Spain Visa from Nigeria

Do I Need a Visa to Go to Spain from Nigeria?

Yes, if you are travelling to Spain from Nigeria using a Nigerian passport, you must obtain a visa. Nigerian citizens cannot enter Spain as a tourist or for any other reasons without a valid visa.

The Spanish authorities require Nigerian passport holders, along with many other non-EU passport holders, to obtain a visa for entry into Spain. The required visa is typically a paper or embassy visa, which is a stamp or sticker added to your passport. You must obtain this visa from your local Spanish embassy, consulate, or visa center, ensuring you have all necessary documentation ready for the application process.

Types of Spain Visas available for Nigerians

Spain offers a large number of visa types available to foreign nationals who wish to visit or move to the country. Each visa has a different set of criteria that must be met in order to be approved for the visa. Therefore, it is important that you understand exactly what type of visa you require according to the reasons you intend to travel to Spain.

The type of visa required depends on the duration and purpose of your stay. They generally fall under two major visa categories:

• Short-Term Visas (up to 90 days): These include tourist, business, medical, family visit, conference, and transit visas. A Travel Insurance certificate is mandatory for application
• Long-Term Visas (more than 90 days): These require a residence permit and include work visas, student visas, investment visas, non-lucrative visas, family reunion visas, and other specific types of visas depending on your reasons for travel

Short-Term Visas (Schengen Visas)

Below is an overview of short-term visas available to Nigerians wishing to travel to Spain. Short term visas are generally categorised as being offered for a duration of 90 days or less.

Schengen Visa

The Schengen Visa is a short-term visa required for non-EU citizens, including Nigerians, who wish to stay in Spain or visit other Schengen countries. This visa grants the holder the right to travel freely within the Schengen Area. It permits a stay of up to 90 days within a 6-month period.

Types of short-term travel covered include tourism, leisure holidays, business meetings, and medical treatment. Applicants must submit proof of mandatory travel insurance covering medical expenses in the Schengen area.

Tourist/Short Stay Visa

The Tourist/Short Stay Visa is a category of the Spain Schengen Visa intended for non-EU citizens wishing to visit Spain for holidays or sightseeing. This visa permits a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period in Spain and allows free travel within the Schengen Area.

Applicants must provide a valid passport, proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay, proof of accommodation, and a valid return ticket. Mandatory Travel Insurance is required to cover medical expenses in the Schengen Area.

Business Visa

The Spain Business Visa is a short-term Schengen Visa for non-EU citizens, including Nigerians, travelling for business. This visa allows holders to attend business meetings in the Schengen area. It permits stays of up to 90 days within a 6-month period. Applicants need a valid passport, proof of financial means, mandatory travel insurance covering medical expenses, and a round-trip flight reservation.

Transit Visa

The Transit Visa is a short-term visa category that Nigerians and other non-EU nationals must apply for under specific conditions.

It falls under the broader scope of the Schengen Visa criteria, and there are two main types:

1. Airport Transit Visa (ATV): a permit that enables a traveller to transit through Spain’s international airport during a layover on their way to their final destination, without granting them entry into the country itself.
2. Seamen Transit Visa (STV): permits seafarers to transit through or stay in Spain for up to five days, specifically to join a vessel or for other travel related to seafaring.

If you are transiting through Spanish territory but do not have one of the following, you must apply for a transit visa:

• A valid Schengen visa
• A residence card from a Schengen country or other listed countries
• A diplomatic passport
• An EU/EEA citizen family member

Medical Treatment Visa

The Medical Treatment Visa is a short-term visa designed for individuals traveling to the Schengen area specifically for medical treatment. This visa allows a stay of up to 90 days within a 6-month period. It is intended for those who require medical care while in Spain or other Schengen countries, ensuring they can access necessary health services during their visit.

Conference Visa

The Conference Visa is designed for individuals attending conferences in Spain, allowing a maximum stay of 90 days. As part of the Schengen Visa system, successful applicants can travel freely within the Schengen Area for the visa’s duration.

Family/Friend Visit Visa

The Family/Friend Visit Visa is a short-term visa for individuals travelling to Spain to visit family or friends, allowing a maximum stay of 90 days. To obtain this visa, applicants must provide proof of financial means and accommodation confirmation, often through a letter of invitation from the host.

Please note that the Family/Friend Visit visa differs from the Family Reunion Visa, which is intended for those seeking long-term residency in Spain.

