The Spanish visa for UK citizens, Requirements and fees

We will infrom you about all that you need to know about Spanish visa for UK citizens. The United Kingdom is no longer part of the European Union. This decision led by the BREXIT memorandum generates a series of changes in how UK citizens can enter and leave Spain. Now to work or study, you need a Visa. In this article, we will explain to you about the Spanish Visa for the UK.

Who needs a visa to travel to Spain from the UK?

British citizens will not need a visa to travel to Spain and stay for short periods (less than 90 days)

but, any British citizen who wishes to stay more than 90 days in Spain in June period of time and less than 180 days year, must apply for a long-term visa.

To apply for these Visas, In all cases, a valid British passport is always necessary.

What documents are required when applying for a Spanish Schengen visa in the UK?

British citizens who wish to travel to Spain can apply for different types of Visa, which depends on the different needs, so that, if you are thinking of travelling to Spain for study purposes, work or fun, we advise you to read carefully what type of Visa you need and the requirements you need to take into account.

Schengen Visas

The Schengen visa is a type of Special visa that allows you to be in any of the 26 countries of the Schengen area (including Spain) This visa allows you to travel for reasons of study, work or business, family, volunteer activities, medical treatment, and other unpaid activities

How can I get a Schengen visa?

It is important to mention that there is no single type of Schengen visa. There are 3 different types of Visa. But, if you are a UK citizen or a  UK resident, you don’t need the short term VISA, as you can come to Spain short periods of time, but If you want to Stay longer than this period, then you will need the Long Term VISA.

The validity of the UK passport to get the Spanish VISA

Before talking about the VISA requirements, we have to talk about the main requirements, the UK passport or UK residency.

The British passport must be currently active with at least six months of validity, this is required for UK citizens that want to travel to Spain (and Schengen areas, but Ireland) and you need to take into account that a period of at least 90 days after the day you have come back from Schengen area is necessary.

On the other hand, if you travel to Spain as a tourist, which applies to UK citizens as of 1^st January 2021, are requested to get active travel insurance. The policy must include in the terms and conditions a clause of repatriation with an amount of 35,000 euros for expenses related to medical issues. You also need to be prepared with evidence of economic support.

Long Term Spanish visa for UK citizens

There are several long-term visas. Its processing and approval depend on the need. The most popular long-term Spanish Visa for the UK is the student visa, followed by the work visa. However, they are not the only types of long-term Spanish visas for the UK that exist.

The long-term Spanish visas are:

• Student visa
• Work visa
• Non-profit visa
• Family Reunification Visa
• Visa for highly qualified professional
• Investor Visa
• Au Pair
• Self-Employment Visa

How to apply for a Long Term Spanish visa for UK citizens?

The first thing to take into consideration is that each type of visa has different requirements. You should review each of those and choose the right type of visa.

The next thing to do is considered the cost and processing time.

How long does the Visa process take?

In most cases, the processing time for the Visa can be up to 1 month. Except for the non-profit type visa, where the length of time can be up to 3 months.

Visa fees and payments

The administration and processing fee of the Visa is 50.40 GBP (which is equivalent to about 60 euros). It is important to mention that this payment is non-refundable.

In addition to this payment, it is necessary to process other documents such as the N.I.E (790). The charge for this can be between 86.85 and 585.90 GBP. (Between 70 and 670 euros).

Where should I apply for my Visa?

The request for processing and application of the Visa must be done at the Consulate of Spain in each country. In the case of UK citizens, specifically from Edinburgh, it must be done at the Consulate, located in Castle St. Edinburgh EH2 3LJ, 63 North.

It is necessary to make an appointment in advance for the process. The length of time for this process can vary, but usually, does not exceed 15 working days.

Requirements to apply for the Spanish Visa for the UK

The requirements to apply for the Spanish Visa for UK changes, depending on the type of visa to apply. Check the requirements of each type of visa and choose the one that best meets your needs and that you can comply with all the requirements.

Please take note that an appointment at the Spanish Consulate does not guarantee the Visa and that the Spanish Consulate won’t be responsible for trips previously paid nor other expenses if case the Visa is rejected.

Depending on each case and individual circumstances, more documents may be requested.

