A student visa is a residence permit for non-EU citizens who wish to study in Spain. This visa allows them to reside in the country while pursuing studies at public or private educational institutions, conducting research, or participating in other types of training.
Anyone wishing to enroll in any vocational training course, master's degree, postgraduate program, doctorate, or bachelor's degree in Spain must apply for a student visa. However, it is important to note that this visa is exclusively for citizens from outside the European Union.
Although a student visa is only an authorization to reside in Spain during the course period, it is a very attractive option for non-EU citizens. With the reform of immigration regulations, they are automatically allowed to work 30 hours per week , and once they complete their studies, they can easily and conveniently change their permit to a work permit. However, it is important to note that the years spent under a student visa only count as half when calculating the years required to obtain permanent residency, and they do not count at all towards Spanish citizenship.
Types of student visas
It is important to note that if you are studying in Spain for less than 90 days, whether as an EU citizen or not, you do not need to apply for a student visa: your tourist visa will suffice if it is required to enter the country. However, for those who are staying for more than 90 days, there are two categories of student visa depending on the length of time you will be studying in Spain:
Short-term student visa
It is intended for international students who are undertaking a program of between 91 and 180 days in the country.
Long-term student visa
If your studies last more than 6 months , you will need one.
Duration of student visa
The student visa in Spain is valid for a certain period, depending on the duration of your studies. The validity previously lasted one year and could be renewed annually until the studies were completed, as long as the necessary requirements were met. However, it is important to note that the expiration date of the student visa does not necessarily coincide with the completion date of the studies.
Study visa for more than 6 months
If your studies last more than 6 months, you will be given a residence card. Otherwise, you will simply get a stamp in your passport.
Study visa for more than 1 year
Extended duration of student visa. Previously, the duration of a student visa was for one year and you had to renew it annually until you finished your studies. However, it is now possible to obtain a student visa for two years. If your course or master's degree lasts more than 2 years, you will not have to renew the visa every year or extend your stay. The process includes an additional step, which is to request an appointment at the immigration office once you arrive in Spain to receive your residence card. At the end of the first year, you must renew the expired card, but it is not necessary to apply for a new visa.
Extension of study visa
If the study program you are undertaking is extended for any reason, you can request an extension of your student visa at a local police immigration office.
How to obtain a Student Visa in Spain?
In order to apply for a student visa, it is necessary to know the essential requirements that are needed to obtain said visa. If the requirements are met, the application can be started. Below, we will detail the entire process that you have to follow.
Requirements
- Not be a citizen of the European Union and not be prohibited from entering Spain.
- Having the homologation of your secondary or higher studies to be able to access the desired studies.
- Be admitted to a study center or university. You will need a letter of acceptance from the center or university.
- Have sufficient financial funds to support yourself in Spain for the duration of your studies. This may vary annually and is calculated taking into account the IPREM.
- Count on Full coverage health insurance in Spain.
- Have no criminal record.
- In the case of short-stay visas, they will also be necessary plane tickets round trip between Spain and your country of origin.
How to submit the application?
To apply for a student visa, you have two options: from your home country at the Spanish consulate , or directly in Spain if you have a tourist visa . The application must be submitted between 90 and 30 days before the start of your studies in Spain. It is important to meet this deadline. If you choose to apply in Spain, you must first schedule an appointment at the local Immigration Office. You can schedule an appointment here.
How do I get a Student Visa if I am already in Spain?
If you are in Spain legally, for example with a tourist visa, you can enroll in a course
and obtain your student visa.
It is important that you have the necessary documents ready before entering Spain to avoid delays or unforeseen events that may prevent you from finally obtaining your student visa.
Necessary documents
- Passport and copy thereof
- Registration or acceptance letter from the study center or university where you will study
- Model EX-00 filling.
- If the student is a minor and does not come with his/her parents, a legal authorization signed by them will be required.
- Document proving possession of sufficient financial funds.
- Medical certificate proving that the applicant does not suffer from any disease recognized by the International Health Regulations 2005.
- Information about where you will live during your stay in Spain.
How long does it take to obtain a visa?
The student visa application will be assessed and resolved within a maximum period of one month.
Is it possible to work in Spain with a student visa?
The answer is yes: it is possible to work in Spain with a student visa. If your student visa was issued after August 16, 2022, you are authorized to work up to 30 hours per week without needing to apply for an additional permit . You can work anywhere in Spain without geographical restrictions. As an international student in Spain, you will have four different options for working in the country after you finish your studies.
Advice and guidance for obtaining a student visa
If you need advice and guidance on obtaining your student visa, write to us and we will help you in the most effective way possible.
We can accompany you throughout the entire process : homologation and validation of academic documents, academic advice and preparation to access the studies that best suit you and assistance in obtaining the student visa.
LegalSpain is here to help you come to Spain and achieve all your goals.
