Europe – Spain Visa – Long Stay

1. What are the visa requirements for long stays in Spain?


The requirements for long stays in Spain vary depending on the purpose of your stay, your nationality, and other individual circumstances. Generally, if you are planning to stay in Spain for longer than 90 days, you will need a long-stay visa or residence permit.

To obtain a long-stay visa or residence permit for Spain, you may need to provide the following documents:

1. A valid passport with at least 2 blank pages and an expiration date of at least 3 months after your planned departure from Spain
2. Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Spain (usually around €532 per month)
3. Medical insurance that covers your entire period of stay in Spain
4. A completed visa application form
5. Two recent passport-sized photos
6. Proof of accommodation in Spain (such as a rental agreement or invitation letter from a host)
7. A criminal record certificate from your country of origin or any other country where you have resided for more than 6 months within the past 5 years
8. Proof of payment for the visa application fee

Additional documents may be required depending on the purpose of your stay:

– For employment: Employment contract or job offer from a Spanish company, proof that the position could not be filled by a Spanish citizen or EU citizen, and authorization from Spanish immigration authorities.
– For studying: Acceptance letter from a recognized educational institution in Spain and proof of payment for tuition fees.
– For family reunification: Proof of relationship with the family member who is already residing in Spain and proof that they have sufficient means to support you.
– For retirement: Proof of stable and regular income (such as retirement pension) and proof of medical insurance coverage.

It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list and additional documents may be required based on individual circumstances.

2. Can I extend my long-stay visa while I am in Spain?

Yes, it is possible to extend your long-stay visa while you are in Spain if you meet certain requirements and have a valid reason for extending your stay. This process may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the type of visa you hold.

If you hold a visa for study, work, or family reunification, you can apply for an extension at the corresponding Spanish immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería). However, if you hold a tourist visa, it is not possible to extend your stay beyond the maximum allowed duration.

3. What is a residence permit and how do I obtain one?

A residence permit is a document that allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain for an extended period of time. Depending on your purpose of stay, there are different types of residence permits:

– Student residence permit: for those who will be studying in Spain.
– Work and investment residence permit: for those who will be employed or investing in Spain.
– Family reunification residence permit: for family members of Spanish citizens or residents.
– Non-lucrative residence permit: for retirees or individuals with sufficient financial means to support themselves without working in Spain.

To obtain a residence permit, you need to submit an application at the corresponding Spanish immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) in Spain. You will need to provide all required documents, including proof of meeting specific requirements for each type of residence permit. It can take several months to receive a decision on your application.

4. Can I work while on a long-stay visa in Spain?

If you have been granted a long-stay visa as an employee or investor, you are allowed to work in Spain during your stay. However, if you have been granted a non-lucrative residence permit (for retirement or financial self-sufficiency), working in Spain is not allowed.

5. What are the consequences if I overstay my visa in Spain?

Overstaying your visa in Spain can have serious consequences and may result in fines, deportation, or a ban from entering the country in the future. It is important to comply with the terms of your visa and any extensions granted. If you need to extend your stay in Spain, apply for an extension before your current visa expires.

2. How long can I stay in Spain on a long stay visa?


The duration of stay allowed on a long stay visa in Spain depends on the type of visa you have obtained. Generally, long stay visas are issued for stays up to 90 days within a period of six months. However, if you have obtained a visa for residency or work purposes, the duration may be longer and can vary depending on your individual circumstances. It is best to consult with the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country for an accurate answer regarding your specific situation.

3. Do I need a specific type of visa for a long term stay in Spain?


Yes, you will need a specific type of visa for a long term stay in Spain. This will depend on the purpose and duration of your stay. Some common long-term visa options for Spain include:

1. Student visa: If you are enrolled in a full-time program at a Spanish university or educational institution, you will need to apply for a student visa.
2. Work visa: This type of visa is required if you plan to work or do an internship in Spain for longer than 90 days.
3. Family reunification visa: If you have family members who are Spanish citizens or legal residents, you can apply for this visa to join them in Spain for more than 90 days.
4. Entrepreneur visa: If you want to start a business in Spain, you can apply for an entrepreneur visa which allows you to live and work in the country while setting up your business.
5. Non-lucrative residence visa: This is for individuals who want to retire or live in Spain without working. It requires proof of sufficient funds and medical insurance.
6. Golden Visa: This is available to non-EU citizens who make significant investments in Spanish real estate.

