🇪🇸 Spain Schengen Visa Guide 2026

· 20 min read

Planning to visit Spain? Here's what you need to know: Spain has stricter money requirements than most European countries. They want to see either €100 per day OR at least €900 total - whichever is more. Don't let that scare you though! This guide breaks down exactly what you need and how to show you can afford your trip.

Table of Contents

The Basics

Spain is super popular - over 85 million people visit every year. But here's the catch: they're pickier about your finances than most other European countries. Why? They want to make sure you won't run out of money halfway through your trip.

Key Statistics (2026)

Metric Value
Visa Fee €90 (adults), €45 (children 6-12)
Processing Time 15-20 working days (can extend to 30-45)
Approval Rate ~80% (lower due to strict requirements)
Daily Financial Requirement €100 per day OR €900 minimum (whichever higher)
Maximum Stay 90 days in any 180-day period
Cover Letter MANDATORY for Spain applications

Spain Financial Requirements (READ CAREFULLY!)

Spain has the HIGHEST and most complex financial requirements in Schengen. Many applicants get rejected solely for not understanding this.

The Rule: €100/day OR €900 Minimum

You must show whichever amount is HIGHER:

  • €100 per day for your trip duration, OR
  • €900 minimum (even for short trips)
⚠️ Critical Example:
For a 5-day trip: 5 × €100 = €500 BUT you still need €900 minimum!
For a 12-day trip: 12 × €100 = €1,200 (this is higher than €900, so you need €1,200)

Spain Financial Requirements Table

Trip Duration €100/day Calculation €900 Minimum Amount You Must Show
3 days €300 €900 €900 (minimum wins)
5 days €500 €900 €900 (minimum wins)
7 days €700 €900 €900 (minimum wins)
9 days €900 €900 €900 (both equal)
10 days €1,000 €900 €1,000 (daily rate wins)
15 days €1,500 €900 €1,500
30 days €3,000 €900 €3,000
💡 Smart Strategy: Spain doesn't care if you're backpacking on a budget. Show 1.5-2x the minimum. For a 7-day trip, show €1,200-€1,500 instead of just €900 to strengthen your case.

Bank Statement Requirements

  • ✅ Last 3-6 months (6 months strongly recommended)
  • ✅ Must show AVERAGE balance meeting the requirement
  • ✅ Bank stamp and signature mandatory
  • ✅ Regular income deposits (salary, pension, business income)
  • ✅ No sudden large deposits right before application
⚠️ Spain's Unique Check: Spain looks at your AVERAGE balance over 3-6 months, not just final balance. If you deposit €2,000 today but averaged €300/month, they'll likely reject your application for "show money."

Complete Document Checklist for Spain Visa

Universal Documents (All Applicants)

  1. Visa Application Form
    • Download from Spanish embassy/consulate website
    • Complete online or by hand in English/Spanish
    • Signed and dated
    • 2 copies (original + 1 photocopy)
  2. Passport
    • Valid for 3+ months after intended return
    • Issued within last 10 years
    • At least 2 blank pages for visa stamps
    • Photocopy of all used pages
  3. Old Passports (if available - helps show travel history)
  4. Passport Photos
    • 2 recent color photos (within 6 months)
    • 35x45mm size, white background
    • Biometric quality (face 70-80% of photo)
  5. Travel Health Insurance
    • €50,000+ coverage minimum
    • Must be valid in ALL Schengen countries
    • Covers medical emergency, repatriation, hospitalization
    • Must cover entire trip duration + buffer days
  6. Round-Trip Flight Reservation (NOT final tickets until visa approved)
  7. Accommodation Proof
    • Hotel bookings for ENTIRE stay (every single night)
    • OR "Carta de Invitación" if staying with host
    • Must show name, address, check-in/out dates
  8. Cover Letter (MANDATORY for Spain - see section below)
  9. Detailed Travel Itinerary
    • Day-by-day plan
    • Cities you'll visit
    • Activities planned
    • Transportation between cities
  10. Bank Statements
    • Last 3-6 months (6 strongly recommended for Spain)
    • All pages, stamped by bank
    • Showing €100/day OR €900 minimum average balance

Employment Documents (Employed Applicants)

  • Employment Certificate on company letterhead:
    • Your position and salary
    • Employment start date
    • Company contact information
    • Authorized signature and company stamp
  • Leave Approval Letter confirming approved vacation
  • Salary Slips - last 6 months
  • Employment Contract (if available)

Additional Documents by Category

Self-Employed/Business Owners:

  • Business registration certificate
  • Tax returns (last 2-3 years)
  • Company bank statements (6 months)
  • Business license
  • Proof of ongoing business operations

Students:

  • University enrollment certificate
  • Student ID copy
  • No Objection Certificate (NOC)
  • Parent/sponsor financial documents
  • Sponsorship letter from parents

Retired Persons:

  • Pension statements (last 6 months)
  • Retirement certificate
  • Bank statements showing pension deposits

Visiting Family/Friends in Spain:

  • "Carta de Invitación" from host (official document from police station)
  • Host's Spanish ID/NIE/residence card copy
  • Host's proof of accommodation (rental contract/property deed)
  • Proof of relationship (birth certificates, wedding certificate)
  • Host's employment proof and bank statements

Cover Letter - MANDATORY for Spain

Unlike some Schengen countries where cover letters are "recommended," Spain REQUIRES a cover letter explaining your purpose of visit.

