Student Visa in Spain

Are you planning to study in Spain and not a European citizen? The first step is to apply for a student visa or a residence permit for studies in Spain, an option that offers numerous benefits for foreigners. In this guide, we’ll explain the application process in detail and answer all your questions about the student visa in Spain and how to go through the process of obtaining it.

Key questions we’ll answer:

• Can I work in Spain with a student visa?
• What types of studies qualify for the visa?
• What reasons could lead to my application being denied?
• Do years of study in Spain count toward obtaining citizenship?
• How can I study in Spain as a foreigner?

Student Visa Spain: Everything You Need to Know

Spain has become an ideal destination for foreign citizens to start or continue their academic education, largely due to the extensive network of educational institutions and universities in the country, as well as the wide variety of programs these institutions offer. To achieve this, all foreigners wishing to study in Spain must apply for the corresponding Authorization for Stay for Studies in Spain. The student visa for Spain is the residence authorization that allows non-European citizens to live in Spain while pursuing studies at public or private educational institutions, conducting research, or participating in training programs.

Type of Authorization

The Authorization for Stay for Studies is a permit that allows individuals to stay in Spain for more than ninety days to undertake or extend studies at an authorized educational institution in Spain, as part of a full-time program leading to a degree or academic certificate.

Who Needs a Student Visa in Spain?

If you are not a European Union citizen and wish to study in Spain, you will need a student visa or a permit for stay for studies in Spain. However, citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland can reside in Spain without a visa while studying.

Types of Student Visas:

There are two types of student visas for Spain, depending mainly on the duration of your stay.

Short-Term Study Visa

The short-term student visa is for those planning to study in Spain for a period between 91 and 180 days. It is ideal for intensive courses, exchange programs, or language programs requiring a temporary stay. With this visa, you can enjoy the educational experience in Spain while immersing yourself in the country’s culture and daily life. However, it is crucial to ensure that the program is conducted at an authorized educational institution, as this guarantees your stay is legal and that you can enjoy all the associated benefits.

Long-Term Study Visa

The long-term study visa in Spain is for studies that extend beyond 6 months. This type of student visa is common for those enrolling in undergraduate, master’s, or vocational training programs at recognized educational institutions in Spain. With this visa, you have the opportunity to stay in the country for a longer period, allowing you to not only gain academic knowledge but also build valuable relationships and explore Spain’s rich culture.

What if My Studies Last Less Than 90 Days in Spain?

If your studies last less than 90 days, you do not need a study visa for Spain. You can enter with a tourist visa or directly as a tourist if you do not require a visa.

Duration of the Student Visa:

• Studies Longer Than 1 Year: Although it is most common to receive a residence permit for one year, in some cases, permits are granted for longer durations. If granted for one year, you must renew it annually until your studies are completed.
• 1 Year: If your course lasts more than 6 months, you will receive a residence card for studies in Spain. If it lasts less than 6 months, you will receive a stamp in your passport.

Extension of the Visa: Study Stay Renewal

If your studies extend beyond the expiration date of your visa or residence permit, you can apply for an extension at the local police immigration office.

Requirements for a Student Visa or Stay for Studies in Spain

To study in Spain as a non-European citizen, you must obtain a student visa (from your country of origin) or apply for a residence permit for studies (directly from Spain). Below are the requirements and application process for a study stay in Spain:

Requirements for a Study Stay in Spain:

These are the requirements necessary for a student visa application from your country of origin or for applying for a stay for studies directly from Spain.

• Citizenship: You must not be a citizen of a European Union member state, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland, nor a family member of citizens from these countries subject to EU citizen regulations.
• Entry Prohibition: You must not be prohibited from entering Spain or listed as inadmissible in the territories of countries with agreements in this regard with Spain.
• Economic Means: You must have sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses and return travel, as well as those of your family members, based on the following amounts:
  • For your own support: 100% of the IPREM monthly, which in 2024 is €600, unless you can prove that accommodation has already been paid in advance for the entire duration of your stay, in which case 50% of the IPREM must be proven.
  • For the support of family members: 75% of the IPREM for the first family member (€450) and 50% of the IPREM for each additional family member (€300), unless accommodation has been paid in advance for the entire stay.
• Health Insurance: You must have public or private health insurance with a provider authorized to operate in Spain.
• Minors: For students under the age of 18 traveling without their parents or guardians, a parental authorization is required. This must include details of the institution, organization, entity, or body responsible for the activity and the expected period of stay.
• Admission to an Educational Institution: You must be admitted to an authorized educational institution in Spain for a full-time program leading to a degree or certificate.

