Spain Schengen Visa Essentials for Travellers in 2025: Read This If You Are Considering A Spain Tour This Year

Last updated on September 27th, 2025

The Spain Schengen Visa is a perfect option for tourists and leisure travel, business men, professionals and students who need to visit Spain for a short duration of time (90-180 days). Please note that you need a Spain Schengen visa to pass through or visit Spain as long as you are not an EU citizen. Our comprehensive guide with key takeaways below will adequately prepare you on how to apply for a Schengen Visa for Spain.

  • KEY TAKEAWAYS
  • Spain shares a travel border with countries in Schengen and the only way to verify non-EU citizens who need to pass through Spain or visit the country is the Spain Schengen visa
  • There are 10 types of Spain Schengen visas you can explore for your next visit to Spain
  • EU family members visa is the only Spain Schengen visa category that is totally free and allows you to visit a family member for a duration of 90-180 days.
  • The Spain visa requirements 2025 is totally dependent on the type of Spain Schengen visa you are applying for and the eligibility criteria involved
  • To apply for a Spain Schengen visa 2025, visit any BLS visa application centre that is closest to you.

Spain Schengen Visa 2025; Everything Travelers Need To Know About The Spain Schengen Visa In 2025

Ever wondered why it is called a Spain Schengen visa since there are other countries in the Schengen area? Well, it is majorly because Spain shares a travel border with countries in Schengen and the only way to verify non-EU citizens who need to pass through Spain or visit the country is the Spain Schengen visa that serves as a legal permit to their travel destination.

As long as you are visiting Spain for leisure, work/study or you need to go through Spain as an entry into other Schengen countries on your travel destination, you have  to visit a Spanish embassy in your home country to begin the application process for a Spain Schengen Visa 2025. There are different kinds of Spain Schengen visas namely;

  • Business Visit visa.

For business-related visits to Spain. Short term meetings, training and business activities are welcome. Takes an average of 10 days to process

  • EU family members visa

The only Spain Schengen visa category that is totally free and allows you to visit a family member of yours living in Spain and a EU citizen.

  • Study Visa.

Foreign nationals who need to participate in a study program ongoing in Spain only for a maximum duration of 90 days. Any study program or courses exceeding this would need you to apply for a proper Spain study visa to participate.

  • Seamen Transit visa.

For Seamen or sailors who need to branch at a Spain seaport to continue their journey to another travel destination. People who also need to enter Spain or other connecting Schengen countries via the sea route can also consider this option. Duration of stay allowed is only 5 days.

  • Sports,  Film Crews, Religious, and Cultural visa

For anyone in this category who wants to visit Spain for sports, film, cultural or religious purposes as a non-EU citizen. Film makers in particular must provide a legal certification affirming them as a film-maker in their home country and a detailed description of their film project, cast and crew.

  • Medical Treatment visa.

For people recommended by a hospital in their home country for medical treatment in a Spanish hospital. This takes about 15 working days to process.

  • Tourist visa.

For tourists and the foreign nationals who want to visit Spain for tourism or leisure purposes all within a maximum duration of 90 days. Application must begin at least 2 weeks prior to your intended travel date.

  • Airport transit visa.

Only valid for 24 hours and allows you to pass through a Spain airport terminal as a route to your destination country. Please note that your access is strictly limited to the airport and you would need to apply for a proper Schengen Visa if you need entry to Spain

  • Friends & Family Visit visa.

For foreigners who want to visit family and friends that are EU citizens for a short term duration of 90 days depending on the Spanish embassy decision. Takes 15-30 days to process.

  • Official Visit visa.

Strictly for country or organization representatives who have been invited by a corporate organization in Spain for any kinds of official gatherings. Duration of stay is strictly between 90-180 days.

How To Apply For A Schengen Visa To Visit Spain in 2025

In this section, we’ve provided a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Schengen visa to visit Spain in 2025;

  1. Begin application early; at least 3 months before your travel date. This ensures you can meet up early enough incase of a delayed processing on your application.
  2. Visit any BLS visa application centre that is closest to you to begin your application and schedule an appointment to see a Spanish Embassy representative. Check proximity for a BLS centre here
  3. Compile and send all the required documents, including your biometric information
  4. Patiently wait for a confirmation on your application status. Often takes 15-45 days.

What Are The Requirements For A Spain Schengen Visa in 2025?

The Spain visa requirements 2025 is totally dependent on the type of Spain Schengen visa you are applying for and the eligibility criteria involved. However, here are some of the necessary requirements you need to consider before your application process;

  1. DOCUMENTS

The required documents are;

  • A colored copy of a recent passport-sized photograph
  • A copy of your duly signed and filled visa application form
  • A national passport that is still valid for your entire duration of travel.
  • Evidence of payment for application form
  • Evidence of preparation for accomodation/ housing such as hotel reservations or tenancy agreement
  • €30,000 worth of travel insurance documents
  • Evidence of adequate funds and willingness to return after duration of stay
  1. TRANSPARENCY ON TRAVEL PURPOSE

You must ensure not to partake in any activities not covered by your Spain Schengen visa type. For example, you can’t be on a tourist visa and expect to carry out study or business activities.

  1. INTEGRITY

Do not apply for a Spain Schengen visa if you are on a travel restriction by Spain or your home country. You must also be ready to stay true to your words by committing to the duration of days specified on your visa. Do not  try to illegally extend your duration of stay.