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Spanish visa resources

How to apply for a Spain visa

How to apply for a visa for Spain — the shared Schengen short-stay process for visits up to 90 days, and Spain's national long-stay (Type D) route for longer stays, with the official EU sources.

Official guidance Regularly updated

Important

This information is for general guidance only. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee your application will be approved.

How you apply depends on whether you are coming to Spain for a short stay or a long stay. Short stays follow the shared Schengen process; long stays follow Spain's own national procedures. The steps below point you to the right official guidance — always confirm the requirements for your nationality before you apply.

Short stays: the shared Schengen process

For visits of up to 90 days, follow the shared Schengen short-stay process. Our how to apply for a Schengen visa guide explains where and how to apply, and the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) page covers eligibility and the 90/180-day rule. If you are visa-exempt, see ETIAS.

Long stays: Spain's national route

For stays over 90 days you apply under Spain's national long-stay (Type D) procedures rather than the shared Schengen rules — see the Spain National Long-Stay Visa (Type D). The categories and requirements are set by Spain's authorities.

Apply through Spain's embassy or consulate

National long-stay applications are made through Spain's diplomatic missions — its embassy, consulate or visa application centre in your country. Confirm the current process and appointment arrangements with Spain's official mission before you travel.

Next steps

  1. Check the documents you’ll needView documents
  2. How to applyStart here
  3. Choose your visaFind a visa

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-10. Information only — not legal advice.