Spain Business Visa For Indian Passport Holders
Table of Contents
- Overview of Spain Business Visa
- Determining the Correct Visa Type
- Requirements for Spain Business Visa
- Submission and Processing
- Post-Submission Process
- Important Notes and Considerations
- Official Resources and Contacts
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Introduction of Spain Business Visa
The Spain Business Visa allows individuals to conduct business activities such as meetings, conferences, trade fairs, establishing a business, and market research. It is available as a Short-Stay Business Visa (for stays under 90 days) or a Long-Stay Business Visa (for stays exceeding 90 days). The visa is typically processed within 15-30 calendar days, though the timeframe may vary depending on the workload of the Spanish Embassy or Consulate. Once granted, it permits entry into Spain and the Schengen Area for the specified duration.
2. Determining the Correct Visa Type
Visa Type | Duration of Stay | Purpose | Indian Citizens' Requirements |
Short-Stay Business Visa | Less than 90 days | Business meetings, conferences, trade fairs | Schengen Visa application, business documents |
Long-Stay Business Visa | More than 90 days | Establishing a business, long-term projects | National Visa application, additional documentation (e.g., work permit) |
3. Requirements for Spain Business Visa
Common Requirements
- Travel Document:
- A valid Indian passport with at least two blank pages
- Passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the planned departure date from the Schengen Area
- Visa Application Form:
- Fully completed and signed Schengen Visa (or National Visa for long-stay) application form
- Download from the official Spanish Embassy/Consulate website or collect in person
- Recent Photos:
- Two recent, identical passport-sized photographs with a white background
- Comply with Schengen Visa photo requirements
- Proof of Residence:
- Aadhaar card
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, or internet) with your name and Indian address
- Bank statements showing your Indian address
- Proof of Financial Means:
- Bank statements for the last three months showing sufficient funds (approximately €64.11 per day for the duration of stay in Spain)
- Income Tax Return (ITR) acknowledgement (if applicable)
- Health Insurance:
- Travel insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000, valid for all Schengen countries
- Policy should cover the entire duration of stay
- Flight Itinerary:
- Confirmed flight tickets or a reservation with travel dates
- May be requested at the time of the interview or during the application process
Business-Specific Requirements
- Invitation Letter:
- From the Spanish company, including:
- Company's details (name, address, tax ID)
- Purpose and duration of the visit
- Your position and company details (if applicable)
- Supporting Documents from Your Company (in India):
- Company registration documents (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation, GST Certificate)
- Proof of your employment (e.g., employment contract, ID card)
- A letter explaining the purpose of your trip, your role, and the expected outcomes
- Additional Documents (if applicable):
- For attending conferences or trade fairs: Registration documents or an invitation from the event organizers
- For establishing a business: Documents related to the business setup (e.g., business plan, partnership agreements, work permit for long-stay)
4. Submission and Processing
4.1 Where to Apply
The location where you should submit your Spain Business Visa application depends on your State of Residence in India. The Spanish government has divided the jurisdiction among its Embassy in New Delhi and Consulates General in Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Spanish Embassy in New Delhi
- Jurisdiction:
- States:
- Arunachal Pradesh
- Haryana
- Himachal Pradesh
- Jammu and Kashmir
- Ladakh
- Punjab
- Rajasthan
- Sikkim
- Uttar Pradesh
- Uttarakhand
- Union Territories:
- Chandigarh
- Delhi
- Andaman and Nicobar Islands
- Lakshadweep
- Puducherry
- Country:
- Bhutan (Note: While Bhutan is a separate country, for the purpose of Spanish visa applications, its residents apply through the New Delhi Embassy)
- Embassy Details:
- Address: 12, Prithviraj Road, New Delhi - 110011
- Phone: +91 11 4248 9000
- Email: emb.newdelhi@maec.es
- Website: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/NUEVA-DELHI/en/Pages/inicio.aspx
Consulate General of Spain in Mumbai
- Jurisdiction:
- States:
- Maharashtra
- Gujarat
- Madhya Pradesh
- Chhattisgarh
- Union Territories:
- Daman and Diu
- Dadra and Nagar Haveli
- Consulate Details:
- Address: Nirmal Building, 11th Floor, 241/242 Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400021
- Phone: +91 22 2288 0211
- Email: cg.mumbai@maec.es
- Website: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/MUMBAI/en/Pages/inicio.aspx
Consulate General of Spain in Bengaluru
- Jurisdiction:
- States:
- Karnataka
- Kerala
- Tamil Nadu
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
- Union Territories:
- Pondicherry
- Lakshadweep Islands
- Consulate Details:
- Address: 37, Karnataka Crescent Road, High Grounds, Bengaluru - 560001
- Phone: +91 80 4550 1100
- Email: cg.bengaluru@maec.es
- Website: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/BENGALURU/en/Pages/inicio.aspx
4.2 How to Apply
Step 1: Book an Appointment
- Method:
- Through the official website of the Spanish Embassy/Consulate.