Study or Training Visa (Short-Term)

The Study or Training Visa (Short-Term) is a specific category of Spanish short-term visa designed for educational purposes, allowing a maximum stay of 90 days within the Schengen area. It is intended for individuals participating in education or training lasting fewer than three months.

The Study/Training visa differs from longer educational visas, such as the Short Student Visa (up to 6 months) and Long Student Visa (over 6 months), which require longer residency and additional criteria to be met.

Visa for Diplomatic Passport Holders

The Spain Visa for Diplomatic Passport Holders is a short-term visa specifically for individuals with diplomatic passports, typically representatives of foreign governments travelling within the Schengen area. This visa allows stays of up to 90 days within a 6-month period and falls under the Schengen Visa criteria.

Diplomatic passport holders from Nigeria must apply for this visa when travelling to Spain for official representation purposes.

If you are seeking advice and guidance on visa applications for Spain from Nigeria, we have a team of expert immigration advisors and lawyers who can help. To speak to one of our team today, you can get in touch online or call us on +234 2013306361.

Long-term Visas (National Visas) for Spain

Below is an overview of long-term visas for Spain. Also known as a National visa, long term visas are required for non-EU foreign nationals who plan to relocate to Spain for extended periods, usually above 6 months, in order to reside in the country, and engage in activities like employment, study, or investment. Spanish long-term visas must be applied for at the Spanish Embassies or Consulates abroad before arrival.

Work Visa/Employee Visa

The Work Visa (or Employee Visa) is a long-term visa for non-EU citizens to relocate to Spain for paid work. It is classified as a National Visa and allows holders to work and reside in Spain. Applicants must secure a job offer from a Spanish employer, or demonstrate self-employment intentions with a business plan.

Various types include fixed-term employment, self-employment, and specialized permits like seasonal work and the EU Blue Card. Key requirements include a pre-approval letter from the Spanish Immigration Office, usually obtained by the employer, a valid passport, and proof of health insurance.

• Employment Visa With A Fixed-Term Contract: This work visa allows a non-EU citizen to reside and work in Spain based on a fixed-term employment contract with a Spanish employer. The employer must first obtain approval for the work and residence permit from the local Immigration Office before the employee can apply for the visa
• Self-Employment Work Visa: This visa allows foreign nationals to start their own business or freelance in Spain. Applicants must provide a business plan that must be approved via a certificate from Spain’s Self-Employed Workers Association, and they must have sufficient financial resources to cover the costs of establishing and running the business
• Visa for Highly Qualified Workers: This National Visa category is for non-EU professionals recruited by a Spanish company for qualified roles, including senior management, technical specialists, or university graduates. You must have a job offer and meet a salary threshold, and have relevant professional experience or a university degree
• Seasonal Work Visa: This work visa was created for individuals coming to work in Spain for a specific period of time. The seasonal work permit is released at the employer’s request with the Spanish Ministry of Labour, and the employer must ensure accommodation and travel costs
• EU Blue Card: A work and residence permit for highly-qualified non-EU nationals, allowing them to live and work in 25 EU countries, requiring a degree, job offer, and minimum salary
• Au Pair Visa: This work permit is available for applicants aged between 17 and 30 who wish to provide childcare and light household work for a Spanish family who hosts them. This arrangement with the family will need to be confirmed before applying for the visa
• Entrepreneur Visa (Startup Visa): This is a visa for entrepreneurs who plan on developing a business that is innovative and of interest to Spain. This visa allows for a single visa document for both living and working in the country
• Researcher Visa: a long-term visa granted to individuals who plan to relocate to Spain for long periods to participate in scientific or academic research in the country. This type of visa allows the applicant to pursue research activities, as opposed to short-term studies or training that last less than three months
• Internship Visa: This visa is used by individuals participating in unpaid internship programmes

Investment and Non-Working Visas

Investor Visa: commonly known as the Golden Visa, is a long-term visa for foreign nationals making significant investments in Spain. Although the real estate investment route option ended in April 2025, eligible investments include €1 million in Spanish company stocks or €2 million in government debt. This visa allows residency, work, and Schengen mobility, with a permit valid for one year and renewable for three.

Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV): The Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) allows non-EU foreign nationals to reside in Spain without engaging in work. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial means and provide health insurance. The initial visa is valid for one year, renewable for two-year periods, leading to long-term residency after five years of continuous residence.

Digital Nomad Visa (Nomad Visa): A long-term visa for non-EU nationals wishing to work remotely in Spain. Applicants must provide proof of sufficient funds and a clear dependable income source from e remote employment or entrepreneurship. The visa, valid for one year if applied abroad or three years if applied in Spain, is renewable and may lead to long-term residency after five years.

