Your visa appointment will be held at the Spanish Consulate that oversees the State/Province of your permanent address. In order to issue a visa to Spain, the Spanish Consulates require in-person appointments. Although they will allow visa applications to be sent via postal mail in certain circumstances, it is best to plan accordingly and be prepared to visit the Spanish Consulate in person in late July / early September for your visa appointment. We will schedule and/or confirm your visa appointment with the Spanish Consulate if allowed or guide you through the process depending on Consular requirements for visa applicants.
Below is a list of the Spanish Consulates in the United States and Canada and the States/Provinces they oversee. You will have to visit the Spanish Consulate that supervises the State/Province where you are a permanent resident.
Spanish Embassy in Washington D.C.: Washington D.C., Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina.
Spanish Consulate in New York City: Connecticut, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania.
Spanish Consulate in Boston: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine.
Spanish Consulate in Miami: Florida, Georgia, South Carolina.
Spanish Consulate in Chicago: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
Spanish Consulate in Houston: Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi.
Spanish Consulate in San Francisco: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Washington State, Wyoming, Northern California Counties (Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Buttle, Calaveras, Colusa, Contracosta, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humbboldt, Inyo, Kings, Lake, Lassen, Madera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Benito, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehema, Trinity, Tulare, Toulumne, Yolo, Yuba).
Spanish Consulate in Los Angeles: Southern California (County of Imperial, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara y Ventura), Arizona, Colorado, Utah.
Spanish Embassy in Ottawa: National Capital Region (Ottawa and Gatineau).
Spanish Consulate in Toronto: Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario (except Ottawa), Saskatchewan, North West Territories, Yukon and Nunavut.
Spanish Consulate in Montreal: Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Québec (except Gatineau), Newfoundland, Labrador.
Spanish Embassy in New Zealand
What Is the Spanish Visa Process?
When planning a trip to Spain, whether it’s a short visit or you’re gearing up to teach English in vibrant cities like Andalucia or Madrid, you’ll need to get a visa. The Spanish visa process involves several steps, from gathering documents to attending an appointment at a Spanish consulate. Your visa application journey begins with determining which type of visa you need — a student visa for those studying abroad, a work visa for teaching English, or a tourist visa for short stays. The process includes submitting your passport pages, proving you have sufficient funds, and obtaining health insurance. Spanish authorities require all the necessary documents to be in order before they issue your visa sticker. The visa process can take time, so it’s smart to start well in advance of your planned departure date.
Step 1: Investigate the Application Process at the Consulate Where You Are Eligible to Apply
Your Spanish visa journey kicks off by researching the specific application process at the consulate where you’re eligible to apply. Requirements can vary slightly between consulates. You’ll need to gather all the required documents, which typically include your original passport with at least six months validity beyond your intended stay, completed application forms, and proof of accommodation in Spain. Don’t forget to check if you need to show evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. Some consulates may require you to book an appointment online, while others might accept walk-ins. It’s also a good idea to inquire about processing times and any express mail options for receiving your passport with the visa sticker.
Step 2: Gather Your Required Documents
Next, you’ll need to collect all the necessary paperwork for your visa application. This typically includes:
- Your valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Proof of accommodation in Spain
- Flight reservations or travel itinerary
- Evidence of sufficient funds
- Health insurance coverage for your entire stay
- Criminal record certificate (for long-term visas)
- Medical certificate (for certain visa types)
For students, you’ll also need to provide acceptance letters from Spanish educational institutions. If you’re planning to teach English, you might need to show your TEFL certification and job offer letter. Remember, all documents must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator.
Step 3: Schedule and Attend Your Visa Appointment
Once you’ve gathered all your documents, it’s time to schedule your appointment at the Spanish consulate. Here’s what to expect:
- Book your appointment well in advance, as slots can fill up quickly
- Arrive on time with all your required documents organized
- Be prepared to pay the visa fee (usually in the form of a money order)
- You may be asked questions about your trip purpose and plans in Spain
- Fingerprints might be taken for biometric data
- The consular officer will review your application and may request additional information
Remember, staying calm and being polite during your appointment can go a long way. If you’re applying for a long-term visa, like a student visa or work visa for teaching English, you might need to provide additional documents or attend an interview.
Step 4: Wait for Processing and Collect Your Visa
After your appointment, the waiting game begins. Processing times can vary, so it’s best to apply well before your intended travel date. Here’s what happens next:
- The consulate will process your application, which can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks
- You might be contacted if additional information is needed
- Once approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker
- Some consulates offer tracking services so you can check your application status online
- If approved, you’ll receive instructions on how to collect your passport with the visa
For long-term visas, like those for teaching English in Spain, you might need to apply for a residence permit within 30 days of arrival in Spain. This process involves visiting the local Foreigners’ Office or police station.
Can You Visit Other Countries With a Spain Visa?
Yes, you can! Your Spanish visa opens doors to more than just the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of Spain. As part of the Schengen Agreement, a Spanish visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 26 European countries. This means you can explore the charming streets of Paris, the canals of Amsterdam, or the historic sites of Rome. However, there are a few key points to keep in mind:
- Your Spanish visa is valid for travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- The clock starts ticking from the date you first enter the Schengen Area.
- For stays longer than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a long-term visa or residence permit.
- Always check the entry requirements for each country you plan to visit, as some may have additional rules.
- Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay.
Let RVF International Help
Beginning your Spanish adventure is an exciting journey. At RVF International, we’re here to support you every step of the way. We can guide you through the visa application process, helping you gather the right documents and prepare for your consulate appointment. We’ve assisted countless individuals in realizing their dreams of living and working in Spain. Reach out to RVF International today, and let’s turn your Spanish dreams into reality!