What to Include in Your Spain Cover Letter

  1. Introduction
    • Your full name, nationality, passport number
    • Purpose of trip (tourism/business/family visit)
  2. Trip Details
    • Exact travel dates
    • Cities you'll visit in Spain
    • Brief itinerary summary
  3. Financial Information
    • How you'll fund the trip
    • Your occupation and salary
    • Bank balance confirmation
  4. Ties to Home Country
    • Employment (returning to job after vacation)
    • Family responsibilities
    • Property ownership
    • Reasons you WILL return home
  5. Conclusion
    • Thank embassy for consideration
    • Contact information
    • Signature and date

See our complete cover letter guide with samples for detailed examples.

Spain Visa Application Process

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Determine Application Location

Spain visa applications are processed through:

  • Spanish Embassy/Consulate (direct applications in some countries)
  • VFS Global or BLS International (outsourced centers in most countries)

Step 2: Book Appointment

  1. Visit Spanish consulate or VFS/BLS website
  2. Create online account
  3. Select "Short-stay Schengen visa"
  4. Choose purpose (tourism/business/family)
  5. Book earliest available appointment
📝 Appointment Wait Times: Spain visa appointments can be booked 3-4 weeks out during peak season (June-August). Apply early!

Step 3: Gather All Documents

Use checklist above. Spain is VERY strict about complete documentation. Missing even one document means rejection or significant delays.

Step 4: Attend Visa Appointment

  • Arrive 15 minutes early
  • Bring original documents + complete set of photocopies
  • Submit biometrics (fingerprints, photo)
  • Pay visa fee (cash/card depending on location)
  • Collect receipt with tracking reference

Step 5: Track Application

Use reference number to track status on embassy/VFS website.

Step 6: Collect Passport

Receive notification via SMS/email. Collect from visa center or use courier service.

Spain Visa Fees (2026)

Category Consular Fee Service Fee (VFS/BLS) Total
Adults (12+ years) €90 €25-40 €115-130
Children (6-11) €45 €25-40 €70-85
Children under 6 FREE €25-40 €25-40

Additional Services

  • Courier return: €20-35
  • SMS notifications: €3-5
  • Photo service: €8-12
  • Document copying: €0.50-1/page

Processing Time

Standard: 15-20 working days (longer than most Schengen countries)

Application Type Processing Time
Straightforward applications 10-15 days
Standard applications 15-20 days
Applications needing verification 25-30 days
Complex cases 30-45 days
💡 Timing: Apply 4-6 weeks before travel for Spain. Processing is slower than France/Germany. You can apply up to 6 months in advance.

Spain Visa Approval Tips

✅ Do's

  1. Show €900 Minimum ALWAYS - Even for 3-day trips
  2. Provide 6 Months Bank Statements - Spain checks average balance
  3. Write Detailed Cover Letter - MANDATORY, not optional
  4. Show Travel History - Previous Schengen visas hugely help
  5. Prove Strong Ties Home - Job, family, property
  6. Book Flexible Accommodations - Free cancellation hotels
  7. Apply Early - 4-6 weeks before travel minimum

❌ Don'ts

  1. Don't Show Only Minimum - €900 exactly looks suspicious
  2. Don't Make Last-Minute Deposits - Spain checks 6-month average
  3. Don't Skip Cover Letter - Automatic rejection without it
  4. Don't Book Non-Refundable Flights - Use reservations
  5. Don't Have Gaps in Itinerary - Account for every day
  6. Don't Apply Late - Spain processing is slow

Common Spain Visa Rejection Reasons

  1. Insufficient Financial Means - Not showing €900 minimum or €100/day
  2. "Show Money" Detected - Large deposit right before application
  3. No Cover Letter - Missing this MANDATORY document
  4. Weak Ties to Home - No job, property, or family
  5. Incomplete Documentation - Missing required documents
  6. Fake Documents - Forged bank statements, employment letters
  7. Previous Visa Violations - Overstays in Schengen/elsewhere

If Rejected

  • Read rejection letter for specific reason
  • Can appeal within 1 month
  • Or fix issues and reapply
  • Consult immigration lawyer if unclear

Spain Visa FAQ

Why does Spain require €900 minimum even for short trips?

Spain wants to ensure visitors can support themselves financially without working illegally or becoming a burden on the state. The €900 minimum applies regardless of trip length as a baseline financial security requirement.

Can I show €900 in cash instead of bank statements?

NO. You must show bank statements proving consistent financial stability. Cash declarations are not accepted as they don't prove regular income or financial reliability.

What if I'm being sponsored by someone in Spain?

Your sponsor must provide:

  • "Carta de Invitación" from local police station
  • Their Spanish ID/residence permit
  • Their bank statements showing €100/day × trip duration
  • Employment proof and salary slips
  • Signed sponsorship letter
The sponsor essentially takes financial responsibility for your trip.

Can I visit other Schengen countries with a Spain visa?

Yes! A Spain Schengen visa allows travel to all 27 Schengen countries. However, Spain must be your MAIN destination (most days spent). If visiting multiple countries equally, Spain should be your first entry point.

Do I need travel insurance before applying?

Yes, travel insurance is MANDATORY. Requirements:

  • €50,000+ medical coverage
  • Valid for ALL Schengen countries
  • Covers emergency medical, hospitalization, repatriation
  • Valid for entire trip + buffer days
Many providers offer Schengen-specific policies from €1-3/day.

How long is a Spain Schengen visa valid?

Validity depends on your case:

  • Single-entry: Usually trip dates + 15 days buffer
  • Multiple-entry: 6 months to 5 years (based on travel history)
Spain is more conservative with multi-entry visas than France/Germany. First-time applicants usually get single-entry.