REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY INTO SPAIN
If you DONT NEED A VISA (find out here) to enter Spain for tourist or business purposes, you must be aware of the following requisites (click here)
REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR A VISA (Chicago)
Download Schengen Visa Form in English-Spanish
To apply for a visa you or your legal representative, duly authorized must appear in person. Applications will be accepted on a first come first serve basis (student visas need to make an appointment previously).
Applicants must have permanent residency status in the USA. The request for a visa must be made at the Spain's Consulate where the applicant resides. This Consulate General has jurisdiction over the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
The visa will be affixed to your passport, in your country of residence, before your departure and must be presented at the Schengen border officials at the port of entry. You can not request the visa in Spain or through the mail.
There are two types of visas:
- Short Stay (Schengen visa)
- Long Stay
SHORT STAY VISA (Schengen Visa)
The Schengen Agreement establishes a unified type of visa for short stays (up to 90 days) for the participant European countries (AUSTRIA, BELGIUM, ZECH REPUBLIC, DENMARK, ESTONIA, FINLAND, FRANCE, GERMANY, GREECE, HUNGARY, ICELAND, ITALY, LATVIA, LITHUANIA, LUXEMBOURG, MALTA, NORWAY, THE NETHERLANDS, POLAND, PORTUGAL, SLOVAKIA, SLOVENIA, SPAIN AND SWEDEN).
A Schengen Visa issued by an Embassy or Consulate of the aforementioned countries allows the holder to travel freely in all these countries and it will be issued by the Embassy or Consulate of the country of your main destination, the one where you will spend the longer period of time.
US citizens who wish to stay in Spain for tourist or business purposes for up to 90 days do not need a visa. They should travel with a round trip air ticket and a passport valid for a minimum of six months.
To find out which nationalities need a visa use this link.
This Visa will affixed to your passport before you leave the United States and must be presented to Immigration Control upon first entry into a Schengen country.
The following documents must be submitted to apply for an Airport Transit Visa:
- 2 Schengen Application forms dully filled out and signed.
- Passport valid for a minimum of three months after the expected visa stay.
- 2 photos passport size with a white background. (staple one to each form)
- Alien Residence Card (Green-Card) or residence visa valid in USA (except B-1, B-2).
- Ticket reservation.
- Fees
Documents you must submit to apply for a Schengen Tourist or Business Visa:
- 2 Schengen Application forms dully filled out and signed.
- 2 photos passport size with a white background. (staple one to each form)
- Passport valid for a minimum of three months after the expected visa stay.
- Alien Residence Card (Green-Card) or residence visa valid in USA (except B-1,B-2).
- Confirmed reservation of your airline ticket (Round-Trip).
- Hotel reservations or notarized invitation letter from a family member or friend who resides in Spain.
- Proof of financial status, i.e. a major Credit Card along with the 3 latest statements as well as your latest 3 bank statements.
- Travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of 30,000 Euros (€).
- For professional or business trips you must submit an invitation from a company based in Spain, organization to participate in a meeting, convention, fair or congress, etc.
- Letter from employer stating your job title, length of time employed and annual salary or other proof of ties with the U.S. (Deed of Property, etc.).
- Fees.
Applicants must submit originals and copies of the above mentioned documents. If your documents are accepted to process the visa they will not be returned.
•ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS MAY APPLY•
LONG STAY VISA
This visa allows you to reside in Spain without working or doing any lucrative activities
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- 2 photos passport size with a white background. (staple one to each form)
- Passport valid for a minimum of one year.
- Alien Residence Card (Green-Card) or residence visa valid in USA (except B-1,B-2).
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Documents that prove family ties.
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Police Records Certificate from the country of origin or place of you residence for the last five years bearing the "Apostille of the Hague Convention" or if the country issuing such document is not part of the "Hague Convention" such documents must be dully legalized.
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Original medical certificate typed on doctor´s stationary verifying that: "the applicant has been found to be free of any of the illnesses that may have serious public consequences, as described and established in the International Health Regulations of 2005" (http://www.who.int/ihr/en/) (Translated into Spanish by a professional translator).
