This visa is intended for teachers, journalists, researchers, scientists and religious ministers that will travel to Spain to carry out activities that are not meant for long-term continuation.
To obtain a visa for Religious activities, please see the requirements here
Required documents
Present original and photocopy of the following documents:
- National visa application form: Each applicant must complete and sign an official application form, filling in each of its sections. If the applicant is a minor, one of their parents must sign the application.
- Photograph: It has to be glued to the application form. A recent, passport-size, 2x2 inches, with white background. The face should be clare and visible.
- Valid unexpired Passport: Original and copy of the page or pages of the passport that contain biometric data. The passport must have a mínimum validity of 1 year and contain at least two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago will not be accepted.
- Proof of residence in the consular jurisdiction: Notarized photocopy of: State ID, Driver´s Licence or Student ID from one of the following States: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.
- Proof of legal residence in the United States (Non-US passport holders): Must present one of the following documents:
- Notarized copy of Permanent Residence Card (Green Card)
- Notarized copy of Valid US visa plus a copy of the I-20 document duly signed in the endorsement
- Holders of B-1/B-2 visas cannot apply in the United States; they must apply in their country of permanent residence.
Letter describing the activities to be performed, mentioning also that the organization will assume financial responsibility for the applicant. Documents verifying that the organization is accredited by the corresponding governmental authorities in Spain.
Documentation proving that the visa applicant has sufficient financial means to cover his/her living and maintenance expenses, including, where applicable, those of his/her family, during the period of time he/she remains in Spain.
Diplomas, credentials and other documents that proof you are qualified for the position offered, plus certified translation into Spanish.
Authorization form M790 C052 - ¨Autorización de residencia¨. Only available in Spanish. Properly filled out with the address in Spain and ticking the box “autorización inicial de residencia temporal" and signed.
Formulario EX-09: Signed and filled out in print. Only available in Spanish. Signed and filled out with the address in Spain.
Consular visa fees: Money order made out to the Consulate General of Spain in Houston.
US Nationals fee $140 (plus $13 residence permit) Total $153.00
Other nationalities fee $106 (plus $13 residence permit) Total $119.00
For Nationals of Australia, Ethiopia, Canada, United Kingdom and others, different rates are applied based on reciprocity, Please check the Visa fee
- Proof of Health insurance: Certificate in Spanish issued by an Insurance Company authorized to operate in Spain.
It must not have any deductible, copayment or coverage limit
- it must cover 100% of the medical, hospital and out-of-hospital expenses
- Insurance cards will not be accepted as proof of coverage.
- Travel insurance will not be accepted.
- Bilingual Medical Certificate: accrediting applicant´s good health pursuant to the 2005 International Health Regulations. It must have the Doctor's Stamp, or can be printed on medical center´s letterhead; it must not be older than 3 months. It is recommended to use our Medical certificate template
USPS Priority or Express Mail: prepaid, self-addressed and with a tracking number.
Postal delivery authorization : duly filled out and signed.
For stays over 180 days add:
Criminal record check certificate (valid for 6 months): stating that the applicant has no criminal records in the place/s where he has resided the last five years.
a. Applicants over 18 must present original and copy of the criminal record check certificate issued by FBI
and legalized with the Federal Apostille of the Hague Convention requested to the Department of State in Washington DC.
b. The certificates must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator: American Translators Association https://www.atanet.org/
c. Local State background checks and Apostilles are not valid
d. The applicant must present criminal record certificates from the countries of residence of the last 5 years
The Consular Office may request additional documents or data.
Procedure
- Who can apply for a visa: This Consulate is competent to accept only visa applications from individuals residing in the consular district Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.
- Place of submission: Applications must be submitted via postal mail to Consulate General of Spain in Houston- Residence visa with work-permit exemption (1800 Bering Dr. Suite 750 Houston, Texas, 77057).
- Rectifying the application: The Consulate could ask the applicant to submit any missing documents, or to provide additional documents or data that are necessary for a decision regarding the application. The applicant may also be called in for a personal interview.
- Decision period: The legal period for reaching a decision is two months from the day after the application submission date, but this period may be extended if an interview or additional documents are requested.
- Refusal of the residence permit or visa: Refusals of the residence permit or visa will always be notified in writing, setting forth the grounds on which the decision adopted was based.
- Appeals: If a residence permit or visa is refused, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consulate within one month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal is received. An application for judicial review may also be filed with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within the two-month period beginning the day after the date on which the applicant receives notification of the refusal of the visa or residence permit or of the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal.
- Validity period of the visa: For activities to carry out for a period no longer than 6 months, the visa will be valid for the entire program and it will not be necessary to obtain a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE Card).
For activities longer than 6 months, the visa will be valid for 365 day. Applicants will have to present the visa before the National Police (Extranjeria office) within 1 month upon their arrival, in order to obtain the pertinent Foreigner Identity Card (TIE card).