The normal requirement of first applying at a Spanish consular post for the short-term stay visa (Schengen visa) is waived for foreign nationals of certain countries. The permitted scope of activity is the same as for short-term stay visas or multiple short-term stay visas. The length of stay is up to 90 days within a 180-day period. In general, visitors cannot extend their stay in Spain but they should change their status. Only under exceptional circumstances, at the immigration authority's discretion, are extensions to the allowed period of stay possible.

The list of non-EU/EEA countries that are presently qualified under the visa waiver program can be found here.

Foreign nationals that cannot benefit from the visa waiver program coming to Spain on short-term business trips may use short-term or multiple short-term stay visas (Schengen visas), the details of which are set out below. In both cases, the purpose of the foreign national's stay in Spain must be either business or tourism-related, but under no circumstance should it be for work. Spanish legislation establishes that, if the purpose of the visit to Spain is work, a work permit is required. It does not clearly establish what activities fall under the jurisdiction of "business" as opposed to "work," although the line between one and the other may be determined based on indicators (e.g., the duration of the foreign national's stay in the country or if the activity that will take place in Spain forms part of the responsibilities inherent to the individual's day-to-day job). In general terms, a business visitor may carry out commercial and professional activities in Spain, such as business meetings, conferences, negotiations and general administration activities. The interpretation should be rigid. Employment and work-related activities in Spain are prohibited for business visitors in general.

Short-term stay visas are valid for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period in Spain. They may be issued for single, double or multiple entries.

Multiple short-term stay visas authorize the foreign national for multiple entries into Spain, but these stays may not exceed 90 days (continuous or cumulative) within a 180-day period. The visa is normally valid for a year but may, in exceptional cases, be issued for a longer or shorter period.

The visitor may extend the stay in Spain but only if the Schengen visa or the duration of the stay does not exceed 90 days. Unless the foreign national qualifies as a student or other categories that do not grant immigrant status (authorizations to remain in Spain) for stays over 90 days within the 180-day period, the foreign national must obtain a residence permit.

Under the Trade and Commerce Agreement between the UK and the EU, UK nationals and/or family members accompanying them to Spain as visitors must check if they will require work permits in Spain for services rendered pursuant to contracts or services as independent professionals.