UK Visa for Spanish Citizens: 2024 Application Fees in SpainThis guide provides in-depth information on the current visa fees and entry requirements for Spanish citizens wishing to enter the UK post-Brexit. Since January 1, 2021, Spanish nationals require a visa for work, study, or other long-term stays in the UK, though short-term visits remain visa-free. The guide also addresses visa requirements for non-EU nationals in Spain, including Indian and Pakistani passport holders. We cover everything from costs to application procedures for various visa types—tourist, student, skilled worker—and provide a step-by-step application guide for Spanish residents.
Table of Contents
1. Overview of UK Visa for Spanish Citizens 2024
Do Spanish Citizens Need a Visa to Enter the UK?
| Activity Type | Visa Requirement |
|---|---|
| Tourism, Business Meetings, Academic Conferences | Spanish citizens can stay in the UK for up to six months without a visa for tourism and short business meetings. |
| Work, Study, Settlement | Spanish requires specific visa. |
| Business Travel (extended activities) | Depending on the nature of activities, Spanish citizens may require a UK Visa. |
UK Visa Fees Spain
The UK Visa Fees Spain varies by visa type, with tourist visas at €138, student visas at €589, and spouse visas at €2,218.
| Visa Type | UK Visa Fees Spain 2024 |
|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | €138 (6-months) |
| Student Visa | €589 |
| Skilled Worker | €864 (up to 3 years) €1,707 (over 3 years) |
| Spouse Visa | €2,218 |
UK Visa Processing Time from Spain
| Visa Type and Service | Processing Time and Cost from Spain (2024) |
|---|---|
| Non-Settlement Visas (Standard Processing) | 10-15 working days (2-3 weeks) |
| Non-Settlement Visas (Priority Service) | 5-7 working days, Extra Cost: €601 |
| Settlement Visas (Standard Processing) | Up to 12 weeks |
| Settlement Visas (Priority Service for Spanish Passport Holders and Residents) | 6 weeks, Extra Cost: €601 |
| Super-Priority Service | Next working day, Service Fee: €1,202 |
Note: Extended processing up to 12 weeks may occur in some cases for non-settlement visas from Spain due to various factors such as document verification or administrative delays.
UK Visa for Indian and Pakistani Nationals in Spain
Visa Requirements for Non-EU Residents
- Indian Passport Holders: As non-EU residents in Spain, Indian nationals need a UK visa for visiting, working, studying, and family settlement.
- Pakistani Passport Holders: Similar requirements apply to Pakistani nationals in Spain. They must obtain a UK visa for the same range of purposes.
UK Visit Visa for Pakistani and Indian Nationals in Spain
- Purpose: For short holidays or visits to the UK from Spain.
- Processing Time: Typically, 10-15 working days for non-settlement visas, including visit visas.
- Priority Services: Available for faster processing in Spain.
- Application Submission: Biometric submissions usually occur at TLS application centres in Madrid and Barcelona, Spain.
Apply for UK Visa!
Get expert guidance for all types of UK Visa and Immigration applications, reapplications, refusals, and appeals. ✅ Navigate your journey with confidence!
2. Visiting Visa from Spain to UK
Spanish citizens, classified as non-visa nationals, generally do not require a visa for short visits to the UK lasting up to 6 months. Non-EU citizens residing in Spain, however, do need a visa for tourism and visits to the UK. Nevertheless, according to Paragraph V 1.3 of Appendix V of the Immigration Rules, Spanish citizens must obtain a visa in specific circumstances:
- When planning to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK, or to give notice of marriage or civil partnership.
- If intending to stay in the UK for more than six months.
Standard Visitor Visa UK from Spain
The standard visitor visa is for tourism, family visits, business meetings, short-term studies, and other allowed activities. Spanish and EU residents in Spain typically don’t need a standard visa to visit the UK. However, non-EU residents like Indian or Pakistani passport holders must apply for a standard visa to visit the UK.
Essential Criteria: UK Visit Visa from Spain
To secure a UK Visit Visa from Spain, applicants must satisfy multiple criteria. The foremost requirement is stating the clear purpose of the visit, whether it’s tourism, business, or visiting family. Applicants also need to provide proof of financial means to support their stay in the UK, along with evidence of accommodation arrangements. Furthermore, proof of onward or return travel is required to ensure the applicant intends to leave the UK after the visit. Meeting these essential criteria is critical for obtaining a UK Visit Visa from Spain.
In the year ending September 2022, a total of 409 Spanish applied for visitor visa UK. 370 applications resolved, 327 visit visas granted to Spanish nationals, and 34 applications rejected. Therefore, the UK visitor visa success and refusal rate from Spain are 88.38% and 9.19%, respectively.
