How to get a student visa for Spain being Colombian
Learn about the requirements, documents, and steps to apply for your student visa and come to study in Spain from Colombia.
Do you need a visa to study in Spain? Are you Colombian?
It mainly depends on the length of your studies. As a Colombian citizen, you can travel to Spain without a visa for certain short stays, but if you're going to study for a longer period, you'll need to apply for the appropriate authorization.
If your studies last more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a student visa.
If you are a Colombian citizen and your academic program requires you to stay in Spain for more than 90 days , you must meet the requirements for long-term stays for studies and complete the corresponding procedure before traveling to Spain.
Studies lasting up to 90 days
Colombian citizens are exempt from visa requirements for short stays in the Schengen Area of up to 90 days within any 180-day period . This does not mean that other entry and stay requirements that may apply are waived.
Studies lasting more than 90 days
If you are going to undertake a degree, master's degree, vocational training, exchange program or other studies that involve staying in Spain for more than 90 days, you must check that your program meets the requirements and process the corresponding study permit .
Admission to a Spanish institution does not automatically grant a visa. In addition to providing proof of your studies, you will need to meet financial, health, and documentary requirements. Therefore, it is important to review your entire application before submitting it.
Would you prefer that we help you to How do I process my visa?
You can complete the procedure yourself, but if you want to avoid mistakes and know what documentation you need in your case, LegalSpain can accompany you during the application process for your student visa to Spain.
Leave your file in the hands of LegalSpain
First, we review your situation to ensure your application meets the necessary requirements. Then, we guide you through the process and assist you.
I want to process my visa with LegalSpain →What do you need to apply for a student visa? From Colombia?
Although each application must be analyzed individually, these are some of the main requirements you will need to meet to obtain your student visa for Spain.
Having been admitted to study in Spain
You must have the corresponding admission to carry out studies or an activity included within the cases that allow obtaining a long-term stay authorization for studies.
Have a valid passport
You will need a passport or travel document recognized as valid in Spain and that meets the validity conditions required for the procedure.
Prove financial means
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient resources to cover your living expenses during your stay and your return, in addition to any applicable amounts if family members are traveling with you.
Have health insurance
You will need to provide proof of the required health insurance coverage to stay in Spain during your studies. Not all insurance policies are valid for this purpose.
Comply with health requirements
Depending on the duration and characteristics of the stay, it may be necessary to present a medical certificate that meets the requirements set for the procedure.
Provide background checks where applicable
In the cases provided for by law, you will have to submit documentation relating to your criminal record from the countries in which you have resided during the required period.
Don't leave the application until the last minute.
Generally, the application must be submitted at least two months before the start of the studies , except for the exceptional cases provided for by the regulations.
Not sure if you meet the requirements? En LegalSpain We can review your situation before starting the visa application process.
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We help you get to Spain with the well-prepared process
En LegalSpain Agency We help international students and families manage the necessary procedures to study and settle in Spain.
Miguel Ángel Pollino, general coordinator of LegalSpain Agency, directs and supervises the work of the team so that each file is analyzed according to the specific situation of the person who wants to come to Spain.
In a process like a student visa, our goal is not simply to tell you what documents exist, but to help you understand what you need, how to prepare it, and what steps to follow.
Every case is different. That's why we first review your situation and, from there, we'll tell you how to properly approach the process.
What documents do you need to apply for a visa? From Colombia?
The exact documentation will depend on your personal situation and the type of studies, but these are some of the main documents you will need to prepare for your application.
Application Form
You must submit the corresponding official form, correctly completed and signed. If the applicant is a minor, their legal representative must sign it as required.
Recent photograph
Recent passport-sized photograph, in color, with a light background and meeting the requirements established for the visa application.
Valid passport
You must present your valid passport and the corresponding copies of the pages with your personal data, meeting the required validity conditions.
Admission to the study center
You will need to prove that you have been admitted to the corresponding Spanish center or institution and provide the documentation relating to the academic program.
Essential documentRegistration accreditation
The documentation must allow proof of enrollment or compliance with the economic requirements linked to registration in the studies.
