What is the Friends and Family Visit Visa For Spain?
Foreign nationals who wish to visit a family member or friend in Spain must apply for the Friends and Family Visit Visa. It is a Schengen short-stay visa that allows non-EU citizens to enter Spain for up to 90 days, within 180 days.
Applicants must have received an invitation letter from a relative or friend living in Spain, a mandatory requirement referred to as “carta de invitación”. The invitation letter will be issued by the Spanish Police and must be provided alongside proof of accommodation and financial stability during the application process.
We carefully explain the application process, documentation, and eligibility requirements to ensure a successful application this year.
If you are unsure whether your host meets the eligibility requirements for this visa, our immigration lawyers can clarify your doubts and help you make an informed decision.
Call us today on +44 (0) 333 305 9375, or contact us online.
Who Can Apply and Who Can Host?
Non-EU citizens who are family members (spouse, parent, or children) of Spanish citizens can apply for the Friends and Family Visit Visa for Spain. Individuals who are friends with a legal resident in Spain are also eligible to apply.
The visit must not exceed 90 days within any 180 days. Foreign nationals who have received an invitation letter from their host relative or friend are eligible to apply.
Applicants under the age of 18 are legally considered to be minors under the Schengen rule. They are required to submit a signed copy of the application form from both parents, or a no-objection affidavit if they will be travelling with only one parent.
For group applications, a single invitation letter is acceptable, provided it clearly defines the relationship between the visitors and the host. However, each applicant must provide the other required documentation individually to support their application.
Page Contents
- Who Can Apply and Who Can Host?
- Legal and Entry Framework for a Spanish Family and Friend Visit Visa
- Step-by-step Application Process for a Family and Friend Visit Visa for Spain
- Required Documents for Applicants Applying for a Friend and Family Visit Visa for Spain in [Year]
- Required Documents for the Host Family or Friend
- Fees, Processing Times & Appointment Tips
- What are the Entry and Stay Rules After Your Spanish Friend and Family Visit Visa Has Been Issued?
- Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Spanish Visa Refusals
- Spanish Friend and Family Visit Visa 2026: Final Checklist Before Submission
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility & Process for a Host
Spanish or EU citizens currently living in Spain, as well as foreign nationals who hold a valid residence permit, are eligible to host a relative or friend under the Friends and Family Visit Visa.
The host must inform the local police station and request an official invitation letter to be issued on their behalf.
This letter states their intention to accommodate the visiting relative or friend and confirms that they can provide suitable accommodation for the duration of the visit.
Once approved, the host provides the applicant with the original invitation letter (Carta de Invitación) so the visa application process can begin.If a host is unable to provide this invitation letter due to inadequate accommodation, the applicant must instead arrange hotel accommodation and provide proof of the booking with their application.
Legal and Entry Framework for a Spanish Family and Friend Visit Visa
Overview
Applicants must ensure that they have a passport with at least two blank pages and at least three months’ validity beyond the duration of their visit to Spain. To apply for a visa, visit the Spanish consulate or a visa application centre (VAC) in your country of residence.
Individuals planning to visit other Schengen countries besides Spain must apply at the consulate of the country they will enter first. If Spain is the first country you will visit or where you will spend the longest duration, you are required to apply at a Spanish consulate.
While a Family and Friends Visit Visa (Under the Schengen Visa) grants you entry to Spain’s border, final admission into the country is determined by a border officer when you arrive. They are legally mandated to ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements for entry.
You may be required to provide some of your application documents again for verification. You may also be interviewed, and your responses compared with the information provided during your visa application.
Spain introduced two new changes to border checks and short-term visits in 2026 :
The Entry and Exit System (EES)
This system is replacing manual passport stamping with biometric registration at the border. Applicants will provide facial and fingerprint scans on their first entry, allowing the system to automatically calculate their duration of stay and reduce the risk of overstaying the 90/180-day rule. Visitors who overstay will be automatically flagged and may be banned from future re-entry into the country.
The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)
This system will apply to nationals of visa-exempt countries and is expected to come into effect in the last quarter of 2026. While you may not need a visa for short-term visits to Spain, the new system will require you to get an ETIAS authorization ahead of your travel date.
