Your time in Spain is up, but you just can’t imagine leaving, so you’ll have to apply for a visa extension. Extensions are rarely granted to people who have visited the country as tourists, but when they are, it is only for an additional three months. The same results are achieved by visiting a neighboring country after your first 90 days in Spain are up and then re-entering Spain shortly after, making sure to have your passport stamped upon exit and re-entry.
However, if you initially entered Spain with a visa, extensions are more commonplace. Usually, though, the extensions can be no longer than 3 months for every six month period granted through the initial visa. By this rule, if your visa is for one year, you would only be able to apply for a six month extension.
To request a visa extension, you must visit the Spanish Police Station in the city where you reside in person and bring the following documentation:
- A completed and signed extension application, which you can find on the Web site of the Ministerio de Política Territorial. Students, interns and researchers should fill out the following form: http://www.map.es/servicios/servicios_on_line/extranjeria/modelos_oficiales_solicitudes/ex11/document_es/EX11.pdf
Everyone else would need the form found at http://www.map.es/servicios/servicios_on_line/extranjeria/modelos_oficiales_solicitudes/ex12/document_es/EX12.pdf - Bring your passport (which should be valid for the duration of the extension) and three photocopies of the personal information and photo page.
- Three color passport photos with a white background.
- Any paperwork explaining/justifying/certifying the reason for the extension.
- An original letter from your insurance company confirming a minimum coverage equal to €30,000 plus two copies.
- Proof that you will be financially capable of supporting yourself during the time you are in Spain, such as bank statements.
- A return plane ticket with a set date to confirm return to your home country.
A letter will be sent to the address on the application form notifying you of whether or not the extension has been granted. If granted, you will have to pay the corresponding fees. Expect notification to take a minimum of a month, although it can take up to several months. However, even if your visa has expired, if you’re waiting to hear back regarding an extension request, you are still considered to be residing legally in Spain. That said, it is recommended to start the extension process as soon as you know that you want/need to stay in Spain longer than your visa allows.
