If you are a Canadian resident planning a trip to Spain for vacation, family matters, business, or health reasons, it is important to understand the Spanish Visit Visa process. This guide explains the visa types, who is eligible, needed documents, costs, and other helpful information for Canadian residents.
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The Spain Visit Visa, a Schengen short-stay visa (Type C), is for foreign citizens from countries that are not visa-exempt. It allows them to enter Spain for short stays. These stays can be up to 90 days within a 180-day time frame. This visa is generally given for reasons like tourism, seeing family or friends, business meetings, or brief medical care.
Citizens of Canada don't need a visa for short trips to Spain. But, permanent residents of Canada from countries that are not excused under the Schengen agreement must apply for this visa before they travel. The visa also allows trips to other countries in the Schengen Area.
The benefits of a Spain Visit Visa are given below.
There are different types of Spain Visit Visa for different intent and purposes. The popular Spanish Visit Visas are:
A Spain Tourist Visa, a short-term Schengen Visa (Type C), permits non-EU citizens to enter Spain for tourism, recreation, or seeing the sights. This visa exists for travelers who want to see Spain’s cultural spots, have holiday, or be with friends or family. The visa lets people stay for up to 90 days in a 180-day period and may also let them go to other countries in the Schengen Area, unless the visa says different.
The Spain Family or Friend Visit Visa, a short-term Schengen Visa (Type C), lets people from outside the EU visit family or friends who live in Spain legally. It's for personal visits, like family reunions, events, or spending time with loved ones. With this visa, you can stay in Spain for up to 90 days every 180 days and maybe travel to other Schengen countries, unless it's only valid for Spain.
A Spain Business Visa, a short-term Schengen Visa (Type C), lets people from outside the EU come to Spain for business. This includes going to meetings, conferences, trade shows, negotiations, or other work events. It's for people doing temporary business that doesn't involve getting a job in Spain. The visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. It might also let you travel to other Schengen countries, if it's not just for Spain.
A Spain Medical Visa, a short-term Schengen Visa (Type C), allows non-EU citizens to enter Spain for temporary medical care. It suits those seeking specialized treatments, consultations, surgeries, or procedures unavailable in their country. The visa covers the patient's treatment period and can include a companion, if needed. It allows stays of up to 90 days within 180 days and might permit travel to other Schengen countries, unless restricted to Spain.
The eligibility criteria for Spain Visit Visa are given below.
The documents required to apply for a Spanish Visit Visa are given below.
The process to apply for a Spain Visit Visa is given below.
Step 1: Determine the correct visa for your trip.
Step 2: Register and fill out the form on the Spain-Visas site.
Step 3: Collect the required documents like financial records, insurance details, and documents that explain your purpose of visit.
Step 4: Submit your visit visa application to the Spanish Consulate or visa center in Canada.
Step 5: Get your visit visa and travel to Spain.
The processing times for Spain Visit Visa are given below.
Visa Type | Standard Processing Time |
Tourist / Family Visit | 10–15 working days |
Business / Medical | 10–15 working days |
High Season or Incomplete | Up to 30 calendar days |
Detailed information about the fees for Spain Visit Visas are given below.
Applicant Type | Fee (EUR) | Fees in CAD |
Adults (12+ years) | € 80 | ~CAD 120 |
Children (6–12 years) | € 40 | ~CAD 60 |
Children under 6 | Free | Free |
Detailed information about the validity and duration of stay for Spain Visit Visas are given below.
Type of Spain Visit Visa | Validity | Maximum Duration of Stay |
Tourist Visa | Up to 90 days within 180 days | 90 days |
Family or Friend Visit Visa | Up to 90 days within 180 days | 90 days |
Business Visa | Up to 90 days within 180 days | 90 days |
Medical Visa | Up to 90 days within 180 days | 90 days (can vary based on treatment) |
Y-Axis is a leading visa and immigration consultancy, helping people move abroad and explore new countries. With lots of experience and offices around the world, Y-Axis gives individual help to make sure applying for your visa goes easily and works out well.
Our services include:
Giving you information before you leave and travel advice for Spain.
The processing times for various types of Spain Visit Visas are given below.
Visa Type | Standard Processing Time |
Tourist / Family Visit | 10–15 working days |
Business / Medical | 10–15 working days |
High Season or Incomplete | Up to 30 calendar days |
The differences between a Tourist Visa and a Family Visit Visa for Spain are given below.
Aspect | Tourist Visa | Family Visit Visa |
Purpose | Leisure, sightseeing, vacation | Visiting family members or friends residing in Spain |
Visa Type | Schengen Visa (Type C) | Schengen Visa (Type C) |
Duration of Stay | Up to 90 days within a 180-day period | Up to 90 days within a 180-day period |
Main Documents Required | Travel itinerary, hotel bookings, travel insurance | Invitation letter from host in Spain, proof of relationship |
Accommodation Proof | Hotel or travel bookings | Host’s residence proof and address |
Primary Focus | Tourism and sightseeing | Personal visits and reunions with loved ones |
Common Users | Tourists, travelers, vacationers | Family members, close friends, and relatives |
Common reasons for Spain Visit Visa denials include:
To improve your chances of approval, submit precise, consistent, and organized documents.