🇪🇸 Spain Visa
Spain, as a member of the European Union and part of the Schengen Area, requires travelers to obtain a Schengen Visa for entry depending on the purpose of their visit. For short stays up to 90 days, a short-term Schengen Visa is required, while stays exceeding 90 days require a “D Visa.”
When applying for a Spain visa, it is crucial to consider the recent rules and procedures introduced by the Spanish Consulate. Especially the timing between your application date and your planned travel, biometric requirements, and submission of updated documents play a significant role in the outcome of your application.
📌 New Rules for Spain Visa Applications
Since 2020, the Spanish Consulate has made it mandatory that for touristic, cultural, student, and family/friend visit visas, there must be at least 15 days between the date of application and the travel date. For example, if you submit your application on January 1, 2025, the earliest possible travel date will be January 22, 2025.
For business visa applications from Istanbul, this period is extended to 15 working days. Applications not complying with these timelines will not be accepted.
📝 Types of Spain Visas
Visa applications for Spain are divided into short-term visas and long-term visas:
Short-Term Visas (Schengen – up to 90 days)
- Spain Tourist Visa
- Spain Business Visa
- Spain Family/Friend Visit Visa
- Spain Cultural Visa
- Spain Student Visa (up to 90 days)
- Spain Transit Visa
- Spain Seafarer Transit Visa
Long-Term Visas (D Visa – more than 90 days)
- Spain Work Visa
- Spain Study Visa (longer than 90 days)
- Spain Family Reunification Visa
- Spain Residence Permit Visa
🕒 Spain Visa Processing Time
Visa applications are generally processed within 10-15 working days by the Consulates and Embassies of Spain. However, during peak periods and public holidays, this timeframe may be extended. Therefore, it is recommended to submit your application at least 15 days before your planned travel date.
📌 Key Points to Consider in Spain Visa Applications
- Travel health insurance is mandatory for all applicants.
- Even if fingerprints were submitted within the last 59 months, applicants must appear in person for each new application.
- For business visas, if the company covers the expenses and states this in an official company letter, personal bank statements are not required. However, for partnerships, personal bank statements must be provided.
- Foreign nationals residing in Turkey must hold a residence permit valid for at least 105 days after the return date of their planned travel.
- Children under 12 are exempt from fingerprint submission. If traveling alone, a notarized consent letter from both parents is required.
- Applicants aged between 12-18 must be physically present to provide biometric data.
📝 Spain Visa Application Form
One of the most crucial steps in the Spain visa application process is completing the online application form accurately and completely. Once the form is submitted, no corrections can be made, which is why all information must be entered correctly from the beginning. The form can be filled in Spanish, English, or Turkish.
Submitting the form without errors significantly increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.
💳 Spain Visa Fees
Visa fees vary depending on the type of visa requested, length of stay, and consular charges. The fee includes the consular fee, the authorized visa center service fee, and the consultancy service fee. Additional services such as travel health insurance or VIP assistance are charged separately.
❌ Spain Visa Refusal
There is always a possibility of your application being refused. Common reasons for refusal include:
- Submitting incomplete, false, or outdated documents
- Having an entry ban to Schengen countries
- Insufficient financial means to cover your stay
- Failure to convince the officer that you will return after your trip
In case of refusal, the applicant has the right to appeal within 30 days by correcting the deficiencies and reapplying to the Consulate or Embassy.
⚠️ Important Warnings
- If applying for a Schengen visa from Spain, the longest stay must be in Spain. If stays in different countries are equal, then the first entry must be through Spain.
- All submitted documents must be original and updated. Official documents should preferably be issued within the last 10 days.
- For family/friend visit visas, an invitation letter is mandatory. This can be an officially approved municipal invitation letter in Spain, or a personal invitation letter written in Spanish or English. Supporting documents such as the inviter’s Spanish residence permit, passport, lease agreement, or property deed copy should also be provided.