Student visa in Spain

Do you want to study in Spain and do you know what you need? If you are a foreigner and want to study at one of the universities in Spain or any other educational centre, you should know that you need to obtain a student visa, for which you must meet certain requirements and documents.

Below, we will talk about this and the whole process you need to follow, as well as the duration of this visa and who does not need to apply for it.

Types of visa to study in Spain

There are two student visa that are granted to those who wish to study in Spain; these will depend on the duration of the courses:

Short-term student visa: this is a type of visa that is granted to students with courses ranging from 91 days to 180 days in Spain.
Long-term student visa: this visa is granted for studies lasting more than 6 months.

It is important to note that, if the studies are less than 90 days, it is not necessary to apply for a student visa, as you can study the programme with a tourist visa (as long as such a document is required to enter the country).

In this sense, students who are EU, EEA or Swiss citizens do not need any permission to stay in Spain while studying.

Student visa in Spain: duration

Although visas are granted according to the duration of the studies, the duration of this document does not necessarily coincide with this period of time.

Short-term visas can be granted for up to one year and, if you meet the initial requirements, you can renew it for each year until the end of your studies.

On the other hand, you may be granted a two-year visa and, in some cases, you will be issued a residence card, with which you do not need to renew your visa but renew your residence permit in the country.

In the event that your studies are extended for any reason, you can apply to the immigration office to extend the duration of your visa, but in this case it will be extended until the date of completion of your studies.

What do I need to obtain a student visa for Spain?

The requirements you must meet to apply for a student visa in Spain include:

• Not being a citizen of the EU, EEA or Switzerland.
• Not be banned from entering the country.
• Have sufficient funds to stay in Spain for the duration of your studies.
• Have full insurance cover in Spain.
• Be admitted by an educational institution in Spain.
• Not have a criminal record.
• Have a return flight ticket (for short-term studies).
• For specialised studies or research, you may need to validate your university degree.

After fulfilling these requirements, you must have the following documents:

• Medical certificate.
• Legal authorisation from your parents (if you are under 18 years old).
• Passport with copy.
• Document that accredits the funds you possess.
• Letter of acceptance at a university or study centre in Spain.
• Form EX00 with all the information requested.
• Information about your place of residence during your stay in Spain.

It is important that all these documents are legalised and translated into Spanish if necessary.

How to apply for a student visa for Spain?

Once you have all the necessary documents, you can apply at the Spanish consulate in your country of origin or, if you are in Spain on a tourist visa, you can apply at the immigration offices.

The application period should be between 90 and 30 days before the start of your studies; no less and no more than that.

It is important to know that this procedure is completely face-to-face, so you must go yourself or a legal representative duly authorised by a notary.

Once you get the appointment at the consulate or the representation of foreigners, bring all your documents and make the application. Generally, it does not take more than 15 days to respond to your application, unless there are any missing documents, they will let you know immediately.

Can I work with this visa?

One of the benefits of the student visa in Spain is that you can work with it. Since August 2022, it has been approved that all student visas issued from that date onwards are authorised for their holders to work, with the only condition that it is only 30 hours a week.

With this visa you can generate extra income to pay for your studies and work in any area of Spain. In addition, at the end of your studies, the visa gives you the opportunity to opt for jobs related to your field, and you can then opt for permanent residence.