Spain is the world’s second most visited country, with visitors coming for a variety of reasons. Golden beaches, a laid-back lifestyle, lively festivals, and vibrant nightlife attract millions of visitors each year. Opportunities for jobs and access to world-class educational institutions are also appealing. Investors visit Spain to buy property for sale in Spain to use as a holiday home or permanent residence.
Visa Types
Depending on your nationality and reason for visiting, you will need a different visa for Spain. Notably, Spain is a member of the Schengen Region, which means it has a similar visa policy and an external border with the other Schengen countries.
Travellers can freely move between Schengen countries without having to pass through passport checks. Visitors with a Schengen Visa can fly to any of the 26 Schengen countries. Different types of visas are required for workers and students.
Tourist Visa
People from countries that are not visa-exempt must obtain a Schengen Visa, which provides for stays of up to 90 days for travel and industry. Applications are approved at Spanish embassies and consulates around the world. Visa-free travel to Spain and the other Schengen countries are open to a wide variety of nationalities.
The USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil, New Zealand, Argentina, and Japan are among the countries that do not need visas. Without a visa, EU citizens may fly, work, and study in Spain. These nationalities, however, will require an ETIAS Visa Waiver until it is implemented at the end of 2022. Take a look at our area guide for Spain to see where you want to visit.
Residency Visa
Both non-EU/EEA and Swiss people who wish to remain in Spain for more than twelve weeks (three months) must apply for a residence card/permit within 30 days of their arrival (Tarjeta de Residencia or TIE). To apply, go to the Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or the nearest police station in the province where you live. You will need this if you decide to purchase a villa for sale in Spain.
Work Visa
If you would like to live and work in Spain, you’ll need a Work Visa unless you’re from an EU country. There are many forms of work visas available in Spain. Apartments for sale in Spain make ideal homes in the major cities.
Student Visa
Spain is one of the most popular study destinations for international students. Unless you are an EU resident, you will need to apply for a Student Visa in Spain, which is a straightforward procedure.
You must first be admitted into a course or programme, after which you must apply for a student visa. With a student visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week for the duration of your degree.
Travel Information about Spain
Spain is a large country with several different areas. The primary language is Spanish, but regional languages such as Catalan, Basque, Valencian, and Galician. Madrid is Spain’s capital, but Barcelona is the country’s most visited city.
There is a fantastic amount to see in Spain, which has the world’s third-highest UNESCO World Heritage sites, beautiful coastlines, spectacular mountains, and bustling towns. Travelling around Spain by car, train, bus, or plane is relatively easy. The euro is the official currency, and the population is currently 46.5 million.
