Spain Visa for Indian Passport Holders

Summary: Spain Visa for Indian Citizens

Visa Requirement: Indian citizens need a visa to enter Spain.

Types:

Schengen Visa (Short-Stay, Type C): For tourism, business, visiting family/friends, cultural/sports events, transit, etc. (valid for up to 90 days within 180 days).
National Visa (Long-Stay, Type D): For work, study, family reunification, business, residence, or research (valid for over 90 days).

Key Requirements:

Valid passport
Completed visa application form
Recent passport-size photos
Travel insurance
Proof of financial means and accommodation

Application Process:

Submit in person at the Embassy of Spain in New Delhi or Consulates in Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, or through BLS International centers (for Schengen Visas).
Processing time: Typically 15 days for Schengen visas; up to 60 days for National visas.

Fees:

Schengen Visa: €80 (approximately INR 7,000)
National Visa: €60-€120 (varies by type, INR 5,200 - INR 10,500)

Table of Contents

Latest Update on Spain Visa for Indians - May 2025
Introduction to Spain Visas
Types of Spain Visas for Indians
Step-by-Step Application Process
Required Documents (Detailed)
Visa Fees and Payment Methods
Processing Times and Tracking
Common Reasons for Rejection and Tips for Approval
Additional Requirements and Considerations
Resources and Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Latest Update on Spain Visa for Indians - May 2025

2. Introduction to Spain Visas

Spain, including its popular Canary Islands, is a top travel destination for Indian visitors. Whether for tourism, business, study, or work, Indian passport holders must apply for a Spain visa before traveling. As Spain is part of the Schengen Zone, short-term visas allow travel within the entire Schengen Area.

3. Types of Spain Visas for Indians

Short-Term Visas (Up to 90 Days):

Tourist Visa – For sightseeing and leisure trips.

Business Visa – For attending business meetings, conferences, or professional events.

Family Visit Visa – For visiting relatives or friends residing in Spain.

Cultural/Sports Visa – For attending cultural events, sports competitions, or film festivals.

Transit Visa – For travelers transiting through Spain to another destination.

Long-Term Visas (Over 90 Days):

Student Visa – For enrolling in educational institutions in Spain.

Work Visa – For employment in Spain, requires an offer from a Spanish employer.

Family Reunification Visa – For joining a family member legally residing in Spain.

Residency Visa – For individuals planning to reside in Spain for an extended period.

4. Step-by-Step Application Process

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Type Based on Your Travel Purpose

Reflection Questions:

What is the purpose of my trip to Spain? (Select one)

Tourism/Sightseeing
Business Meetings/Conferences
Studying
Employment
Family Reunification
Cultural/Sports Events
Transit
Other (Specify)

Will my stay be short-term (up to 90 days) or long-term (over 90 days)?

Purpose	Visa Type	Duration
Tourism/Sightseeing	Schengen Visa	Up to 90 days
Business Meetings	Schengen Visa	Up to 90 days
Studying	National Visa	Over 90 days
Employment	National Visa	Over 90 days
Family Reunification	National Visa	Over 90 days
Cultural/Sports Events	Schengen Visa	Up to 90 days
Transit	Schengen Visa	Up to 5 days
Other (Specify)	Check with Embassy	Varies

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents

Common Documents for All Visa Types:

Valid Indian passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond intended stay)
Completed and signed visa application form (see Step 3)
Recent passport-size photos (35x45mm, white background)
Travel health insurance (coverage of at least €30,000, valid in Spain and Schengen Area)
Proof of financial means (bank statements, salary slips, income certificate)
Flight itinerary or travel plans

Additional Documents by Visa Type:

For Tourism/Business:

Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings, invitation letter from host)
Invitation letter from Spanish company (for business visits)

For Study:

Admission letter from Spanish university
Proof of tuition fee payment
Proof of language proficiency

For Work:

Work permit issued by Spanish authorities
Employment contract
Proof of qualifications

For Family Reunification:

Proof of family relationship
Residence permit of family member in Spain

Refer to the Embassy of Spain or BLS International website for specific document requirements.

Step 3: Fill Out the Visa Application Form

Source:

Download from the Embassy of Spain in India website.
Obtain from BLS International (if applying through them).