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Proof/s that you have sufficient financial means for you (and your accompanying family) during the stay in Spain without the need to work.
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Applicants must submit originals and copies of the above mentioned documents. If your documents are accepted to process the visa they will not be returned.
Resolution time for this type of visa is three months, without counting the time used to consult your case with "Delegación o Subdelegación del Gobierno" of the city where you are planning to reside in Spain. After that time your application could be considered dismissed.
If the visa is approved, the applicant has one month (from the approval notice day) to appear in person to pick up the visa. Failure to pick up your visa within one month will be considered as a refusal of the visa and your file will be closed.
This visa will be valid only for Spain but allows up to five days for transit in the Schengen area before entering Spain.
Once you pick up your visa, you must enter Spain within the period the visa is valid for and your entry must be stamped on your passport or travel document, after that you must appear in person at the Police Department within one month to apply for your residency card.
•ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS MAY APPLY•
This visa allows a foreigner, sixteen years and older, to work in Spain as an employee.
Along with the 2 Schengen Application forms dully filled out and signed you must submit the following documents:
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Letter from the Immigration Office in Spain ("Extranjería") addressed to the company or employer in Spain notifying of the approval for the working permit and residency visa. (This must be done by the company or employer before your visa's application).
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Passport valid for a minimum of four months.
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Alien Residence Card (Green-Card) or residence visa valid in USA (except B-1, B-2).
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2 photos passport size with a white background.(staple one to each form)
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Police Records Certificate from the country of origin or place of you residence for the last five years bearing the "Apostille of the Hague Convention" or if the country issuing such document is not part of the "Hague Convention" such documents must be dully legalized.
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Original medical certificate typed on doctor´s stationary verifying that: "the applicant has been found to be free of any of the illnesses that may have serious public consequences, as described and established in the International Health Regulations of 2005" (http://www.who.int/ihr/en/) (Translated into Spanish by a professional translator).
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Applicants must submit originals and copies of the above mentioned documents. If your documents are accepted to process the visa they will not be returned.
If the visa is approved, the applicant has one month (from the approval notice day) to appear in person to pick up the visa. Failure to pick up your visa within one month will be considered as a refusal of the visa and your file will be filed.
This visa will be valid only for Spain but allows up to five days for transit in the Schengen area before entering Spain.
Once you pick up your visa, you must enter Spain within the period the visa is valid for and your entry must be stamped on your passport or travel document, after that you must appear in person at the Police department within a month to apply for your residency card.
Once you enter Spain, you can start working and you must register with the Social Security System as established by law.
•ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS MAY APPLY•
This visa allows a foreigner to reside in Spain as an investor or self-employed person.
Along with the 2 Schengen Application forms dully filled out and signed you must submit the following documents:
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Passport valid for a minimum of four months.
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2 photos passport size with a white background.(staple one to each form)
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Alien Residence Card (Green-Card) or residence visa valid in USA (except B-1, B-2).
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Official form EX01 requesting authorization for residence and self-employment which the Consulate will forward to the proper local authorities in Spain ("Delegación o Subdelegación de Gobierno de la provincia correspondiente").
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Police Records Certificate from the country of origin or place of you residence for the last five years bearing the "Apostille of the Hague Convention" or if the country issuing such document is not part of the "Hague Convention" such documents must be dully legalized.
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Original medical certificate typed on doctor´s stationary verifying that: "the applicant has been found to be free of any of the illnesses that may have serious public consequences, as described and established in the International Health Regulations of 2005" (http://www.who.int/ihr/en/) (Translated into Spanish by a professional translator).
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If needed proper Academic Title or Degree required in your line of work. (The Title or Degree must be dully legalized for Spain).
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Documentation that shows that you are financially sound or letter/s from the Bank/s regarding that matter.
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Work or Investment Project that shows the kind and/or type of business to conduct as well as the projected financial gains and, if applicable, any work positions to be created by such project.
