My husband and I are planning a trip to Spain later this year. However, the Schengen visa requirements I find a bit perplexing.

You're required to provide proof of round-trip airline reservation. However, that requires paying up front, even though the visa may not be granted. Cancellation would almost invariably include cancellation fees. There are websites out there that offer refundable tickets, but I understand you must fly on the ticket included in the original application, so they're not usable.

Likewise, you have to provide proof of transport within Spain, but (AFAIK) train tickets are not refundable. Plus, Spanish train tickets are often not available long in advance.

I'll be paying for everything, so I'm not clear whether my husband needs to provide bank statements showing (and I quote) "a minimum of 118 Euros per day per person with a minimum balance of 1,065 Euros".

Similarly, to be a sponsor, one is apparently required to provide "sponsor’s proof of employment and economic means" - but I'm retired, so no employment. How does that work?

Any thoughts? Thanks.

You don’t need to pay for flights or trains upfront. Spain only requires reservations or a travel plan, not confirmed tickets, and you’re not tied to the exact flights you submit. Use a flight hold or agent-issued itinerary, book hotels with free cancellation, and provide a simple itinerary for internal travel—no need to pre-book trains.

On finances, each of you must still show funds (around €118 per day, with a minimum balance), even if you’re paying. Your husband submits his own bank statements, and you add a sponsorship letter plus your financial proof. Being retired is fine—you just show pension income or savings instead of employment.