Form Requirements:

Fill the form electronically, then print it, or print and fill it out manually in capital letters.
Sign the form in the designated area.
Ensure all information matches your passport.
Attach a recent passport-size photograph.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Option 1: In Person at the Spanish Embassy/Consulate

Addresses:

New Delhi (Embassy): 12, Prithviraj Road, New Delhi – 110011
Mumbai (Consulate): 3rd Floor, Express Towers, Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400021
Chennai (Consulate): Prestige Palladium Bayan, 129-140, Greams Road, Chennai – 600006
Kolkata (Consulate): 35-A, Sarat Bose Road, Kolkata – 700020

Phone/Email: Check the official website for updated contact details.

Option 2: Through BLS International (for Schengen Visas)

Website: www.blsspainvisa.com
Centers in India: Check the BLS website for available locations.
Appointment Scheduling: Book an appointment in advance.

Step 5: Provide Biometric Data at the Submission Center

Who Needs to Provide Biometric Data:

All first-time applicants.
Applicants whose biometric data is outdated (i.e., more than 59 months old).

Biometric Data Collected:

Fingerprints (all fingers).
A digital photograph.

Step 6: Pay the Visa Application Fee

Fees (subject to change, check for updated rates):

Schengen Visa (Short Stay, Type C): €80 (approx. INR 7,000)
National Visa (Long Stay, Type D): €60-€120 (approx. INR 5,200 - INR 10,500)
Children between 6-12 years: €40 (approx. INR 3,500)
Children under 6 years, Family Members of EU/EEA Nationals: Exempted

Payment Methods:

Cash (accepted at BLS International and Embassy)
Credit/Debit Cards (check with the submission center for accepted payment methods)
Bank Drafts (if applicable)

Step 7: Wait for the Visa Decision

Processing Time:

Schengen Visa: Typically 15 calendar days.
National Visa: Up to 60 days.

Check Status:

Online: Through the BLS International website (if applied through them).
Phone/Email: Contact the Embassy of Spain directly.

Step 8: Collect Your Passport with the Visa (if Approved)

Collection Options:

In Person: At the Embassy or BLS International center.
Courier Service: Available at an additional fee (if offered).

Ensure to Check:

Visa Approval: Confirm that your visa has been granted.
Visa Details: Verify the visa type, validity, and travel dates match your application.

Additional Notes:

Spain is a Schengen Area country, so a Schengen visa allows travel across all Schengen countries.
Visa fees, requirements, and processing times are subject to change. Always check with the Embassy of Spain or BLS International for the latest updates.

5. Visa Fees and Payment Methods

Fees must be paid at the time of application.
Accepted payment methods: cash, credit/debit cards, or bank drafts (as per center requirements).

6. Processing Times and Tracking

Typical processing time: 15 calendar days
Delays may occur during peak seasons
Track visa status online via VFS Global

7. Common Reasons for Rejection and Tips for Approval

Common Reasons for Rejection:

Insufficient financial proof
Invalid or incomplete documents
Mismatched information in the application
Travel history concerns

Tips for Approval:

Ensure all documents are accurate and complete.
Maintain sufficient funds in your bank account.
Apply well in advance to avoid last-minute delays.

8. Additional Requirements and Considerations

Long-stay visa applicants may need an Apostille or attested documents.

Student visa holders must register with local authorities upon arrival.

Work visas require employer sponsorship.

9. Resources and Contacts

Embassy of Spain in India: New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru
VFS Global (Spain Visa Applications): www.vfsglobal.com/spain/india

Need more clarity on Spain visas? Check out helpful resources below

Spain Visa Requirement
Spain Tourist Visa Requirement
Spain Business Visa Requirement
Spain Work Visa Requirement
Spain Embassies and Consulates
Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I extend my Spain Visa?

To extend your Spanish visa, you must apply for an extension at the respective authority in Spain before the date of expiry of your current permit. However, note that the short term categories cannot be extended under normal circumstances. They may be granted only in cases of extreme conditions such as a Force Majeure or other humanitarian reasons. If you are unable to extend, you must leave the country immediately.

What is the medical test for Spain Visa?

There are no mandatory medical test requirements for the Spanish short term permits. However, the Spanish National visa may require certain tests, depending on the individual type. Either way, it is suggested that you get a medical checkup done before travelling to a foreign country.

