Student visa for Spain: Requirements & process

Spain has become one of the most attractive destinations in the world for education. In the 2023–2024 academic year, nearly 200,000 international students enrolled in Spanish universities. The country offers a wide range of academic programs and boasts an efficient education system. On top of that, it’s home to prestigious institutions like the Autonomous University of Barcelona and the Complutense University of Madrid. Spain has also launched research initiatives to bring in international scholars and offers plenty of specialized programs. But can anyone study in Spain? And what does it take to get accepted? If you’re from outside the EU, one of the first things you’ll need is a student visa for Spain. 

Just like in any country, studying a course or doing an internship in Spain takes more than simply showing up at your chosen school. But don’t worry, the process is probably easier than you think. To make things simpler, we’ve put together this guide to walk you through each step. By the time you finish reading, you’ll be one step closer to making your dream of studying in Spain a reality.

Types of visas to study in Spain

Spain offers a variety of student visa options, depending on the type of program you’re planning to take and how long you intend to stay. Not all visas are created equal, and choosing the right one is key to avoiding issues during your academic journey. That’s why it’s so important to understand which type of visa best suits your specific situation.

Unlike other destinations like the United States or Canada, Spain offers a more flexible system for international students. That said, the type of visa you’ll need depends on the nature of your program, whether it involves an internship or work placement, and how long you plan to stay. Here’s a quick breakdown of the main visa categories.

Long-term study visa

If you’re planning to study in Spain for more than 90 days, this is the visa most students go for. It’s designed for those enrolled in university programs like bachelor’s degrees, master’s, PhDs, or advanced technical training. This visa lets you stay in the country for the full length of your studies, and you can renew it if you decide to continue with another program or need more time to wrap up your current one.

It also allows you to work part-time while classes are in session and full-time during holidays. Since it’s renewable, this visa is especially convenient for those planning to stay in Spain long-term and make the most of the country’s educational opportunities.

Student mobility visa

This visa is designed for those involved in international exchange programs such as Erasmus+ or research grants. If your program is backed by Spanish or international organizations, this option fits perfectly. It also gives you more freedom to travel across the Schengen countries, making it ideal if you want to explore Europe while you study.

This permit lasts for the duration of your exchange program but can be extended if your project requires more time. It also encourages involvement in cultural and academic activities that enhance your overall experience. While it doesn’t allow you to work, some programs do offer internships related to your field of study.

Visa for internships and training

This option is perfect for students who want to gain hands-on experience through internships or training programs tied to their studies. It’s an excellent way to build your professional skills in Spain while continuing your education. Paid internships are allowed, provided they’re relevant to the program you’re enrolled in.

The length of this visa matches the duration of your internship program but can be extended if your activities require more time. It also gives you the chance to get to know the Spanish job market and build professional connections that could be valuable for your career down the road.

Schengen short stay visa

While this isn’t a specific student visa, it’s important to mention. If you plan to take a course or workshop in Spain lasting less than 90 days and can enter as a tourist, you won’t need a student visa. Citizens from countries with Schengen visa exemptions just need a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof that they can support themselves during their stay.

If your country isn’t on the visa-exempt list, you’ll have to get a short-term Schengen visa. This lets you attend your course during the specified period. It’s a straightforward process, but this type of visa can’t be extended, so make sure your program fits within the allowed timeframe. It’s a convenient option if you’re aiming to improve your language skills or take part in shorter workshops.

Benefits of visas to study in Spain

Student visas aren’t just about staying legally in Spain, they come with a range of perks. Besides giving you access to universities and schools, they let you fully settle in the country. Depending on which visa you get, you could work part-time, travel around some of Europe’s most beautiful cities, and even bring your family along. Let’s explore the main benefits each type of visa offers.

Long-term study visa: What is it for?

First up is the long-term student visa, which is the most commonly used by those aiming to study in Spain for an extended period. Besides giving you the right to study, it also provides several other benefits.

• Stay for the entire academic year: You’ll be able to stay in Spain for the entire length of your studies, plus have some extra time afterward to get ready for your departure or plan your next move.
• Possibility of working part-time: With this visa, you’re allowed to work up to 20 hours a week during the school term and full-time during breaks.
• Mobility within the Schengen area: While your visa is valid, you can travel through 27 countries of the Schengen area without additional visas.
• Ease of renewal: Looking to continue your education with more studies? You can renew your long-term visa as long as you meet the necessary requirements.
• Allowed companions: In some cases, your spouse and minor children may apply for a visa to accompany you.