It is important to note that these visas have different requirements and application processes, so it is recommended to consult with the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country for specific instructions and guidelines.

4. Can I work during my long stay in Spain with this visa?


No, this visa does not allow you to work in Spain. It is meant for individuals who wish to stay in Spain for a prolonged period of time for purposes such as research, study, or cultural activities. If you wish to work in Spain, you will need to obtain a work permit or visa specifically for that purpose.

5. How far in advance should I apply for a long stay visa to Spain?


It is recommended to apply for a long stay visa to Spain at least 3 months before your intended date of travel. This will allow enough time for processing and any potential delays in the application process. However, it is always best to check with the Spanish Embassy or Consulate in your home country for specific guidelines and processing times.

6. Is there an age limit for applying for a long stay visa to Spain?


No, there is no age limit for applying for a long stay visa to Spain. However, applicants will need to meet the requirements and criteria set by the Spanish government in order to be eligible for a long stay visa. These may include having sufficient financial means, suitable accommodation, and a valid reason for staying in Spain for an extended period of time.

7. What documents do I need to provide for my long stay visa application?

The specific documents required for a long stay visa application vary depending on the country and the type of visa you are applying for. However, some common documents that may be required include:

1. A completed visa application form
2. Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining
3. Visa application fee payment
4. Proof of purpose of travel (such as employment or study)
5. Evidence of financial means to support yourself during your stay (such as bank statements or sponsorship letters)
6. Health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay
7. Police clearance certificate or criminal record check
8. Medical certificate or health examination results (if required)
9. Two recent passport-sized photos
10. Proof of accommodation arrangements in the destination country.

It is important to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are applying to for any additional requirements or specific documents that may be needed for your long stay visa application.

8. How much does it cost to apply for a long stay visa to Spain?

The cost of a long stay visa for Spain may vary depending on the type of visa application and the applicant’s nationality. As of 2021, the fees for different types of visas are as follows:

– Student visa: 75 euros
– Work visa: 80 euros
– Retirement/residence visa: 95 euros
– Family reunification/renewal of residence visa: 15 euros

Additional fees may apply for certain nationalities, as well as for other services such as document translation or legalization. It is recommended to check with the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country for the exact fee applicable to your situation.

9. Are there any restrictions on the purpose of my visit with a long stay visa in Spain?


Yes, there may be restrictions on the purpose of your visit with a long stay visa in Spain. You should check the conditions of your specific visa type as it may have limitations on the length of stay, activities you can engage in and places you can travel to within Spain. For example, a student visa will only allow you to study and not to work, while an employment visa will only permit you to work for the employer specified in your visa application. It is important to adhere to these restrictions as violating them could result in the cancellation of your visa and potential deportation from Spain.

10. Can I travel within other Schengen countries with a Spanish long stay visa?

Yes, as a visa holder for Spain, you are allowed to travel within the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, if you plan to stay in another Schengen country for more than 90 days, you may need to apply for a separate long stay visa or residence permit from that country. It is important to check the specific entry requirements of each country before traveling.

11. What is the validity period of a long stay visa to Spain?

The validity period of a long stay visa to Spain varies depending on the purpose of your visit. For study or work purposes, it can be up to 1 year, while for other reasons it can range from 3-6 months. However, upon arrival in Spain, you must apply for a residence permit which will allow you to stay longer.

12. Can I extend my Spanish long stay visa while I am in the country?

Yes, you can extend your Spanish long stay visa while you are in the country. You must submit an application for extension at the immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería) closest to your place of residence in Spain. The application must be submitted before your current visa expires.

13. Is it mandatory to have travel insurance for a Spanish long term visit?

It is not mandatory to have travel insurance for a long term visit to Spain. However, it is highly recommended as unexpected medical expenses or other emergencies can occur while abroad. Having travel insurance will provide financial protection and peace of mind during your stay in Spain.

