If you’re a South African planning to live, work, retire, or study in Spain, you’ll need a valid long-stay visa. Spain offers several pathways — each with different legal and financial requirements.
In this guide, we explain every Spain visa option available to South African citizens, how to qualify, and how Borderless Lawyers ensures your application is prepared and submitted correctly the first time.
🇪🇸 Do South African Citizens Need a Visa for Spain?
Yes. South African passport holders need a visa to enter Spain, even for short stays.
| Stay Duration | Visa Requirement |
|---|---|
| Up to 90 days (tourism/business) | Schengen visa |
| More than 90 days (relocation) | National Visa (Type D) |
📌 You must apply for long-stay visas from within South Africa — typically through the Spanish Consulate in Pretoria or Cape Town.
🗂️ Spain Visa Types for South African Citizens
1️⃣ Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV)
✅ Best for: Retirees, remote workers with passive income
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Requires proof of sufficient savings/income
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You cannot work for Spanish clients or employers
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Must have private health insurance
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Allows family reunification
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Renewable yearly → long-term residency
💡 Minimum monthly income: ~€2,400 (plus ~€600 per dependent)
2️⃣ Digital Nomad Visa
✅ Best for: Remote workers or freelancers with foreign clients
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Work must be done for non-Spanish companies
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Requires proof of degree or 3+ years experience
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Show sufficient income (~€2,650/month)
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Health insurance and clean criminal record required
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Residence permit valid for up to 5 years
✅ Great for South Africans working online for international clients.
3️⃣ Work Visa
✅ Best for: South Africans with a job offer in Spain
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Employer must obtain authorization from Spanish authorities
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Contract must be full-time and meet salary thresholds
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Limited availability unless for shortage occupations
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Process includes visa + work/residence permit
💡 Harder to obtain unless you’re in a skilled or high-demand role.
4️⃣ Entrepreneur Visa (Startup Visa)
✅ Best for: Launching a new or innovative business in Spain
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Requires detailed business plan, market analysis, and funding
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Must create economic value or jobs in Spain
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Reviewed by ENISA (Spanish innovation body)
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Health insurance and capital proof required
💡 We assist with business plan drafting and legal setup.
5️⃣ Student Visa
✅ Best for: Enrolling in university, master’s, or language programs
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Requires acceptance letter from a Spanish institution
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Proof of income and insurance needed
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Allows part-time work
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Renewable for duration of study
🎓 After graduation, students may transition to a job-seeker or work permit.
6️⃣ Family Reunification Visa
✅ Best for: Joining a spouse, parent, or child already living in Spain legally
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Sponsor must have a valid Spanish residence permit
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Includes spouse, minor children, or dependent relatives
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Proof of relationship, income, and housing required
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Residence card allows work and study in Spain
✅ Borderless Lawyers handles all family reunification procedures end-to-end.
⛔ What About the Golden Visa?
Spain abolished the Golden Visa in 2024.
South African citizens can no longer qualify for residency by investing €500,000 in Spanish property.
🏡 However, buying a home in Spain can still help strengthen your case for a non-lucrative or digital nomad visa (as proof of accommodation or economic stability).
📄 General Requirements for All Long-Stay Visas
| Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|
| Completed visa application form | Type D national visa format |
| Passport (valid + 2 copies) | Must be valid for at least 1 year |
| Financial proof | Bank statements, salary slips, pension docs |
| Clean criminal record | From South Africa (apostilled) |
| Medical certificate | Confirming no infectious disease |
| Health insurance | Private policy accepted in Spain |
| Proof of accommodation | Rental contract or property deed |
💡 All non-Spanish documents must be apostilled and officially translated into Spanish.
🕒 How Long Does It Take?
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Document preparation | 1–3 weeks (longer for apostilles) |
| Visa appointment | 2–4 weeks, depending on consulate |
| Visa decision | 4–10 weeks |
| Entry to Spain | Within 90 days after visa issue |
| Residency card appointment (TIE) | Within 1 month of arrival |
✅ Borderless Lawyers helps you book consular appointments, avoid missing deadlines, and prepare complete files.
⚠️ Common Visa Application Mistakes
| ❌ Mistake | 💥 Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Applying without full documentation | Causes rejections or long delays |
| Failing to apostille & translate SA documents | Visa will be denied |
| Choosing the wrong visa | Can’t switch visas easily after arrival |
| Not preparing financial records properly | Spain has strict solvency requirements |
| Using incorrect visa application forms | Different forms for each visa type |
✅ We double-check every detail — from income thresholds to translation formats.
👩⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Helps South African Applicants
✔️ Recommend the best visa path based on your profile
✔️ Assist with all forms, requirements, and translations
✔️ Legalize South African documents via apostille
✔️ Book appointments at Spanish consulates
✔️ Support family, business, and student applications
✔️ Offer full post-arrival support in Spain
✅ Remote legal service available throughout South Africa and Spain.
📞 Call to Action
Not sure which visa fits your goals?
Let our relocation legal team guide you from South Africa to Spain — stress-free and legally secure.