WHAT IS A STUDENT VISA?
This is an authorisation to stay in Spain for a period of more than ninety days to carry out or extend studies in an authorised educational centre in Spain, in a full-time programme, leading to the award of a degree or certificate of studies.
TYPES OF STUDENT VISA IN SPAIN
There are two types of study visa for international students, depending on the duration of the degree or postgraduate course to be studied::
Short-term visaAimed at foreign students studying for 91 to 180 days in the country.
Long-term visaFor students whose duration of studies exceeds 6 months.
It is important to note that if you are studying for less than 90 days you do not need to apply for a study visa (regardless of whether you are an EU citizen or not), a tourist visa will suffice (in case you need one to enter the country).
DO I NEED A VISA TO STUDY IN SPAIN?
I am a European citizen
When they do the EU registration, once they enter Spain, they will be given the NIE: Número de Identidad de Extranjero (Foreigner's Identity Number).
I am not a European citizen
In the case of non-EU citizens, it will be necessary to apply for a study visa. Once processed, they will be granted the NIE (NIE).
In addition, for visas longer than six months, they must apply for the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) once they arrive in Spain
More informationDOCUMENTATION REQUIRED FOR STUDENT VISAS
- National visa application form, in duplicate, duly completed and signed by the foreigner or his/her representative. This form can be obtained on the website of the corresponding consulate at www.exteriores.gob.es/en.
- Valid passport or travel document, recognised as valid in Spain, valid for at least the period of time for which the stay is requested.
- Application form on the official model (EX00, duly completed and signed by the foreigner. This form can be obtained at the following link), and proof that he/she is regularly present in Spanish territory and that the application is submitted at least one month before the expiry date of his/her status.
- Documentation accrediting that the applicant has the necessary financial means for the period requested and for the return to the country of origin. Any means of proof may be used, such as your own means or those of family members, subsidies, grants and scholarships, among others.
- Documentation accrediting the availability of medical insurance. This requirement will also be understood to be fulfilled if the educational institution takes out insurance for the student that covers all the risks normally covered for Spaniards.
- Documentation accrediting admission to an educational institution, including a letter of admission or a certificate of enrolment, among other options.
- In the case of under-age students, authorisation from parents or guardians stating the centre, organisation, entity and body responsible for the activity and the planned period of stay.
- Medical certificate stating that the student does not suffer from any of the diseases with repercussions on public health.
If you are of criminal age, a criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the country of origin or of the country where you have resided for the last five years.
IMPORTANT:
When documents from other countries are provided, they must be translated into Spanish or the co-official language of the territory where the application is submitted.
All foreign public documents must first be legalised by the Spanish Consular Office with jurisdiction in the country in which the document was issued or, where applicable, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, unless the document has been apostilled by the competent authority of the issuing country in accordance with the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 and unless the document is exempt from legalisation by virtue of an international convention.
CAN I WORK WITH A STUDENT VISA IN SPAIN?
When you decide to study abroad, you probably do so with the support of your parents. In some countries you are required to prove that you have a financial status that allows you to stay in that country for the duration of your studies. This is the case in Spain, although there is an opportunity to earn some extra income. You can work in Spain on a student visa.
Find out what you need to take into account to work in Spain on a student visa.
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