in Spain.  In some cases, you might need to add a notarized letter from the inviting person taking responsibility for the applicant’s return to their home country.
• If you are taking part in a tour or a cruise, including a letter from your travel agent stating a complete itinerary of cities and hotels. 

8. Proof of financial status to ensure you have sufficient means to support yourself for the entire duration of your stay. You should have no less than 100$ per person and day of stay in the Schengen area. You will need to provide:

• Your latest bank statements (3 to 6 months depending on your country of origin) 
• A marriage certificate for married couples who do not have a joint account, and either spouse is sponsoring the travel (must be in English or Spanish only)
• In case of financial support from an immediate family member, documents proving the relationship (birth certificate or any relevant document in English/Spanish only), a passport copy of the sponsor, and their letter stating full financial responsibility

9. Health & travel insurance certificate:  This insurance is mandatory. It must cover accidents, illnesses, and repatriation for costs up to a minimum of €30,000.
10. Proof of employment:

• If you are employed: a letter from your employer stating your job title, length of time employed and annual salary AND/OR last 3-6 months’ pay slips
• If you do not work and are economically dependent (only family members), a notarized letter from the person you economically depend on, assuming full financial responsibility for your travel and stay, plus a copy of their valid passport and their three last bank statements. You will also submit the document proving your relationship with this person in English/Spanish.
• If you are self-employed or a business owner: proof of self-employment or business ownership, registration number, recent tax return, and bank statements.

11. Pay Spanish Visa Fee and Get Visa.