Spain Business Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time
Key highlights
- Standard short-stay C-type visa for business and professional travel
- Valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day rolling period
- Required for meetings, trade fairs, and corporate contract negotiations
- Mandatory for non-Schengen nationals without a visa-waiver agreement
- Standardised Schengen fee applies to most adult applicants
- Access to the entire Schengen Area for the duration of the visa
- Requires a formal invitation from a registered Spanish entity
- Streamlined process through external service providers in many regions
Processing time
15-30 working days
Processing times can increase significantly during peak summer and Christmas periods. External service providers may charge additional convenience fees.
Estimated cost
$120 - $160
- Schengen Visa Fee (Standard)$87 (80 EUR)
- Reduced fee for minors (6-12)$43 (40 EUR)
- Children under 6$0
- Third-party service provider fee$30 - $60
Requirements
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages for the visa sticker
- Documented proof of business purpose (invitation or tickets for events)
- Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the stay in Spain
- Travel medical insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000
- Proof of accommodation in Spain (hotel booking or host invitation)
- Evidence of socio-economic ties to your home country to ensure return
- Clear criminal record or no entry bans within the Schengen Area
- Round-trip flight reservations or a confirmed travel itinerary
- Spanish Consulate jurisdiction check (applying in the correct region)
- Payment of the non-refundable visa application fee
Documents you'll need
- Original passport (valid for 3 months beyond intended stay)
- Completed and signed Schengen Visa application form
- Two recent passport-sized photos matching ICAO standards
- A formal invitation letter from a Spanish company or organisation
- Proof of professional status (e.g., employment contract or trade license)
- Business bank statements from the last 3-6 months
- Detailed travel itinerary and proof of accommodation
- Police clearance certificate (if requested for specific nationalities)
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Determine Eligibility
Determine if you need a visa based on your nationality and check which Spanish Consulate or visa centre has jurisdiction over your residence.
- 2
Gather Documentation
Collect all required documents, ensuring the Spanish company's invitation letter is formal and contains all necessary professional details.
- 3
Complete the Application Form
Complete the official Schengen Visa application form accurately; ensure your answers match the details in your supporting documents.
- 4
Book an Appointment
Schedule an interview or submission slot at the Spanish Consulate or an authorised external service provider like BLS International.
- 5
Submit Application and Biometrics
Attend your appointment to submit your documents, provide biometric data (fingerprints), and pay the visa fee.
- 6
Passport Collection
Once a decision is made, you will be notified to collect your passport. Check the visa sticker immediately for any errors.
Tips to avoid refusal
- Ensure the invitation letter specifically mentions the dates and the nature of the business activities.
- Do not book non-refundable flights until the visa is approved; use 'flight reservations' instead.
- Bank statements must be recent and show consistent income and a sufficient balance.
- All documents not in Spanish or English may require a sworn translation into Spanish.
- Double-check that your insurance covers 'Repatriation of remains' specifically.
- Ensure your passport was issued within the last 10 years and is not damaged.
Frequently asked questions
Related visa guides
Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying. PermitlyHQ provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or immigration advice.