Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) Overview
The Spain Visitor Visa for Family and Friends is a Schengen short-stay Spain Visa (Type C) for individuals travelling specifically to visit relatives or friends residing in Spain, rather than for general tourism or business purposes. It follows the same 90-day, 180-day Schengen framework as the Tourist Visa but places greater emphasis on a formal letter of invitation (carta de invitación), which can be obtained by the host through the Spanish National Police’s online portal or a notarised private letter. Applicants must still show adequate travel insurance and financial means, though hosted stays may allow proof of accommodation to be replaced by the host’s confirmation of housing. This visa does not permit any form of paid work. Approval is decided solely by the Spanish consulate or authorised visa application centre handling the case.
Eligibility
You may apply for a Spain Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) if:
- You are travelling to Spain primarily to visit family members or friends who are legally residing in Spain.
- You are not planning to undertake employment, business activities, or long-term study during your visit.
- Your intended stay does not exceed 90 days within any 180-day period in the Schengen Area.
- You can provide an invitation letter (where applicable) and supporting documents from your host in Spain, along with proof of your relationship or connection.
- You have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay or can demonstrate that your host will provide financial support, where applicable.
- You hold a valid passport and meet the applicable Schengen visa requirements prescribed by the Spanish authorities.
The primary purpose of your visit should be visiting family or friends. Your supporting documents, invitation letter, travel itinerary, accommodation details, and financial evidence should clearly demonstrate the genuine purpose of your visit.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (EUR) |
| Adult Applicant | €90 |
| Children aged 6–12 | €45 |
| Children under 6 | Free |
| Reduced Fee (select nationalities under visa facilitation agreements) | Approx. €35 |
This visa follows the same fee schedule as other Schengen Type C visas. A separate service fee applies at external visa application centres. Fees are non-refundable, even if the visa is refused. Exchange rates fluctuate, so INR values are approximate. Information may vary depending on individual circumstances; confirm the current fee at exteriores.gob.es.
Visitor Visa (Family & Friends Visit) Processing Time
Processing time for this Spain Visa category generally follows the same estimate as the standard Tourist Visa, taking up to 15 working days for a complete application, though this can extend if the host’s invitation letter or accommodation details require further verification. Because this category relies on documentation from both the applicant and the host in Spain, incomplete or inconsistent host information is a common cause of delay. Applicants should apply 2 to 3 months ahead of their intended travel date, particularly during peak season.
Required Documents Checklist
Document requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances and the consulate processing the application.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Visiting family or friends in Spain requires a well-prepared invitation letter and consistent supporting documentation from your host. Shivansh Consultants offers documentation support to help you and your host prepare a complete, correctly formatted invitation and application. Our thorough application review and personalised guidance are tailored to your specific family or friend visit. With a transparent process and experienced visa consultants, we provide end-to-end assistance throughout your Spain Visa journey, without ever guaranteeing a specific outcome.