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Student visa in Spain

All the procedures for your stay in Spain for study purposes

What is a student visa?

The student visa is a permit required by the host country for international students who want to stay in Spain for study purposes. Citizens from European Union (EU) countries are exempt from this procedure, as a passport or national identity card is sufficient to study in Spain.

The student visa will only be valid for the duration of your academic programme in Spain. In addition, this document allows you to work up to 30 hours per week, which can help you fund your stay or gain work experience during the academic year.

Types of student visa in Spain

It is important to understand the different types of visa so you can be properly informed about the requirements needed to apply for each one.

Short-stay visa

The short-stay visa, type D visa or Schengen visa is intended for international students taking programmes lasting between 3 and 6 months (91 to 180 days). This type of visa is easier to obtain but cannot be extended. If the programme lasts longer than 6 months, the undergraduate student will need to apply for a long-stay visa for Spain.

Long-stay visa

The long-stay student visa is intended for students taking programmes that involve study stays in Spain of more than 180 days or 6 months, such as Bachelor’s degrees (Hons), Master’s degrees or doctorates. This type of visa allows you to apply for a residence card, can be renewed, and allows you to work in the destination country.

International department

Email: international@eserp.com
Phone: +34 91 350 12 12

Requirements to apply for a student visa in Spain

Once you have decided to study in Spain, you must gather the necessary documents to apply for a student visa in Spain:
  • Authorisation from your parents or legal guardians if you are under 18 years old.

  • A passport valid for at least one year.

  • An apostilled/legalised criminal record certificate, valid for 6 months unless the document states a shorter validity period.

  • A medical certificate confirming good health, valid for at least 3 months. The aim is to confirm you do not have any dangerous illness that could put the population of your host country at risk.

  • An acceptance letter from the destination university or educational institution.

  • EX-00 form required to apply for the initial authorisation of stay for study purposes.
  • Current enrolment (minimum 20 hours per week; on-campus or blended learning with 50% on-campus attendance in some cases).

    • For higher education studies: You must be registered at the institution.
    • For Higher National Diploma (HND) programmes: You must register the institution and the qualification.
    • Specialist healthcare training: (NO MIR).
    • Other studies: for holders of a residence permit in Spain.

 

  • Proof of financial means (€600/month) €7,200 €/YEAR
    • Bank certificate signed or stamped by the bank
    • Family member’s declaration of responsibility + the family member’s financial documentation + an apostilled certificate proving the relationship
  • Certificate of registration on the local residents’ register (padrón), so you will need to have a place of residence.
    • Private health insurance.
    • Hospitalisation and emergency care.
    • SIN minimum co-payments.
    • SIN a waiting period.
    • Cover with no financial limit.

 

Important

- Application deadline: 2 months before the end of your legal stay in Spain
- Start of studies: your studies must begin at least 2 months after the date you submit the application.

Things to consider when applying for your student visa in Spain

Before submitting all this documentation, you should keep the following information in mind.
  • If you are from a country in the European Union, you do not need to complete any procedure.
  • If you have an entry ban for Spain, unfortunately you will not be able to complete the process.
  • You must have no criminal record in your home country. This is why you will need to provide supporting documentation that is certified or apostilled by your country’s government.
  • If your stay in the country is short, you must provide a return ticket if you apply in Spain, or a return (outbound and inbound) ticket if you apply before arriving in Spain.
  • Remember that, for your student visa to be approved, you will need to have the qualifications required for university entry officially recognised. Once you do that, you can be confident you meet the requirements to obtain a student visa in Spain.

Practical tips

Start your visa application process at least 90 days before your course starts to avoid any setbacks.
Check that your passport is valid for longer than the duration of your course (a minimum of 12 months is recommended).
Make sure all foreign documents are translated into Spanish and legalised or apostilled.
Keep copies of all the documentation you submit.
FAQ

Frequently asked questions about applying for a student visa

How much money do I need to show as proof of financial means if I want to study in Spain?

Students planning to study in Spain must prove they have an amount equivalent to the Public Income Indicator (IPREM) for each month of their stay in Spain, which for 2024 is €600 per month (€7,200 per year if your studies last 1 year, bearing in mind that if your studies extend beyond a year you will need to renew your visa).

IPREM is a reference index used in Spain to calculate income thresholds for access to various forms of social support and benefits, such as unemployment allowances and grants.

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

The processing time for a student visa for Spain is generally one month from the date you submit your application to the Spanish Consulate or Consular Office, although it may vary and take up to 3 months. If your process is delayed or you have not heard back, do not hesitate to contact our international department for support.

Do I need to apply for the student visa in Spain or from my home country?

From 20 May 2025, the student visa for Spain must be applied for in your home country, at the relevant Spanish Consulate or Embassy. It is no longer possible to apply from within Spain. Once you are in Spain with the visa, if your stay is longer than six months, you must apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at your local police station.

How much does a student visa in Spain cost, and how long is it valid for?

The consular application fee may vary between €60 and €80. However, when applying for the visa, you should also consider other costs:

  • Translation and official recognition of your qualifications and other official documents.
  • Taking out health insurance.
  • Funds to prove your financial means, with a minimum of €600 per month (€7,200 per year).
  • Travel costs.
  • Applying for the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card), with an annual fee of €15.
Can I renew my student visa?

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

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