Economy ways
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient resources to cover your stay in Spain and your return, through financial documentation appropriate to your situation.
Depending on your economic situationHealth insurance
You must prove that you have health insurance coverage that meets the requirements to remain in Spain during your studies.
Medical certificate
When required, you will need to provide a medical certificate that meets the conditions set for this type of authorization.
Criminal record
In cases where it is mandatory, you will have to prove your status regarding criminal records in accordance with the requirements of the procedure.
May require an apostilleAdditional documentation
Your application may require additional documentation depending on your age, funding, family situation, program duration, or specific characteristics of the studies.
Do you need to apostille your Colombian documents?
Colombian public documents that need to be used in Spain must comply, where applicable, with the requirements for apostille or legalization . Colombia uses the Hague Apostille system, and this process can be carried out through the Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
You prepare the documents. We review the file.
You don't have to decide alone what documents to submit. En LegalSpain We review your situation, check the documents, and help you prepare your file correctly before proceeding with your visa application.
How much money do you need to show to get a student visa?
It's not enough to prove you can pay for the course. You must also demonstrate that you have sufficient resources to support yourself during your stay in Spain and cover your return expenses.
The calculation is done using the IPREM as a reference.
As a general rule, for your own support you will have to prove an amount equivalent to 100% of the monthly IPREM for each month of stay.
Don't confuse the cost of the course with your living expenses.
The money allocated to pay for your studies does not automatically replace the obligation to demonstrate that you have sufficient means to live in Spain.
Therefore, when preparing the application, it is necessary to differentiate between the cost of studies and the financial resources allocated to accommodation, food and other expenses of the stay.
The final amount will depend, among other factors, on the length of your stay and whether you are traveling alone or with family members.
6-month course
You will have to calculate the required means by taking as a reference the applicable IPREM multiplied by the months of stay that you must prove.
9-month course
If your academic program lasts nine months, the period of stay will have a direct impact on the amount you will have to document.
12-month course
In one-year studies, financial accreditation must be considered taking into account the entire period requested and the documentation used to justify the funds.
Can your parents or relatives prove the money for you?
Yes, the application can show financing through another person if it is properly documented. In that case, simply providing a bank account is not enough: it may be necessary to prove the relationship, the commitment to financing, and the actual financial capacity of the person covering your expenses.
Financial resources are one of the points that should be reviewed before submitting the application. En LegalSpain We can check with you how to properly prove the financial solvency of your file.
Review my file →How to apply for a student visa for Spain From Colombia?
Once you're sure you meet the requirements, it's time to prepare and submit your application. Here's a summary of the process you'll need to follow from Colombia.
Gain admission to study in Spain
Before applying for the visa, you must have the admission or academic documentation necessary to prove that you will carry out studies or an activity in Spain that allows you to obtain the corresponding authorization.
Prepare all documentation
Gather your passport, academic credentials, proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, and any other required documents specific to your situation. Also, check which documents require an apostille, legalization, or any other formalities.
Request your appointment to submit the file
Student visa applications to the Consulate General of Spain in Bogotá are currently submitted through BLS International and require an appointment.
AppointmentSubmit the application
Submit the complete application by the assigned date. The student visa application also includes processing the corresponding student residence permit.
Keep the receipt and follow up on your file
After submitting your application, you will receive a receipt that allows you to track its progress. During the processing, you may be asked to provide additional documentation, correct any errors, or even be invited to an interview.
Wait for the resolution before finalizing your trip.
If the decision is favorable, you can continue with the necessary steps to travel to Spain. You should not consider the visa granted until you receive the corresponding favorable decision.
It is currently being presented through BLS International in Bogotá
The Consulate General of Spain in Bogotá currently indicates the following address for submitting these applications: Cra 20b #77-05 Local 02, Bogotá . Submission requires a prior appointment.
Advance notice for requesting it
As a general rule, you must submit your application at least two months before the start date of your studies, unless there is a justified reason.
The resolution may take time
The Spanish Consulate General in Bogotá currently warns that the processing of student visas may take up to three months.
