Visa Information
Spain Visa Guide 2026
Everything you need to know about visas and entry requirements for Spain
From Schengen visa-free entry to long-stay visas and work permits -- find the right option for your trip
Good news for many travelers!
Citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan, and 60+ other countries can enter Spain and the entire Schengen Area visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Starting in 2026, the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) will be required for visa-exempt travelers -- a simple online application costing 7 EUR.
Visa-Free Entry (Schengen Area)
USA, Canada, Australia
90 days visa-free within any 180-day period. Valid for tourism, business meetings, and short courses.
No visa feeUK Citizens (Post-Brexit)
90 days visa-free in the Schengen Area per 180-day period. ETIAS required from 2026.
ETIAS: 7 EUREU/EEA Citizens
Unlimited stay and right to work. No visa or permit needed. Just bring a valid passport or national ID card.
Free movementLong-Stay Visas
Student Visa
For studies lasting more than 90 days. Apply through the Spanish consulate in your home country. Allows part-time work (20 hours per week).
60 EUR application feeWork Visa
Required for employment in Spain. Your employer must obtain a work authorization first. Valid for 1 year, renewable.
80 EUR application feeDigital Nomad Visa
Spain introduced a digital nomad visa in 2023. For remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies. Valid up to 5 years.
80 EUR application feeNon-Lucrative Visa
For retirees and those not working. Must demonstrate sufficient income (approximately 2,400 EUR per month). No work allowed.
80 EUR application feeGolden Visa
Residency through investment. Real estate investment of 500,000+ EUR or other qualifying investments. Includes family members.
Varies by investmentSpain Visa Overview 2026
Spain, as a member of the Schengen Area, follows the unified European visa policy that allows travelers to move freely between 27 European countries with a single visa. For most short-term visitors from the USA, Canada, Australia, UK, Japan, and many other countries, no visa is needed for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Spain stands out among Schengen countries for its Digital Nomad Visa, introduced in 2023, which allows remote workers to live in Spain for up to 5 years. This has made Spain one of the most attractive destinations for location-independent professionals.
Key Points for 2026
- Schengen visa-free countries: 90 days within 180 days for 60+ nationalities
- EU/EEA citizens: Unlimited stay with right to work -- just bring a valid ID
- UK citizens (post-Brexit): 90-day visa-free access, ETIAS required from 2026
- ETIAS: New pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers (7 EUR, valid 3 years)
- Digital Nomad Visa: Remote workers can apply for up to 5 years of residency
- Golden Visa: Residency through investment (500,000+ EUR in real estate)
- Non-Lucrative Visa: Popular with retirees -- requires proof of passive income
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