Additional Requirements for Stays Over Six Months

These are the additional requirements for study visas for stays longer than six months to obtain a student residence permit in Spain:

• Criminal Record: For applicants of legal age, you must not have a criminal record in Spain or in any countries of residence in the past five years for offenses under Spanish law.
• Public Health: You must not suffer from any diseases that could pose a serious public health risk, as specified in the International Health Regulations of 2005.

Required Documentation for Study Stays

Below is a detailed list of the documentation you need to gather to obtain your residence permit for studies in Spain. Remember that every document listed below is required to successfully obtain this residence permit.

National Visa Application Form (only if applying from the consulate). If applying from Spain, use form EX00.

Passport:
A complete and valid passport or travel document recognized as valid in Spain, with a minimum validity equal to the requested stay period.

Economic Means:
Proof of sufficient financial resources for the requested period and return travel to the country of origin.

Minors:
Authorization from parents or guardians, specifying the institution, organization, entity, or body responsible for the activity and the expected stay period.

Health Insurance:
Proof of having valid health insurance.

Admission to an Educational Institution:
Proof of admission to an authorized educational institution in Spain, including enrollment documentation.

Additional Documentation for Stays Over Six Months:

• Medical Certificate: To confirm the absence of any diseases that could pose serious public health risks.
• Criminal Record Certificate: For applicants of legal age, issued by the authorities of the country of origin or any country of residence in the past five years.

Requirements for Legalization and Translation of Documents for Study Stays in Spain:
All documents issued outside Spain must be properly apostilled or legalized. Additionally, if the documents are not in Spanish, they must be translated by a sworn translator authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation.

Application for Study Stay in Spain

As previously mentioned, the application can be made either at the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence or directly in Spain, provided you have a study permit valid for at least one month at the time of submitting your application to the Immigration Office for your study stay in Spain.

Application for a Study Visa Outside Spain

To apply from outside Spain, you must schedule an appointment with the relevant Spanish Consulate to submit your study stay application.

• Processing Time: The administration has a maximum of one month to respond, starting from the day after the application is submitted to the competent consular office. If no decision is made within this time, the application is considered denied due to administrative silence.
• Visa Collection: Once granted, the visa must be collected within two months of notification. If not collected within this time, it will be assumed that the applicant has renounced the visa, and the procedure will be closed.
• Physical Card: Upon arriving in Spain, if the Authorization for Stay for Studies is valid for more than six months, you must apply for the physical card at the corresponding police station. Check the “Granting of Study Stay” section for the required documentation.

Application for a Study Stay From Within Spain

You can apply for a student visa while in Spain if you meet the following requirements:

• Be in a legal status in Spain (e.g., on a tourist visa).
• Submit the application at least one month before the tourist stay or visa expires.
• Register in a Spanish municipality (empadronamiento).

How to Apply for a Study Stay in Spain?

Previously, applications required a personal visit to the Immigration Office with a prior appointment to submit documentation. With the arrival of COVID-19, an online system was introduced for applying for a study stay in Spain, with the following steps:

• Online Application: The Authorization for Stay for Studies can now be submitted online using a digital certificate through the Mercurio platform.
• Application Receipt: Once the application is submitted, either online or in person, you will receive an application receipt.
• Application Tracking: You can check the status of your application online. Instructions are provided for doing so.
• Processing Time: The Immigration Office has a legal period of one month to process and respond to the application. If no response is given within this time, it is considered denied due to administrative silence. However, in most cases, the process takes longer, which does not necessarily mean the application will be rejected.

Submission of the Study Visa Application for Spain:

You can submit the application personally or authorize a representative with a notarized authorization. Applications cannot be sent via email.

Response Time for Study Visas in Spain:

Typically, you will receive a response to your application within a maximum of one month, though delays are common.

Granting of Study Stay: Obtaining the TIE

If the Authorization for Stay for Studies is approved, you must apply for the physical card, the well-known TIE (Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero). For this, you will need:

• Application for the Foreigner Identification Card: Official form EX-17.
• Proof of Payment of the Fee: Form 790, code 012.
• Approval Notice: For the Authorization for Stay for Studies.
• Recent Photograph: Color, white background, passport size.
• Updated Municipal Registration Certificate (Empadronamiento).

This process ensures that foreigners wishing to study in Spain can adequately obtain and manage their study stay in accordance with the regulations for study permit applications in Spain.

What Types of Studies Qualify for a Visa?

To obtain a student visa in Spain, the course you choose must meet certain requirements:

1. Official Public Registry: The course must be registered in an official public registry, either the Official Courses Registry or the registry of the autonomous community where the visa is requested.
2. Minimum Duration: The course must have a minimum duration of 20 hours per week.
3. Qualification: The course must lead to obtaining a recognized degree or certificate.
4. Mandatory In-Person Attendance: Attendance is required.

