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.

IMPORTANT: all documents must be in spanish or they will not be accepted.

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: Your passport must be valid for at least one year from the date of application and have a minimum of two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago are not accepted, regardless of their current validity.
• Recent Passport Photo: You must provide a recent passport-sized photo (taken within the last 6 months), in color, on photo paper, with a plain background. The applicant must face the camera directly, without dark or reflective glasses or any clothing that covers the face. For babies or toddlers, no part of the adult holding them should be visible in the photo.
• Proof of Financial Means: Show you have enough funds to cover living expenses (€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 (~€400–€600/year).
• Medical Certificate: A doctor’s statement confirming you’re free from serious contagious diseases (e.g., tuberculosis).
• Criminal Record Certificate: If you are over 18, you must submit a criminal record certificate from your home country (or any country where you’ve lived in the past five years) showing that you have no criminal convictions. This document is mandatory for your visa or residence permit application, and may require legalization or an apostille, depending on the country of origin.
• Proof of Accommodation (Required): You must provide official documentation confirming your place of residence in Spain for the duration of your stay. Accepted documents include a rental contract, confirmation of university housing, or a notarized letter from a host—along with a copy of their ID (such as a Spanish DNI, NIE, state ID, or driver’s license) and proof of their address (e.g. recent utility bill or empadronamiento).
• Parental Authorization (for minors under 18): If the applicant is a minor, it is mandatory to provide a notarized letter of consent from the parents or legal guardians authorizing the minor’s temporary stay in Spain. This document must also identify the legal entity in Spain that will take responsibility for the minor. If the consent was issued abroad, it must be legalized or apostilled, and accompanied.
• Proof of Enrollment: You must submit an official letter of enrollment issued by the educational institution in Spain, a receipt confirming payment of tuition fees, and a copy of the academic program or study plan.

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). You must submit you visa application with a minimum of 2 months before the course start date. 

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).
• Register with the Padrón and Apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE): Shortly after arriving in Spain, you must complete two essential administrative steps. First, register with the Padrón Municipal at your local town hall to confirm your address—this is often required for other procedures. Then, within 21 days of arrival, apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the nearest Foreigners’ Office or police station. Bring your passport, visa, a passport-sized photo, and proof of address (your Padrón registration usually works for this). The TIE (~€15/year) is your official ID in Spain. For full details, visit the Spanish Government’s Immigration Portal.

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:	~€15/year
Health Insurance:	~€400–€600/year.
Document Legalization/Translation:	~€50–€200.
Living Expenses:	€600–€1,200/month, depending on the city.
Additional legal support:	€50 ~ €70 per query

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.
• Extranjería – Administraciones Públicas – Electronic office where you can do the paperwork and make an appointment.

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.