Spain Visa Requirements 2026
Spain ’s visa requirements can seem confusing at first — but once you understand the core rules, every long-stay visa follows the same logic.
This guide explains the official Spain visa requirements for 2026, including documents, health insurance rules, financial thresholds, and the step-by-step process that applies to almost all non-EU applicants.
If you still have practical questions about timelines, renewals, common mistakes, or how visa rules apply to real-life situations, see our Spain Expat FAQ for clear, up-to-date answers.
Whether you are applying for a Retirement (Non-Lucrative) Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Student Visa, Residence Visa, Job Seeker Visa, Entrepreneur Visa, or HQP Visa, this page gives you a clear, complete and practical overview of what Spain expects.
For visa types and comparisons, see the Spain Visas Guide.
Table of Contents
- 1. Core Spain Visa Requirements
- 2. Spain Visa Financial Requirements (2026)
- 3. Mandatory Health Insurance Requirements
- 4. Required Documentation Checklist
- 5. Legal & Administrative Requirements
- 6. Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- 7. After Approval: Arrival & Residency Setup
- 8. Visa-Specific Requirements (Quick Overview)
- 9. Official Goverment Sources
- 10. Related Spain Visa Guides
- 11. Get Visa-Approved Health Insurance
1. Core Spain Visa Requirements (Apply to Almost All Visas)
These Spain visa documents and income requirements apply to most long-stay visa applications, regardless of whether you are applying for a retirement, work, student or residence visa.
- Valid Passport
- Issued within the last 10 years
- Minimum validity: 12 months
- Criminal Background Certificate
- From every country lived in during the last 5 years
- Must be apostilled or legalised, depending on country of origin
- Proof of Financial Means
- Required for all long-stay visas
- Thresholds vary by visa (see Section 2)
- Proof of Accommodation in Spain
Accepted formats include:
- Rental contract
- Property deed
- Hotel or temporary accommodation booking
- Notarised invitation letter
- Private Health Insurance (Mandatory)
Spain requires full private medical insurance with:
- No copayments
- No waiting periods
- Full hospital and specialist coverage
- Nationwide validity
- Issued by an insurer authorised in Spain
This is a legal requirement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC).
Visa-compliant insurance
Full explanation
2. Spain Visa Financial Requirements (2026)
Most Spain visas use IPREM as the financial benchmark.
Retirement / Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
- €30,000 / year — main applicant
- €7,500 / year — each dependent
Full guide
Digital Nomad Visa
Applicants must show:
- €2,350–€2,600/month (approx.)
- Remote employment or freelance income
- Contract or invoices
Full guide
Student Visa
- €700–€750/month (100% IPREM)
- Funds may come from savings, scholarships or sponsors
Full guide
Job Seeker Visa
- €600–€700/month equivalent
Full guide
Entrepreneur / Startup Visa
- No fixed minimum
- Typically €30,000–€40,000 in available funds
Full guide
HQP Visa Spain
- Salary thresholds usually between €32,000–€60,000/year
Full guide
3. Mandatory Health Insurance for All Spain Visas
Spain requires private health insurance equivalent to the public system, which is one of the most important health insurance requirements for Spain visas.
- No copayments
- No waiting periods
- Full medical, hospital and specialist care
- Nationwide coverage
- Valid for the entire visa duration
- Issued by a Spanish-authorised insurer
- Travel insurance is not accepted.
Many applications are refused because applicants choose the wrong type of policy. For a clear explanation of what is accepted, what gets rejected, and how consulates assess coverage, see our Health Insurance in Spain for Expats Guide.
Visa-approved plans
For applicants aged 70–75+, standard policies may not be accepted. In these cases, Spanish consulates often require specialised Senior Health Insurance that still meets full visa compliance.
4. Required Documentation Checklist (2026)
Most applicants must submit:
- Passport + photocopies
- National visa application form
- EX form (varies by visa)
- Criminal background certificate
- Proof of financial means
- Health insurance certificate (no copays)
- Proof of accommodation
- Passport photos
- Medical certificate (for stays over 6 months)
- Consular fee payment receipt
- Official translations and apostilles (when required)
5. Legal & Administrative Requirements
Foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled.
Required if documents are not in Spanish.
Applications must be submitted in your country of legal residence.
Most visas should be applied for 1–3 months before travel.
6. Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled.
Usually at the Spanish consulate (some visas allow in-Spain modification).
Amount varies by nationality.
Typical timelines:
- HQP: ~20 days
- Digital Nomad: 20–30 days
- NLV: 30–60 days
- Student: 10–20 days
Entry usually required within 90 days.
For a practical, step-by-step overview of everything you must prepare before and after your move — including visas, insurance, documents, housing and registrations — see our complete Moving to Spain Checklist.
7. After Approval: Arrival & Residency Setup
Within 30 days of arrival, you must:
- Register Your Address (Empadronamiento)
At your local town hall.
- Apply for TIE (Residence Card)
Documents typically include:
- EX-17 form
- Passport and visa
- Padrón certificate
- Photos
- Fee (Modelo 790-012)
- Register with Social Security
Only for visas that allow work.
More details
8. Visa-Specific Requirements (Quick Overview)
Non-Lucrative / Retirement Visa
- No work allowed
- High financial threshold
- Full private insurance required
Digital Nomad Visa
- Remote work only
- Income verification
- Possible tax benefits
Student Visa
- Enrollment letter
- Insurance with no copays
- Criminal record for stays over 6 months
Entrepreneur / Startup Visa
- Business plan
- Fast-track approval
- Family included
HQP Visa Spain
- Skilled job contract
- Salary thresholds
- Immediate family reunification
Job Seeker Visa
- Spanish degree required
- No work allowed
- Must convert to work permit
9. Official Government Sources
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) — exteriores.gob.es
- Ministry of Inclusion, Migration & Social Security — inclusion.gob.es
- BOE — boe.es
10. Related Spain Visa & Insurance Guides
11. Get Visa-Approved Health Insurance
All Spain visas require compliant private health insurance.
- No copays
- No waiting periods
- Full hospital coverage
- Same-day certificate
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