How to Get a Student Visa for Spain (2025)

If you’re a non-EU citizen planning to study in Spain for a year or more, Spain’s updated immigration laws (Real Decreto 1155/2024, November 2024) outline a clear path to obtain a long-term study visa and stay authorization. Starting May 20, 2025, all study visa applications must be made through the Spanish consulate in your home country, not from within Spain. This guide explains the steps, requirements, and practical tips to help you navigate the process successfully, with official resources to guide you.

Step 1: Secure Admission to a Recognized Institution

You must be accepted into a program at a Spanish educational institution recognized by a public administration (e.g., universities, language schools, or training centers). Obtain an official admission letter, which you’ll need for your visa application.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare these documents for your visa application:

• Valid Passport: Must remain valid for your entire stay.
• Proof of Financial Means: Show you have enough funds to cover living expenses (~€600–€900/month, or €7,200–€10,800/year, based on 2025 estimates) and return travel. Provide bank statements, a scholarship letter, or a sponsor’s guarantee.
• Health Insurance: Obtain comprehensive insurance valid in Spain, covering hospitalization, repatriation, and with no co-pays or waiting periods (~€300–€600/year).
• Medical Certificate: A doctor’s statement confirming you’re free from serious contagious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis).
• Criminal Record Certificate: If over 18, submit a certificate from your home country (or where you’ve lived in the past five years) showing no criminal convictions. It may need legalization or an apostille.
• Proof of Accommodation: Provide a rental agreement, university housing confirmation, or a host’s letter.
• Parental Consent (if under 18): Written permission from parents or legal guardians, notarized if required.

Note: Some consulates may request additional documents (e.g., legalized translations, proof of payment for studies). Visit Spanish Consulates to confirm requirements.

Step 3: Apply for a Long-Term Study Visa

Submit your application at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country (find yours at Consular services):

• Complete the Application Form: Available online or at the consulate.
• Submit Documents: Include all required documents and your admission letter.
• Pay the Visa Fee: Typically €60–€100.
• Book an Appointment: Most consulates require prior appointments, so schedule early.
• Attend an Interview (if required): Some consulates may verify your intentions.
• Processing Time: The consulate will decide within one month. If approved, you’ll receive a visa sticker. If denied, you’ll get a reasoned decision and can appeal judicially (consult a lawyer).

Important: After May 20, 2025, visa applications cannot be made in Spain; apply from your home country.

Step 4: Enter Spain and Register

After receiving your visa:

• Enter Spain: Use an authorized border crossing (e.g., Madrid or Barcelona airports). Your visa allows limited Schengen travel (up to 90 days in 180 days; see Schengen Visa Info).
• Apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE): Within 21 days of arrival, visit the local Foreigners’ Office or police station with your passport, visa, proof of address, and a photo. The TIE (~€120/year) is your official ID in Spain. Learn more at Spanish Government’s Immigration Portal.
• Register with the Padrón Municipal: Sign up at your local town hall’s municipal registry, as it’s often required for administrative tasks.

Step 5: Maintain Your Authorization

To keep your Spanish study permit valid:

• Stay Enrolled: Continue your program and show satisfactory academic progress.
• Renew Annually: For programs longer than a year, apply for an extension before your authorization expires, proving financial means, insurance, and enrollment. Check with the Ministry of Inclusion for renewal details.
• Avoid Overstays: Leaving Spain after your visa/authorization expires could lead to penalties.

Additional Opportunities

• Part-Time Work: Apply to work up to 30 hours/week if compatible with studies. Contact the Foreigners’ Office for approval.
• Family Members: Your spouse, partner, or dependent children can apply to join you, provided you meet financial and accommodation requirements.
• EU Mobility: If in EU programs (e.g., Erasmus), you may study in other EU countries under specific rules.

Budgeting for Costs

Visa Application Fee:	~€60–€80
TIE Registration Fee:	~€120/year
Health Insurance:	~€300–€600/year.
Document Legalization/Translation:	~€50–€200.
Living Expenses:	€600–€1,200/month, depending on the city.

Tips for Success

Start Early: Begin 3–6 months before your program to account for consulate delays or document issues.
Verify Consulate Details: Procedures vary, so check your consulate’s website (Spanish Consulates).
Learn Basic Spanish: Helps with administrative tasks, even if your program is in English.
Plan for Delays: Budget extra time for consulate backlogs or additional document requests.
Check for Updates: Confirm requirements closer to your application date, as rules may evolve post-May 2025.

Official Resources

For accurate, up-to-date guidance:

• Visa and Consulate Information: Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Details on study visas and consulate contacts.
• TIE and Residency: Spanish Government’s Immigration Portal – Guides on TIE and residency procedures.
• Immigration Services: Ministry of Inclusion – Information on Foreigners’ Offices and renewals.
• Schengen Travel Rules: Schengen Visa Info – Understands travel limits for study visa holders.

What to do If Something Goes Wrong?

• Visa Denied: Review the denial letter and consider an appeal with legal advice.
• Delays: Contact the consulate or embassy to track your application.
• Overstays: Seek legal advice immediately to avoid penalties under Spanish immigration law.

With proper planning and these official resources, you can confidently pursue your studies in Spain, enjoying its rich culture and top-tier education system. Always verify details with official sources or your consulate for the latest updates.

Do I still have time?

If you haven’t applied for your student visa yet, there’s still time — but don’t wait too long. The new academic year in Spain starts soon, and only a few weeks remain to start your application and ensure you can arrive on time for your studies in 2025.