Many international students in Spain hold a Study Stay Authorization, which is generally valid for one year. To continue studying legally in the country, it is essential to renew the study stay permit before it expires.
Do you know the requirements and necessary documentation to process the extension of your study stay?
Below, we provide key information to help you carry out this process smoothly and extend your student visa in Spain.
What is the renewal of a study stay, and what is it for?
The extension of the authorization for a study stay is an annual renewal that allows international students to continue their studies, exchanges, non-work internships, or volunteer services in Spain. The annual extension of the stay for the relatives of these students is also authorized.
What is the situation that many international students experience?
In most cases, they come to Spain to study for more than a year (either because they are pursuing a four-year degree, or because after finishing their degree, they enroll in a master’s program or another type of training). The study stay, which allows them to remain legally in the country while pursuing their education, is granted only for a maximum of two years.
Therefore, if your studies last more than 24 months, you must extend that initial authorization, known as the extension of the study stay.
Purposes of the Study Stay Extension in Spain:
There are four main purposes for renewing a student NIE in Spain:
- Extend your stay to continue studying in Spain: Extend your study residence permit to continue your education in Spain.
- Undertake non-work internships: Participate in internships that complement your academic training.
- Continue with research tasks: Carry on with research projects related to your studies.
- Participate in a student exchange or volunteer service: Take part in exchange programs or volunteer activities.
If you have submitted a joint application and are in Spain with your family members, the study stay extension in Spain will also prolong their authorized stay.
Legal Framework for the Renewal
The renewal of the authorization for study stay in Spain is governed by a set of European and national regulations that establish the requirements, procedures, and rights for international students. Here is the legal framework for the renewal of the study stay permit:
- Council Directive 2004/114/EC: This European directive sets the requirements for the admission of third-country nationals for studies, exchanges, unpaid internships, or volunteer services in EU member states.
- Organic Law 4/2000 (Immigration Law): This Spanish law regulates the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain, including the conditions for obtaining and renewing authorizations for study stays (Articles 25 bis, 30, and 33).
- Royal Decree 557/2011 (Immigration Regulation): This regulation develops the Immigration Law and outlines specific details on the requirements, procedures, and necessary documentation for renewing the authorization for study stay in Spain (Articles 37 to 42).
Documents and Requirements for Study Stay Extension
Copies of all documents must be provided, and originals must be presented when submitting the application for the study stay extension in Spain.
- Application form: Official form EX-00, completed and signed in duplicate by the foreigner or their legal representative if underage.
- Valid passport: Valid passport or travel document.
- Financial means: Proof of having sufficient financial means for the requested period and for returning to the country of origin.
- Authorization for minors: If the student is a minor, authorization from parents or guardians specifying the institution, organization, entity, and body responsible for the activity and the intended stay period.
- Health insurance: Proof of having health insurance.
- Specific activity requirements: Documentation proving compliance with the specific requirements for the activity for which the stay in Spain was authorized.
- Continuity of studies or activities: Proof of having passed required exams and continuing with studies, research, training, non-work internships, or volunteer services.
Important Note: Remember that documents from other countries must be translated into Spanish or the co-official language of the region where the application is submitted. Additionally, all foreign public documents must be legalized by the Spanish consulate in the country of issue or by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, unless the document has been apostilled under the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, or is exempt from legalization under an international agreement.
Requirements for Study Stay Renewal
- Not a European Union citizen: To renew your study stay, you must not be a citizen of an EU Member State, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, nor a family member of citizens of these countries who are covered under the EU citizen regime.
- No criminal record: You must have no criminal record in Spain or in any countries where you have previously resided for crimes recognized under Spanish law.
- No entry ban: You must not be banned from entering Spain or listed as inadmissible in any territories with which Spain has agreements for such purposes.
- Sufficient financial means: You must have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and return to your country, as well as those of your family members if applicable. The required amounts for 2024 are:
- For yourself: 100% of the IPREM (€600 per month).
- For your family members: 75% of the IPREM (€450 per month for the first family member) and 50% of the IPREM (€300 per month for each additional family member).
- Health insurance: You must have public or private health insurance that covers the usual risks for Spanish citizens during the renewal of your study stay.
- Authorization for minors: For underage students not accompanied by parents or guardians, their authorization is required.
- Specific activity requirements: You must continue to meet the specific requirements for the activity for which the stay was authorized.
- Continuity of studies or activities: You must prove you have passed the required exams, continue with non-work internships, or engage in volunteer services. This requirement can also be demonstrated through studies or research in another EU Member State as part of temporary programs promoted by the EU.
Step-by-Step Legal Procedure to Apply for a Study Stay Extension
- Document Preparation: Gather all necessary documents for the study stay extension application.
- Fill Out the Form: Complete the application form to renew your student visa in Spain.
- Payment of Fees: Pay the fee for the study stay extension.
- Submit the Application: Submit the application and required documents at the corresponding Immigration Office or through the online platform.
- Resolution: Wait for the resolution of your application, which may take several weeks.