UK Visit Visa Fee from Spain
As of 2024, UK visa fees from Spain are €138 for a 6-month visa, €481 for a 2-year visa, €927 for a 5-year visa, and €1,157 for a 10-year visa. All these visas have a maximum stay limit of 180 days per visit.
The standard processing time for visitor visa from Spain is usually 3-weeks. Spaniards and residents in Spain can fast track the decision time to within one week, by purchasing the priority service for €601.
UK Tourist Visa Application for Spanish Citizens
Spanish nationals planning to visit the UK need to complete an online visa application form and submit various documents. These documents should include evidence of the intent to return to Spain, proof of financial stability, and a detailed travel itinerary. The application process includes paying a fee of €138 and providing biometric data at a designated visa application center.
Key Documents Required for Spanish Applicants:
- Intent to Return to Spain: A letter from your Spanish employer or educational institution confirming your commitments in Spain after your UK visit.
- Financial Stability Evidence: Bank statements proving adequate financial resources for your stay in the UK are necessary.
- Comprehensive Travel Plans: Detailed plans, including confirmed bookings for accommodations and transportation in the UK.
Snapshot: Other UK Visitor Visas from Spain
| Visa Type for Spanish Citizens | UK Visa Fees Spain 2024 |
|---|---|
| Marriage Visitor Visa: For Spanish citizens to get married or registering civil partnership in the UK. Duration: Up to 180 days. | €138 |
| Private Medical Treatment Visa: For Spanish citizens to get private medical treatment in the UK lasting 6-11 months. Note: Attendants must apply separately. | €240 |
| Visiting Academics: For Spanish academic professionals engaging in research or educational exchanges for up to 12 months. | €240 |
| Permitted Paid Engagement (PPE): For Spanish professionals to perform short-term paid tasks like lecturing or assessing, available for up to 30 days. | €138 |
| Parent of Child Student Visa: For Spanish parents of children in fee-paying day schools in the UK. Duration: 12 months. | €766 |
3. Study Visa from Spain to UK
The UK Student Visa permits Spanish citizens to pursue a range of educational opportunities in the UK, from higher education to Student Union roles.
In the year ending September 2022, a total of 3,366 Spanish applied for student visa UK. 3,368 applications resolved, 3,286 student visas granted to Spanish, and 21 applications rejected. Therefore, the UK student visa success and refusal rate for Spanish are 97.57% and 0.62%, respectively.
UK Student Visa Fees from Spain
For Spanish students applying for a UK Student Visa, the standard fee is €589, and the typical processing time is about 3 weeks. There is an option for expedited processing at an extra cost of €601.
In addition to the visa fee, Spanish students are required to pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which amounts to £624 per year.
Short-term English Language Visa
The short-term study visa is designed for Spanish studying English in the UK for 6-11 months, costing €240. A 6-month course costs €138.
Work Rights for Students from Spain
- Students studying in degree-level courses have the allowance to work part-time, up to 20 hours per week, during term time and full-time during breaks.
- For sub-degree level courses, the limit is 10 hours per week.
- Dependents of degree-level students can work; however, those of sub-degree students cannot.
Post-Study Work Opportunities
Spanish graduates can avail a 2-year post-study work visa. PhD holders can get a 3-year visa.
4. Family Visa from Spain to UK
The UK Family Visa under Appendix FM allows Spanish citizens to join family members who are either settled in the UK or British citizens. Categories range from spouse visas to adult dependent relatives and parent of a British child visas.
In the year ending September 2022, a total of 91 Spanish applied for family settlement visa UK. 46 applications resolved, 40 family settlement visas granted to Spanish, and 5 applications rejected. Therefore, the UK family (spouse) settlement visa success and refusal rate from Spain are 86.96% and 10.87%, respectively.
Spouse or Partner Visa UK for Spanish Citizens
- Eligibility: Spanish applicants are required to comply with Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules, including confirming a genuine relationship, financial stability, secure housing, and English proficiency.
- Validity & Extensions: Initially, the spouse visa is for 33 months, extendable after 30 months, with an opportunity for ILR after 5 years.
- Cost: Standard visa fees are €2,218, plus an additional €601 for optional faster processing.
Other Family Visas
| Visa Category | UK Visa from Spain Cost 2024 |
|---|---|
| Fiancé(e) Visa For Spanish citizens intending to marry or form a civil partnership in the UK. Valid for 6 months. | €2,218 |
| Parent of a British Child Visa For Spanish citizens who are the sole caregivers of a British child. | €2,218 |
| Adult Dependent Relative Visa For Spanish citizens requiring long-term care from a UK-based relative. | €3,906 |
| Returning Residents Visa For Spanish citizens who have previously been settled in the UK and wish to return. | €766 |
5. UK Work Visa for Spanish Citizens
Can Spanish Citizens Work in UK after Brexit?
