A step-by-step guide to the Spanish student visa

Why choose Spain for your studies?

Spain is one of the four most popular educational destinations in Europe. Every year, thousands of international students choose Spain for its high-quality education, rich culture, Mediterranean climate, and the opportunity to easily explore Europe with a Schengen visa.

Information updated as of February 2026: This guide is based on current regulations according to Royal Decree 1155/2024 of November 19 and Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament.

Two common options for non-EU applicants
Schengen visa and a student visa

	Schengen Visa (Type C)	Student Visa (Type D)
Maximum Length	90 days within 180 days	4 to 12 months (renewable)
Main Purpose	Tourism, business, visits, short studies	Full-time studies (>90 days)
Study Hours	Less than 20 hours/week	Minimum 20 hours/week
Work Permit	No	Yes (with authorisation and part-time)
TIE Card	No	Yes (for stays >6 months)
Financial Requirements	€113/day (Spain)	100% of the IPREM (€600/month)

Schengen Visa:
Short Stays in Spain
What is the Schengen Area?

The Schengen Area is a single zone of free movement in Europe where internal border controls between member countries have been eliminated. It currently comprises 29 European countries:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

Important: The Schengen Area is NOT the same as the European Union. Some EU countries, such as Ireland and Cyprus, are not part of the Schengen Area, while countries like Norway, Iceland, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein are part of the Schengen Area but are not members of the EU.

What is a Schengen visa?

A Schengen visa (also called a short-stay visa) allows third-country nationals to travel to and stay in any Schengen Area country for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Types of Schengen visas

Type A - Airport Transit

Type A – Airport Transit: Allows you to remain in the international area of the airport during a layover, without entering the country.

Use: Layovers and flight connections

Type C - Short Stay

The most common. Allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, family visits, or short studies.

Options: single or multiple entry

Activities permitted with a Schengen visa

Tourism and leisure: Visiting monuments, museums, cities, beaches, and cultural events
Visiting family or friends: Spending time with residents of the Schengen Area
Business: Meetings, conferences, and trade fairs (without working or receiving a salary)
Medical treatment: Consultations, procedures, or short-term treatments
Studies or short-term training: Courses, seminars, or programs of less than 90 days
Volunteering, au pair programs, journalism, and transit within the Schengen Area

Key restriction: The Schengen visa does NOT allow you to work or receive a salary in any country within the Schengen Area. It also does not allow you to undertake studies lasting longer than 90 days.

Who needs a Schengen visa to enter Spain?

The need for a Schengen visa depends on your nationality, according to Regulation (EU) 2018/1806:
Schengen visa-exempt citizens
Can enter Spain and the Schengen Area without a prior visa for stays of up to 90 days:

All citizens of the EU, EEA, and Switzerland
Citizens of countries with a visa waiver agreement

Citizens who do need a Schengen visa
Must apply for a Schengen visa before traveling to Spain
→ See the list of countries whose nationals require a Schengen visa

Requirements for obtaining a Schengen visa

1. Application form

Completed and signed official form

2. Valid passport

Minimum validity of 3 months from the intended departure date, issued less than 10 years ago, with at least 2 blank pages

3. Schengen health insurance

Minimum coverage €30,000, valid throughout the Schengen area, with no co-payments

4. Recent photograph

Passport size (3×4 cm), light background

5. Travel tickets

Round-trip plane, train, etc. ticket (or confirmed booking)

6. Proof of accommodation

Hotel reservation, rental agreement or official invitation letter

7. Financial means

Spain requires €113 per person per day, with an absolute minimum of €1,017. Please provide bank statements for the last 3-6 months.

8. Travel Itinerary

Description of places to visit, dates, and demonstration of intention to return

9. Visa cost

To be checked at the consulate of each country, at the time of completing the application.

Note: Consular fees are non-refundable in case of refusal.

Additional documentation depending on the reason for travel

Reason for visit	Additional Documents
Tourism	Hotel reservations, tour itinerary, travel insurance
Family Visit	Official invitation letter, proof of kinship, resident’s ID/NIE
Business	Invitation letter from the Spanish company, employment certificate, event/meeting program
Medical Treatment	Medical certificate from the healthcare centre in Spain, proof of payment or coverage
Short Courses	Letter of acceptance from the educational centre, proof of tuition payment

Schengen Visa Application Procedure »

1) Identify the country where you will apply

If you are travelling only to Spain, apply at the Spanish consulate. If you are visiting several Schengen countries, apply at the consulate of the country where you will be spending the most time or at your main point of entry.