Information About the Procedure
The application to renew the student card must be submitted by the foreigner or, if underage, by their parents, guardians, or representatives, at any public registry addressed to the Immigration Office of the province where the activity will take place. It must be done within the 60 days prior to the expiration of the authorization or within 90 days after, though the latter may result in a sanctioning procedure. Submitting the application on time extends the validity of the authorization until a decision is made. Extension fees must be paid within ten working days after the application is accepted. The resolution period is three months from the application submission date; if no decision is communicated within this period, the application will be considered denied due to administrative silence.
Deadlines for Student Visa Extension in Spain
The extension must be requested 60 days before or 90 days after the card’s expiration. The Immigration Office has three months to respond. If no response is received within this period, the application is considered denied by administrative silence.
Where to Submit the Study Visa Extension Application
At a public registry addressed to the Immigration Office of the province where you will conduct your studies, internships, or research.
Physical Residency Card (TIE) for Study Stay Extension
If the authorization is for more than six months, you must apply for a TIE. If the studies or course last less than six months, it will not be necessary.
Validity of the Study Stay Extension
The validity of this extension matches the duration of your studies, i.e., the academic year, with a maximum of one year.
- Course duration: If you take a six-month course, your stay will only be valid for those six months.
- Longer courses: If your training lasts three years, the first stay will be valid for two years. Once this period ends, you must request an extension to remain legally in Spain.
Important Note: If you do not renew your stay and your studies end, you will automatically be in an irregular situation, requiring you to return immediately to your home country.
Obtaining a Work Permit After Completing Your Studies
Upon finishing your studies, you can apply for a work permit in Spain. Depending on your situation and the type of employment you secure, you can apply for a highly skilled worker permit, start your own business, or opt for other available work visa options in Spain.
If you need help applying for a student visa extension or preparing the documentation correctly, we can help! Contact us for specialized advice and ensure your application is successful.
Recommendations for Study Stay Extension in Spain
- Start the process early: We recommend starting the extension process well in advance to avoid irregular situations.
- Maintain your legal stay: If you wish to stay in Spain, ensure you follow all legal steps to transition to regular residency.
- Avoid restarting the process: Failure to extend your stay on time means you will have to start the application process from scratch in your home country if you wish to continue studying in Spain.
Ensuring you meet all requirements and completing the procedures on time is crucial to maintaining your legal status and continuing your studies in Spain without interruptions.
What to Do If I Have Already Completed My Studies?
If you no longer want to continue studying, there are options to stay in Spain:
1. Modification from Study Stay to Work Permit (Employed or Self-Employed) If you have been studying in the country for 3 years, you can modify your stay to a work permit.
2. Highly Qualified Work Permit: If you have been studying for 1 year and receive a job offer in a technical position with an annual salary exceeding €50,000.
3. Residence for Job Search: If the institution where you studied is on the approved list, you can apply for this residence to live in Spain for 1 year while searching for a job or starting your own business.
4. Modification from Study Stay to Residence for Internships: Find a company to establish an agreement and apply for internships.
Contact and Assistance
If you have questions or need help applying for your study stay extension or preparing the required documentation, contact our team of immigration lawyers. We are here to help analyze your specific situation and find the best path to achieve your goals. We are at your complete disposal!
Questions and Answers About the Study Stay Extension
- What is the study stay extension? It is the process required to extend your stay permit in Spain and continue your studies.
- When should I apply for the study stay extension? Within the 60 days before the expiration of your permit or up to 90 days after the expiration of your card.
- What are the requirements to renew a study stay?
- No criminal record.
- Enrollment in an official institution.
- Completion of previous studies.
- Enrollment in new studies of the same or a higher level and related to previous studies.
- Sufficient financial means.
- Private health insurance.
- Proof of academic progress.
- What documents do I need to submit for the application?
- Application form (EX-00).
- Proof of address registration.
- Copy of your passport.
- Enrollment receipt.
- Bank certificate.
- Copy of the previous residence card.
- Proof of payment for the applicable fee.
- What happens if I do not renew my study stay on time? You will fall into irregular status and will need to return to your home country or start the application process from scratch.
- Where should I submit my extension application? At a public registry addressed to the Immigration Office of the province where you will study.
- Is it necessary to apply for a TIE (physical residence card)? Yes, if the authorization is for more than 6 months; if it is less, it will not be necessary.
- Can I work while studying with a study stay extension?
- Yes, you can participate in non-work internships and certain part-time jobs compatible with your studies.
- What options do I have if I finish my studies and no longer want to study? Modify your stay to a work permit (employed or self-employed) if you have studied in Spain for at least 3 years.
- Apply for a work permit as a highly qualified worker.
- Request a residence permit for job search.
- Sign an internship agreement with a company.
- What happens if I change studies or educational institutions? New studies must be of the same or a higher level and related to the previous ones, while also meeting all the requirements for the study stay extension application.
- Can I apply for the study stay extension online? Yes, you can apply online through the Mercurio platform of the Ministry of Inclusion. Make sure to meet the requirements and apply before your current authorization expires to submit your study stay extension file via Mercurio.
- Is it necessary to pass all subjects to apply for the study stay extension in Spain?
- It is not strictly necessary to pass all subjects, but demonstrating adequate academic progress is important. This means that while not all courses need to be passed, you must show progress in your studies and be enrolled in an official institution to apply for a student visa extension in Spain.
- If you have more questions or need assistance with your application, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you achieve your academic and residency goals in Spain.