Spanish Visas

Description

Steps of obtaining a Spanish visa

First of all, one has to understand what getting a Spanish visa entails. It bears mentioning that Spain, on the account of being part of the Schengen Agreement, can be visited on a Schengen visa, which also gives its holder the ability to enter any of the rest of the countries subject to the aforementioned agreement.

Thus, the process of getting such a visa as would permit one to go to Spain freely is very much similar to that of preparing for travel to numerous other European locations. The conditions also bear quite a resemblance.

Step 1. Preparations

It cannot be overstated how important it is to make plans and preparations well in advance. The reason for it is the processing times for a visa to Spain, which can span anywhere from two weeks (14 days) to 60 days. Unfortunately, there is little way to predict how much time exactly it will take in your case, because of how many variables factor in, including but not limited to how busy the visa centre is, the time of the years, and other things that influence the period of processing.

With that in mind, you need to plan your journey in advance so that to allow for the max possible time (2 months). Otherwise, you would run a risk of your application taking too long and ruining your vacation.

We in Smart System Holidays will help you calculate the optimal time to apply for the visa based on our many-year experience in the field.

Note: at the same time, you cannot apply for a Spain visa too much in advance, as it needs to be done not earlier than 6 months before you want to enter the country.

Step 2. Choosing where to apply for it

Residents of the UAE apply for a tourist visa at Spain Visa Application Center in Abu Dhabi or Spain Visa Application Center in Dubai.

Step 3. Selecting the right type of visa for you

Schengen visas come in many different forms and types. Some are suitable for people who seek to work in one of the European countries, others are for those who wish to study there, and some are needed to conduct business in Spain, but the most popular kind by far is the tourist visa.

This is the visa type that lets one go to Spain with the purposes of travelling in mind. As such, you cannot, for example, work while staying there with it. However, it is exactly what most applicants need.

Let’s delineate the most common types of Spanish visas:

• Tourist visas. You get one if you just want to visit for sightseeing, vacationing, etc.
• Business visas. This one you need to travel on business – for example, to attend a meeting with your partners or discuss a merger, etc.
• Medical visas. If you are going to Spain to receive healthcare, a medical visa needs to be provided.
• Student visas. These are required to get an education in Spain.
• Work permits. If you’re planning to go to Spain for work.
• Dependent visas. These only apply to spouses and underaged (under 18) children of the EU and Swiss citizens.

You should be aware that the purpose of your visit is extremely likely to be asked at the customs upon entering. Please note that your answer needs to match the purpose stated during the visa application and, by that virtue, the type of your visa.

Because of that, you need to be sure what visa you want before you apply.

Step 4. Choosing the visa type by entry

One important thing to keep in mind with visas is the entry category. Let’s say for example that you have a 90-day Spanish visa. It means you can enter the country and stay in it for 90 days before you will legally be required to leave. However, you can also leave Spain at any moment before it runs out. The crucial part here is what happens if you do.

If the visa you have is a single-entry one, then, despite the fact there is still “unused” duration of stay, you cannot go to Spain again with the same visa.

This potential problem is altogether avoided if you opt for a double- or multiple-entry visa, the first of which allows for one repeated entry while the second lets you enter as many times as you desire within the allocated time period.

Step 5. Gathering the required documents

As with any visa out there, there is a number of documents one has to provide to the embassy or consulate to become eligible for it.

In the case of Spain, the list of required documents looks like this:

• Your passport;
• Your UAE residency permit;
• Two photographs (passport-styled and sized);
• A bank statement;
• Proof you will stay in Spain for the duration of your trip (like hotel booking);
• Proof you will leave Spain before your visa runs out (the best example of it would be your return plane tickets);
• Medical insurance (travel) or receipt for it.

Other documents might be needed based on the type of the visa.

If you have any questions as to the exact documents you need, we at Smart System Holidays will be happy to help you figure it all out!

Step 6. Filling in the application form

In addition to the rest of the documents mentioned in the previous part, you will also have to hand in a filled application form to get a Spanish visa.

It needs to be presented on paper, so you must print it out.

Any mistakes in the form can result in your application being denied. Therefore, the best option is to turn to professionals for help – which we have a lot of experience with.

Step 7. Getting an appointment for the interview

To finalize the proceedings and obtain a visa, you will need to submit your documents in person at BLS Abu Dhabi or Dubai. While it may sound daunting, we can assure you that thousands of people in the UAE alone undergo this procedure yearly with success.

Step 8. Submission

Once the day of the appointment for submission comes, you will go to the visa centre to submit your documents. This is when you are going to hand in your documents in addition to the Spanish visa fee (which is currently 80 euros).

Then the visa centre workers will take your biometrics needed for the visa. That includes your fingerprints and your photos (remember, you still have to bring 2 yourself!).

Step 9. Wait for your application to be approved

After the submission is done, all that is left to do is wait. As we have mentioned earlier in this article, it will take anywhere from 15 to 60 days, so get ready to do some waiting!

This is a non-government site and whilst every endeavor is made to ensure the information is correct and up to date, there may be changes which we are not aware of. It is always a good idea to check the latest regulations. You should confirm details with your local Spain Visa Application Center.