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List of the required authorizations and/or permits required to open or conduct your future business along with the status of such permits and /or licenses already obtained if any from the proper authorities.
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Fees.
Applicants
must submit originals and copies of the above mentioned documents. If your documents are accepted to process the visa they will not be returned.
This visa will be valid only for Spain but allows up to five days for transit in the Schengen area before entering Spain. Once you pick up your visa, you must enter Spain within the period the visa is valid for and your entry must be stamped on your passport or travel document, after that you must appear in person at the Police department within a month, to apply for your residency card.
Once you enter Spain, you can start working and you must register with the Social Security System as established by law.
•ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS MAY APPLY•
The foreigner, who has been a legal resident in Spain for one year and had its residency permit renewed for another year can reunite the following family members:
- Spouse. If they are not legally separated.
- Their children or their spouse's, who are not married and are under 18 years of age or incapacitated and are not married.
- Minors (under 18 years old) or incapacitated that are under his/her legal custody.
- Own or spouse's parents, if they are their dependents and there are proven reasons for them to justify their need for residency in Spain.
The following requirements must be submitted:
Applicants must submit originals and copies of the above mentioned documents. If your documents are accepted to process the visa they will not be returned.
This visa will be valid only for Spain but allows up to five days for transit in the Schengen area before entering Spain. Once you pick up your visa, you must enter Spain within the period the visa is valid for and your entry must be stamped on your passport or travel document, after that you must appear in person at the Police department within a month, to apply for your residency card.
•ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS MAY APPLY•
Residence visa to reunite a family member with a citizen of Spain or an EU member resident in Spain
This visa must be obtained by all nationals that are not EU citizens or they are from the countries that require visas to travel to the Schengen countries (See Anejo 1 ICC) to reunite for residence in Spain with a Spaniard or an EU citizen including Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland with whom they have the following family ties:
- Spouse. If you are not legally separated.
- Their children or their spouse's, who are not married and are under 21 years of age or incapacitated and are not married.
- Minors (under 21 years old) or incapacitated that are under the resident's legal custody.
- Own or spouse's parents, if they are their dependents and there are proven reasons for them to justify their need for residency in Spain
American citizens and those of other nationalities that do not require visa according the above mentioned list (Anejo 1 ICC) do not require a residence visa and must apply for their residence card once they arrive in Spain.
Nationals of the countries that require a visa to enter Spain must submit the following requirements:
- 2 Schengen Application forms dully filled out and signed.
- Valid passport
- Alien Residence Card (Green-Card) or residence visa valid in USA (except B-1, B-2).
- 2 photos passport size with a white background. (staple one to each form)
- Documents proving the family ties.
- Spain's "Libro de Familia" or Birth certificate or Marriage certificate bearing the "Apostille of the Hague Convention" or if the country issuing such document is not part of the "Hague Convention" such documents must be dully legalized.
- For descendants or ascendants older that 21 years of age documents that prove that the citizen of the EU residing in Spain is their financial supporter.
- Copy of the passport from the Spaniard or EU member residing in Spain.
- "Empadronamiento" from the person residing in Spain.
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Applicants must submit originals and copies of the above mentioned documents. If your documents are accepted to process the visa they will not be returned.
If approved this visa must be picked up in person within two months from the approval date notice. Failure to pick up your visa within two months will be considered as a refusal of the visa and your file will be closed.
This visa will be valid for all of the Schengen countries.
This visa will be valid for One entry and three months. Once you pick up your visa, you must enter Spain within the period the visa is valid for and your entry must be stamped on your passport or travel document, after that you must appear in person at the Police department within a month, to apply for your residency card.
The holder of this type of visa has the same working privileges as any citizen of Spain or EU member.
•ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS MAY APPLY•
This type of visa allows you to study or do research work in Spain for periods exceeding 3 months.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa to study in Spain for less than 90 days.
This visa must be obtained for studies under 3 months by all nationals that are not EU citizens or they are from the countries that require visas to travel to the Schengen countries (see Anejo 1 ICC ).
