To travel to Spain, you will need a visa if you are not a citizen of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland. There are different types of visas, and below, I will mention the main ones:
Tourist visa (Schengen Visa): If your goal is to travel to Spain for tourism, visit friends or family, or participate in cultural or sporting events, you will need a tourist visa. This visa allows you to stay in Spain and other countries in the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days in a period of 180 days.
Work visa: If you have a job offer in Spain, you can apply for a work visa. The employing company must process this type of visa for you, and you will need to present documents that demonstrate the job offer, your skills, and your education.
Study visa: If you plan to study in Spain for more than 90 days, you will need a study visa. You must be admitted to a Spanish educational center and demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your study and living expenses.
Residence visa: If you plan to live in Spain for a long period of time, you will need a residence visa. You can request it for reasons of family reunification, investment, non-profit residence (for retirement), among others. Each category has specific requirements that you must meet, such as demonstrating financial means, health insurance, and accommodation.
It is important to keep in mind that the requirements and procedures to obtain a visa may vary depending on the country of origin. Spain, like other countries in the European Union, has special agreements with some countries that allow visa-free entry or obtaining a visa more easily.
For example, citizens of EU, EEA and Swiss countries do not need to apply for a visa to enter Spain. Instead, they can use their ID or passport to enter and live in the country. Some countries, such as Mexico, Chile and Colombia, have bilateral agreements with Spain that facilitate obtaining visas for tourism, studies and work. In these cases, citizens of these countries may have a simpler process and shorter wait times.
In conclusion, there are different types of visas to travel to Spain, depending on the purpose of your visit and your country of origin. It is essential that you research the specific requirements and consult the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country for up-to-date information on the visa application process.