The online application is straightforward. Approval is granted within minutes, and the authorization remains valid for three years. The application fee is £20, but it is free for minors and travelers aged 70 and over. Visitors will enjoy a 6-month grace period after its launch in 2026, before it becomes fully operational and mandatory for travel within the Schengen area.
Step-by-step Application Process for a Family and Friend Visit Visa for Spain
Step 1: Ask Your Host to Obtain an Invitation Letter
An official invitation letter (carta de invitación) is an important document in the application process. Your host (friend or family member) must request this invitation letter at their local National Police station.
They will be required to provide a residency card or Spanish ID, proof of a rental agreement or property ownership in Spain, and your passport details. The host pays an application fee of £75.05 and waits for approval.
Once approved by the Police department in their city, they must send you the original physical copy of the letter, as a scanned or photocopied version will be rejected during the application process.
Step 2: Gather Your Documentation
This stage is equally important to your application and must be approached carefully. While your hosts initiate the request for an invitation letter, confirm the required documents on the official Spanish website and begin compiling them.
We have provided a detailed list of all the required documents in another section of this article. Create a checklist from it and begin preparing your documents for submission.
Step 3: Schedule a Visa Appointment at the Spanish Consulate
Applicants can schedule their visa appointments online via the BLS international website for their country of residence. Once scheduled, prepare to attend in person to submit your application, provide biometric data, and pay the application fee of €90.
Step 4: Await a Decision on Your Application
The processing time for this visa category is typically 15 to 20 working days. During peak application periods, processing may take up to 45 working days, so it is important to begin your application at least three months before your proposed travel date.
Applicants can track their application status through the BLS website, where they will also be notified when their passport is ready for collection if approved.
Step 5: Prepare for Travel & Border Checks
Once your application is approved, you are eligible for short-term visits and should prepare adequately ahead of your travel date.
Carry both physical and digital copies of your documents as they may be required upon arrival. At the border, proceed to the designated station for biometric enrollment, and do not be alarmed if a brief interview is required. Answer all questions calmly and honestly.
Required Documents for Applicants Applying for a Friend and Family Visit Visa for Spain in [Year]
The Spanish consulate requires applicants to submit specific documents to prove their eligibility during the application process. Here’s a detailed checklist of all the important documents to prepare when applying for a Friends and Family Visit Visa in 2026:
1. Visa Application Form
Applicants must submit the original copy of a fully completed and signed Schengen Visa Form.
2. Valid Passport
Passports must have been issued within the last 10 years, and must have at least 3 months’ validity to last the duration of stay in Spain.
3. Passport Photographs
Applicants must provide two recent passport-sized photographs of themselves taken against a plain white background.
4. Flight Itinerary
Attach a travel itinerary document showing your proposed entry and exit from Spain.
5. Travel Insurance
Applicants must provide travel insurance with a minimum coverage of at least €30,000 for medical emergencies, or hospital visits throughout the entire trip duration.
6. Official Invitation Letter (“Carta de Invitación”)
Applicants must provide the original copy of the invitation letter issued by the National Police in Spain. This is a mandatory document for foreign nationals who will be staying with friends or family.
7. Evidence of Relationship with the Host
Spanish authorities require proof of your relationship with the host. Applicants must provide supporting documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, photos taken together, or communication history with friends.
8. Proof of Financial Means
Applicants must be able to prove that they can financially support their stay throughout their visit to Spain. An eligible applicant must show the ability to spend at least €113.40 per day, or a minimum of €1,020.60 per trip.
Provide personal bank statements from the last three to six months, employment payslips, tax clearance certificates, or business bank statements if self-employed. Retired applicants can submit proof of pension.
9. Cover Letter
Applicants must attach a detailed cover letter explaining the purpose of their travel, who they will be visiting, and their planned activities for the trip. They must also show that they have strong ties with their home country and will be returning before their visa expires.
10. Evidence of Strong Ties with Home Country
Include documents that show your intention to return home after your visit. Applicants can consider submitting proof of property ownership in their home country, an employment letter or business registration certificate, or evidence of family ties at home, such as birth certificates or marriage certificates.
11. Leave Approval
Employed applicants must provide a signed “No Objection Certificate” (NOC) from their employer. Students must provide evidence of permission to travel or an official letter from their school.
