EU Visa and Spain Visa: Understanding who needs one

Q: Do I need a visa to work or live in Spain long-term?

Yes.Remote workers need a Digital Nomad Visa Spain.Those who want to live in Spain without working may qualify for a Non-Lucrative Residence Visa Spain.Other situations may require visas like the Entrepreneur Visa Spain or Blue Card Spain.

Q: Can Hisparos guide me through the visa process?

Yes — but with a very specific focus.At Hisparos, we guide you through the parts of the visa process where language and documentation matter most.Our expert sworn translators understand exactly how official documents must be translated and formatted to meet the strict standards of Spanish and European authorities.We also provide resources like our free Visa Guides, which explain visa types, requirements, and the role of translations — so you can understand what’s needed long before you start submitting paperwork.What we don’t do is handle the legal application process itself. We are not an immigration service, so we don’t fill out forms, represent you legally, or submit applications on your behalf.If you need that type of support, we can connect you with trusted independent immigration partners, and you can easily book a consultation with them through our Calendly link.This way, you have a complete support system:Hisparos ensures your documents are translated accurately, with legal validity.Our partners guide you through the legal and administrative steps of your visa application.You stay in full control, with clear boundaries between translation and legal guidance. Book a consultation with a trusted partner

Q: Can translations really make or break a visa application?

Absolutely.A mistranslated date, misspelt name, or incorrect legal term can delay — or even derail — your application.Sworn translations are mandatory for many official documents, and they must be completed by translators legally appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.At Hisparos, our sworn translators deliver uncompromising accuracy, so your application moves forward without unnecessary setbacks. Request a sworn translation now

Knowing whether you need a visa before travelling saves you time, stress, and last-minute surprises. Here’s a clear overview of who can enter Spain and the Schengen Area without a visa — and who must apply before arrival.

Not everyone needs a visa to visit Spain or travel within the Schengen Area. The rules depend on your nationality, how long you plan to stay, and what you’ll be doing while you’re there — tourism, study, work, or long-term residence.

Hisparos helps by ensuring that any required documents, like birth certificates, academic degrees, or criminal record certificates, are sworn-translated to meet official standards before submission.

Short visits vs. long-term stays.

EU Visa and Spain Visa:
When you need one

Some travellers enjoy visa-free entry for short stays, while others must apply in advance. Here’s how to tell which category you fall into:

Visa-free short stays (up to 90 days)

Certain nationalities can visit Spain and other Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. These visits are for tourism, family visits, or short business trips — not for work or permanent residence.

Visa-free countries include:

United States
Canada
United Kingdom
Australia
Japan
South Korea
And many more — check the current list on the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Even without a visa, you may be asked at the border for:

Countries that require a visa for any entry

Many travellers from Asian, African, and Latin American countries must obtain a visa even for short visits. Examples include:

The application process involves a wide range of documents, such as:

Many of these must be submitted with a sworn translation of aIf you are from one of these countries, your application must be made at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of residence.

Note: Hisparos does not handle visa applications or give legal advice.
We specialise in preparing accurate, legally valid sworn translations of the documents you need for your application.
a visa application to meet French administrative standards. Our France guide provides practical advice on preparing for this complex process, so you can focus on building your business while ensuring your documentation is accurate, consistent, and ready for approval. Understand before you translate.

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Different visas for different journeys.

EU Visa and Spain Visa: Types explained

Spain offers several types of visas depending on the purpose and length of your stay.

Short-stay visa (Type C)

Valid for stays of up to 90 days.
Ideal for tourism, family visits, short-term business, or cultural events.
Grants access to all Schengen Area countries during its validity.

Airport transit visa (Type A)

Required only if you are passing through a Spanish airport without entering the Schengen Area.

Long-stay visas (Type D)

For stays longer than 90 days, including residence, study, or work. These visas must be applied for before travel and include a residence permit upon arrival.

Common examples include:

Non-lucrative residence visa Spain – for living in Spain without work.
Digital nomad visa Spain – for remote workers employed by non-Spanish companies.
Entrepreneur visa Spain – for building or growing a business in Spain.
Student visa Spain – for studying at recognised institutions.
Blue Card Spain – for highly qualified professionals working in Spain.

Important:
Many long-stay visa applications require sworn translations of key documents, such as academic qualifications, police certificates, and financial records.
Submitting incorrect or non-certified translations can lead to delays or rejection.

Your questions, answered.

FAQ: EU Visa and Spain Visa

If I already have a visa for another Schengen country, can I enter Spain?

Yes. A valid Schengen short-stay visa allows you to travel to Spain during its validity period.
However, long-stay visas are specific to the issuing country unless converted into a Spanish residence permit.

Do I need a visa to work or live in Spain long-term?

Yes.

Remote workers need a Digital Nomad Visa Spain.
Those who want to live in Spain without working may qualify for a Non-Lucrative Residence Visa Spain.
Other situations may require visas like the Entrepreneur Visa Spain or Blue Card Spain.

Where do I submit my visa application?

Applications are handled exclusively by the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of residence.
Hisparos does not submit applications or offer legal services, but we ensure your documents are translated accurately and legally for use in the process.

Can Hisparos guide me through the visa process?

Yes — but with a very specific focus.

At Hisparos, we guide you through the parts of the visa process where language and documentation matter most.

Our expert sworn translators understand exactly how official documents must be translated and formatted to meet the strict standards of Spanish and European authorities.

We also provide resources like our free Visa Guides, which explain visa types, requirements, and the role of translations — so you can understand what’s needed long before you start submitting paperwork.

What we don’t do is handle the legal application process itself. We are not an immigration service, so we don’t fill out forms, represent you legally, or submit applications on your behalf.

If you need that type of support, we can connect you with trusted independent immigration partners, and you can easily book a consultation with them through our Calendly link.

This way, you have a complete support system:

Hisparos ensures your documents are translated accurately, with legal validity.
Our partners guide you through the legal and administrative steps of your visa application.
You stay in full control, with clear boundaries between translation and legal guidance.

Can translations really make or break a visa application?

Absolutely.
A mistranslated date, misspelt name, or incorrect legal term can delay — or even derail — your application.
Sworn translations are mandatory for many official documents, and they must be completed by translators legally appointed by the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
At Hisparos, our sworn translators deliver uncompromising accuracy, so your application moves forward without unnecessary setbacks.

Visa processes can feel overwhelming — but your paperwork doesn’t have to.
At Hisparos, we take the weight off your shoulders by focusing on one vital step: precise, legally valid sworn translations. With the right documents in hand, and expert guidance available through our partners, you can approach your application prepared, confident, and ready for what’s next.