Valid Types of Studies for a Study Stay Application in Spain

• Early Childhood Education
• Primary Education
• Compulsory Secondary Education (ESO)
• High School (Bachillerato)
• Vocational Training (including micro-accreditations)
• Language Courses: For official or co-official languages in Spain for foreigners. Academies must be accredited by the Instituto Cervantes or an equivalent public entity (it cannot be the applicant’s native language).
• Artistic and Sports Education
• Adult Education
• Higher Education: This includes undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies, as well as proprietary master’s degrees, expert certificates, and specialist certifications.
• Preparatory Courses provided by higher education institutions for higher education degrees.
• Regulated Training for Employment
• Professional Certifications
• Technical Aptitude Training or Professional Qualification

What Are Authorized Educational Institutions in Spain for Your Study Visa?

Authorized educational institutions in Spain are recognized by the Spanish government to provide academic training, such as universities, technical schools, language academies, or courses valid for a student visa in Spain. These institutions must meet specific requirements and be registered in the Educational Institutions Registry, allowing them to issue enrollment certificates necessary for foreign students to apply for a visa or authorization for a study stay.

Studying at an authorized institution ensures your training complies with Spanish regulations, facilitating your academic experience and legal stay in the country. If the institution is not authorized, your student residence permit could be denied. It is crucial to choose an accredited institution and follow the proper process for obtaining a student visa in Spain.

Family Members of Students or Family Reunification for Students

You can bring your spouse or registered partner and children under 18. You must demonstrate an additional 75% of the IPREM for the first family member and 50% more for each additional family member. Documentation proving the family relationship is required for their stay application in Spain as accompanying members.

Family members of a student in Spain can move to Spain by applying for the corresponding visa at the Spanish Consulate in their place of residence. Eligible family members include:

• Spouse
• Registered Partner
• Children under 18 or those with disabilities who cannot provide for themselves due to their health condition

Procedure for Applying for a Residence for Studies in Spain

The visa application for family members of a student can be submitted either alongside the principal student’s application or at a later time.

To grant a student family member visa, it must be proven that the foreign student has sufficient financial means to support the family unit and that the family or kinship relationship exists. For children over 18 years old, documentation must demonstrate their objective inability to provide for themselves.

Until the regulation change in 2024, applications for student family members had to be submitted in the country of origin. After the change, they can now also be processed from Spain, similar to the principal holder’s application.

Conditions for Authorization of Student Family Members

The authorization for family members is linked to the student’s, allowing them to stay in Spain for the same period and under the same conditions as the student.

If the family stay exceeds six months, they must obtain a Foreigner Identity Card when applying for a student visa in Spain as a family member.

It is important to note that family members of students are not permitted to obtain authorization for lucrative activities in Spain under any circumstances.

Working with a Student Visa

If your student visa in Spain was issued after August 16, 2022, you can automatically work up to 30 hours per week without additional procedures, once your study stay application in Spain is approved.

Residency and Work Options for Foreign Students After Completing Studies in Spain

Options to Modify a Study Stay to a Work Permit

If you are a student who has completed your studies, you can apply for the following authorizations:

• Modification from Residence Authorization to Employment Permit: Change your student visa to a work permit, either as an employee (with a job offer of at least 30 hours per week) or as self-employed (presenting a business plan).
• Extension of Study Stay: If you have not completed your studies or want to pursue further studies such as postgraduate (master’s).
• Highly Qualified Worker Residence Permit: If you hold a valid study stay authorization or have completed your studies in Spain and find a highly qualified job offer (e.g., managerial or technical positions with a salary above €40,000 per year), you can apply for this permit. Note that the permit is tied to the hiring company, and you must reapply if you change employers.

In addition to modifying to a regular work permit, there are other options for working in Spain after your studies if your master’s degree is registered in the RUCT:

• Internship Residence Permit: Obtain a contract for internship with a company or an agreement with your academic institution.
• Modification from Study Stay to Job Search Permit: If you studied in Spain for a year and cannot find a highly qualified job, you can extend your stay for an additional year to search for employment or start your own business. Your university must be on the government-recognized institutions list.

Can a Student Continue Working During Renewal or Modification of Their Permit?

If the renewal is submitted correctly within the period (60 days before and 90 days after expiration) and with the proper documentation, the validity of the authorization is extended until resolved.

This means students can continue working up to 30 hours per week while awaiting the decision on their permit modification or renewal.

Do Years as a Student Count Toward Citizenship?

The years spent in Spain under a student visa do not count toward the required residence for Spanish citizenship.