2) Schedule an appointment at the embassy/consulate

Schedule an appointment at the embassy/consulate. You can do this between 6 months and two weeks before your trip. It is recommended to start the process at least 2-3 months in advance.

3) Compile all the documents

Make sure you have originals and copies of all required documents.

4) Attend your appointment.

Present your documents, pay the consular fee, and provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). There may be a brief interview.

5) Pay the visa fee

Just make the visa fee payment.

6) Wait for the decision

The standard processing time is 15 business days, but it take up to 30-45 days during peak periods or for complex cases.

7) Collect your passport

You will receive a notification when it is ready. The visa is stamped directly into your passport.

The 90/180 Day Rule

It’s essential to understand how the stay limit in the Schengen Area works: you can stay a maximum of 90 days within any 180-day period. This means the 180 days are calculated rolling backward from each day of your stay.

Example: If you enter on January 1st and stay for 90 days (until March 31st), you cannot re-enter until July 1st (180 days after January 1st). If you only stayed for 45 days (until February 14th), you can return earlier because you didn’t use up the full 90 days.

What is a student visa for Spain?

A student visa (officially called a Study Permit) is a permit that allows non-EU citizens to legally reside in Spain for a period exceeding 90 days for the purpose of studying, training, or conducting research.

Types of student visas

Type D Visa (Short Stay)

4 to 6 months. Ideal for language courses, exchange programs, or short training courses. No requirement to apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).

Open (Long-Term) Visa Type D

6 to 12 months (renewable). For university studies, Master’s degrees, Doctorates, and vocational training. Allows you to obtain the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) as a legal residence permit.

Who can apply for a student visa?

Permitted Activities

Higher university studies: Bachelor’s degrees, Master’s degrees, and university-specific degrees
Doctoral studies and research at accredited universities or centres
Higher artistic studies (music, dance, drama, conservation and restoration)
Higher Vocational Training and higher sports studies
Post-compulsory secondary education: Baccalaureate, Intermediate Vocational Training, professional studies in visual arts and design
Officially recognised mobility and exchange programs
Non-work-based professional internships in public or private companies
Volunteering, au pair programs, and continuing education activities

Who does NOT need a visa?

Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), or Switzerland
Family members of EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

If you belong to these groups, you will only need to apply for an EU Citizen Registration Certificate if your studies last longer than 3 months.

Requirements for obtaining a student visa

1. Nationality

Not a citizen of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland.
4 to 6 months. Ideal for language courses, exchange programs, or short training courses. No requirement to apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).

2. Admission to an Accredited Centre

You must have been accepted into a Spanish educational institution accredited for full-time studies (minimum 20 hours per week). Our 20-hour Super-intensive Spanish course meets all official requirements: 20 hours per week at a centre accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, with a minimum duration of 27 weeks.

3. Financial Means

Demonstrate resources equivalent to 100% of the monthly IPREM (€600/month in 2026) to cover your stay and return.

4. Health Insurance

Have a public or private health insurance policy authorized in Spain with full coverage

5. Criminal Record

No criminal record in Spain or in your country of residence in the last 5 years (only for stays longer than 6 months)

6. Medical Certificate

Prove that you do not suffer from serious public health diseases according to the International Health Regulations (only for stays longer than 6 months)

7. Accommodation

Provide proof of the place where you will live during your study stay.

Sufficient financial resources

The Public Indicator of Income for Multiple Effects (IPREM) is the official reference used by the Spanish authorities to determine if you have sufficient financial resources. For 2026, the IPREM is €600/month.

Study Length	Minimum Amount
6 months	€3,600
9 months	€5,400
12 months	€7,200

Note: If you have prepaid for accommodation for the entire study period, this amount can be deducted from the minimum required.

Ways to demonstrate financial means

Bank statements: From the last 3-6 months with an official bank stamp, showing consistent balances
Notarised letter of financial commitment: From a direct family member committing to finance your studies
Official scholarships: Official letter from the awarding institution specifying the amount
Payslips and employment certificates: If you have verifiable regular income (minimum €600/month)

Basic documents for all applicants

Official application form (Form EX00 or consular form) duly completed and signed
Valid passport with a minimum validity of 6 months and a photocopy of all pages with visas or stamps
Recent passport-size photographs (2-3 photos, 3×4 cm, with a white background)
Letter of acceptance or enrolment from the accredited educational institution, indicating full name, program description, duration, dates, and number of weekly hours (minimum 20 hours)
Proof of course payment (full or initial enrolment fee, depending on consulate requirements)
Medical insurance with coverage in Spain: no co-payments, minimum coverage of €30,000, valid for the entire stay
Proof of sufficient financial means (see previous section)

Additional Documents (for stays longer than 6 months)

Criminal record certificate: From your country of origin, apostilled or legalized, translated into Spanish, valid for a maximum of 3 months
Official medical certificate: Attesting that you do not suffer from serious public health diseases, recent (less than 90 days old), apostilled.