After Brexit, Spanish citizens need work permit for working and doing business in the UK. Spanish citizens often choose the Skilled Worker visa when seeking employment in the UK. Other options include visas such as the Innovator, Startup, Global Business Mobility, and Health and Care Worker.
In the year ending September 2022, a total of 3,422 Spanish applied for work visa UK. 3,413 applications resolved, 3,263 work visas granted to Spanish nationals, and 75 applications rejected. Therefore, the UK work visa success and refusal rate from Spain are 95.61% and 2.20%, respectively.
Skilled Worker & Health Care Visa
Spanish citizens looking to work in the UK in skilled occupations have specific visa options available to them. The Skilled Worker Visa and the Health and Care Worker Visa are designed for Spanish citizens and residents sponsored by a licensed Home Office sponsor and offer a pathway to permanent settlement in the UK.
| Visa Type and Details | UK Visa Fees Spain 2024 |
|---|---|
| Skilled Worker Visa For Spanish citizens and residents in skilled roles with a licensed Home Office sponsor. Offers a route to permanent UK settlement. | €864 (up to 3 years), €1,707 (over 3 years) |
| Skilled Worker (Shortage Occupation) Visa For Spanish citizens and residents in specific shortage occupations. | €662 (up to 3 years), €1,303 (over 3 years) |
| Health And Care Work Visa For Spanish health professionals like doctors, nurses, or allied health professionals, sponsored by a licensed Home Office sponsor. Leads to permanent UK settlement. | €341 (up to 3 years), €662 (over 3 years) |
Global Business Mobility Visa UK
An overview of the UK work visas under the Global Business Mobility category for Spanish citizens, including their fees for 2024.
| Visa Category | UK Visa Fees Spain 2024 |
|---|---|
| Senior or Specialist Worker Visa Ideal for senior managers or specialists from Spain transferring to a UK branch. | – Up to three years €864 – Longer than three years €1,707 |
| Graduate Trainee Visa For Spanish individuals in graduate training programs leading to specialist roles in the UK. | €358 |
| UK Expansion Worker Visa For Spanish specialists or senior personnel looking to expand a business into the UK. | €358 |
| Service Supplier Visa For Spanish professionals providing services under UK trade agreements. | €358 |
| Secondment Worker Visa Specifically for Spanish citizens and residents seconded to the UK for significant contracts or investments. | €358 |
Quick Guide to Other Work and Business Visas
Below is a brief overview of various UK visa categories along with their associated fees for Spanish looking to work or do business in the UK.
| Visa Category | UK Visa Fees Spain 2024 |
|---|---|
| Start-Up Visa For Spanish citizens starting an innovative business in the UK. | €523 |
| Innovator Visa For Spanish citizens and residents with innovative, viable, and scalable businesses. Requirements include an endorsement, £50,000 investment, and B2 IELTS level. | €1,431 |
| Innovator Founder Visa (Introduced 2023) Ideal for Spanish entrepreneurs. Simplified process with endorsement approval, could lead to UK family residency. | – Endorsement €1,202 – Application €1,431 |
| Investor Visa For high-value Spanish citizens and residents investing in the UK. | €2,264 |
| High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa For Spanish graduates from top-50 global universities seeking employment in the UK. | €988 |
| Scale-Up Visa For Spanish with a job offer from an authorised UK scale-up company. Leads to potential UK settlement after 5 years. | €988 |
| Global Talent Visa For Spanish citizens and residents who are leaders or potential leaders in academia, research, arts, or digital technology. | – Approval Letter for initial application from Spain: €630 – Spanish Main Applicant with Approval Letter: €231 – Main Applicant without Approval Letter and for Dependants: €860 |
| T2 Minister of Religion Visa For Spanish citizens and residents intending to undertake preaching and pastoral work. | €864 |
| International Sportsperson Visa For elite Spanish sportspersons or coaches contributing to UK sports. Fee varies based on Certificate of Sponsorship duration. | – Up to 12 months CoS €358 – More than 12 months CoS €864 |
| T5 (Temporary Worker) Visa For Spanish citizens in various sectors, such as seasonal, religious, or creative workers. | €358 |
6. How to Apply for UK Visa from Spain?
A comprehensive guide tailored for Spanish citizens and residents in Spain detailing the steps for applying for a UK visa. This guide will walk you through each step of the process, from determining the visa type to preparing for your UK arrival. Note: The estimated cost provided is for a UK visitor visa. Residents in Spain opting for priority service may complete the process within 15 working days instead of 30.
Total Time: 30 days
-
Determine the Visa Type
Identify the specific category of visa that aligns with your purpose for traveling from Spain to the UK.
-
Create an Account
Proceed to the UK government’s dedicated website for visas and immigration. There, establish your own account on the UK Visas and Immigration platform.
-
Complete the Application Form
Application Accuracy: In the online application form, input your details carefully, ensuring they correspond exactly with your supporting documents.