You can apply at this Consulate if you have your permanent residency or study in our jurisdiction (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin). If you live or study in another area please check with the appropriate Consulate.
The application must be submitted in person by you or by a legal representative duly empowered authorized, with a written notarized authorization.
Visa applications cannot be accepted by mail. Due to the overwhelming demand for student visas at certain times of the year, STUDENT VISA APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED BY APPOINTMENT ONLY, that must be requested by email at: conspainchicago@sbcglobal.net
STUDENT VISAS MUST ALWAYS BE COLLECTED PERSONALLY BY THE STUDENT.
When submitting your student visa application you can also apply for the visa for your spouse and children under 18 years of age.
The visa will be affixed to your passport before you depart the United States and it must be presented at your point of entry into the Schengen countries.
Documents you must submit in order to apply for a Student Visa:
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Passport. The passport must be valid for the intended period of your stay in Spain with at least one blank page to affix the visa. Also provide either of the following: US drivers license, US State ID card, Voters registration card, current student ID.
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2 recent photos passport size with a white background. Staple one photo on each of the application forms.
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Letter of acceptance as a full time student from Spain's University/School or US program indicating: name, address and registration number of the school with Spain's Department of Education; (Ministerio de Educación de España) full payment of tuition, duration of the program, subjects of the study and hours of study per week which must be no less than 20.
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Health Insurance (original form): International insurance coverage for health/accident with a minimum coverage equal to €30,000 during the planning period of stay in Spain (or its equivalency in dollars).
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Proofs of financial means during your stay: Please provide one of the following:
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Letter from the University or School in Spain or in the USA assuming full financial responsibility during your stay (this is often included into the acceptance letter)
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Proof of financial aid or scholarship for at least $1,000 per month for room and board.
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Notarized letter from your parents or legal guardians assuming full financial responsibility for at least $1,000 per month for room and board. Suggested wording: “I hereby certify that I'm the (father/mother/other) of (...), will support him/her with a monthly allowance of at least $1,000 while he/she is in Spain and that I'm financially responsible for any emergency that may arise".
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Personal bank account statements showing at least $1,000 per month of stay.
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•Evidence of your migratory status in the USA (Only for non US citizens): Provide your "Alien Registration Card" or “US Visa with I-20/IAP-66”(except B1-B2).
•Certificate of Absence of Police Records (Only for stays of more than 180 days) issued by the Police Department from the city/cities where you have resided more than six months in the past five years. This Certificate must bear the "Apostille of The Hague Convention" (Contact the Secretary of State of the issuing state). If the Certificate is issued outside the USA it must be duly legalized by the corresponding Consulate of Spain.
•Medical Certificate (for periods longer than 180 days): Doctor's statement on a doctor or medical center letterhead, indicating that: "the applicant has been found to be free of any of the illnesses that may have serious public consequences, as described and established in the International Health Regulations of 2005" (http://www.who.int/ihr/en/) (Translated into Spanish by a professional translator).
Notarized authorization letter to travel and study abroad from the parents or custodians (only if the applicant is under 18 years of age).
•ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS MAY APPLY•
Applicants must submit originals and copies of the above mentioned documents. If your documents are accepted to process the visa they will not be returned.
Applications for this type of visa will neither be accepted more than four months in advance nor less than one month before the departure date.
It generally takes 2 to 4 weeks to process this type of visa. If the period of studies is longer that 6 months, it may take more than 4 weeks.
During this time no telephone consultations will be taken by this office regarding your visa status.
If granted, Student visas must always be picked up personally by the STUDENT.
If granted, your visa will allow you to study in Spain for the requested period of time, as specified on the visa sticker, (“del….al….”). Keep in mind the date format in Europe: Day, Month and Year.
If your stay in Spain is for a period longer than 180 days you will have to request, within one month of your arrival in Spain, an authorization for the completion of your studies as well as the proper student ID card from the Police Department in Spain ("Policia Nacional").
This visa will allow you for transit in the Schengen countries to and from Spain up to a maximum of 5 days (total).