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Student visa in Spain

All the procedures for your stay in Spain for study purposes

What is a student visa?

A student visa is a permit required by the host country for the entry of foreign students wishing to study in Spain. Citizens from European Union (EU) countries are exempt from this requirement, as a passport or identity document suffices for studying in Spain.
The student visa is valid only for the duration of your academic studies in Spain. Furthermore, this document allows students to work 30 hours a week, which can help cover living expenses or gain work experience during the academic course.

Types of Student Visas exist in Spain

It’s important to know the different types of visas to properly understand the requirements needed to apply for each one.

Short-Term Visa

The short-term visa, type D visa, or Schengen Visa is meant for foreign students taking courses lasting between 3 and 6 months (91 to 180 days). This type of visa is easier to obtain but is not extendable. If the course extends beyond 6 months, the student must apply for a long-term visa for Spain.

Long-Term Visa

The long-term student visa is for students pursuing studies in Spain for more than 180 days or 6 months, like bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees. This type of visa allows the student to apply for a residence card, is renewable, and permits the student to work in the destination country.

International department

Email: [email protected]
Phone: +34 91 350 12 12

Requirements for a Student Visa in Spain

Once you’ve decided to study in Spain, gather the necessary documents to apply for a student visa.
  • Parental or legal guardian authorization if you are under 18.
  • Passport valid for at least one year.
  • Apostilled/legalized Criminal Background Certificate valid for 6 months, unless stated otherwise on the document.
  • Medical certificate of good health valid for at least 3 months to certify that you have no dangerous disease that could be a risk to the host country’s population.
  • Acceptance letter from the destination university or educational institution.
  • EX-00 Form required for initial study stay authorization application.
  • Course enrollment (Mandatory 20 hours per week, in-person or blended mode with 50% in-person attendance, in some cases).
  • Proof of Financial Means (€600/month) €7,200/year.
    • Bank certificate signed or stamped by the banking entity.
    • Family responsibility document + economic documentation of the family member + apostilled document certifying the relation.
  • Residence registration certificate; you’ll need to have a place of residence.
  • Private health insurance
    • HOSPITALIZATION AND EMERGENCIES
      • NO minimum copays.
      • NO waiting period.
      • Coverage without financial limit.

 

Important Information

- Application deadline: 2 months before the end of your regular status in Spain.
- Start of studies: Studies must begin at least 2 months after the date of application submission.

Considerations When Applying for Your Student Visa in Spain


Before submitting all this documentation, keep this information in mind:
  • If you come from an EU community country, no procedure is necessary.
  • If you have a ban on entering Spain, unfortunately, you will not be able to apply.
  • You must have no criminal record in your country of origin. A certified or apostilled document from your country’s government is required.
  • If your stay in the country is short, you must present a return ticket if applying in Spain, or a round-trip ticket if applying before arriving in Spain.
  • Remember to validate the degrees required for University entry for your student visa acceptance. Once done, you can fulfill the requirements to obtain a student visa in Spain with confidence.

Practical Tips for apply for your student VISA

Start your visa application process at least 90 days before the course begins to avoid issues.
Ensure your passport validity exceeds the course duration (12 months minimum recommended).
All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized or apostilled.
Keep copies of all submitted documents.
FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about Student Visa Applications

How much money do I need to prove my financial solvency if I want to study in Spain?

Students intending to study in Spain must show an amount equivalent to the Public Indicator of Multiple Effects Income (IPREM) for each month of stay in Spain, which for 2024 is €600 monthly (€7,200 annual if your studies are for 1 year, considering a visa renewal after the year).
The IPREM is a reference index used in Spain to calculate income thresholds for accessing various social aids and benefits such as unemployment benefits and scholarships.

How long does it take to apply for a student visa for Spain?

The processing time for a student visa for Spain is usually one month from the submission of the application at the Spanish Consulate or Consular Office, though it can vary and extend up to 3 months. If your process is delayed or you hear nothing, contact our international department for assistance.

Should I apply for the student visa in Spain or from my home country?

As of May 20, 2025, the student visa for Spain must be applied for in the home country at the corresponding Spanish Consulate or Embassy. It is no longer possible to apply from within Spain. Once in Spain with the visa, if the stay exceeds six months, you must process the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the local Police Station.

What is the cost and duration of the student visa in Spain?
  • The consular document application fee can range from €60 to €80. However, consider other expenses in the visa application process:
    • Translation and validation of your degrees and other official documents.
    • Medical insurance.
    • Means to prove your financial solvency, with a minimum of €600 per month (€7,200 per year).
    • Travel expenses.
    • TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) application, with an annual fee of €15.
Can I renew my student visa?

If you applied for a long-term visa and you remain enrolled, you should have no problem renewing your student visa. Contact our international department for support.

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