Are you planning a trip to Spain but unsure how much money you need in your account? One of the most critical aspects of a successful Spain visa application is proving that you can support yourself financially during your stay.
Whether you’re traveling for tourism, education, work, or to join a family member, Spanish authorities want to ensure you won’t become a financial burden. That’s where your bank balance comes into play.
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how much balance is required for a Spain visa and how to prove it the right way.
Types of Spain Visas That Require Financial Proof
Different visas come with different requirements. Let’s break them down.
Schengen Tourist Visa
For short-term stays (up to 90 days) in Spain or other Schengen countries. Check the Spain visa information on SchengenVisaInfo for detailed visa categories.
Student Visa
If you’re heading to Spain for higher education or a language course. Details and eligibility are listed on the Study in Spain portal.
Work Visa
Meant for those who’ve secured a job in Spain. The Spanish Ministry of Inclusion and Migration provides guidelines.
Non-Lucrative Visa
Perfect for remote workers, retirees, or anyone who doesn’t plan to work in Spain but wants to live there. See full details here.
Family Reunification Visa
Used to bring spouses, children, or parents to live with you in Spain. Visit Spain’s Immigration Portal for exact details.
Financial Requirements by Visa Type
Let’s get specific now.
Minimum Balance for a Schengen Tourist Visa
Daily Financial Requirement:
As of 2025, Spain requires you to show at least €113.40 per day of your stay.
For a 15-day trip, that’s around €1,701. Refer to the official Spanish Consulate Financial Means Requirement.
Bank Statement Duration:
Provide the last 3 to 6 months of bank statements to prove your financial capacity.
Balance Required for a Student Visa
In addition to tuition fees, students must show they have sufficient funds to cover living expenses.
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Minimum Required: About €700–€900 per month for living costs.
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Annual Total: Roughly €7,000–€10,000 for one academic year.
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Add tuition fees separately unless you have a scholarship. Visit the Spanish Education Ministry site for scholarships and public university guidelines.
Funds Needed for a Work Visa
Your employer will usually sponsor your stay, but if not:
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You need to show salary details in your work contract.
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Have a bank balance that covers at least 2–3 months of living expenses as a buffer — around €2,500–€3,000.
Non-Lucrative Visa Minimum Balance
This visa requires no income from within Spain, so you must rely on savings.
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The benchmark is 400% of IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples).
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For 2025, that’s around €2,400 per month.
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Annually, that’s about €28,800 for one applicant.
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Add €7,200–€8,000 for each dependent.
Family Reunification Visa Balance Requirements
The sponsor in Spain must prove they can support incoming family members.
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Proof of stable income or savings equivalent to IPREM.
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Example: For a couple, you might need around €35,000 annually.
What Counts as Acceptable Proof of Funds?
Spanish embassies and consulates accept multiple forms of financial proof:
Bank Statements
The most common and preferred method. Make sure:
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They’re in your name
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Show regular income and healthy balance
Payslips
Usually for employed individuals, useful in supporting your financial stability.
Tax Returns
Useful for self-employed applicants. You can use tools like TaxScouts to generate them if applying from the UK or EU.
Property Income or Investments
Rental income, dividends, or other passive income sources can also help, but make sure they’re documented.
How to Calculate the Right Balance
Let’s take some examples.
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Example 1: 10-day tourist trip
→ €113.40 x 10 = €1,134 -
Example 2: One-year student visa
→ €800/month x 12 = €9,600 + tuition -
Example 3: Non-lucrative visa for a couple
→ €28,800 + €7,200 = €36,000 minimum
Use real-time exchange rate tools like XE Currency Converter when preparing international bank statements.
Common Mistakes in Financial Documentation
Avoid these red flags that may cause rejection:
Inconsistent Transactions
Too many ups and downs raise questions about stability.
Sudden Large Deposits
If a big amount appears right before your visa appointment, it could look suspicious. Provide proof of the source (loan agreements, sale receipts, etc.).
Low Account Activity
If your account shows minimal use, it suggests you might be fabricating balance.
Tips to Improve Your Financial Profile
Build History 3–6 Months Before Application
Start preparing well in advance so your financial story looks natural.
Keep Stable Balance
Maintain a consistent balance above the required minimum.
Avoid Red Flags
No sudden inflows, fake documents, or closed accounts.
How Much Balance is Enough? Real-World Scenarios
For Solo Travelers
Around €1,200–€2,000 for short visits; more for longer stays.
For Couples
Double it, especially if only one of you is the main sponsor.
For Families
Expect €30,000–€50,000 in savings or proof of steady income.
Frequently Asked Questions by Applicants
What if someone else is sponsoring my trip?
Totally fine! But you’ll need their financial documents, a notarized sponsorship letter, and your relationship proof. Sample formats can be found on VisaGuide.World.
Can I use multiple accounts?
Yes, as long as they’re in your name or you can legally show access.
Is cash or crypto acceptable?
Nope. Only traceable bank funds count. Crypto is not yet accepted by Spanish authorities for visa purposes.
Conclusion
So, how much balance is required for a Spain visa? It depends on your visa type, trip duration, and personal circumstances. But one rule applies across the board: Show that you’re financially responsible and self-sufficient.
Prepare early, keep your documents clean, and maintain a healthy bank balance to boost your chances of approval. Whether it’s €1,500 or €30,000, planning and documentation are what make the difference.
FAQs
1. Can I apply for a Spain visa with a joint account?
Yes, but make sure your name is on the account and provide a relationship explanation if needed.
2. Do credit cards count as financial proof?
Not directly, but they can be included as supplementary proof of spending power.
3. What if my bank statements are in another language?
Translate them into English or Spanish, preferably by a certified translator.
4. Is property ownership in Spain considered financial proof?
It helps as part of overall financial strength but doesn’t replace liquid savings.
5. How recent should my bank statements be?
Statements should be no older than 3 months from your application date.
