Spain Student Visa (2025 Guide)

If you’re thinking about studying in Spain, you’ll probably need to get a student visa. Every year, more than 200,000 international students choose Spain for its amazing universities, exciting culture, and sunny weather. With over 50 universities ranked internationally, Spain is a top choice for students looking for a great education and an unforgettable experience.

While people from some countries can visit Spain without a visa for short trips, most students planning to stay longer will need to apply for a student visa. Spain isn’t just about studying—it’s about enjoying life, exploring its beautiful landscapes, and being part of a unique culture that welcomes students from all over the world.

Here are some of the requirements for your Spain student visa for 2025:

• Visa application form that you can find on the Consulate’s website.
• Colour photographs, passport size and white background.
• Valid passport (original and copy).
• Previously completed academic transcripts. For some countries the Apostille of the Hague is required.
• Admission letter from the study centre.
• Medical insurance with an insurance company that can operate in Spain and that covers the whole period of the student’s stay.
• Letter or certificate of criminal record.
• Letter of invitation or accommodation.
• Medical certificate validating that the applicant does not suffer from diseases that could seriously affect public health.
• Proof of sufficient economic funds to cover the stay for the period for which the visa is requested. If the funds belong to a family member, these documents must be duly notarized and apostilled. The economic solvency is to cover the expenses of stay and maintenance (minimum 540 euros per month), as well as to be able to cover the totality of the course that you will carry out.
• In the case of underage students, authorization from parents or guardians stating the centre, organisation or entity responsible for the activity and the planned period of stay.
  

In case your period of stay is less than three months, a Short Term Visa, also known as Schengen Visa, will be issued. The applicant must complete his or her studies within the period for which he or she has been authorised to stay in Spain, as this short-stay visa is not extendable.

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Who needs a student visa to study in Spain?

If you’re an international student from outside the EU, EEA, or Switzerland, you’ll need a student visa to study in Spain. American students, however, only need a visa if their program lasts more than 90 days—shorter stays don’t require one. EU/EEA and Swiss students can skip the visa process entirely and just apply for a residence card once in Spain. For everyone else, getting a Spanish student visa means providing proof of financial stability, health insurance, and other required documents.

Where to apply for a student visa?

To apply for a Spanish student visa, you’ll need to visit the Spanish consulate or embassy in your home country. It’s important to apply at the consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of residence. Before making an appointment, check their official website for specific application requirements, as these can vary by location. Be sure to gather all necessary documents, including your acceptance letter from a Spanish institution, proof of financial stability, and health insurance. Since the visa process can take 1 to 3 months, plan ahead to ensure you have enough time before your program starts.

In some countries the visa process is quick, but the appointment takes a long time. Make sure you are prepared in advance and have all the information about scheduling your appointment in time.

Can I renew my student visa?

Yes, you can renew your student visa 60 days prior to its expiration date or 90 days thereafter. To do so, you must initiate the procedure through the immigration office of the place where you are studying.

Can I work with my student visa?

International studnets in Spain are allowed to work part time up to 20 hours a week on their student visa. The Spanish student visa does not allow you to work full time in Spain. However, you can use it to do an internship by signing an agreement with your study centre. The internships usually have an economic remuneration for the students. On the other hand, in case the company you work for gives you a contract, this can help you to obtain the work visa and not have problems during your stay in Spain.

How do I obtain my TIE?

The Foreigner’s Identity Card (TIE) is the document that you must obtain when you arrive in Spain, as it legally identifies all foreigners who are in the country. In order to obtain it, you must apply for it within one month of your arrival in Spain. The first thing you must do is to obtain your appointment for “Fingerprinting and issuance of Foreigners’ Identity Card” by presenting the following documentation:

• Original passport and copy
• Form EX17
• Fee model 790012
• Three color photographs, white background and passport size.
• Visa
• Certificate of census registration

If you have any questions regarding visas in Spain, please contact us and our legal department will help you with the process.

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