Legalisation and translation of documents

All foreign public documents must be:

Legalised by the Spanish Consular Office in your country, or
Apostilled according to the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961
Translated into Spanish by an official or sworn translator if they are in another language

Application procedure for a student visa

Option 1: From your country of origin

Obtain your acceptance letter and pay for the course.
Gather all required documentation (apostilled, legalized, and translated, as applicable).
Schedule an appointment at the Spanish consulate (90 days in advance is recommended).
Pay the consular fee (The visa fee varies depending on the consulate. Please verify the exact amount with your consulate).
Attend your appointment and submit your application (Bring all original documents and copies. You may be subject to a brief interview).
Wait for a decision (2-4 weeks, up to 8 weeks during peak season).
Collect your visa. Once approved, you will receive a notification to collect your passport with the visa stamp.

Important Deadlines:

Applications can be submitted up to 90 days before the start of the course.
It is recommended to begin the process at least 4 months in advance.
The visa allows entry into Spain up to 14 days before the course start date.

Option 2: From Spain

For citizens of Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and other Schengen visa-exempt countries who can enter without a visa:

Critical requirement from May 20, 2025: You must submit your application at least two months before the start of the course and have legal status with at least two months remaining on your authorised stay.

Contact the Immigration Office in your province.
Download and complete form EX00 (in Spanish).
Gather all the required documentation.
Attend your in-person appointment.
Wait for the decision (3–6 months).
During this time, your status will be ‘pending’.

Foreigner Identity Card (TIE)

If your visa is for a long stay (more than 6 months), you must apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within 30 days of your arrival in Spain.

Procedure to Obtain the TIE:

Register in your municipality: Register on the municipal register with your rental agreement or letter of invitation.
Request an appointment at the National Police Station: Book online on the National Police website.
Download and complete Form EX17.
Pay the fee (Form 790, code 012): Approximately €15-20, payable online or at a bank.
Attend your appointment: Bring your passport, Form EX17, proof of registration, two photos, and proof of payment.
Collect your TIE: You will receive notification within 30-45 days to collect it from the same police station.

FAQ

Can I work in Spain with a student visa?

Yes, but with conditions: you need to find an employer willing to sponsor you, you can only work part-time (maximum 30 hours per week), the work cannot interfere with your studies, and you must apply for a work permit at the Immigration Office.

After completing your studies: You can apply for a job seeker visa, which allows you to stay in Spain for up to 12 additional months to look for work related to your field of study.

How long does processing take?

From the consulate: 2-4 weeks (up to 8 weeks during peak season). From Spain: 3-6 months.

How much does the visa cost?

Approximately €160 for the consular fee, plus costs for apostille, translations, health insurance, and the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) fee (€15-20). These prices may vary; please check with the consulate in your country.

Can I travel around Europe with my Spanish visa?

Yes, the Spanish student visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area for the duration of your visa, provided that Spain is your primary residence.

What happens if my visa is denied?

Should a student visa be denied, the student will need to send official proof of this denial issued by the Spanish Consulate (or Embassy). In this case, Oxford House will reimburse the student’s payment minus a administrative fee.

Do I have to pay for the entire course in advance?

Most consulates require that the course be paid for in full.

Official Resources

Recommendations for a successful application

Plan ahead: Start the process at least 3-4 months before your course begins.
Document everything meticulously: Keep digital and physical copies of all your documents.
Check specific requirements: Each consulate may have slight variations in its requirements. Consult directly with the Spanish consulate in your country.
Consider professional advice: For complex cases or if you don’t have time, an immigration lawyer can greatly facilitate the process.
Do not lie or falsify documents: This can result in a ban on entering Spain and the European Union.
Keep your information up to date: Notify the authorities of any changes to your address, phone number, or email address.
Learn about Spanish culture: Familiarise yourself with the customs, the education system, and the language before you arrive.
Budget appropriately: In addition to the IPREM, consider real living costs in Spain (rent, food, transport, leisure).

Legal Notice
This guide is for informational purposes only and is based on regulations in force as of March 2026. Information may change. For specific cases, always consult the relevant Spanish consulate or an immigration lawyer.

Official sources consulted include the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, and current immigration legislation.

Last updated: March 2026