Spanish visas: work, study, non-lucrative and family
A visa is the mandatory prerequisite for non-EU nationals to enter Spain for stays exceeding 90 days. Visas are categorised under Organic Law 4/2000 into two types: short-stay (up to 90 days) and long-stay (over 90 days). Long-stay visas represent a commitment to residence and are granted under specific grounds: (1) Work visa (highly-qualified professional or employee) — tied to a Spanish employment contract; (2) Non-lucrative visa — justified proof of financial means without employment requirement; (3) Study visa — enrolment in an accredited Spanish institution; (4) Entrepreneur/investor visa — business project or significant investment; (5) Family member visa — spouse or descendants of a Spanish citizen.
The statutory consular processing time is 1 month, though many consulates apply extended timelines (30–60 days) depending on application volumes. Following consular approval, the visa holder must obtain the Foreigner Identity Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, TIE) at the Spanish Immigration Office within 30 days of entry.
At Eon Legal, we manage the complete consular process: preliminary viability review in Spain (assessing consulate-specific requirements, which vary by territory), file preparation (employment contracts, acceptance letters, financial justification), direct coordination with the competent consulate in the country of origin, tracking application status, and guidance through TIE registration.
Common challenges include consulate-specific requirements that vary by location (no national standard), changing consular regulations, and insufficient documentation — we solve these complexities through direct consulate liaison.
Cases we handle
Each file is reviewed individually to choose the most appropriate legal route for the specific case.
- Work visa: highly-qualified professionals (TIC) or dependent employee with employment contract
- Non-lucrative visa: proof of financial means without employment requirement or job search obligation
- Study visa: enrolment in accredited institution, health insurance, proof of financial means
- Entrepreneur visa: business project and investment or job creation in Spain
- Family member visa: spouse, registered partner, or descendants of Spanish citizen
What we need to get started
The list is indicative; in the initial consultation we confirm the exact documents required by the applicable legal route.
- Valid passport with minimum 3 months validity beyond intended visa duration
- Completed visa application form (EX-00 or consulate-specific model)
- Passport-sized photograph (format specifications vary by consulate)
- For work visa: original signed employment contract, Social Security registration, or employer acceptance letter
- For non-lucrative visa: proof of financial means (bank statement, salary, pension) minimum €1,644/month (indexed annually), approved by provincial delegation
- For study visa: enrolment certificate, programme offer, health insurance, proof of financial means
- For entrepreneur visa: written business project, financial plan, investment documentation
- For family member visa: family relationship documentation (marriage certificate, registered partnership, birth certificate), Spanish citizen sponsor information
- Medical certificate (basic health examination; requirements vary by consulate)
- Criminal record certificate from country of origin, apostilled
- Proof of accommodation in Spain (rental lease, property deed, or written host commitment)
- Proof of financial means for subsistence in Spain (varies by route and duration)
- Valid health insurance policy with coverage in Spain (public or equivalent private coverage)
- Consulate-specific supplementary documentation (varies by consulate and nationality)
Questions about this service
- How long does a long-stay Spanish visa take to process?
- The statutory consular processing time is 1 month from complete file submission, though many consulates apply extended real-world timelines of 30–60 days depending on application volumes. Once the visa is approved, the holder has 30 days from entry into Spain to apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the competent Immigration Office.
- Can I apply for a non-lucrative visa if I have no employment in Spain?
- Yes. The non-lucrative visa is designed specifically for people who wish to reside in Spain without carrying out employment activity. The main requirement is demonstrating sufficient financial means — at least €1,644 per month (indexed annually) — through bank statements, salary, pension or any documented income source. No employment contract or Social Security registration is required.
- What is the difference between a visa and a residence permit?
- A visa is the initial entry permit granted by the Spanish consulate in the country of origin, enabling entry into Spain for a defined period. A residence permit is the authorisation processed inside Spain that enables long-term legal stay and, depending on the type, also the right to work. A long-stay visa is in most cases the mandatory prior step before obtaining a subsequent residence permit.
- What can I do if the consulate refuses my visa application?
- A consular refusal can be challenged through an administrative appeal (recurso de alzada) filed with the Embassy or the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs within 1 month of notification, or through a judicial appeal filed with the courts within 2 months. Eon Legal analyses the grounds for refusal, strengthens the documentation and manages the relevant appeal to maximise the chances of a favourable outcome.
You may also be interested in
- 01 — ResidenceSpanish residence permits: employee, self-employed and family reunificationResidence and work permits for employees, self-employed workers, family reunification and long-term residency under Spanish Organic Law 4/2000.→ View service
- 04 — CitizenshipSpanish citizenship: residency, option and Democratic Memory LawCitizenship by residency (5 years), by option, Democratic Memory Law routes, and Spanish passport management.→ View service
Does your case fit this service? Let's talk.
We review viability, timelines and the required documents in a first, no-obligation consultation. In person in A Coruña and online across Spain.