Student Visa

This is the ideal Spanish Visa for the UK if your objective is to come to study in Spain and your stay will be longer than 3 months or 90 days.

The Spanish Visa for students allows: To study full time to obtain a Diploma or degree in a recognized Center, Academy or University. In addition, it also allows research activities, university exchanges, unpaid internships, volunteering, and language assistance.

Documents required to apply for a student visa

1. It is necessary a valid Passport (of at least 6 months with space to place the Visa (at least 2 sheets)
2. A correctly completed National Visa Application Form with all the requested information.
3. Have paid the Visa fee if it is required
4. Recent Passport Photograph (The photo must be in colour and must be recent, no more than 6 months old)
5. If you are not a British citizen, you need a valid, UK residence permit (for at least 3 months). This permit can be in the form of a Residence Card or by means of a Visa stamped in a Passport.
6. You need to have Health Insurance. This can be public or private. The insurance must cover the entire time of stay in Spain, in addition to covering all types of medical or health care required. It is important to remember that health insurance and the European health card only cover emergencies.
7. The documentation that proves or states why the student visa is needed.

This can be a letter of acceptance issued by a Center, Academy or the University of Spain, which must also include the study plan, and the start and end dates of the course or degree to be obtained. In addition, you must also attach proof of tuition payment.

It is important to verify that all documents are duly signed by the educational institution.

Another option is through acceptance for research programs at an Authorized Center.

In the case of an exchange or student mobilization programs, it is necessary to have an admission letter from the school or science center. In addition to a charge from the organization that will be responsible for the student’s mobility, expenses and stay in the country and be hosted by a family or institution belonging to the exchange or student mobility program.

8. A Medical Certificate of good health issued by a doctor with current registration, where it is declared that the applicant does not suffer from any disease that represents a risk to public health. This medical certificate must be translated and have the Hague Apostille (If the country is a member), otherwise, it must be reviewed and

authorized by the Spanish authorities.

It is important to remember that the medical certificate must have been issued a maximum of 3 months prior to the visa application.

The medical certificate is only required if the stay will be longer than 6 months.

9. A Certificate of Good Conduct. This requirement is only necessary if the stay will be longer than 6 months. The certificate must be from the country where the applicant has been in the last 5 years (not the country where they were born). This document must be translated and have the Hague Apostille or be verified and approved by the Spanish authorities.
10. Check that they have the means for maintenance. The required amount is 550 Euros per applicant. While if it is a family, each member must have at least 400 Euros per month. This can be verified either with a document or statement from a bank where the movements of the last 6 months are reflected, or, a letter from the University or School covering the expenses through a Scholarship.
11. If you plan to stay with a family, a relationship certificate is required.

Additional requirements in the case of minors

1. The Passport of the legal guardian or parents.
2. The Birth Certificate of the infant or minor.
3. An Authorization by a Notary Public, where the parents or, failing that, the legal guardian authorizes the minor to travel to Spain to study. This authorization must indicate the place (study centre), the time or period of study, DNI or NIE of the person, and address where they will stay.
4. An Authorization by a Notary Public, of the person who will house the minor in Spain where the search for the antecedent of crimes of a sexual nature is authorized. (This last point does not apply if the person who will house the minor is a relative or member of an authorized educational institution)

Remember that you need a photocopy of each of the documents described hereinabove.

The visa approval process is usually slow. The average waiting time is about 1 month. However, sometimes it can take longer. Remember that COVID reduces the number of available personnel.

Working visa

This is a type of special visa that is granted to people who have obtained a long-term job offer in a company in Spain. British citizens who wish to apply for this visa must prove that they have a long-term job offer (of more than 6 months) and that they are willing to comply with all taxes in Spain.

The Work Visa has requirements very similar to the student visa. However, the approval of the work visa is usually a slower process than the student visa.

The approval of the work visa usually takes about 2 months. However, it is important to remember that these periods of time may be longer due to the current COVID pandemic.

Therefore, it is important to take these waiting times into account when deciding to come to work in Spain for a long period.

