Ah, Spain! A land of passion, flamenco, and fine wine.

But today, instead of talking about Spain's stunning coastline or its rich history, we're diving deep into a lesser-discussed topic but one that's equally fascinating: Spain's passports.

Whether you're considering becoming a Spanish citizen or simply curious about the different types of passports and their features, this is your all-inclusive guide.

Let’s take a look…

*Disclaimer: All amounts quoted in this article were correct and accurate at the time of publication and may have shifted since.

What Do You Need to Know About Spain Passports?

You might be wondering what types of Spanish passports there are and which one you can apply for.

Our experts have done all the research for you.

Here’s the overview:

What Are the Design Features of Spain Passports?

At first glance, the Spanish passport is striking with its burgundy cover, common among many EU member states.

The golden embossed lettering showcases the country's coat of arms and the words "Unión Europea" and "Reino de España."

How Do Biometric Security Features Enhance Spain Passports?

In today's digital age, passport security is a significant concern.

Spain's powerful passport boasts state-of-the-art biometric features, including:

• Embedded microchip with the holder's details and a digital image
• Ultraviolet ink details (only visible under UV light)
• Intricate watermarks to prevent counterfeiting

What Are the Benefits of Holding a Spanish Passport?

Holding a Spanish passport is like holding a golden ticket because it comes with so many benefits.

Here are some of the benefits to be aware of:

• You gain unrestricted access to the Schengen Zone, which includes 26 countries.
• You benefit from EU agreements on international travel.
• You gain access to enhanced security features, which offer you peace of mind.

Who Is Eligible for a Spanish Passport as a Non-Resident?

A big question is always: can you get a Spanish passport if you’re not a resident of Spain?

If you're dreaming of the Spanish sun and thinking about citizenship, there are several routes you can follow.

You can get a Spanish passport if you:

• descend from Spanish parents.
• marry a Spanish citizen.
• reside in Spain for a time (the typical requirement is 10 years, but this is reduced for certain categories of people).

How Does Dual Citizenship Affect Spanish Passport Issuance?

Spain does allow dual citizenship with select countries, meaning you don’t have to renounce your current nationality if you come from any of those countries.

But remember, the rules can vary depending on the country of your other citizenship.

What Are the Key Regulations Governing Spanish Passports?

Traveling with a Spanish passport has rules and regulations, but we have a few tips to share with you.

Here’s our expert checklist:

• Ensure your passport is valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay.
• Always carry an ID card when traveling within the Schengen Zone.
• For non-EU countries, check visa requirements before traveling.

What Are the Costs and Fees for Spanish Passports?

Nothing in life is free, and neither are passports.

Getting your hands on a Spanish passport comes with a fee, which has been standardized since September 2022.¹

A Spanish passport costs €30 for all types of applications.

This includes first-time applications, renewals, and replacement passports for both adults and minors. 

However

If you’re considered a beneficiary of large family status, the fee will be waived.

What Are the Different Types of Spanish Passports?

A passport isn’t just a ticket to the world; it tells a lot about its holder's status, purpose of travel, and sometimes even the privileges one might enjoy overseas.

Spain issues 4 different types of passports based on these nuances.

Here’s a deeper dive into the 4 main types of Spanish passports and what each represents.

What Is a Standard Spanish Passport?

“Pasaporte ordinario” is the most common type of passport issued to Spanish citizens, and it's your everyday passport for personal and business travel.²

Typically, for adults over 30, the validity extends to 10 years, but for those under 30, it's valid for 5 years.

Children under 5 receive a passport that's valid for 2 years.

That’s not all

Embedded with advanced biometric features, this passport ensures the holder's identity is secure and protected.

What Is a Collective Spanish Passport?

A bit of an anomaly in the modern world of travel, the “pasaporte colectivo” is designed for groups traveling together to certain destinations.

These are often issued to young people under the age of 21, particularly for school or organized trips.

Why’s this beneficial? 

It eliminates the need for each individual in the group to hold a separate passport, simplifying the travel process.

However, it’s worth noting that not all countries accept the collective passport, so always check ahead.

What Is a Diplomatic Spanish Passport?

The “pasaporte diplomático” is reserved for the country’s diplomats and top-ranking officials and comes with its own set of privileges.

Holders often enjoy visa-free travel, access to special diplomatic lines at customs and immigration, and sometimes even exemption from taxes or duties.

It’s not just about luxury, though; this passport is a crucial tool for those representing Spain on the global stage.

What Are Official and Services Spanish Passports?

“Pasaporte oficiales y de servicio”, another category of passports, is designated for government officials or individuals representing the Spanish government who aren't necessarily involved in diplomatic activities.

Whether it's for attending international conferences, official state business, or other government-related activities, this passport ensures smoother travel for its holder.

Similar to the diplomatic passport, it comes with certain privileges depending on the host country.

How Powerful Is the Spanish Passport?

The power of the Spanish passport is measured in terms of the number of visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries it gives access to, as well as its global passport index ranking. 

Let’s dive in.

Which Countries Offer Visa-Free Access with a Spanish Passport?

Spanish passport holders can currently travel to 159 countries without a visa.³

Portugal, Ireland, Italy, the UAE, and the UK are included. 

Visa-on-arrival countries that Spanish passport holders can travel to amount to almost 50 and include the likes of Nepal, Madagascar, Indonesia, and Egypt.⁴ 

What Is the Global Ranking of the Spanish Passport?

The Spanish passport consistently ranks high on the Global Passport Index, often within the top 10.

These rankings give an insight into the global mobility and "power" of passport holders from various nations.

Currently, Spain ranks 2nd worldwide, making it one of the most sought-after and powerful passports in the world.⁵

How Does the Spain Passport Renewal Process Work?

Spain has a standard procedure for renewing passports.

Here’s a general outline:

• Make an appointment: Most passport offices in Spain require you to make an appointment in advance, usually through an online system.
• Gather required documentation: The old passport (if not presented, it could lead to additional fees), a recent passport photo (there are specific requirements regarding size, background, etc.), Spanish National Identity Document (DNI), and any other documentation deemed necessary depending on the specific circumstances.
• Visit the passport office: Go to the passport office at your appointed time.
• Collect your passport: Depending on the office and the volume of applications, you might be able to get your new passport immediately, or you may need to return after a few days. Some offices may also offer the option to have the passport sent to your home.

For Spanish citizens residing abroad, the renewal of the Spanish passport can generally be done at Spanish consulates or embassies.

You’ll need to schedule an appointment, gather the necessary documentation (which might slightly differ from the process in Spain), and pay the appropriate fees.

Common Questions

In Conclusion

Knowing which Spanish passport is right for you will be easy now that you know which 4 types you can choose from and what benefits they hold.

We trust this article gave you all the knowledge you needed to set you on your way! 

If you’re planning a trip to another country and you need another visa, feel free to read more of our articles about other powerful passports.