HEALTHPLAN MAGAZINE

Spain offers a number of different types of business and work-related visas.

In this article, we will cover the Schengen Business Visa which is a short-stay visa for Spain.

The Schengen Business Visa allows anyone to stay in Spain for up to 90 days (3 months) for business purposes.

It is the equivalent of the Schengen Tourist Visa, however, the holder is also able to undertake business-related activities during their stay.

Who is the Schengen Business Visa for?

If you are looking to attend business meetings, meet with clients or undertake any form of training program or conference while in Spain, the Schengen Business Visa will be the most appropriate visa for you.

With the Schengen Business Visa, you are not permitted to carry out any paid work while in Spain. Any business activity must be unpaid. If you wish to work here, you will need to apply for a Spanish work visa.

It’s important to note that the Schengen business visa is only required by those countries that are listed as needing one by the Spanish government. You can see the current list here.

http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/es/ServiciosAlCiudadano/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Documents/listapaisesvisado.pdf

NOTE: Schengen Business Visas are NOT required for British nationals wishing to stay in Spain for less than 90 days and wish to attend business meetings and conferences. However, you will require one if carrying paid business activity.

Requirements and how to apply

Before travelling to Spain you will need to make an appointment with the Spanish Consulate in your country.

You can find a list of Spanish Embassies and Consulates worldwide at the following official web address - http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Portal/en/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Paginas/EmbajadasConsulados.aspx

If you are from the UK, you can apply for your Schengen Business Visa via the BLS website here https://uk.blsspainvisa.com/visa4spain/

You will need to complete the application form, present certain documentation, sit an interview and pay the relevant fees.

If you only intend to visit one Schengen country, you have to apply at the Consulate of the country you are visiting.

In the event that you are visiting multiple countries, you must apply at the Consulate of the country you will be spending the most time in.

If you are visiting multiple Schengen countries and will not have a main destination and will be spending an equal amount of time between each country, you should apply at the Consulate of the country you will be entering first.

At the time of writing the fees for the Schengen Business Visa are between €35 and €80 per applicant.

You have to apply within 90 days of your visit but preferably within 21 days.

You will need to present certain documentation during your appointment including:-

• A bank statement to show that you have sufficient funds to sustain your visit. You will need to have at least €100 for each day you intend to visit.
• A hotel or apartment reservation showing your accommodation for your stay including the address, phone and email.
• Round trip airline tickets
• Travel health insurance
• Invitation letter from your employer or company you are visiting.
• If self-employed you will need to submit your latest income tax return.
• A recent credit card statement
• A completed application form
• One passport-style photo - 5x5 cm
• Passport or official travel document (Original and copy) - Passport must be no older than 10 years and have a minimum of 90 days validity remaining. It must also have two blank pages in it.
• Signed disclaimer form

Always make sure you check with the Consulate of their exact requirements prior to your appointment, as those listed above may be subject to change in the future.

Once you have made your application, it will usually take 1-2 weeks to find out if your application has been successful.

If you are looking to live in Spain, you will need to apply for a residency visa.