Applying for a short-stay visa in Spain

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What is a short stay in Spain?

Entry into Spain for stays of no more than ninety days within a period of 6 months is subject to a number of conditions.

What is a short-stay permit?

A short-stay permit is an authorization to remain in Spain for a period of no more than 90 days per six-month period, starting from the date of entry. A short-stay permit is commonly referred to as a «tourist permit«.

What happens when the 90-day short-stay permit period in Spain ends?

Once this period (90 days) has elapsed, you must obtain an extension of stay, apply for a residence authorization, or leave the country. If you do not obtain an extension of stay or a residence authorization and do not leave the country, you will be in Spain with irregular immigration status.

Which law governs short stays in Spain?

The law governing stays for studies in Spain is as follows:

• Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 establishing a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders (Schengen Borders Code).

What are the requirements for applying for a short stay in Spain?

The requirements for applying for a short stay in Spain are:

• Citizens of any European Union (EU) Member State, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein: You must hold a valid passport or travel document.
• Citizens of third countries included on the list of countries whose nationals require a visa to cross the external borders, provided they do not hold a valid residence permit or a valid long-stay visa issued by another Member State: You must hold a valid visa.
• Foreign nationals holding a valid residence permit or a valid long-stay visa issued and processed by another Schengen State may travel within the territory of the other Schengen States for a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period, provided they hold a valid passport or travel document, justify the purpose and conditions of their stay and have sufficient financial means to support themselves during their stay in Spain, and demonstrate that they do not pose a threat to public health, public policy, national security or Spain’s international relations, or those of other States with which Spain has an agreement to that effect.
  
  They must also not be listed in the national register of persons to be refused entry of the Member State concerned.

Can a short-stay application be refused?

Short stays in Spain may be refused in the following circumstances:

• For tourist or private visits, you may be asked to provide one of the following documents:
  • Proof of accommodation or an official letter of invitation from a private individual if you are staying at their home, issued by the Police Station responsible for their place of residence.
  • Confirmation of a booking for an organised trip, including the itinerary.
  • Return ticket or tourist itinerary

To prove that you have sufficient financial means, the provisions of Order PRE/1282/2007, of 10 May, on the financial means that foreign nationals must have available to enter Spain will be taken into account.

The minimum amount to be evidenced is 73,59 euros per person per day, with a minimum of 661,50 euros or their legal equivalent in foreign currency.

• For professional, political, scientific, sporting or religious trips, or trips for other reasons, the following may be required:
  • An invitation from a company or authority to take part in meetings, conventions, etc. of a commercial, industrial or other nature.
  • A document proving the existence of commercial, industrial or other relationships.
  • Admission cards for trade fairs, congresses, conventions, etc.
  • Invitations, admission tickets, bookings or programmes indicating, wherever possible, the name of the inviting organisation and the length of stay, or any other document indicating the purpose of the visit.
• For study trips or other types of training, the following may be required:
  • A certificate of enrolment at an educational institution to take part in theoretical and practical training courses.
  • Certificates relating to the courses attended.
• EXCEPTIONALLY, applicants may be required to submit the medical certificates requested by the Ministry of the Interior, in agreement with the Ministries of Health and Consumer Affairs and Labour and Immigration, or pursuant to European Union regulations. Notice that these certificates are required will be given sufficiently in advance.

What are the grounds for being refused entry to Spain?

The grounds for being refused entry to Spain are:

1. Having previously been expelled or returned by Spain or a Schengen State.
2. Being expressly prohibited from entering Spain because of activities contrary to Spain’s interests or human rights, or because of a clear connection with criminal organisations.
3. Being the subject of an international arrest warrant for criminal offences.
4. Posing a threat to public health, public order, national security or Spain’s international relations, or those of other States with which Spain has an agreement to that effect.
5. Having used up 90 days of stay within a 180-day period.