WHAT IS A STUDENT VISA?
It is an authorization to stay in Spain for a period of more than ninety days for the completion or extension of studies in an authorized educational center in Spain, in a full-time program, leading to the award of a degree or certificate of studies.
TYPES OF STUDENT VISAS IN SPAIN
There are two types of student visas for international students, depending on the duration of the undergraduate or graduate degree to be studied:
Short-term visaAimedat foreign students studying in the country for 91 to 180 days.
Long-term visaForthose students whose duration of studies is longer than 6 months.
It is important to note that if the studies last less than 90 days it is not necessary to apply for a study visa (regardless of whether you are an EU citizen or not), having a tourist visa will be enough (in case you need it to enter the country).
DO I NEED A VISA TO STUDY IN SPAIN?
I am a European citizen
No European Union citizen needs a student visa.
When they do the EU registration, once they enter Spain, they will be given the NIE: Número de Identidad de Extranjero (Foreigner's Identity Number).
I am not a European citizen
In the case of non-EU citizens, it will be necessary to apply for a study visa. Once processed, they will be granted the NIE.
In addition, for visas longer than six months, they must apply for a TIE. TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) upon arrival in Spain.
More informationDOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR STUDENT VISAS
- national visa application form, in duplicate, duly completed and signed by the foreigner or his/her representative. This form can be obtained from the website of the corresponding consulate at www.exteriores.gob.es.
- Valid passport or travel document, recognized as valid in Spain, valid for at least the period for which the stay is requested.
- Application form in official model (EX00, duly completed and signed by the foreigner. This model can be obtained at the following link), and proof that he/she is regularly present in Spanish territory and that the application is submitted at least one month prior to the expiration date of his/her status.
- Proof of having the necessary financial means for the period requested and for the return to the country of origin. Any means of proof may be used, such as own means or from relatives, subsidies, grants and scholarships, among others.
- Proof of having medical insurance. This requirement will also be considered fulfilled if the educational institution takes out insurance for the student that covers all the risks normally covered for Spaniards.
- Proof of admission to an educational institution, including, but not limited to, a letter of admission or a certificate of enrollment.
- In the case of underage students, authorization from parents or guardians stating the center, organization, entity and body responsible for the activity and the planned period of stay.
- Medical certificate certifying that the applicant does not suffer from any of the diseases with public health repercussions.
- If you are of legal age, a criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of your country of origin or the country where you have resided for the last five years.
IMPORTANT:
When documents from other countries are provided, they must be translated into Spanish or the co-official language of the territory where the application is submitted.
All foreign public documents must be previously legalized by the Spanish Consular Office with jurisdiction in the country where such document was issued or, if applicable, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, unless such document has been apostilled by the competent Authority of the issuing country according to the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, and unless such document is exempt from legalization by virtue of an International Convention.
CAN I WORK WITH A STUDENT VISA IN SPAIN?
In some countries you are required to prove that you have a financial status that allows you to stay in that nation for the duration of your training. This is the case in Spain, although there is an opportunity to earn some extra income. You can work with a student visa in Spain.
Find out what you need to take into account to work in Spain with a student visa.
More information