Spain Long-Stay Visa – Types, Application, and Documentation

Having the Spain extended Stay visa differs from that of other European countries. You might get it, but it doesn’t give you the assurance of entry into Spain to visit or stay.

The Spanish immigration needs to give the go-ahead at the Spain entry port. Spain’s long-stay visa grantee you the chance to visit the charming country for over three months. With the visa, you would be allowed to do a lot of activities that Spain Schengen visa holders can’t perform. Thousands of tourists have been indulging in the magnificent sceneries accorded by Spain.

The truth remains that visiting this country with about 17 autonomous regions will need you to have first–hand knowledge about its visa process. You would have to learn about its requirements and fees too. You do not forget to conversate about the country’s history, culture, people, and why it has been a haven for tourists.

About Spain

So the kingdom of Spain is a country on Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, southwestern Europe. It housed about 17 autonomous regions; it has part of its territory in the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The capital is Madrid which is the home to the popular Prado museum and Royal Palace for the European masters. The country has a current population of 47.35 million people and the languages used are Castilian, Spanish, Aranese, Basque, Catalan, and Galician. The country is magical with its variety of attractions that lure tourists to it. The attractions include their flamenco music and dance, a Moorish heritage, bullfights, Mediterranean beaches, natural islands, and mouth-watering cosines.

The other Attractions you would need to experience are the artistic Alhambra and Generalife Gardens, the architectural Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia and Gaudi sites, the finest great mosque in Spain, and the world’s top art museums with its collections, Prada and Pasco del Artes, Madrid. You do not forget the masterpiece creation of Seville Cathedral and Alcazar as well as the magnificent Santiago de Compostela Cathedral. It will be mind-blowing to visit all these places.

If you need to experience all the magic and splendor of Spain as a tourist, then you should get a Spain long-stay visa. You would be glad you did. We will furnish you with all the correct information on the process below.

Benefits of Spain’s long-stay visa

Spain long-term visas can enable one to study, live or work in Spain for a period that takes more than 90 days. The Spain long-term visas are otherwise called the type D visas, and you gain the below from obtaining it.

• It will help you stay in Spain for a period that will be more than 90 days. Spain long-term visit will aid your entrance into Spain at the port of entry
• You would be able to perform activities that might not be permitted with a Schengen visa to Spain.
• With a long-stay visa, you can use it to obtain a work permit and legal residence in the Spanish territory.

Spain’s long-stay visa types 

Getting a long-stay visa depends solely on the reason for visiting Spain. You will get this visa if you intend to stay more than three months In Spain, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for it. They are:

Student visa

You will get the Spain long-stay visa if you are going to study in Spain for more than three months.

Working holiday visa 

Spain will issue you a Spain long-stay visa if you are spending your summer holidays in their country. The holiday will be longer than three months.

Entrepreneur visa

The Spain entrepreneur visa will be issued to you if you will invest or establish your business in Spain. Of course, this will take a longer period.

The non-lucrative residence visa

This is another long-stay visa that is issued mainly for those that have the financial means. You should be able to support yourself financially and your family to obtain this.

Retiree visa

As the name implies, this is a Spain long-stay visa issued to retirees that have the financial capacity to live in Spain.

Work visa

This Spain work visa is for those that are coming in to work in Spain.

The Spain au pair visa

The Spain au pair visa is mainly obtained by people seeking to come into the country as childminders or housekeepers.

Documents required for Spain long-stay visa

Spain’s long-stay visa application process will require that you submit the documents listed below together with the application form.

• Visa application form, biometric photos, passport, and copies of passport pages with the information
• Proof of financial means like your scholarship, affidavit of support, or bank statements
• A police record to show you are no ex—convict
• Medical insurance offered by authorized insurance companies in Spain
• The original medical certificate provided by your doctor to indicate clean health from contiguous diseases or mental illness
• Proof of both your flight reservation and accommodation
• Copy of your employment contract as well as work authorization claims (if you are applying for a work visa)
• Spanish institution enrollment proof will be required if you are visiting the country to study.

Spain’s long-stay Visa processing time and fees

A consulate does the Spain national visa processing in the Embassy of your home country. The consulate process the long-stay visa within a month. However, they are specific situations that warrant an extended duration of time. But if nothing goes wrong, four weeks is enough to get the visa ready. Getting your visa prepared on time will need you to pay for the fees on the same day you submit your application.

The fees to pay depend on the type of Spain long-stay visa you would be applying for. However, those from Canada or United States are expected to pay higher fees than those from other countries. The prices range from 80 Euros to 6674 Euros.

Things to find out before applying for the Spain long-stay visa

Before applying for your long-stay visa, you should be particular about the following things

• Where you should submit your application, submitting at the wrong place will keep you stagnated for a long time
• Please find out the pre-requirements you should attempt: All the visas come with different eligibility, so try to meet their pre-requirement. Like if you are applying to work, you should have an offer from an employer already in Spain. If you are coming to study, then you should have been enrolled already in a University in Spain.
• Have the pre-knowledge of the visa you need to apply for: your application process will be faster if your reason for traveling aligns with your choice of visa.
• Find out when best to apply for the visa: you should know the duration of time you need to apply and get your visa processed before the departure date.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who needs a Spain long-term visa?

Citizens that are not in the continents of Europe and do not enjoy any visa waiver opportunity from Spain.

Where can I apply for a Spain long-stay visa?

You can submit your application form to:

A visa application center which includes: the BLS international, VFS Global, or the TLS contact. These are places where Spain has outsourced their visa submission.

What is the best time to apply for Spain long-stay visa?

You can do this at the earliest, which is about six months before the planned time of departure. But if not possible, you can make it three weeks before your trip date.

Does getting a Spain long-stay visa require submitting documents?

You would definitely need to gather and submit the documents listed at the Embassy with your application form. In addition, you would need to submit the usual photos, passports, and application form with other additional documents.

How can I make a Spain long-stay visa appointment?

This will depend on your country of residence. You can book your appointment via a consular call center or appointment online. You would need to choose the one that is convenient for you.

Do I need to submit my biometrics for Spain long-stay visa?

Yes, this is if your biometrics are yet in the common European Union system. You can provide them to the consulate on the day of your image. This is mainly for your fingerprints and facial appearance.

Is there an additional fee to be paid alongside the visa fee?

Yes, you are expected to pay an additional fee (a small token) if your application is submitted at any application center.

Conclusion

The kingdom of Spain is the second-largest country in the EU. The government is bustling with loads of different attractions that keep tourists returning to enjoy all it offers. This is why a long-stay visa exists so one can indulge the country as long as one wants. Therefore, if you intend to enjoy the government of Spain for more than three months, you need to start your visa processing as soon as possible. The information can give you the essential guide you need.