Student mobility visa: What does it allow you to do in Spain?

Now, let’s talk about the mobility visa, which is for students taking part in exchange programs or international scholarships. It’s aimed at making academic mobility easier and offers a range of advantages:

• Travel within and outside Spain: You can travel as much as you want during your stay, both within the country and to other destinations in the Schengen area.
• Stay adjusted to the program: Adapted to the duration of your exchange, with the possibility of extending it if the program allows it.
• Work linked to the program: While it’s not primarily intended for working, some programs do allow internships connected to your field of study.
• Possibility to bring family members: Depending on the program, your companions may be able to obtain a permit to reside with you.

Internship and training visa: What does it allow you to do in Spain?

This visa, besides allowing you to gain practical experience in Spanish companies or institutions:

• Stay adjusted to the duration of the program: You can stay in Spain as long as necessary to complete your training.
• Flexibility to work: In some cases, it allows for paid activities if they are linked to your training.
• International mobility: Includes the possibility to travel within the Schengen area during your stay.

Schengen short-stay visa: What are its benefits?

Although this visa has limitations compared to long-stay visas, it also offers advantages:

• Ease of processing: Requirements are less demanding than for a long-stay visa.
• Mobility within Spain: You will be able to travel around the country as much as you want during your stay.

Requirements to be fulfilled for each type of student visa in Spain

So, have you decided which visa fits your needs? The next step is to check if you meet the eligibility requirements. Each visa comes with specific conditions to make sure you’re legally allowed to stay in Spain during your studies. Let’s go over what you’ll need to prove to qualify for these visas:

Long-term study visa eligibility requirements

The long-term student visa is intended for those planning to enroll in academic programs lasting more than 90 days. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• Admission to an authorized educational institution: You have to be registered in a formal program, whether it’s at the university level, postgraduate, or technical training. The institution must be accredited by the Spanish education authorities.
• Financial solvency: You’ll need to show that you have enough financial means to cover your tuition, housing, and living expenses for your entire stay.
• Private health insurance: You’ll need to get health insurance for foreigners in Spain that covers all your medical needs during your stay and is comparable to the public healthcare system.
• Commitment to return to your country of origin: You must prove that your stay will be temporary and that you will return to your country once you finish your studies.
• No criminal record: If your stay is longer than 180 days and you’re over 16, you’ll need a recent criminal background check from your home country showing you have no pending charges.
• Medical certificate: You’ll also need to provide a medical certificate confirming that you don’t have any illnesses that could pose a public health risk.

Student mobility visa eligibility requirements

If you are taking part in an academic exchange or international mobility program, you’ll need to meet the following requirements:

• Involvement in a recognized program: You must be enrolled in an approved program, such as Erasmus+ or scholarships for educational and scientific cooperation.
• Invitation or acceptance letter: You need a letter from the host institution in Spain confirming your involvement in the program.
• Proof of financial solvency: As with other visas, you must prove that you can cover your personal expenses during your stay.
• International medical insurance: The insurance should cover medical emergencies, hospital stays, and repatriation for the entire duration of your exchange.
• Commitment to return to your country: You must prove that you will return at the end of the mobility program.

Requirements to be eligible for the visa for internships and training

Do you want to do an internship in Spain? If so, these are the requirements:

• Enrollment in an internship program: You must submit an internship contract or an agreement with a Spanish company or institution.
• Proof of financial solvency: You must prove that you are able to cover your expenses during your stay.
• Medical insurance: You need medical insurance for foreigners in Europe that covers accidents and medical assistance while taking part in the program.
• Previous academic certification: In some cases, you’ll be required to evidence studies related to the area of training in which you’ll be doing the internship.

Requirements to be eligible for the Schengen short-stay visa

Although it’s not specifically a study visa, it also has requirements:

• Enrollment in a short course: Show that you have been accepted in an intensive course (language, technical, specific training…)
• Proof of financial resources: Although the duration is short, you must prove that you can support yourself during your stay.
• Temporary travel or medical insurance: You need to have insurance that covers your entire stay in Spain. A travel insurance policy with medical coverage for Spain is usually sufficient.
• Link to your home country: You’ll need to prove that you have a reason to return to your home country at the end of the course.