However, years spent on a student visa may impact long-term residence applications, though not counted in full. For long-term residence, time as a student is typically considered at a reduced rate, usually half the actual time.

Legislation Applicable to Study Stays

• Council Directive 2004/114/EC, December 13, 2004: Concerning the requirements for admission of third-country nationals for studies, pupil exchange, unremunerated training, or voluntary service.
• Organic Law 4/2000, January 11: On the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration (Articles 25 bis.f, 30, and 33).
• Regulation of Organic Law 4/2000, Approved by Royal Decree 557/2011, April 20: Articles 37 to 42.

Need Help With Your Study Stay?

If the application process for a study visa in Spain and the subsequent employment options seems complicated, don’t worry. Our team of immigration lawyers can help you throughout the process, from preparing and submitting documentation to applying for permits for your family members and advising on how to work in Spain while studying.

Questions and Answers About Applying for a Study Stay in Spain

What type of health insurance do I need for studying in Spain?
You need public or private health insurance that covers you throughout your stay in Spain. Important: It must cover repatriation in case of severe illness or death. Make sure the policy has no copays (or very low ones) and that the insurance company is authorized to operate in Spain.

How much money do I need to prove I have?
You must show that you have at least €738.11 per month to support yourself. This amount equals 100% of the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples). For a full year, you would need to demonstrate €8,857.32 (€738.11 x 12 months). This can be proven through bank statements, credit card balances, scholarships, etc.

Can I bring my family with me?
Yes! You can apply for family reunification to bring your spouse and children under 18 (or older if they have a disability). They must meet their own requirements and submit the necessary documentation.

What happens if my study stay permit expires?
If you want to continue studying in Spain, you must renew your study stay permit before it expires. If you don’t, you will become an irregular immigrant and could face legal issues.

Can I change my studies during my stay?
Yes, you can change your studies as long as the new program also allows you to obtain a study stay permit. You must notify Immigration, and they may ask for additional documentation.

Do years spent under a study stay permit count toward obtaining Spanish nationality?
No, time spent under a study stay permit does not count toward the residence requirement for Spanish citizenship.

What’s the difference between a study stay and a study visa in Spain?
This is a key question! Let me explain:

• Study Visa for Spain: This is like the “key” that allows you to enter Spain. You apply for it at the Spanish Consulate in your country of origin before traveling. It’s necessary if your stay will last more than 90 days and you’re not an EU/EEA citizen.
• Study Stay Permit: This is the authorization that allows you to stay and study legally in Spain once you’re already in the country. You apply for it at the Immigration Office after entering Spain (and before your visa expires, if you have one).

Can I study in Spain with just a passport?
If you’re a citizen of the European Union or the European Economic Area, yes, you can study in Spain with just your passport, as you have the right to free movement and residence. However, if you’re from a non-EU/EEA country, you will need a study visa to enter Spain and then apply for a study stay permit to legally reside and study during your program.

What are the requirements for studying in Spain as a foreigner?
To study in Spain as a foreigner, you must first meet the academic requirements and secure a spot at an accredited institution (as explained earlier in this article). If you’re not an EU/EEA citizen, apply for a study visa at the Spanish Consulate in your home country. Once in Spain, process your study stay permit at the Immigration Office or with the help of a specialized lawyer. You will need to prove financial solvency, have health insurance, and provide a criminal record certificate, among other requirements.

What changes has the new Immigration Law brought for students?
The new Immigration Law in Spain for students brings several benefits, such as the ability to work more hours (full-time during holidays), easier family reunification processes (with family members also allowed to work), and the opportunity to obtain a residence permit through training after two years of study if you receive a job offer. Additionally, the process for study stay applications is expected to be faster, granting you both a residence and work permit.

What are the requirements for studying in Spain as an immigrant?
To study in Spain as an immigrant, you need a student visa, proof of sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses during your stay, health insurance, and acceptance from a recognized educational institution. You must also have a clean criminal record from the countries where you’ve lived in the past five years and provide the required academic documentation to the institution. If you don’t have a visa or legal status, consider applying for arraigo para la formación (rooting for training), which allows you to regularize your status to pursue studies in Spain.

Can a student visa in Spain be extended?
Yes, it is possible to extend a student visa in Spain to continue your studies. This extension must be requested annually and submitted during the 60 days before your current authorization expires. To apply, you must show that you continue to meet the initial student visa requirements, such as enrollment at an accredited institution and proof of academic progress.

Are there any other requirements for a study stay in Spain?
No, all the requirements for applying for a study stay in Spain have been detailed throughout this article. However, it’s always advisable to consult with specialized professionals to ensure a smooth application process tailored to your specific case.