Spain remains one of the most attractive academic destinations for international students. Whether it’s for its excellent educational system, high quality of life, or cultural diversity, studying in this country is a dream for many. To make it a reality, it’s essential to be fully aware of all the student visa Spain requirements.
This guide will walk you through, step by step, the process of obtaining a student visa for Spain, detailing the necessary documents, legal updates, and key advice for a successful application.
What is the Spanish Student Residence Permit?
The student residence permit, officially known as an “authorisation of stay for studies,” allows non-EU citizens to reside legally in Spain while pursuing higher education, vocational training, unpaid internships, or volunteer work. It authorises your stay for the duration of your academic period and even allows you to engage in paid work for up to 30 hours per week, as long as it is compatible with your studies. This is not a permanent residence permit but is renewable annually.
Key Student Visa Spain Requirements
To obtain a student visa, you must meet several non-negotiable criteria. These are the main student visa Spain requirements:
- Letter of Acceptance from an Authorised Institution: You must have an official letter of acceptance from a recognised educational institution in Spain (e.g., universities, vocational schools, language academies).
- Proof of Sufficient Financial Means: You need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover your expenses. The official amount is equivalent to 100% of the monthly IPREM, which for 2025 is €600 per month (€7,200 per year). For accompanying family members, an additional 75% of the IPREM is required for the first family member and 50% for each additional one.
- Valid Health Insurance: You are required to have private medical insurance without copayments or deductibles, offering coverage equivalent to Spain’s public health system. This insurance must be valid for your entire stay.
- No Criminal Record: If your stay exceeds six months, you must provide criminal record certificates from your country of origin and any countries where you have resided in the last five years. These documents must be duly legalised and translated.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least the full duration of your planned studies.
- Health Certificate: In some cases, you will need a medical certificate to prove that you are in good health and do not have any diseases that could pose a risk to public health.
- Guaranteed Accommodation: You must provide documentation proving that you have a place to stay, such as a rental contract, an invitation letter, or a reservation.
The Student Visa: An Essential First Step
For stays longer than 90 days, you must apply for a student visa at the Spanish consulate in your country of origin. According to the latest regulations, all applications must be submitted from your home country at least 30-60 days before the start of your course.
Once you have your visa, you have a 30-day window upon arriving in Spain to apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE). This card is your official ID and is necessary for everyday tasks like opening a bank account, renting an apartment, and other administrative procedures.
Working with a Student Visa
Yes, you are permitted to work with a student visa in Spain, but under specific conditions. You can work for up to 30 hours per week as long as it is compatible with your studies. Your employer must register your contract with the Social Security system. Note that the income from this work cannot be used to prove your financial means for the initial visa application.
How to Renew and Extend Your Permit
The initial permit is valid for one year and is renewable. The renewal process requires you to prove that you are still enrolled in a course, have passed most of your subjects, and continue to have sufficient financial means and medical insurance. After completing your higher education, you may be able to change your status to a residency permit for work or job searching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need to be fluent in Spanish to get a student visa?
Not necessarily. While some institutions may require a certain level of Spanish proficiency, it is not a general requirement for the visa itself. You can be admitted to an English-language program or a Spanish language school. However, a basic understanding of the language will greatly facilitate your academic and social life in Spain.
Can my family members come with me on my student visa?
Yes, they can. Under the new regulations, family members (spouse, dependent children) can apply for a residence permit as dependents of the student. You must prove you have additional financial means to support them, equivalent to 75% of the IPREM for the first family member and 50% for each subsequent one.
Can I apply for a student visa from within Spain?
For most types of studies, you must apply for the visa from your country of origin. However, under the new regulations, if you are already in Spain legally (for example, on a tourist visa), you may be able to apply directly at the Foreigners Office for certain types of higher education or vocational training programs.
Spain’s student residence permit offers a fantastic opportunity to combine high-quality education with a rich cultural experience. By carefully preparing and fulfilling all the student visa Spain requirements, you can ensure a smooth and successful application process.
If you need personalized assistance, at Entre Trámites we offer management and advisory services on immigration matters. You can contact us through this contact form for us to call you, or if you prefer, you can schedule a free consultation or write to us on WhatsApp.