How to apply for a student visa in Spain?

Now that you’re familiar with the different types of visas and their requirements, it’s time to get into the practical details. Let’s start with the application process. While each visa has its own specifics, they all share some common steps, like preparing your documents and submitting your application at the Spanish consulate or embassy. To make it clearer, let’s break down the process step by step:

Documents you must present to obtain a long-term study visa

If you plan to pursue higher education, such as a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree, these are the essential documents:

• National visa application form: Of course, you’ll need to fill out and sign an application form, which you can find on the website of the Spanish consulate or embassy that serves your area.
• Valid passport: Valid for at least the period of study.
• Letter of acceptance from the educational institution: Issued by the university or educational institution where you’ll be studying, it should include details about the program, its length, and schedule.
• International medical insurance: Full coverage for the duration of your stay, including emergencies, hospitalization and repatriation.
• Proof of financial solvency: Bank statements, sponsorship letters, or scholarship documents that prove you can cover tuition, housing, and living expenses.
• Criminal record certificate: Issued by the authorities of your country of origin, with translation into Spanish if applicable.
• Medical certificate: Must confirm that you do not have diseases that may pose a risk to public health.
• Recent photograph: Passport size, white background and that meets the standards indicated by the embassy.

Documents you must present to obtain the student mobility visa

They are more or less the same as for the previous visa:

• Mobility visa application form: Completed and signed.
• Acceptance or invitation letter: Provided by the Spanish institution sponsoring your stay, outlining the program’s purpose and length.
• Valid passport: Valid for at least six months from your expected arrival.
• International medical insurance: Medical coverage for your entire stay, including emergencies and hospitalization.
• Proof of financial solvency: Bank statements or documents showing that you can cover your expenses during your stay.
• Criminal record certificate and medical certificate: Same as for the long-stay visa.

Documents you must present to obtain the visa for internships and training

If you are doing an internship in Spain, these are the necessary documents:

• Internship visa application form: Completed and signed.
• Internship contract or agreement: Signed between the Spanish company or institution and the applicant. It must detail the conditions of the stay.
• Valid passport: Valid for at least the duration of the course.
• Medical insurance: Full coverage for emergencies and work-related accidents.
• Proof of financial solvency: Documents that ensure that you can cover your expenses during your internship.

Documents you must present to obtain the Schengen short stay visa

For intensive courses or workshops of less than 90 days, the required documents are:

• Schengen visa application form: Specific for short stays.
• Course acceptance letter: Issued by the institution offering the workshop or course.
• Valid passport: With at least three months of additional validity after the expected date of departure.
• Insurance: International travel insurance or insurance for Spain covering the period of stay and complying with Schengen Area requirements.
• Proof of funds: Bank statements or letter of financial support.
• Round-trip airline tickets: As proof of intention to return at the end of the course.

Interviews and questions for student visa in Spain

No matter what kind of visa you’re applying for, chances are you’ll have to attend an interview at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country. It’s a normal step, student visa interviews are common for places like the U.S. and other countries as well.

• Duration of the interview: Usually short, between 5 and 15 minutes, but they are crucial for the approval of your visa.
• Frequently asked questions:
  • Why did you choose to study in Spain?
  • What course or program will you take and at what institution?
  • How will you finance your studies?
  • What are your plans at the end of your studies?
• Documents you should bring: Besides the documents required for your visa, bring any extra paperwork that supports your application, like recommendation letters or scholarship certificates.
• Preparation tips: Be clear and honest in your answers. Make sure what you say matches the information in your documents.

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Where to apply for visas to study in Spain?

By this point, you’ve got a pretty clear idea of the visa you want and the basics of what you need. But where do you actually submit your application? The process involves some steps you can do online and others that require going in person.

1. Online application: Complete the national visa form

The first step to apply for a student visa for Spain is filling out the official application form. You can find it on the website of the Spanish embassy or consulate that serves your area.

• How to complete it: Answer the questions carefully and be sure to include all your personal information, as well as details about your course and the school where you’ll be studying.
• Payment of the consular fee: Before submitting your application, you will have to pay the visa fee. We will discuss the fees in the next section.

2. Spanish embassies and consulates

Once your form and all the required documents are ready, you’ll need to book an appointment at the nearest Spanish consulate or embassy. This step is mandatory, you have to submit your application in person.