- Through their authorized service provider (check the Embassy/Consulate website for details).
- Why:
- To schedule a specific time for your visa application submission.
- To avoid waiting in queues.
Step 2: Submit in Person
- Requirement:
- Attend the appointment with all required documents.
- Ensure documents are complete and in order as per the checklist.
- Note:
- You may be required to provide original documents for verification.
- Photocopies of all documents might also be requested.
Step 3: Through Authorized Agencies (If Applicable)
- Option:
- Some Embassies/Consulates allow submission through registered travel agencies.
- Action:
- Check with the Spanish Embassy/Consulate for approved agencies in your area.
- Submit your application through the agency, following their guidelines.
4.3 Biometric Data
Requirement:
- Fingerprinting: Required at the submission center if not previously recorded in the VIS (Visa Information System) database in the last 59 months.
- Purpose: Enhanced security and identification.
Exemptions:
- Children Under 12: Exempt from providing biometric data.
- Physically Impossible: Individuals for whom fingerprinting is not feasible due to physical constraints.
- Heads of State or Government, etc.: Exempt as per diplomatic protocols.
4.4 Processing Fee
Short-Stay Business Visa:
- Adults (18+ years): Currently €60
- Children (6-12 years): €35
- Children Under 6: Free
Long-Stay Business Visa:
- Fee: Varies; check with the Spanish Embassy/Consulate for the exact amount.
- Note: Additional to the visa fee, you may need to pay for a residence visa, work permit, etc., depending on your purpose and duration of stay.
Service Charges:
- Applicable: If submitting your application through an authorized agency.
- Amount: Varies; check with the agency for their service fee structure.
5. Important Notes and Considerations
Jurisdiction
- Ensure you apply at the correct Spanish Embassy/Consulate based on your state of residence in India.
Visa Denial and Appeal
- Refusal Letter: If your visa is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons.
- Appeal Process: You can appeal this decision within one month, providing additional information or clarifications.
Schengen Visa Policy Changes
- Requirements may change; always check the official government websites for the latest information.
6. Official Resources and Contacts
- Spanish Government Website: www.exteriores.gob.es
- Spanish Embassy in New Delhi:
- Website: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/NUEVA-DELHI/en/Pages/inicio.aspx
- Phone: +91 11 4248 9000
- Consulate General of Spain in Mumbai:
- Website: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/MUMBAI/en/Pages/inicio.aspx
- Phone: +91 22 2288 0211
- Consulate General of Spain in Bengaluru:
- Website: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/BENGALURU/en/Pages/inicio.aspx
- Phone: +91 80 4550 1100
Need more clarity on the Spain business visa? Check out helpful resources below
Spain Visa Requirement
Spain Tourist Visa Requirement
Spain Work Visa Requirement
Spain Visit Visa Requirement
Spain Embassies and Consulates
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to transit through a Spanish airport?
Depending on your nationality and the specifics of your transit, you might not need a visa for airport transit. Check with the airline or the Spanish Embassy/Consulate for clarification.
Can I work in Spain with a Business Visa?
No, a Business Visa does not entitle you to work in Spain. For employment, you need to apply for a Work Visa and obtain a work permit.
How long before my trip should I apply for a Spain Business Visa?
Apply at least 15 days before your planned trip to Spain, but no more than 6 months before your trip.
Can I extend my Short-Stay Business Visa in Spain?
Extensions are possible in exceptional cases (e.g., force majeure, humanitarian reasons). Contact the Spanish authorities for guidance. Generally, for longer stays, apply for a Long-Stay Visa before entering Spain.
Can I Travel to other Schengen or European Countries on a Spain Business Visa?
Yes, you are allowed to travel to other Schengen countries on this permit. Being a Schengen country, Spain participates in a visa-free agreement with other Schengen countries. However, you can only visit European countries that are a part of the Schengen. Although, there are a few non-European countries that allow you entry with a Schengen visa. Eg:- Croatia.
How many days before the trip should I apply for a Spain Business Visa?
As per the Spanish embassy, it takes around 15 working days to process the application under normal conditions without taking into account, the transit time. As a result, it is suggested that you apply at least 15 days before the date of travel. However, you are not allowed to apply for more than 3 months before the travel date.