The type of visa you need to move to Spain will depend on your specific intentions and circumstances. The main types of visas for non-EU nationals include:

• Work and Residence Visa: If you have a job offer in Spain.
• Student Visa: If you are pursuing higher education studies, courses, or exchanges.
• Non-Profit Residence Visa: If you plan to reside in Spain without working.
• Visa for Entrepreneurs and Economic Activities: If you want to start a business or invest in Spain.
• Family Reunification Visa: If you are moving to join family members who are already legally residing in Spain.

For more details on each type of visa and its application process, you can visit the official website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

To apply for a work visa in Spain, you need to meet the following general requirements:

• Job Offer: You must have a formal job offer from a Spanish company.
• Residence and Work Authorization: The company must obtain this authorization from the Ministry of Labour in Spain.
• Personal Documentation: Includes a valid passport, completed visa application forms, recent photographs, and a criminal record certificate.
• Medical Certificates: Depending on your country of origin, a medical certificate may be required.
• Medical Insurance: Proof of medical insurance covering your stay in Spain.
• Proof of Professional Qualifications: Documentation proving your professional qualifications and experience for the job offered.

For detailed information on the requirements and the application process, please visit the Spanish Consulate General in your country of residence or the following page of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Extradition.

1. Completed and signed visa application form (available free of charge at the Consulate).
2. One passport-size photograph of the applicant.
3. Passport with at least 120 days of validity and a blank page (to affix the visa stamp).
4. Permesso di Soggiorno in Italia (or residence permit from Vatican City or the Republic of San Marino), or another document proving both current and previous residence.
5. Criminal record certificate issued by the competent authority of your country of origin, or from the country or countries where you have resided for the last five years. This must be accompanied by the corresponding official translation into Spanish.
6. Medical certificate certifying that you do not suffer from any disease that could have serious public health repercussions (according to the World Health Organization’s International Health Regulations). This should be accompanied by the official translation into Spanish.
7. Documentation proving that you have health coverage (private medical insurance policy) for the duration of your stay in Spain, and sufficient financial means to cover accommodation, living expenses, and other ordinary costs. These documents should be accompanied by official translations into Spanish, if necessary.
8. Payment of Fees (official fees: Visa application (€60.00) + Authorization application (€10.72)). These amounts are to be paid in cash at the Consulate General’s cashier at the time of submitting the application and are non-refundable in case of subsequent refusal of the visa. They are subject to official review, so the amount varies over time. There are additional costs for US and Canadian citizens.

In addition, if the applicant is a minor, a ‘Travel Authorization’ signed in person at this Consulate General by the person exercising parental authority or guardianship is also required.

In addition to these ‘basic’ documents, which are always required for any visa, there are supplementary documents that vary depending on the specific type of visa being applied for.

 may take 2-3 months to process.

Once granted, the visa must be collected in person at the Consulate General within 1 month. You CANNOT delegate someone else to collect it on your behalf.

If the visa is refused, the applicant may file an appeal with the Consulate General within 1 month. Alternatively, in contentious-administrative proceedings, an appeal can be filed before the High Court of Justice of Madrid within 2 months, starting from the date of refusal.

Under no circumstances will a visa refusal entitle the applicant to a refund of the fees already paid.

To find official and up-to-date information on visas and residence permits in Spain, you can visit the following sources:

• Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Secretary of State for Migration
• Spanish Consulates Abroad