Documents required to apply for a Working

visa

1. A valid Passport (of at least 6 months)
2. A National Visa Application Form with all the requested information.
3. Paid the Visa fee
4. Recent Passport Photograph (The photo must be in colour and must be recent, no more than 6 months old)
5. If you are not a British citizen, you need a valid, valid UK residence permit (for at least 3 months). This permit can be in the form of a Residence Card or by means of a Visa stamped in a Passport.
6. You need to have Health Insurance.
7. A Certificate of Good Conduct.
8. Contract of the company where you work. This contract must reflect the job to be performed, the hiring time, place of work and salary.
9. Complete the Application form 790 Model 052
10. Copy of the resolution issued by the Spanish authorities.

It is important to remember to have a copy of each document that has been sent

Non-profit visa

This is a special type of visa that is granted to people who wish to live in Spain but not for academic or work purposes. It is important to emphasize that this visa allows a stay in Spain for more than 90 days. But it does not allow any paid activity to be carried out.

Another aspect to consider is that the processing time for this Visa is long. The approximate time is 3 months, which may be longer due to the current COVID pandemic. In any case, the minimum waiting time is 6 weeks.

Any request made by a person who has been or is residing irregularly in Spain will be rejected immediately.

Documents required to apply for Non-profit visa

1. Passport (of at least 6 months)
2. National Visa Application Form
3. Paid the Visa fee
4. Recent Passport Photograph (The photo must be in colour and must be recent, no more than 6 months old)
5. If you are not a British citizen, you need a valid, valid UK residence permit (for at least 3 months). This permit can be in the form of a Residence Card or by means of a Visa stamped in a Passport.
6. You need to have Health Insurance.
7. Certificate of Good Conduct.
8. Demonstrate the handling capacity in Spain.

The minimum amount required for the applicant is 2200 Euros or 1750 GPD. This amount must be monthly. In addition, each additional family member must have at least 550 Euros.

So a family of 3 members who wish to apply for this type of Visa, must demonstrate the economic capacity of at least 3300 Euros (2200 + 500 + 500)

This maintenance capacity can be demonstrated by means of a bank movements report or an affidavit of income.

Remember that you must have a copy of all the documents you send

Highly qualified professional visa

This is a special type of visa reserved for professionals with high demand in Spain.

This Spanish Visa for the UK applies to professionals with a high level of experience, graduates, masters, Medical Doctors and PhDs. In exceptional cases, a university degree may not be required when the professional has more than 5 years of experience in the sector or profession requested and it presents a high demand for highly qualified personnel.

Unlike the other types of Visa, the process of this is initiated by the employer in Spain, who must request approval from the “Direccion General de Migraciones”. It is until this approval is issued that the applicant can start the visa process.

Documents required to apply for Highly qualified professional visa

1. Passport (of at least 6 months)
2. National Visa Application Form
3. Paid the Visa fee
4. Recent Passport Photograph (The photo must be in colour and must be recent, no more than 6 months old)
5. If you are not a British citizen, you need a valid, valid UK residence permit (for at least 3 months). This permit can be in the form of a Residence Card or by means of a Visa stamped in a Passport.
6. You need to have Health Insurance.
7. The positive resolution issued by the ” Direccion General de Migraciones ” for highly qualified professionals

Do not forget that you must have a copy of all the documents you have sent.

The processing time for this visa is exceptionally fast. Usually, it does not exceed 10 days. However, in some cases, it may take up to 1 month.

Investor Visa

This is a type of Visa reserved for investors who show interest in acquiring properties in Spain or who already have properties in Spain.

This Visa allows the investor to stay in Spain for a period greater than 90 days.

The approval and processing time for this type of visa is approximately 1 month.

Documents required to apply for Investor Visa

1. Passport (of at least 6 months)
2. National Visa Application Form
3. Have paid the Visa fee
4. Recent Passport Photograph (The photo must be in colour and must be recent, no more than 6 months old)
5. If you are not a British citizen, you need a valid, valid UK residence permit (for at least 3 months). This permit can be in the form of a Residence Card or by means of a Visa stamped in a Passport.
6. You need to have Health Insurance.
7. Proof of property title and/or evidence of intention to purchase and price of the property
8. Demonstrate maintenance capacity during the time of stay in Spain.

Remember to keep a copy of all documentation.

Au Pair Spanish Visa for the UK

The Au Pair program is a special type of Visa that is granted to people who are received by a host family registered in the Au Pair program.