Family and Student Visas

Family Reunion Visa: The Family Reunion Visa is a National Visa for non-EU individuals seeking to join a spouse, child, or parent who is already a legal resident in Spain. The resident must have lived in Spain for at least one year and demonstrate sufficient financial and accommodation resources to sponsor the family members.

• NON-EU Spouse: This category allows the non-EU spouse of a legal Spanish resident to join them for long-term residency in Spain. The legal resident must meet specific residency and financial requirements to sponsor the spouse’s application
• NON-EU Minor: This category permits the minor children, including the spouse’s children under certain conditions, to reunite with the parent who is a legal resident in Spain. The resident must demonstrate adequate accommodation and financial support for the child
• NON-EU Ascendant: This category allows the dependent non-EU parents (ascendants) of a legal resident to join them in Spain for long-term residency. The parents must be dependents and have satisfactory reasons justifying their need for residency

Spouse Visa (Marriage Visa): The Spouse Visa (or Marriage Visa) is a specialised category that Spain issues to allow foreign nationals to join their married partner residing in Spain. This visa supports family unification efforts and allows the spouse to apply for permits to reside in Spain.

Student Visa: The Student Visa is a long-term National Visa for non-EU individuals enrolled in a Spanish university or post-graduate programme. Applicants must have acceptance from an accredited institution, sufficient funds, and mandatory health coverage. It is typically granted for a period of one year.

• Short Student Visa (SSU): This is a National Visa specifically designated for non-EU students whose education or training program in Spain lasts up to six months
• Long Student Visa (SLU): This is the category for a National Visa issued to non-EU students whose study or qualification program in Spain lasts for a period over six months
• SSF/SLF (Accompanying Spouses or Children): These dependent visas are issued under the National Visa scheme for the accompanying spouse or child of an individual holding a Short Student Visa (SSF) or a Long Student Visa (SLF)

Spain Visa Requirements for Nigerian Citizens

Nigerian citizens travelling to Spain must obtain an embassy visa, as Nigeria is classified as a non-EU country. Non-EU citizens without an exemption to enter the Schengen area need to secure a visa before their journey. The required visa is a paper or embassy visa, which is a stamp or sticker in the passport, and it must be acquired from a local embassy, consulate, or visa center prior to travelling.

Each visa has specific criteria that must be met in order for the applicant to be eligible to be granted that visa. For example, some work visas require a job offer from a Spanish employer and approval from the Immigration Office before the visa application, so that you can submit a work and residence permit as part of your application. You may also need to meet specific salary requirements.

Self-employed visas may require presenting a valid business plan and proving significant financial means to prove you can support yourself in the country. Student visas require proof of acceptance from an accredited institution, whilst other types of visa may require proof of arranged accommodation before arriving in the country.

In most cases, the visa application will require at least the following documents:

• Application Forms: A complete visa application in full and the fee self-assessment form
• Passport: a valid, unexpired passport, with at least 4 months of validity with two blank pages
• Photographs: Provide a recent passport-size colour photo against a light background
• Work Authorisation Proof and Employment Contract: applicable for sponsored employment visas
• Criminal Record Check: Provide a clean criminal record certificate covering the last 5 years, legalised or apostilled by your country or countries of residence during that time period
• Medical Certificate: A certificate stating that you have no serious health issues that could cause harm to public health, issued within the last 3 months
• Financial Proof: Proof that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself in Spain – this is applicable particularly for long-term visas
• Medical insurance: valid medical insurance that spans the duration of your visa validity period
• Proof of accommodation: evidence of an address you intend to stay during your time in Spain, such as a lease agreement or a booking confirmation from your accommodation
• Visa Fee Payment: Payment of the visa fee at the time of application submission

Spain Visa Application in Nigeria: How to Apply?

The application process for a Spanish visa for Nigerian citizens, who require an embassy visa, generally follows the procedure outlined below. Alternatively, our team at IAS can support you – we can take charge of the entire application process for you. If you would like support with your visa application for Spain, get in touch with us online or call us on +234 2013306361.