How Much Bank Balance required to get Spain Visa?

As per the regulations, there is no exact amount of funds you must possess in order to get a Spanish permit. As per the requirements, you must show that you have a steady and stable bank account and that you have enough money to cover your expenses in the country. Depending on the stay duration, you must have funds for the entire duration. These include expenses such as food, accommodation, travel, etc.

How many days before the trip should I apply for a Spain Visa?

The normal processing time for the Spanish visa is around 15 working days excluding the transit time. As a result, it is suggested that you apply well in advance. You must at least apply before 15 days of the travel date. However, the embassy does not accept applications that are more than 3 months before the expected date of travel.

What are the common problems and issues regarding Spain visa application timing for candidates from India?

Spain’s visa processing time is usually 15 working days, though this may extend to 30 days during peak seasons (January - June). Many applicants also do not take into account the visa processing time when making travel arrangements, which can result in financial loss if the visa is rejected or delayed, as travel arrangements are made.

What impact do the visa jurisdiction requirements of Spain have on Indian visa applicants?

Shubham Kharate BTW Visas senior Spain visa specialist with 1.2 years of experience handling 800+ cases and a 99% success rate says many applicants face difficulties simply because they apply under the wrong jurisdiction. The Spanish visa process is divided regionally between the Embassy in New Delhi and the Consulates in Mumbai and Bengaluru. Applicants must apply only through the consulate that has jurisdiction over their state of residence, which often creates confusion for those living near border areas.

What are the challenges that a solo Indian traveler would have while applying for a visa from Spain?

A solo Indian traveler would experience considerably higher rates of rejection than families or couples making a visa application at the consulate. Consular officials view a solo traveler as a higher immigration risk, resulting in a more thorough inspection of their visa application, even if all required documentation is submitted in the correct form.

How strict is the required documentation for a Spanish visa on behalf of an Indian visa applicant?

Spain requires extensive documentation for a visa application. This documentation includes confirmation that the passport is valid for at least the next 6 months, fully paid flight tickets, evidence of hotel reservation, confirmation of dates, leave NOC from their employer, bank statements, and ITRs. BTW Visas professionals note that even small formatting errors in these documents often lead to delays or rejections.

What are the challenges with the travel insurance requirements for Spain visas?

As explained by Shubham Kharate, Spain visa expert at BTW Visas, Spain requires travel insurance of a minimum ₹27 lakhs (€30,000) coverage. Indians struggle to find policies that cover all requirements and to obtain documents in the correct format. Also, the insurance must cover medical expenses, repatriation, and emergency treatment, which adds complexity and costs.

How does anyone's previous visa overstays impact their Spain visa applications for Indians?

Visa overstays, whether in Spain or other Schengen countries, have a severe influence on any new application submitted. Anyone from India with a visa overstay, are likely to be denied, could be banned from the Schengen area, or have negative records in the Schengen Information System, all impacting future visa applications. Our senior consultants at BTW Visas report that such cases are almost always met with strict refusals during reapplication.

What are the common problems with the invitation letters required for Spain visas?

According to our Spain visa specialist at BTW Visas, Shubham, who has more than a year of experience, Many Spain visas require invitation letters from their host and Indian nationals often struggle to get these drafted in the exact format needed. Missing details like the inviter's full contact information, proof of identification and the clear purpose/duration of the visit create confusion. Invitation letters that do not provide background or are not complete lead to rejections.

To what extent do Spain's visa procedures impact Indian students and academics?

BTW Visas advisors note that there are certain additional requirements for student visa applicants such as showing proof of enrollment in educational programs, proof of finances for tuition, and proof of accommodation. Difficulties arise for Indian students during the process of obtaining the appropriate documentation from their academic institution and in providing proof for finances, resulting in heightened rejections.

To what extent do Spain's political and societal factors impact the processing of a visa for an Indian applicant?

Our BTW visas specialist says that Spain’s visa processing can sometimes be affected by political or administrative changes, such as policy updates, staffing shortages, or seasonal tourism pressure. During busy times or diplomatic shifts, Indian applicants may face longer waiting times or stricter document checks. Staying updated on requirements and submitting complete documents helps avoid delays.

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