Vincentians can visit Spain without a visa, but studying, working or joining family requires the relevant permit. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is covered by the Embassy of Spain in Port of Spain, with an honorary consul in the country. Here are the usual routes and how to prepare your documents from Kingstown.
Key facts
- Entry: nationals of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines can stay in the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period; the Entry/Exit System (EES) records each crossing. This does not allow work and does not, on its own, let you settle.
- Citizenship: the general requirement is 10 years of legal, continuous residence. When swearing allegiance you must declare that you renounce your previous nationality (its effect in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines depends on local law) and pass the CCSE and the DELE A2, because Spanish is not an official language there.
- Documents: public documents from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines only need an apostille (Hague Convention), but anything in English requires a sworn translation into Spanish.
- Driving and contributions: there is no licence exchange agreement and no bilateral social security agreement. Once resident you can drive for six months on your licence; after that you need a Spanish licence with theory and practical tests.
How people usually move
- Studies. A degree, master’s or vocational course with a study authorisation, which allows work up to 30 hours a week. It is a stay, not residence: that time does not count towards citizenship. Study permit
- Family. Marriage or a registered partnership with a Spanish or EU citizen gives access to residence as a family member, with the right to work. Family member of a Spanish or EU citizen
- Job offer. With a contract from a Spanish company, the employer applies for the residence and work authorisation before you apply for the visa. Employment permit
- Remote work. The digital nomad visa fits if you work remotely for companies or clients outside Spain, with a relationship of at least three months. You can apply at the consulate or from Spain while legally present. Digital nomad
Documents and apostille
- Police certificate from the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force, issued by the Criminal Records Office at Police Headquarters in Kingstown. From abroad you apply by mail or through a representative, with fingerprints taken by a police authority.
- Apostille: authorities designated with the Hague Conference include the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Registrar of the High Court.
- Birth and marriage certificates, recent and apostilled, needed for residence as a family member or to bring children and partner over.
- Sworn translation: every document in English must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator appointed by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; it can be done in Spain, on the already apostilled document.
What to keep in mind
- Visas are handled by the Embassy of Spain in Port of Spain, also accredited to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The honorary consul can offer some services and emergency help, but visas are requested from the embassy: check its website for the requirements list and appointments.
- The police certificate usually has to be recent: request it once you have a date for your visa application, because it still needs an apostille and a sworn translation afterwards.
- If you are moving with a job offer, do not travel before the employer obtains the authorisation and you get the visa: a visa-free stay does not allow you to start working.
- In Spain: register at the town hall (padrón) and, if you came with a residence visa, apply for your TIE within the first month. If you plan to apply for citizenship, the 10 years run from when you obtain legal residence, not from arrival.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to go to Spain from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines?
Not for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. To live, study or work you need the relevant visa or permit, handled by the Embassy of Spain in Port of Spain.
Can I work if I go to Spain to study?
Yes, a study authorisation for higher education or vocational training allows work up to 30 hours a week, as long as it is compatible with your studies. That time does not count towards citizenship, because it is a stay, not residence.
Is my Vincentian driving licence valid in Spain?
Yes, for six months after you become resident. There is no exchange agreement, so after that you need a Spanish licence with theory and practical tests.