Basic Documents Needed for Spain Visa (All Applicants)
Every Spain visa category — tourist, student, work, non-lucrative, digital nomad, etc. — requires a set of standard documents. These help the consulate verify your identity, plans, and financial ability.
- Valid passport (not older than 10 years)
- Two biometric passport-size photos
- Completed and signed Spain visa application form
- Copy of passport ID page
- Travel itinerary or flight reservation
- Proof of accommodation (hotel, Airbnb, invitation letter)
- Travel or medical insurance (depending on visa type)
- Financial proof (bank statements, salary slips, tax returns)
- Cover letter explaining purpose of your trip
Documents Needed for Spain Tourist Visa (Schengen)
For short-stay visits up to 90 days, you must provide:
- Round-trip booking or travel plan
- Hotel reservations or host invitation (Carta de Invitación)
- Bank statements from the last 3–6 months
- Proof of employment (NOC, leave approval, job letter)
- Travel insurance covering €30,000 emergency medical care
Documents Needed for Spain Student Visa
If you're applying for a long-stay student visa, prepare the following:
- Acceptance letter from a Spanish university or school
- Proof of full tuition payment (if required)
- Bank statements showing financial stability
- Proof of accommodation (university housing or rental)
- Criminal background certificate (apostilled)
- Medical certificate stating you're fit to travel
-
Spain-compliant private health insurance:
- No co-pay
- No waiting period
- Full coverage including hospitalization
Travel insurance is NOT accepted for long-stay student visas. You must present full private medical insurance from a Spanish insurer.
Documents Needed for Spain Work Visa
Work visa applicants must provide:
- Work contract approved by the Spanish Ministry of Labor
- Employer sponsorship papers
- Proof of qualifications or experience
- Criminal background certificate
- Medical certificate
- Spain-approved full medical insurance
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
Documents Needed for Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
This visa requires strong financial proof since you cannot work in Spain:
- Bank balance showing minimum yearly funds (approx. €28,000+)
- Criminal background certificate
- Medical certificate
- Lease agreement or property ownership in Spain
- Full private Spanish health insurance
Documents Needed for Spain Digital Nomad Visa
Remote workers must show:
- Remote work contract or freelance agreements
- Minimum income: €2,650/month
- Employer/client declaration confirming remote work
- Degree or 3+ years experience
- Criminal background check
- Spain-compliant medical insurance
Additional Tips for Submitting Documents
- Submit all documents in the order required by the consulate
- Translate documents to Spanish if required
- Get apostilles for legal documents like criminal records
- Avoid stapling documents — use paper clips instead
What Applicants Often Miss When Preparing Spain Visa Documents
One of the most common mistakes applicants make is submitting the wrong type of medical insurance. The Spanish consulates are very strict: long-stay visa applicants MUST provide full private health insurance with no deductibles.
Another frequent issue is insufficient financial proof or unorganized paperwork. Properly arranged, clear documents significantly increase approval chances.
The more prepared you are, the smoother your Spain visa experience will be — whether you're visiting, studying, or planning long-term residency.