-
Pay the Visa Fee
Transition to Payment: After you’ve completed the form, the system will provide a link to the online payment gateway for the application fee payment.
-
Gather Your Supporting Documents
Based on the visa type, gather essential documents like your Spanish passport or residence permit, proof of finances, and UK accommodation details.
-
Book an Appointment at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Spain
If you’re not using the Immigration App for identity verification, it’s essential to schedule an appointment at a UK Visa Application Centre (UKVAC) in Spain.
-
Attend Your Appointment
Arrive at the VAC with every supporting document needed and carry out the biometric processes as indicated in your appointment details.
-
Wait for a Decision
Next Steps: Once your application is in our system, UKVI will start the processing phase. A notification will be sent to you when the decision is finalized.
-
Collection or Delivery of Passport
Collect your passport with the visa attached from the VAC, or opt for courier delivery.
-
Prepare for UK Arrival
Visa Conditions Awareness: Now that you have your visa, it’s time to organize your trip to the UK. Be mindful of the visa conditions and ensure compliance.
Estimated Cost: 138 €
Supply:
- Application form
- Valid Spanish Passport or Residence Permit
- Recent passport-sized photos
- Invitation letter (if applicable)
- Payment for visa fee in EURO
- Proof of accommodation in the UK
Tools:
- Internet access
- Spanish Passport or Residence Permit
- Financial documents
Materials: Printed online application for UK visa. Financial Evidence: Bank Statements from recent 6 months. Copies of Original Documents: Ownership Deeds, Rental Contracts, Family Form.
UK Visa Application Centre in Spain
| City | Address of UK Visa Application Centre |
|---|---|
| Barcelona | World Trade Centre, Moll de Barcelona, S/N Edificio Sur – 2nd floor, 08039 Barcelona |
| Madrid | Avenida de Asturias, 9, Esquina Antonio González Echarte, CP 28029, Madrid, Spain |
For further details please refer to find a visa application centre.
7. Documents Required for UK Visa from Spain
Supporting Documents for UK Visa Application from Spain
- Passport or Travel Document Requirements: Spanish applicants must ensure their passport is valid for the entire duration of their stay in the UK, including a spare page for the visa.
- Filling Out the Application Form: This should be completed accurately and verified via the UK Visas and Immigration portal.
- Details of Stay in the UK: Spanish residents need to provide information on their accommodation during their visit to the UK.
- Demonstration of Financial Means: Evidence of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay is required.
- Travel Itinerary in the UK: A detailed plan of travel and activities within the UK should be included.
- Proof of Ties to Spain: This includes evidence like employment or family ties in Spain, highlighting an intention to return.
- English Language Proficiency: When required, typically proven through a recognized English proficiency test.
Visa Type-Dependent Documentation:
- Work Visas: Necessary documentation includes a job offer, Certificate of Sponsorship, and relevant professional credentials.
- Study Visas: Require a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS).
- Family Visas: Proof of familial relationships, such as marriage or birth certificates, are necessary.
- Tourist Visas: Additional trip-related information may be needed.
For Spanish Applicants with UK-based Sponsors:
Spanish residents or citizens with a sponsor in the UK should provide additional documents from these sponsors, particularly for visas that typically require sponsorship, like employment or family visas.
Required Documents from UK Sponsors:
- An Invitation Letter from the sponsor in the UK.
- Verification of the Sponsor’s Immigration Status in the UK.
- The Sponsor’s Financial Documentation.
- Proof of Accommodation from the Sponsor.
- Evidence of Relationship with the Sponsor, if relevant.
Remember: While support from a UK sponsor can enhance your application, meeting the primary visa requirements remains crucial for Spanish applicants seeking UK visas.
8. FAQs: UK Visa for Spanish Citizens 2024 Fees in Spain
-
How long can Spanish Citizens stay in the UK?
Spanish citizens can stay up to 180 days on a visitor visa. For other visa types like spouse, student, and work visas, the duration is defined by the visa validity. Spanish can extend their stay by meeting Leave to Remain (LTR) requirements. Certain visa routes also allow for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventual British citizenship.
-
How Many Spaniards Living in the UK?
As of the 2021 census in England and Wales, there were 163,848 Spanish-born residents in England and 3,068 in Wales. Additionally, the number of Spanish passport holders in England and Wales stood at 216,728, marking an increase of over 130,000 since the 2011 census.
-
Do UK Citizens need a visa for Spain?
As of February 2023, travelers staying for up to 90 days do not need a visa, though ETIAS authorization is mandatory.
-
What Spanish can do if UK Visit Visa is Refused?
Spanish citizens can reapply or seek Judicial Review. No appeal rights exist for visitor visa refusals. Appeals are possible on human rights grounds.
-
Can Spanish Work on Visiting Visa in the UK?
Work is not permitted. Violations may lead to visa cancellation and re-entry bans.