Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Visitors coming to Spain for tourism, family visits, or business for up to 90 days.
The Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) is a Spanish visitor & short stay visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~€90 (~€45 for children 6-11)) and processing time (~15 days (up to 45 days)), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) is for
Visitors coming to Spain for tourism, family visits, or business for up to 90 days.
No path to residence; for living in Spain you must apply for a national (Type D) visa.
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - eligibility criteria
- Valid passport issued within last 10 years
- Proof of accommodation and return travel
- Travel medical insurance €30,000 cover
- Sufficient funds (~€113.40 per day)
- Clear purpose of visit (tourism, family, business)
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) (Spain) is ~€90 (~€45 for children 6-11), with an indicative processing time of ~15 days (up to 45 days). Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
| Type | Short stay |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | At a Spanish consulate or visa centre abroad |
| Length of stay | Up to 90 days in any 180-day period |
| Work rights | No work permitted |
| Study rights | Short courses only, no long study |
| Government fee | ~€90 (~€45 for children 6-11) |
| Processing time | ~15 days (up to 45 days) |
| Route to PR | No path to residence; for living in Spain you must apply for a national (Type D) visa. |
Pathway & next steps
No path to residence; for living in Spain you must apply for a national (Type D) visa.
Many applicants also compare Schengen A · Airport Transit Visa (Type A), NLV · Non-Lucrative Residence Visa, Student · Student Residence Visa (Estudios). Run a free VisaChief check to see which Spanish route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) pitfalls we fix
Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) - frequently asked questions
How much does the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) cost?
The Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) government fee is ~€90 (~€45 for children 6-11). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs before applying.
How long does the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~15 days (up to 45 days). Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C) lead to permanent residence?
No path to residence; for living in Spain you must apply for a national (Type D) visa.
Can I work on the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)?
Work rights: No work permitted.
Who can apply for the Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)?
Visitors coming to Spain for tourism, family visits, or business for up to 90 days.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official Spain government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs - official Spain immigration authority