Do not buy a plane ticket assuming your visa will be granted by a specific date. The Consulate itself states that an airline ticket is not a requirement for a student visa and recommends not buying one until you have received your visa or the corresponding decision.
Do you want to avoid managing this entire process yourself?
With the service of LegalSpain we can help you Prepare, review, and process your application, accompanying you during your student visa process.
How long does it take to get a student visa for Spain? From Colombia?
There is no exact date you can be sure you will receive your visa. Processing time can vary depending on your application, the documents submitted, and the authorities involved in the procedure.
Minimum advance notice in general
The application must be submitted, as a general rule, at least two months before the expected start date of the studies, unless you can prove a justified reason that prevents you from meeting that deadline.
The resolution may take longer
The Spanish Consulate General in Bogotá warns that the resolution of a student visa can take up to three months, since competent authorities in Spain are also involved in the process.
What could delay your application?
incomplete documentation
If any required document is missing or a requirement is not properly accredited, it may be necessary to complete the file before a decision can be made.
Documentation requirements
During the process, they may ask you for additional information, documents, or clarifications to verify that you meet the requirements.
Intervention of different administrations
The student visa process involves actions that are not exclusively dependent on the Consulate, which may affect the total processing time.
Prepare the file too late
Waiting until the last few weeks to obtain apostilles, insurance, certificates, or other documents may leave you without enough time to properly submit the application.
Our advice: start before the minimum two months
Two months is a general minimum lead time , not necessarily the ideal time to start preparing the process. If you need to obtain documents, have them apostilled, arrange insurance, or secure funding, it's advisable to start earlier.
Do you have a start date and you're not sure if you'll make it on time?
En LegalSpain We can review your situation and help you. organize and process the file to avoid delays resulting from errors or incomplete documentation.
7 mistakes that can complicate your study visa
Many problems arise not because the student cannot obtain the visa, but because the application has not been prepared correctly. These are some of the mistakes to avoid before submitting the application from Colombia.
Submitting an incomplete file
Simply providing the main documents is not enough. The application must demonstrate that all requirements applicable to your case are met. If documentation is missing, the Administration may require you to complete or correct the application.
Failure to apostille a document when required
Certain Colombian public documents must be properly apostilled or legalized to be valid in Spain. A photocopy or a document without the necessary formalization may not be sufficient.
To misrepresent financial means
Having money available doesn't necessarily mean it's properly documented. You must justify the availability of the funds and, if someone else is financing your stay, properly document that financing.
Taking out insurance that does not meet the requirements
Not just any travel insurance policy is automatically sufficient for a student residence permit. The policy must meet the requirements for health coverage during your stay in Spain.
Starting to prepare the visa too late
Obtaining certificates, apostilles, bank documents, insurance, and the rest of the paperwork can take time. Waiting until the last minute greatly reduces the window for resolving any issues.
Thinking that the admission letter is enough
Admission to a Spanish institution is only one part of the application process. Applicants must also meet the relevant economic, health, documentary, and personal requirements.
Buy the flight before the visa is sorted
It's not advisable to plan your trip as if approval is guaranteed. The process can take time, and an application may require additional documentation before being processed.
Use old information
Immigration requirements and procedures can change. Using an outdated guide, video, or another student's experience as your sole reference may lead you to prepare your application according to requirements that are no longer applicable.
An error doesn't always mean a denial, but it can delay the process.
When documents are missing or it becomes necessary to clarify some aspect of the file, requests for correction or additional documentation may occur , increasing the time and uncertainty of the procedure.
That's precisely why we review your file before submitting it.
With our student visa service, we review your situation, verify the requirements and documentation, and guide you through the application process. Our goal is to ensure you submit a complete and well-prepared application tailored to your specific circumstances.
You focus on coming to study in Spain. We can help you with your visa.
Preparing for a student visa involves reviewing requirements, documentation, financial resources, and deadlines. If you prefer not to face the process alone, in LegalSpain We can assist you during the processing of your student visa from Colombia.