12. Parental Authorization
Minors under the age of 18 years traveling without both parents must provide a notarized parental consent form, birth certificate, and copies of both parents’ passports.
Required Documents for the Host Family or Friend
Your host acts as your legal guarantor during the application process, and they have an important role to play in ensuring the success of your application.
Applicants who intend to stay with a family or friend throughout their duration in Spain must ask their host to provide the original copy of an official invitation letter issued by the local National Police in their city.
The host must also meet certain eligibility requirements and provide supporting documents when applying for an official invitation letter. Here’s a detailed list of documents to prepare:
1. Proof of Identity
If your host is a Spanish citizen, they will be required to provide a copy of their DNI. If they are a legal resident, they will be requested to provide a copy of their TIE/NIE when requesting the official invitation letter.
2. Proof of Residence
If your host is a homeowner in Spain, they must provide a copy of their property deed or a “Nota Simple” from the Land Registry. If they are renting, they can provide a copy of their rental agreement.
This documentation is very important as it helps the authorities to verify that your host meets the accommodation requirements. The police may also inspect the property to ensure it meets living standards for the number of people invited.
3. Proof of Relationship
This is not a mandatory requirement for obtaining the official invitation letter, but it can further strengthen the application process. The host can provide copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, or additional evidence to prove that they have a relationship with the applicant.
4. Evidence of financial means
If the visitor lacks adequate funds to support their stay in Spain (e.g., minors or students), the host automatically assumes financial responsibility for the visitor’s stay and return. They must be able to prove that they are financially capable of supporting the applicant.
Fees, Processing Times & Appointment Tips
When applying for a Spanish Friends and Family Visit Visa in 2026, it is important to carefully plan and budget for your trip so you can be adequately prepared for the application process.
Fees
| Type of Fee | Category | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Fee | Adults | €90 |
| Children (6–12 years) | €45 | |
| Children (Under 6) | Free | |
| Service Fee | BLS International | Confirm via the official website for your region |
| Invitation Letter (to be paid by the host) | Application Fee Letter Issuance | €75.05 €6.54 |
Applicants can expect an average processing time of 15 to 30 working days, although this may extend to 45 to 60 working days during peak application seasons.
We recommend applying at least six months before your planned travel date so you can be well prepared in case of any delays. Avoid large, unexplained cash deposits into your account just before applying, as this is a common reason for visa refusals. Ensure your bank statements clearly show your financial activity over the last three to six months.
Cover letters are mandatory for Spanish visa applications, so ensure yours is well-written and clearly explains the purpose of your travel and your relationship with the host.
What are the Entry and Stay Rules After Your Spanish Friend and Family Visit Visa Has Been Issued?
Once your visa has been approved, it grants you the right to travel to Spain, but the final decision on entry lies with the border officials. You may be interviewed and asked questions like: “Who are you visiting?” and “How much money do you have for this trip?” It is important to stay calm and answer these questions honestly, as the slightest inconsistencies may raise concern.
Be prepared to present physical or digital copies of your application documents as they may be required upon arrival at the border.
Make sure you adhere to the following rules during your stay in Spain:
1. No Overstays
The maximum duration for a short-term visit within the Schengen area is 90 days, within any 180 days. To calculate this, look back exactly 180 days and count how many days you have already spent in the Schengen zone. If you have reached 90 days, you must leave immediately to avoid overstaying. Failure to comply may result in heavy fines, deportation, or travel bans of up to 5 years across the Schengen area.
2. Follow the Main Destination Rule
The Spanish visa allows you to travel freely to any of the Schengen member states, but Spain must remain your main destination, where you spend the most time. Always carry your passport and invitation letter in case of “spot checks” carried out by authorities at internal borders.
3. Extension Policy
Extensions are generally not permitted for short-stay visas. However, they may be granted in case of a sudden medical emergency that makes you unfit to fly or extreme humanitarian reasons (Force Majeure). Visitors who have valid reasons for an extension must submit a request at the local immigration office, at least a few weeks before their visa expires.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Spanish Visa Refusals
The Spanish Consulate is very meticulous with documentation and the application process. Even the smallest error can lead to a refusal of your friends and family’s visit visa application.
