If you are interested in taking a trip to Spain and would need a Schengen visa, is it necessary to know the types of Schengen visa Spain, so you apply for the appropriate one? Schengen visas are of different types designed to serve a purpose, and they are categorized into Type A, B, C, and D. The A, B, and C categories cover Uniform Visas, and they have a shirt validity of 180 said, and holders can stay in Spain or any other Schengen country for 90 days.
Let’s review the visas below.
Types of Schengen Visa Spain
Type A Visa – Airport Transit Visa
Type A Visa is for citizens of non Schengen or Visa free countries transiting through Spain to another country. Persons who must take connecting flights from Spain will need this Visa, and they are not allowed to stay in Spain.
Type B Visa – Transit Visa
This one is similar to the Type A Visa, but the holder can stay in Spain for up to five days before continuing their trip.
Type C – Standard Visa
This is the most common Visa for most visitors coming to Schengen countries. Type C visas are issued by Spanish embassies, Consulates, or designated visa application centers abroad. They allow the visitor to stay in Spain or travel to other countries for 90 days, and the Visa is valid for six months. This Visa is not mandatory for all visitors, only those from non-visa-exempt countries. Here are the different types of Type C visas.
Single entry Visa: This one can only be used once and becomes Invalid immediately after the visitor departs after 90 days. Once they exit Spain or the passport linked to the Visa expires, it cannot be sued again.
Double Entry Visa: Unlike the single entry visa, this one can be used twice as long as it remains valid. Once it is used a second time and the holder departs, they can’t use it again.
Multiple Entry Visa: This Visa is for frequent visitors who wish to enter the Schengen area as often as possible. It has the same validity as the other two.
Type D – Long Stay Visa
The fourth type of Schengen visa is the Type D Visa for extended visits to Spain. It is mandatory for those who wish to work, live or study in Spain for more than 90 days. Some Type D visas may last for one year or more, depending on the purpose of the trip, but the holder can’t stay in another Schengen country longer than 90 days within six months at a time. The conditions for issuing this Visa include private visits, tourism, Study, professional engagements, it family reasons.
Type D visas are issued by embassies based on the national immigration legislation, so they have slightly different requirements than other Schengen visas. Here are the types of Type D visas.
One-Year Visa: The one-year Type D visa is issued to persons who have received a minimum of three visas within the last two years. One of the main requirements is that the applicant must show evidence of previous visas they have obtained. Persons can use it to enter Spain for 90 days within months.
Three-Year Multiple Entry Visa: The three-year multiple entry visa can be used to enter Spain several times but only issued to persons given a multiple entry visa within the last year.
Five-Year Multiple Entry Visa: The five-year multiple entry visa is issued to persons who have secured a multiple entry visa over the last 2-3 years with proof.
Before submitting a visa application, you must do your due diligence to be sure of the Visa you qualify for. If you are coming for work, it will be unwise to apply for a short stay Spain visa that will expire before your engagement is done.
Obey The 90/180 Rule
The 90/180 rule is important to keep in mind to avoid violating the immigration laws of Spain or any other Schengen country you visit. Many people who break the law do so unknowingly by breaking this law. What is the 90/180 rule?
This rule is the Schengen rule which mandates visitors to stay in the country for 90 days within a 180 days period. You need to be very calculative to ensure you don’t break the rules. For starters, this rule does not kick in once your Spain Schengen visa is issued, but that is not the case. The rule kicks at the moment you land in Spain and the day you check out. So use your calendar to count the arrival and departure dates and ensure the days do not exceed 90 days. Staying a day more to make it 91 will be an immigration violation, and they will attract sanctions.
Now that you know the types of Schengen Visa Spain, book an appointment with the embassy in your country or visa center to submit your application.