Visa can be granted to applicants between ages 17 and 30 years old. Who has previously been accepted in a complete program from an academy or educational institution authorized in Spain for the purpose of getting a certificate and need to present the same documents as in the case of students and should also provide the Au-Pair agreement describing the following details: Au-pair agreement, length of time that you will be in the program, which cannot be more than a year. Participation or service in household chores, which cannot be more than five hours a day. At least one day off during the working week and one of the days off has to be Sunday. You are also allowed to participate in religious activities. It is also necessary to provide the address of the person where the Au-pair will live and the amount of pocket money the Au-pair will receive.

This host family is responsible for the applicant. This program allows people who wish to travel and stay in Spain for periods greater than 90 days to do so through a nanny or babysitter contract.

The Au Pair applicant goes to live with a family for a period of between 6 to 12 months. This family pays him for his services so that the applicant becomes an employee or worker of such family.

The payment varies and depends on each family. However, usually, it ranges from 200 to 250 Euros a week (An average of 30 hours a week is worked)

It is important to mention that this varies and it is the host family who carries out the negotiation with each applicant to the Au Pair program.

It is an essential requirement to have a contract with a host family to apply for this visa.

This type of visa does not allow the applicant to work outside the collaboration contract with his host family. However, it does allow the applicant to study in Spain. Usually, the program is intended for people whose native language is not Spanish and who want to travel to improve their language.

It is important to mention that as an Au Pair your tasks will not be limited to taking care of the children of your host family. Au Pair tasks may also include household chores such as washing dishes, cleaning the house, cleaning the bathrooms, doing grocery shopping, among others. (These tasks vary and depend on the host family)

The requirements to be considered within the Au Pair program are:

• Need to be between 18 and 30 years old
• Marital status: Single
• Have the capacity to support and travel to Spain
• Not having Spanish nationality.
• Have valid health insurance in Spain.

Documents required to apply for Au Pair Spanish Visa for the UK

1. It is necessary a valid Passport (of at least 6 months) and that has space to place the Visa (at least 2 sheets)
2. A correctly completed National Visa Application Form with all the requested information.
3. Have paid the Visa fee, if it is required
4. Recent Passport Photograph (The photo must be in colour and must be recent, no more than 6 months old)
5. If you are not a British citizen, you need a valid, valid UK residence permit (for at least 3 months). This permit can be in the form of a Residence Card or by means of a Visa stamped in a Passport.
6. You need to have Health Insurance. This can be public or private. The insurance must cover the entire time of stay in Spain, in addition to covering all types of medical or health care required. It is important to remember that health insurance and the European health card only cover emergencies.
7. A Medical Certificate of good health.
8. A Certificate of Good Conduct.
9. A notarized act of commitment of the host family, duly registered in the Au Pair program and presented to the European Council.
10. The applicant must be able to demonstrate that he has the financial means necessary for his maintenance in Spain. The minimum amount is 550 Euros per month.

The processing time for this Visa is usually 1 month. However, the time may be longer in some cases due to the staff reduced by the COVID pandemic.

Important, do not forget to keep a copy of each document sent.

Frequent errors when applying for the Spanish visa for UK citizens

The Spanish visa for UK citizens is a necessary process to travel, study and work in Spain. It is important to carry out all the processes by the legal and official means authorized in each consulate.

No procedure is carried out outside the consulates or institutions authorized by the consulate of Spain. It is important that you do not make any payments to people who promise you a Visa. The approval of the Visas is subject exclusively to the approval council of Spain.

Most UK citizens have no problems applying for their Visa.

Most Visas that are rejected are due to common mistakes. Here is a list of the 10 mistakes you should not make when applying for your short or long term Visa.

10 most common mistakes when applying for a Visa

1. Apply for a 90-day visa.

Asking for the maximum time allowed on the short-term visa is a mistake. Why are you coming to Spain for 90 days? Don’t you have obligations in your country of origin that require you to return? It is better to ask for visas of less duration since they reinforce the idea that you have to return to your country. Thus, you will prove more clearly the guarantees of return. A 15-day visa is more likely to be approved than a 90-day visa.

2. Not having a place to stay in Spain.

Where are you going to stay when you get to Spain? If you come to Spain, you must have a place to stay during your visiting days. Either you deliver the Invitation Letter made by a Spaniard or a resident of Spain or you deliver the hotel reservation for the days of visit in the country.

