How can I get Spain visa from Nigeria? This is a common question many Nigerians interested in traveling to Spain ask. To get a visa, you need to submit a completed and signed application form alongside several documents. The Spanish authorities will vet them to see if they qualify for a visa and will issue the same if they meet their requirements.
Spanish Schengen Visa
Nigerian citizens must apply for a Spanish Schengen visa and get it before they board a flight from Lagos or Abuja to Spain. The Schengen visa is a special visa issued by Spain and other Schengen countries. Spain has been a Schengen nation since 1995 and operates similar immigration policies to 25 other countries in the union. Only Schengen citizens can enter Spain without a visa, and since Nigeria is not a Schengen country, visitors from Nigeria must get a visa before they are allowed into Spain.
The Schengen visa has a minimum validity of 180 days, and you can stay for up to 90 days as a tourist or business visitor. Long-stay visas are valid for 1 year and above, depending on the type.
Types of Spain Visas For Nigerians
Tourist Visa: Nigerians can visit Spain as tourists provided they have the required documents, like a bank statement, to prove financial capacity, and don’t intend to stay for more than 90 days. This short term visa is solely for tourism and not work, so working in Spain on a tourist visa is a violation.
Business Visa: A business visa is for business persons or event guests. You can apply for this visa if you have an upcoming meeting or event in Spain. Business visas are valid for 180 days and allow the holder to spend up to 90 days in the country.
Visit Visa: Those with family or friends in Spain may visit them for a short time.
Student Visa: Nigerian students offered admission by Spanish universities or colleges may apply for a student visa which is valid all through the course duration.
Employment Visa: This visa is for those who have secured employment in Spain, not those looking for work. The government will only allow Foreign nationals to work if they enter the country with an employment visa which must be secured from the embassy in Nigeria. Holders of work visas qualify for residency permits once they arrive in Spain.
How Can I Get Spain Visa From Nigeria?
Nigerian passport holders who want to apply for a visa must visit the Spanish embassy in Abuja or their consulate in Lagos. Before visiting the embassy, they must arrange all the documents required for the application and make photocopies of each of them. They will be issued a visa application form at the embassy, which they must fill out with the correct details and sign. Their documents should be attached to the form and submitted for processing.
It is also important to note that a visa fee is attached to the application, which they must pay and attach the receipt to the application form.
Another option is to approach a visa agency affiliated with the embassy to apply for your visa of choice, but you will be charged extra for the services. Online Visa applications are not open to Nigerians, so the direct application route is the only option open for now.
Visa Processing Time
After submitting the application form for processing, it may take between 15 working days to a month before you will receive feedback from the embassy. The processing time depends on the number of applications the embassy is treating at the time you submit yours. Applicants are advised to submit valid documents and fill out their forms with correct information so their application will not be rejected.
If your application is accepted, they will contact you via your email address or phone number to come for an interview which you must attend with original copies of your documents for review. Some questions will also be asked of you, so answer as plainly as possible.
Successful applicants will be reinvited to pick up their passports and visas.
Spain Visa Basic Requirements
Here are the documents you will need to attach to your application form.
Passport: A Nigerian passport valid for at least 6 months and it older than 10 years old. It must have a minimum of 2 unused pages for immigration officers to affix Schengen visas stickers at the airport.
Photographs: 2 recent biometric passport photographs printed on a matte white background. Your face must be clear.
Proof of accommodation: Hotel reservation or a house address where you will stay in Spain during your visit.
Proof of funds: Proof of funds to show your financial capacity. A statement of account for 3 months minimum is required.
Email Address: This is required for correspondence purposes.
Receipt: A copy of the visa fee receipt
Travel Insurance: A travel medical insurance policy with a minimum coverage of €30,000.
How can I get Spain visa from Nigeria? You must visit the Spanish embassy to submit your application form and documents.