Spain study visa

A Spain Student Visa allows non-EU/EEA nationals to live in Spain while studying at an accredited school, university, or training institution. It can also allow limited work and a pathway to long-term residency if renewed continuously.

Types of Spain Student Visas

Visa TypeDurationWhen NeededShort-Term Student VisaUp to 90 daysLanguage courses or short certificate programsLong-Term Student Visa (Type D)More than 90 daysUniversity degree programs, long courses, vocational studies

Most students apply for the Long-Term Type D visa.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, you must:

✔ Be accepted into an accredited Spanish institution
✔ Show financial means to support yourself
✔ Have valid medical insurance
✔ Provide a clean criminal record (if staying over 6 months)
✔ Show accommodation details (rental contract, dorm letter, host invitation)

Required Documents

(Common checklist – may vary slightly by consulate.)

Valid passport (valid for full study period)
Visa application form + passport photos
Acceptance letter from Spanish university or school
Proof of payment of tuition or enrollment
Proof of funds (~€600–€700/month, or €7,200–€8,400/year)
Medical insurance (private or public)
Background check (apostilled, if stay >6 months)
Accommodation proof
Medical certificate (sometimes required)

Financial Proof Options

You can show:

• Personal bank statements

• Scholarship letter

• Sponsor affidavit (parent or relative)

• Proof of regular income

• Bank guarantee / blocked account (Ahorro visa-style)

Application Process

1. Receive offer and enrollment letter

2. Gather documents, translations, and legalizations (apostilles)

3. Apply at the Spanish consulate/embassy in your home country

4. Attend biometric appointment if required

5. Receive visa and travel to Spain

6. Within 30 days of arrival, apply for TIE (Foreigner ID Card) at the police/immigration office

Work Rights While Studying

You may work:

• Up to 20 hours/week (part-time)

• Job must not interfere with studies

• Employer must register you for a work permit (simplified process)

Bringing Family (Dependents)

You can bring:

• Spouse/partner

• Minor children

They can apply for a Student Family Visa.

Visa Extensions & Staying After Studying

You can renew if continuing studies or progressing from:

Spanish language course → Pre-master → Bachelor → Master → PhD

After graduation, you may apply for a:

• One-year Job Search Permit (Búsqueda de Empleo)

• Or convert to:

  • Work visa

  • Entrepreneur visa

  • Highly qualified worker permit

  • Self-employed visa

Time spent on a student visa counts 50% toward permanent residency, and full time if on a PhD visa.

Processing Time

• Typically 1–2 months

• Can be longer depending on country

Costs

ItemCostVisa fee€50–€80 (varies)TIE card€15–€20Translation/legalizationDepends

Benefits of Spain Student Visa

Live and study legally in Spain
Travel freely in the Schengen area
Work part-time
Eligible to transition to a long-term residency pathway

If you want, I can also help with:

Personal document checklist
Step-by-step application timeline
Letter templates (proof of funds, accommodation, intent letter)