In this section you will find everything you need to prepare for your move to Barcelona.

Student visa

Non-EU citizens (with the exception of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) must apply for a student visa at the Spanish embassy or consulate in their country.

Residence permit (TIE – Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)

Once in Spain, non-EU citizens (with the exception of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland) must request an appointment at Extranjería to obtain a residence permit (TIE).

Foreigners’ Identification Number (NIE)

Residents of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland do not need an NIE to come to Spain, but if they remain for longer than 3 months they need to register at the Foreigners Registry, where an NIE will be assigned. More information on how to apply for your NIE.

Non-EU citizens receive a Foreigner’s Identity Number (NIE) during the visa issuing process.

Health insurance

Residents of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland must apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before coming to Spain. Once you have found accommodation in Barcelona, we recommend that you register at the nearest primary care center (CAP) so you will have a primary care physician.

If you are not an EU citizen, you will need to take out a health insurance policy that covers the visa application requirements. We recommend that you consult the Spanish embassy in your country to find out about possible agreements with Spain regarding the healthcare system.

Register in Barcelona

Once you have found accommodation, you need to register with the municipal census to access certain public services such as healthcare, to get your driver’s license, etc.

Student support service

The Student Support Service will assist you with any doubts you may have regarding:

  • Permits and visas
  • Accommodation
  • Banking arrangements
  • Health and wellbeing
  • Security
  • Stays abroad
  • Scholarships
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Student projects

The Student Support Service team is responsible for ensuring that you settle into Barcelona and that students are optimally integrated into the school. For this reason, it organizes a Welcome Week and a series of events and socialization activities for TBS students and exchange students.

Useful information

Contact Ryan Donno
International Student Coordinator
international@tbs-education.es