Here are the most common mistakes that cause visa refusals and how to avoid them:
1. Scanned Official Invitation Letter
Applicants sometimes submit a scanned copy of their invitation letter or print a digital version sent by the host. This can easily lead to a refusal, as the Spanish consulate only accepts the original physical letter issued to the host.
To avoid this, ensure your host sends the original letter via courier and do not attempt to use a scanned or altered version of the document.
2. Mysterious Account Deposits
Some applicants deposit large, unexplained sums of money into their bank accounts shortly before applying to show proof of funds. Falsifying the financial requirement can easily lead to a refusal because the consulate upholds a strict process for the eligibility criteria.
To avoid this, ensure your bank statements from the last three to six months show a stable income flow. If you have received a large deposit ahead of your application, write a letter explaining the source of the money with supporting evidence.
3. Inconsistent Travel Itinerary
Your visa application may be refused if there are inconsistencies across your documents. For example, when an applicant’s flight reservation shows they will stay in Spain for 10 days, but their insurance only covers 7 days, or their host’s letter only invites them for 5 days. This raises serious concerns about reliability.
To avoid this, ensure the dates on your flight, insurance, invitation letter, and cover letter match perfectly.
4. Inability to Provide Evidence of Strong Ties to Home Country
Applicants who are unable to prove strong ties to their home country are at high risk of a visa refusal. Authorities must be confident that you will exit Spain before your visa expires.
To avoid this, applicants must provide supporting documents such as an official letter from an employer confirming their leave and return date, proof of property ownership, a business registration certificate, and marriage or birth certificates of children staying behind.
5. Vague Cover Letter
Applicants who use a generic template when writing their cover letter will most likely experience a refusal. A cover letter must explain your personal relationship with the host and clearly explain your purpose of travel.
Avoid copying a generic template online without editing to reflect your personal voice. A well-written cover letter must explain exactly what you plan to do in Spain, who you’ll be visiting, and the proposed duration of your stay. The letter must show a clear willingness to return before your visa expires.
6. Travel Insurance Errors
Buying a cheap travel insurance policy that does not meet the €30,000 minimum coverage may lead to a visa refusal, as it suggests that you do not have adequate coverage protection for your stay.
To avoid this, always verify that your travel insurance specifically provides “Schengen” coverage and includes emergency medical expenses and repatriation.
7. Invalid Passport
Applicants who use a passport that is over 10 years old or has less than 3 months of validity remaining will most likely experience a visa refusal.
To avoid this, ensure your passport has the minimum validity requirements before applying. Renew it if necessary, and avoid submitting passports with torn, incomplete, or altered pages.
If your application for a Spanish visit visa has been refused, our immigration lawyers can appeal on your behalf.
Spanish Friend and Family Visit Visa 2026: Final Checklist Before Submission
- Do you have the physical, stamped police letter from Spain?
- Have you spent more than 90 days in the Schengen area within the last 6 months?
- Does your bank balance show at least €113.40 multiplied by your days of stay?
- Are you ready to provide fingerprints and a facial scan at the Spanish airport?
How Can Total Law Help?
Applying for a Spain Friends and Family Visit Visa can feel overwhelming, especially with strict documentation rules, refusal risks, and country-specific requirements.
At Total Law, we support you at every stage so you can ensure consistency across your application. If you’ve experienced a refusal, our expert immigration lawyers can help identify the issue and prepare a strong appeal strategy.
We will simplify the complex eligibility requirements, provide legal advice tailored to your country of application, and help you avoid common mistakes that lead to a refusal. Our team has helped thousands of applicants achieve a successful Spanish Visa application.
Speak with our team on +44 (0) 333 305 9375 or contact us online to begin your first consultation.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Foreign nationals who are not from a visa-exempt country must apply for a Schengen Visa even if they have a UK Biometric Residence Permit (BRP) or the replacement e-visa.
Passport with at least 3 months’ validity to last the duration of your stay in Spain, an official invitation letter from a host, and evidence of sufficient funds to support your stay.
Yes, visitors are not allowed to work or engage in any paid business activity. Failure to comply can lead to immediate deportation and a travel ban from the Schengen Area.
UK citizens are classified as “third-country nationals, post-Brexit. Citizens can only stay for 90 days in any 180 days, and it is now strictly tracked by the Entry/Exit System (EES).