Can I get a residence visa or extension to my 90 day tourist visa while in Spain?

Question

I am leaving to Austria on July 10th. I'll be taking the Eurail across Europe to Spain. I was there last year and have lots of family there.

First off, does my time in Austria and the rest of Europe count? I will be staying within the EU for just about all of it. This will be for about a month. Then I'll be in Spain.

I planned on staying in Spain for an indefinite amount of time. I have a one way ticket and planned on staying for 3-6 months. Now I'm short on time and realized I need to get my 6 month residence visa. I meant to plan this out and had it all set up but I was too caught up with other things. I was also a bit under the impression that I could get it while there. Now, I have plenty of family that can vouch or sponsor me. I'd rather do everything legally as to not hinder future travel. I was thinking about trying to get it all taken care of before I leave. Then having my mom send it to me in Spain. I will call the embassy first thing tomorrow. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I´m not entirely sure, but if you have a Spanish visa (that's the stamp they give you on your passport at the border), it's good for three months from the date that you enter the country.  If it's an EU visa, then you need to extend it for sure.  Checking with the Embassy is your best bet, and, of course, if you haven't an Embassy nearby, the nearest Consulate is the next best thing.  I'm not sure if that's a US thing, or a Spain thing, but the Embassy ought to know the answer, or be able to direct you to the right office.

Answer 2

Unless you have a visa that allows you an extended stay you won't be allowed to enter the continent or any of its countries on a one way ticket.  Who sold this to you?  

And you won't be able to travel without your passport....which the embassy will need for your visa so you can't leave it behind and have it sent over to you.  Who sold this plan to you?!?!!

Much depends on what kind of extended visa you are going for...work, student, marriage, etc.  Here is what I suggest.  The day before you travel to europe purchase a one way ticket from Vienna to New York or Washington on a major carrier that has offices both in Europe and the US (United, American, Delta, Continental, etc).  Do NOT under any circumstances look for the cheapest one way ticket.  You want to purchase a fully refundable one way electronic ticket on your credit card no matter what the cost....even if it is $2000.  The date on this ticket must be for a return within 90 days.  The day after you arrive in Europe you will refund the ticket back to your credit card.  So within a three day time you will purchase and refund an expensive ticket.   This will allow you to enter legally and little or no cost other than having your credit card tied up for a few days.  However, here is a slight warning...an airline is much quicker to take your money up front than to give it back to you after the refund.  You may want to ask your mother if she has a credit card that she can tie up for several days.  Be sure you are aware of any cancellation fees before you purchase.  If you are buying a full fare ticket from an airline there probably won't be any.  If you are working with a travel agency it is reasonable to expect some fee.

This is a temporary fix that will allow you to travel soon.  This is not a way to get around Europe's immigration laws.  You will ultimately still have to comply with those.