Spain Schengen Visa from Canada
If you currently live in Canada and are looking to enter Spain you may need to apply for, and be granted, a Schengen Visa.
If you need further information about the Spain Schengen visa, including eligibility criteria or how to apply, Total Law can answer any questions you may have. Call us today on +1 844 312 4979 or contact us online.
What are Schengen Visas for Spain?
If you wish to enter the Schengen area for purposes such as tourism, business, visiting family, medical treatment, studies, training, placements, or volunteer opportunities, you may need a Schengen visa.
The Schengen zone is an area made up of 29 countries, including Spain. The Schengen visa allows the holder the opportunity to visit all of these countries for up to 90 days within any 180 day period. Applicants should apply for the country they intend to visit, or the country they intend to visit first.
The Schengen visa allows holders entry to the Schengen area (for up to 90 days) for purposes such as tourism or other non-gainful activity. It is important to note that holders are not permitted to gain employment.
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Do I Need a Visa to Visit Spain from Canada?
Whether you need a visa to travel to Spain or not depends on your country of origin. Nationals of certain countries are exempt from needing a Schengen Visa, including those from the EU, Norway, Switzerland, and Iceland. In addition, some countries, including Canada, have a waiver agreement with the EU and therefore Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Spain, provided their stay is under 90 days.
However, travellers who currently reside in Canada but are not Canadian citizens will need a visa to enter Spain. For example, those classed as permanent residents. In Canada, permanent residency is different to citizenship and therefore holders of the blue Canadian travel document will still need to apply.
Spanish Schengen Visa Types
In Spain, there are different types of Schengen visas available and the one you need to apply for will depend on your individual circumstances and reason for travel. It is worth noting that each type permits holders different permissions. Examples of the different visa types available and their purposes can be found below:
Transit Visa (Airport and Seamen Transit)
This visa type allows holders to travel internationally through Spanish territory and airports in order to get to their final destination. It does not allow entry to the Schengen area and holders are not permitted to leave the transit area.
Tourist Visa
The tourist visa grants entry to the Schengen zone (including Spain) for tourism purposes. Holders are permitted to stay in the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180 day period. It is important to note that it does not allow people to seek or take part in any paid employment during their stay.
Business Visa
If you are travelling to Spain for business purposes then you should apply for the business visa. Similar to the tourist visa, it allows holders to visit the Schengen area for up to 90 days within any 180 day period. It is worth noting that, in regards to a short-stay visa, ‘business purposes’ may consist of meetings or events etc. (It does not include establishing a business in Spain).
Family Visit Visa
This visa falls under the same category as the tourist and business visas. This visa cannot be extended and if you wish to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a residence card as a family member of an EU citizen.
Short Study Visa
The short study visa permits foreign students to enter Spain for up to 180 days or less. This visa cannot be extended and if your study period is longer than 6 months, you will need to apply for an alternative visa instead.
Medical Treatment Visa
If you wish to travel to Spain for medical reasons, you should apply for the Schengen visa for medical purposes. To be successful in your application for this visa type, you must provide various legal documents (including medical evidence) to support your claim.
Visa for Cultural, Sports, Religious Events and Film Crews
If you need to enter Spain or the Schengen area on a temporary basis for purposes like attending a cultural, sport, or religious event, or if you are part of a film crew, this visa type is for you. It is important to note that all applications for this visa are judged on their individual merit, therefore your visa can be valid for a period between as little as 1 week and up to 3 months.
Visa for Missing Residence Permit
If you are a legal resident in Spain and your residence permit becomes lost, stolen, or expired whilst you are travelling outside of the country, this short-stay visa will allow you to return.
Application Process for Schengen Visa
You can apply for a Schengen visa anytime between 6 months and 15 days prior to the date you intend to travel. Applications submitted by nationals of foreign countries in Canada must be done so in person. To apply, you will need to:
- Make an appointment at your nearest BLS visa application centre.
- Attend the interview to submit your documents and pay any relevant fees
- Provide your biometric data (fingerprints and photographs).
Required Documents for Spain Schengen Visa
Before a Schengen visa is issued, you must provide your passport and other documentation as part of your application. The consular office may request various additional documents depending on your personal circumstances, however, the general list of necessary evidence that you must provide is as follows:
- Schengen visa application form
- Photograph meeting specific requirements
- Valid, unexpired passport
- Travel medical insurance confirmation of coverage
- Payment of the visa fee (CAN $117.20 for people aged over 12 and CAN $58.60 for children of 6 to 12, or CAN $131.90 for people aged over 12 and CAN $65.90 for children of 6 to 12 starting June 11th 2024)
- Proof of status in Canada (original and copy of Permanent residence card, work permit, or study permit with academic transcript)
- Print out of travel itinerary
- Proof that you can proceed to the connection destination after visiting the Schengen countries
- Proof of financial means (copy of bank statements, proof of income, or credit card statements)
- Supporting documents concerning the purpose of travel
- Proof of residence in the National Capital Region
- Completed and signed “Documents Checklist”
How Total Law Can Help
Immigration rules and regulations can often be confusing and complex, making the visa application process lengthy and time-consuming. However, as qualified immigration experts, our team of friendly immigration lawyers can help.
We offer professional, tailored advice no matter what your individual need or circumstance. For example, we help third country nationals residing in Canada including those from the middle east.
Not only can we overcome language barriers to make sure you get the support you need to complete your visa application, we can advise you on other important aspects that may affect your trip, such as foreign affairs and foreign currency.
We can guide you through the process quickly and easily. For example, we can tell you how and when applications must be submitted, and we can advise you on any additional documents or data you may need to provide to be successful.
For immediate help or advice, call Total Law today on +1 844 312 4979, or contact us online.
Advice Package
Get clear, expert advice on your visa options, eligibility and application before you commit to applying.
Application Package
Let our immigration lawyers prepare, check and manage your application so you can apply with confidence.
Fast Track Package
Need to apply quickly? Get priority handling by our immigration lawyers from preparation to submission.
Appeal Package
Been refused or received an unfavourable decision? Get expert legal help to challenge it or determine your next step.
The Advice Package
During this Advice Session, an immigration lawyer will assess your circumstances, explain your options and tell you what you need to do to make a strong application.
We review your circumstances, explain the relevant requirements, identify potential problems or refusal risks, and advise you on the evidence and next steps.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will assess your case, prepare your application, check your supporting documents and submit your forms on your behalf.
We check your application for missing information, inconsistencies and potential issues before submission, helping you avoid common mistakes that could affect your case.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package gives your case priority with our immigration lawyers, helping you get your application prepared, checked and submitted as quickly as possible.
Your case receives priority handling, including accelerated document reviews, application preparation, communication with your caseworker and submission support.
The Appeal Package
Our immigration lawyers will review the decision, explain why it was refused and advise on the strongest option available to you, including an appeal, review or fresh application where appropriate.
We will examine the reasons for refusal, identify weaknesses or errors, assess your available options and provide the legal support and representation your case requires.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most applicants receive a decision within 15 days of their application being submitted. However, if additional documents are requested, or another appointment needs to be scheduled, it can take up to 45 days.
Border authorities can refuse entry if any of the following apply:
- You are missing documents
- You have insufficient funds
- You have no accommodation
- You have no return ticket
- You have no medical insurance
