A short-stay business visa allows you to enter Spain for 90 days within a 180-day period to attend business meetings, conferences, seminars, trainings, and meet potential business partners.
Good to know
- The application fee for a Spain business visa is €90 (excluding the residence permit).
- The official processing time is 15 days.
- You cannot take up gainful employment with a Schengen business visa.
- The visa is valid for 90 days.
Do I Need a Business Visa to Spain?
You don’t need a business visa to Spain if you are one of the following:
- An EU national.
- A citizen of 62 countries that have signed a visa-free agreement with Spain.
Anyone else not belonging to these categories must apply for a visa to conduct business in the country, even for short-term stays.
How to Apply for a Spain Business Visa?
Here’s how the application process goes for a business visa:
- Fill out the application form. You can find the application form on the website of the Spanish representative in your country, or you can fill it out here. Make sure to provide accurate and up-to-date information, and remember to sign it at the end.
- Schedule an appointment. You must set up an appointment with a corresponding Spanish embassy/consulate or visa application center in your country or the nearest to you, which you can find here. Make sure to schedule your appointment at least one month before your planned travel dates.
- Prepare the required documents. For a successful visa application, you must submit a list of required documents, which include your passport, travel insurance certificate, travel itinerary, proof of business in the Schengen Area, and so on. You can find a full list below.
- Attend your appointment. On the scheduled day, you must visit the embassy/consulate or visa application center in person along with your completed application form and documents. You may also be asked to submit your biometric information (for first-time applicants or if they’ve expired), as well as sit down for a short interview regarding your business plans in the country.
- Retrieve your visa. After your application has finished processing, you will be notified of the final decision, and when and how to retrieve your passport, along with your visa. Then, you’re free to enter the country whenever you want within your visa’s validity period.
If you want to make sure you submit a successful application, you should consider consulting with legal professionals who can guide you through the entire process, ensure your documents are in order, and help you avoid common mistakes that could lead to refusals.
Required Documents
You need the following documents to apply for a Schengen business visa to Spain:
- Your valid passport.
- A Schengen visa application form.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Schengen travel insurance certificates.
- Travel itinerary.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Proof of financial means.
- Proof of your business trip to Spain:
- Invitation letter from the Spanish company.
- Business references or correspondence.
- Letter from your employer.
- Registration for trade fairs or conferences.
- Business license or company registration.
Spain Business Visa VS Entrepreneur Visa
Here are the main differences between a Spain business and an entrepreneur visa:
| Spain Business Visa | Spain Entrepreneur Visa | |
| Purpose | Short-term business visits, such as meetings, conferences, attending seminars, etc. | Opening a new business or operating an existing one. |
| Duration of stay | For short-term stays up to 90 days. | For long-term stays, over 90 days and more. Renewable residence permit. |
| Employment rights | No gainful employment allowed. | Work and earning an income is permissible |
| Visa type | Schengen visa short-stay (C-type) | National long-stay visa (D-type) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Apply for a Spain Business Visa if I’m Self-employed or a Freelancer?
Yes, you can apply for the business visa if you’re self-employed or a freelancer. But you must show proof of self-employment such as business registration, tax returns, client contracts, and so on.
Additionally, you can only attend business meetings, industry events, or explore partnerships with this visa— you cannot conduct your freelance work.
What Happens if My Business Meetings Are Rescheduled?
If your meetings are rescheduled within the validity period of your visa, you can still travel using your business visa.
However, if they get pushed beyond the validity of the visa, then you must either make new arrangements or apply for a new visa.
Can I Extend My Business Visa While I’m in Spain?
In normal circumstances, you can’t extend your visa. However, in exceptional situations such as force majeure or a major health emergency, you can request an extension.
The extension is usually granted for 30 days only.
Can I Travel to Other Schengen Countries?
Yes, you can visit other Schengen countries while you’re in Spain, but you have to keep in mind that the time you spend in each Schengen country is counted towards your 90-day period.