3. Not having the economic capacity

If you do not have money, you will not be able to prove how you will survive during the days of your stay in Spain. Be careful, you need to have an average of 65 to 80 Euros for each day of the visit. If you ask for 90 days it is equivalent to almost 6,000 Euros (Approximately 5,300 GBD), so that, you can relate this common error with the first one on our list. Fewer days, less money, more chances of getting a visa.

4. Money and work.

It is not enough to have money if a friend leaves us the money and we deposit it in our account, it will not be credible. Ideally, we have obtained this money through our own means and work and the average balances of our checking accounts are from the last year. If you do not have a stable job, forget about a visa (unless you are an investor and with a high economic level). Spain only gives visas to people who have no interest in staying in Spain and if you do not work, it is considered risky to grant you the visa.

5. Apply for a visa when another has recently been denied.

If you have been denied a visa, the fact that you ask for another does not mean that they will give it to you. Denials are recorded. There is no blacklist of denials, but there is a record to check if you are making a repeated request or if new circumstances arise that justify a new request. Do must not try to deceive the authorities. Remember that before applying for any type of Visa it is necessary that you check if you meet all the requirements and necessary documentation.

6. Apply for a visa when you have already been irregular in Spain.

If you have been irregular before in Spain and have been sanctioned for it, you will not be able to get a new visa. There is a significant risk that you will be irregular again and you will not be granted it. If you have an entry ban for an irregular stay or if you have a judicial expulsion order, nothing at all. Also, if the entry ban is from another Schengen Space country, the that will be more of the same.

7. Failure to justify the reason for entering Spain.

Why are you coming to Spain? On a family visit? On a business visit? For a medical consultation? Many people forget that it is necessary to justify and prove the reasons for staying in Spain. Do it with your tour or tourist planning, with tickets for fairs or congresses or with any document you can present as evidence, but explain why you want to visit our country.

8. Roundtrip flight reservations are mandatory.

If you are going to enter Spain by plane, when you apply for the visa, you must have the round trio reservations and the date of the flights must be within the expected periods of stay, as well as those included in the Invitation Letter if you justify the accommodation in Spain with that document.

9. Request a visa for the boyfriend or girlfriend.

In Spain, there is no visa for the bride and groom. And if you ask for a visa for that purpose, they will likely deny it to you. Why? Because there is a significant risk that you will stay in Spain for your Spanish girlfriend or boyfriend and fail to fulfil the purpose of the visa: to return back to your country.

10. Get frustrated with the staff of the Consulate of Spain.

Applying for a short-term visa at any of the Spanish Consulates is a task full of complications. And the staff who attends these consulates are not there to be as friendly as you will expect, therefore, many people tend to get mad at the officials or customer service staff of a Consulate. Losing your temper won’t cause a positive outcome.  You will get nothing at all. Remember that it depends on them if they approve your Visa or not. You need to be very patient and kind.

Spanish Visa for UK citizens, in conclusion

Spain is a beautiful country with a lot of cultures. There may be several reasons why you want to travel to Spain, for fun, business, work or study. So, if you foresee a trip without any mishaps, it is necessary to plan well your route, destinations, and the type of visa to request. Make a list to make sure you don’t miss any important steps.

If it is your first trip to Spain,you don’t need the short-term visa. A short trip of 15 days is perfect to start, and know Spain. If you have made short trips, you are more likely to be approved for a long-term visa if necessary.

All your information must be in order, your passport must be recent (less than 6 months old) and always remember to keep a copy of each document delivered.

The maximum time you can be in Spain with a Visa is 90 days or 3 months. If you need a longer stay it is necessary to process a long-term Visa. Remember not to comply with the time you have requested on your Visa (15 days is 15 days) or it could be considered irregular and not suitable for future visas.

The most requested long-term visas are student and work visas. It is important to remember that the success of our visa approval depends on our preparation for the process, so we suggest you apply the advice that we have seen in this article. In this way, you increase your chances of obtaining your Visa.

Are you thinking of applying for a Spanish Visa? We can help you, complete the form found on the contact us page and one of our advisors will contact you to help you throughout the process.

Do you still have doubts? leave it in the comment box.