Before starting the process, we review your case. The goal is to verify that your situation and documentation allow us to properly formulate the application before proceeding with the process.
Do you want us to help you with your visa?
Leave us your details and tell us briefly what you want to study in Spain and when you plan to start.
You already have the visa: what should you do? Upon arrival in Spain?
Obtaining a visa doesn't always mean the process is complete. Depending on the length of your studies, once in Spain you'll need to complete some additional procedures to properly document your stay.
Enter Spain within the validity period of your visa
Check the validity dates granted and arrange your entry into Spain according to the conditions indicated in your visa and in the authorization of stay for studies.
Apply for the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) if your stay exceeds six months.
If your student residence permit lasts longer than six months , you must personally apply for the Foreigner Identity Card in Spain within the established timeframe.
Keep your documents
Keep your resolution, visa, entry receipts, insurance policy, and academic documents. Some of these documents may be needed for subsequent procedures during your stay.
Check the validity of your authorization
Your stay is linked to a permit with a specific duration. If your studies continue beyond that period, you will need to check in advance what procedure applies to remain legally in Spain.
If your studies last more than six months, you have one month to apply for the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card).
Current regulations stipulate that, when the stay for studies lasts longer than six months, the foreign person must personally apply for the Foreigner Identity Card within one month of entering Spain.
Are NIE and TIE the same thing?
No. The NIE is your Foreigner's Identity Number, that is, the administrative number that identifies you as a foreigner in Spain. The TIE is the physical card that documents your status when it is issued. It is common to use both terms interchangeably, but legally they are not the same.
Our support doesn't have to end when you get your visa.
Within the service of LegalSpain We can also guide you on the subsequent procedures related to your arrival, including the necessary steps for the TIE/NIE when applicable.
Questions about the student visa for Spain If you are Colombian
These are some of the most common questions from Colombian students who want to come and study in Spain.
Do Colombians need a visa to study in Spain?
It depends on the duration of the studies. Colombian citizens can undertake certain short stays in the Schengen area without a visa, but to study in Spain for more than 90 days they must obtain the corresponding authorization.
When should I apply for a student visa?
As a general rule, the application must be submitted at least two months before the start of studies , unless there is a justified reason that prevents doing so within that period.
It is advisable to start preparing the documentation even earlier to allow enough time.
How long does it take to get a student visa from Colombia?
There is no single processing time for all applications. The Spanish Consulate General in Bogotá advises that the processing of student visas can take up to three months.
How much money do I need to show to study in Spain?
Financial resources are calculated using the IPREM as a reference . For the student's own living expenses, 100% of the monthly IPREM is generally used for the corresponding period.
The amount may vary if family members are traveling with you or depending on certain circumstances of the accommodation and the stay.
Can my parents finance my studies and my stay?
It is possible to provide proof of financial support from parents or other individuals when the funding is properly documented . Both the commitment to provide funding and the availability and source of the funds used must be verifiable.
Can I work in Spain with a student residence permit?
Spanish law allows working in certain circumstances during a study abroad program. The conditions depend on the type of studies and the job, and the work must be compatible with the studies.
Can I bring my partner or my children to Spain?
In certain cases, the student's family members may request the corresponding authorization or visa to accompany him during his stay in Spain.
Among other aspects, proof of family ties and sufficient additional financial resources must be provided.
Do I need a criminal record check to apply for a visa?
When required due to the duration and characteristics of your stay, you will need to provide a criminal record certificate in accordance with the procedural requirements. This document must also meet the necessary formalities to be valid in Spain.
Do I need to apply for a TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) when I arrive in Spain?
If your student residence permit lasts longer than six months , you must personally apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).
The deadline is one month from your entry into Spain.
What happens if my student visa is denied?
The refusal must be notified and justified. Depending on the reason and the circumstances of the case, it may be possible to appeal the decision through the legally provided channels or to consider a new application.
Before deciding what to do, it is important to analyze exactly the reason for the refusal.
Each application must be reviewed individually. The duration and type of studies, age, financial situation, accompanying family members, and other factors may modify the documents and requirements applicable to a specific application.