1. Determine Your Visa Type: Identify whether you need a Short-Term Schengen Visa or a Long-Term National Visa based on your purpose of travel.
2. Book an Appointment: Schedule your appointment with the Visa Application Centre in Lagos.
3. Gather Required Documents: Collect all necessary documents, including a valid passport, application form, photographs, and proof of financial means. For Schengen visas, travel insurance is mandatory.
4. Attend Your Appointment: Arrive on time, present your documents, fill out the visa application form, and provide biometric data.
5. Pay the Fee: Pay the non-refundable visa fee using credit or debit cards.
6. Wait for the Decision: The embassy will process your application.
7. Collect Your Visa: Once approved, collect your visa from the embassy.

Processing times vary, with short-term visas taking up to 15 business days and long-term visas up to 8 months.

Spain Visa Application Form

The visa application form is a fundamental and mandatory component of applying for any Spanish visa. In some cases, there may be more than one application form to fill in, depending on the visa type you are applying for. However, generally there are two types of main visa application forms:

1. National Visa Application Form: This form is required for long-term stays and residency applications, such as the Investor or Self-Employed visas.
2. Schengen Visa Application Form: This form is specifically required for short-term stays (up to 90 days), such as for tourism or business.

The application form must meet stringent completion standards:

• Duly Filled In: The form must be duly filled in with the applicant’s data
• Signature and Date: Form must be completed, signed, and dated by the applicant
• Language: The visa application form can be filled out in English or Spanish

The application form and related checklists are readily accessible through the official channels responsible for processing applications in Nigeria, and are free of cost. You can also download the forms online. We can also arrange to help with your visa application – contact us online or call IAS on +234 2013306361 for support.

How Much is Spain Visa Fee in Nigeria?

The Spain visa fee is a non-refundable fee structured as follows:

• €90 for applicants over 12 years
• €45 for those aged 6 to 11
• Free for children under 6

Please note these are general fees and are subject to change, and are not inclusive of other costs associated with travelling to Spain. It is also important to consider the following types of costs that may be associated with your visa application:

• Taxes or fees may be required alongside the visa application fee
• Legal assistance costs
• Travel and medical insurance costs
• Document obtainment and preparation costs
• Administrative Fees
• Travel fees

Spain Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a Spanish visa varies by type, for example:

• Short-Term (Schengen Visa): Up to 15 business days, but may take longer
• Long-Term Work Visa: Approximately 8 months
• Golden Visa: Duration varies; legal residency status begins upon approval
• Non-Lucrative Visa: Initially up to one year, renewable for two

Applications can be submitted up to 6 months in advance. We recommend the support of legal assistance if you have particularly complex cases.

How to Track Spain Visa Application?

To track your Spanish visa application, you can usually monitor the processing online via the BLS International website. Once approved, you will receive a notification. If you applied for an eVisa, an email with your visa and instructions will be sent. You must collect your visa from the embassy or consulate within the specified timeframe to avoid restarting the application process.

Spain Visa Appointment in Nigeria

Nigerian citizen passport holders must secure an appointment to submit a Spanish visa application through the Spain Visa Application Centre, managed by BLS International in Lagos.

Appointments can only be booked online via the BLS website, and proof of residence is required. The appointment is free, but missed appointments are non-refundable. BLS warns against scams; they never request cash payments for appointments.

EU family members can directly approach the consulate, bypassing the standard booking process.

What Are the Common Reasons for Spain Visa Application Rejections for Nigerians?

Common reasons for Spanish visa application rejections for Nigerians include:

• Incomplete Documentation: Missing mandatory documents or errors in the application form submission
• Lack of Travel Insurance: Failure to submit a valid travel insurance certificate covering medical expenses
• Invalid Passport: Passports must be valid for at least six months prior to the intended travel date. Some long-term visas may require a passport valid for an additional year
• Insufficient Financial Proof: Applicants unable to demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay will likely be rejected
• Criminal Record Issues: A criminal record check is mandatory for many long-term visas; failure to provide this or having a disqualifying record will lead to refusal
• Health Standards: Medical certificates confirming that the applicant does not pose public health risks are necessary for certain visas

How Can IAS Help Nigerians With Spain Immigration?

Travelling or relocating to Spain is an exciting opportunity for many Nigerians seeking to explore a popular European country. With various visa options available, including work, student, and family reunification visas, the possibilities are endless.

However, moving abroad involves complex steps, financial considerations, and navigating immigration and bureaucratic processes. This can be particularly overwhelming for first-time travellers unfamiliar with the language or immigration customs of Spain.

That’s where we come in. At IAS, our team of expert immigration lawyers specialises in Spanish immigration law and can guide you through every step of the visa application process. We ensure your application meets all requirements, reducing the risk of rejection. To discuss your immigration query today, contact us online or call us on +234 2013306361.