14. How does the Brexit transition affect UK citizens applying for a Spanish long term visa?


The Brexit transition does not affect UK citizens applying for a Spanish long term visa during the transition period (until December 31, 2020). Until then, UK citizens will continue to have the same rights as EU citizens in respect to travel and residence in Spain.

After the transition period, UK citizens will no longer be considered EU citizens and may need to apply for a visa or residence permit under the new immigration rules. However, there may be provisions in place for those who were legally residing in Spain before the end of the transition period. It is important for UK citizens to stay updated on any changes in immigration policies and requirements.

15. Can I bring my family members with me on a Spanish long term visit?

If your family members are also nationals of a non-EU country, they will need to follow the same visa process as you. If they are EU citizens, they have the right to travel and stay with you in Spain without a visa. However, if they plan on staying for longer than 3 months, they may need to apply for a residence card as a family member of an EU citizen. It is best to consult with the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country for more specific information.

16. Is there any quota system or waiting list for obtaining a Spanish long term visa?

It depends on the specific type of visa and your country of origin. Some visas, such as work or student visas, may have quotas or waiting lists depending on the current demand. It is recommended to check with your nearest Spanish embassy or consulate for more information.

17. Are there any language proficiency requirements for obtaining a Spanish long term visa?

Yes, applicants for a Spanish long term visa may be required to demonstrate proficiency in the Spanish language. This may vary depending on the purpose of the visa and the specific requirements of the Spanish consulate or embassy where the application is submitted. For example, those applying for a work or study visa may be required to have a certain level of proficiency in order to successfully integrate into their new environment. It is important to check with the relevant consulate or embassy for any specific language requirements for your visa application.

18.Are there any medical exam requirements for obtaining a Spanish long termvisa?

Yes, there may be some medical exam requirements for obtaining a Spanish long term visa. The specific requirements will depend on the type of visa you are applying for and your country of origin. Generally, the visa applicant may be required to undergo a medical examination if they are planning to stay in Spain for longer than six months and are coming from a country with high health risks or if they wish to work in certain professions such as healthcare or education. Additionally, if you are planning to study in Spain for more than six months, you will also likely need to pass a medical examination. It is best to check with the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country for specific requirements and procedures.

19.Can I study during my time on a Spanish Long Stay Visa?

Yes, it is possible to study while on a Spanish Long Stay Visa. However, you will need to apply for a separate student visa if your primary purpose for being in Spain is for studying. It is important to check with the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country for specific requirements and guidelines for obtaining a student visa.

20.What are the consequences of overstaying on my Spanish Long Stay Visa?


1. Penalization by the Spanish authorities: If you overstay your Spanish long-stay visa, you could face consequences from the Spanish government. This could include fines, deportation, or being banned from entering Spain in the future.

2. Difficulty renewing your visa: If you plan on staying in Spain for a longer period of time, you may need to renew your long-stay visa. However, overstaying on your initial visa can make it difficult to get approval for a new one.

3. Problems with immigration status: Overstaying your visa could also affect your overall immigration status in Spain. This may make it more difficult to apply for residency or other types of visas in the future.

4. Trouble traveling within Schengen zone: Spain is part of the Schengen Zone, which allows for free movement between member countries without border controls. If you overstay your visa and then try to travel to another Schengen country, you may be denied entry or face further consequences.

5. Difficulty obtaining work or study permits: If you plan on working or studying in Spain, overstaying your visa could hinder your ability to obtain necessary work or student permits.

6. Impact on employment prospects: Overstaying your visa can also have negative effects on future employment prospects in Spain and abroad as it will appear on background checks and immigration records.

7. Complications with insurance coverage: If you have obtained health insurance while in Spain with a valid long-stay visa, overstaying can lead to complications with obtaining coverage and possibly having to cover medical expenses out-of-pocket.

8. Negative impact on credit score: In certain cases, overstaying a visa can result in unpaid bills or financial obligations that can negatively affect credit scores and prevent access to financial services in the future.

9. Legal consequences: In extreme cases, overstaying a long-stay visa can lead to legal consequences such as arrest and imprisonment.

It is important to adhere to the rules and regulations of your visa and avoid overstaying in order to avoid these potential consequences.