• Location: Check the website of the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country to verify the availability of appointments and opening hours.
• Documentation: Make sure to bring your application form, passport, proof of payment, and any other required documents with you. Having all your paperwork in order is key to avoiding any delays.

3. Authorized centers in some countries

In some countries, like India or China, Spain has set up external centers to handle visa applications. These centers usually take care of collecting documents and the initial processing, but the final decision is always made by the consulate or embassy.

• Services offered: Biometric data collection (photo and fingerprints) and document verification.
• Specific requirements: Be sure to follow the instructions provided by the authorized center.

If you have any questions or need assistance during the process, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Spanish embassy or consulate in your area. And don’t forget to get your Holafly eSIM so you can receive all their notifications!

How much does a visa to study in Spain cost?

You’re likely wondering about the cost of obtaining this permit. It’s not free, but it’s definitely more affordable compared to countries like Australia or the UK. Let’s check out the fees and roughly what you’ll need to pay.

Main costs

• Visa application fee: The cost depends on the type of visa and the country where you apply. Generally, long-term visas range between $64-86.
• Translation of documents: You’ll need to have some certificates translated into Spanish, like your criminal record or medical certificate. The average cost for an official translation ranges from $54 to $162 per document.
• International medical insurance: It’s mandatory to have coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and repatriation. The cost varies depending on how long you stay, typically ranging from $324 to $540.

Other related expenses

• Travel and accommodation expenses: If the consulate or embassy isn’t close by, you’ll want to budget for transportation costs and maybe a night’s accommodation, depending on the situation.
• Additional administrative fees: In certain countries, like India or Brazil, there might be extra fees for consular services or external processing.
• Photographs and copies: Be sure to include the cost of official photographs and copies of documents that may be required.

Lawyers for advice on visa procedures to study in Spain

Feeling a bit overwhelmed by all this? If so, don’t hesitate to get help with your Spanish student visa application. There are plenty of companies that specialize in this process. Here are a few immigration firms and legal services that can guide you through it smoothly.

Aristeo Legal

Aristeo Legal is a law firm that specializes in immigration and residency matters, with a strong track record in handling student visa applications for Spain. Their team provides full-service guidance and makes sure you meet all the necessary requirements for a smooth, successful application.

• Location: 34 Velázquez St., Madrid, Spain.
• Services: They offer full support with student visas, including help preparing and reviewing your documents, as well as scheduling your appointment at the embassy or consulate. They also provide certified translation services.
• Languages: Spanish, English and French.
• Hours: Monday to Friday, from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm.
• Fees: From $216 for initial consultation. They offer personalized packages according to the type of visa and the complexity of the procedure.

Lexidy Law Boutique

Lexidy Law Boutique stands out for its fresh, modern approach to immigration services. With offices across Spain and other parts of Europe, they assist international students in securing visas and residence permits with ease.

• Location: Avenida Diagonal 440, Barcelona, Spain. Also in Málaga, Madrid, Lisbon, Porto, Athens, Paris, Milan and Mexico.
• Services: They provide end-to-end support for student visa applications, help with permit renewals, and guidance for more complex situations. Their services also include prep sessions for consular interviews.
• Languages: Spanish, English and German.
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
• Fees: From $324 for the basic processing package.

Martínez-Echevarría Abogados

With over three decades of experience, Martínez-Echevarría Abogados takes a personalized approach to every case. Their team handles student visas and other immigration-related procedures with great skill.

• Location: Avenida de Andalucía 29, Málaga, Spain.
• Services: Student visa management, advice for accompanying family members and assistance in the homologation of academic degrees.
• Languages: Spanish, English and Italian.
• Hours: Monday to Friday, from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm.
• Fees: Free initial consultation. Visa packages cost from $270.

Balcells Group

Balcells Group focuses on providing fast, effective solutions for international students and digital nomads in Spain. Thanks to their deep expertise in immigration and visa processes, they’ve become a trusted name in the country.

• Location: Paseo de Gracia 95, Barcelona, Spain.
• Services: Processing of student visas, handling of renewals, and assistance in the preparation of documents and sworn translations.
• Languages: Spanish and English.
• Hours: Monday to Friday, from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm.
• Fees: From $194 for basic consultations, with complete packages adapted to each case.

Frequently asked questions about visas to study in Spain

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Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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