To study in Spain for more than 90 days you will need a study visa. We will help you get it.
Here you will find everything you need to know to apply for your student visa.
- When to obtain a student visa: You must obtain your visa to study in Spain when the duration of your studies exceeds 90 days.
- Who can apply: You can apply for a student visa in Spain if you are a non-EU citizen. Neither EU citizens nor those who are eligible for an EU citizen family card can apply.
Studying abroad in Spain. Requirements for student visa in Spain.
- Availability of Financial Resources: Demonstrate sufficient financial means to cover your expenses during your stay and to guarantee your return for yourself and your family members.
- Health Insurance: Obtain valid health insurance that covers all risks insured by the Public Health System in Spain.
- Admission to an Authorized Center: Prove admission to a full-time study, training, volunteering or internship program that leads to obtaining a degree or certificate.
If the course lasts more than 180 days, you must also prove the following:
- No Criminal Record: If you are of legal age, prove that you have no criminal record in Spain and in the countries where you have resided in the last five years.
- Medical certificate: Proof that you do not suffer from serious illnesses that may affect public health.
Other information to take into account when applying for your student visa in Spain:
- Will I be able to work? - You will be able to work up to 30 hours a week, as long as it does not overlap with school hours. Make sure that your card reflects the authorization to work and thus you will be able to carry out legal work activities, both as a self-employed person or as an employee.
- Are all studies valid? - No, it is important that both the academic center and the studies you choose are valid to obtain your visa to study in Spain. Before starting the application, verify that they are recognized by the Ministry of Education, thus ensuring the validity of your Spanish student visa.
- Which relatives can accompany me? - At any time, your immediate family members may accompany you, requesting a visa to reside in Spain for them. Your spouse, common-law partner, and children under 18 or disabled may also come.
At BEA, we are committed to making your process of obtaining a education visa in Spain successful and hassle-free.
Our team of experts is ready to guide you every step of the way, providing you with expert advice on the necessary requirements and timelines. We are here to make your study experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Where to apply for a student visa?
You can apply for your student visa:
- in Spain, during your first days as a tourist in the country
- in your country of origin, at the Spanish Consulate of your residence.
It is important to know what criteria the Embassy or Consulate will apply to guarantee the additional documents that may be required to obtain the student visa.
Duration and validity of your student visa in Spain
The validity of your Spanish student visa must coincide with the duration of the study program you are going to undertake.
The maximum limit of this student visa is one year, which can be extended to two years if the studies are intended to obtain a recognized higher education degree.
The student visa may be extended upon completion if you prove that:
1. You continue to meet the requirements that were required upon application
2. You continue to pursue studies related to those that enabled you to obtain your visa to study abroad in Spain
3. You have successfully completed the course.
Types of study stays
You should not apply for a study visa if your studies are less than 90 days long, as your tourist visa will be sufficient. Nor if you are an EU citizen.
Otherwise, the type of visa will depend on the duration of your studies:
- Studies between 91 and 180 days: you must obtain a short-term student visa.
- More than 180 days: you must obtain a long-term student visa.
Student visa for EU citizens
If you are a student from the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland, you can stay in Spain during your studies without having to obtain a visa.
Applying for a student visa with a tourist visa
The Immigration Law allows you to obtain your student visa in Spain while you are legally in the country with a tourist visa.
However, you must apply for it within one month of the date on which your tourist visa expires. If you do not do so within this period, the Immigration Office will not process your application and you will lose the opportunity to obtain your visa to study in Spain.
Does the student visa count towards Spanish nationality?
No. The time you remain with your study visa will not be counted towards obtaining Spanish nationality by residence. If after completing your student visa you obtain a residence and/or work card, the time spent with your education visa will not be counted towards your application for permanent or long-term residence.