Planning to study in Spain? This guide explains the student visa and study authorisation routes, required documents and funds, how to apply and the rules after arrival.
One of the most popular countries for students who follow an Erasmus exchange programme, but also for those who pursue a full-time degree, Spain has a long tradition of academic excellence.
Who needs a Spanish student visa
If you decided to study abroad in Spain and are an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, good news! You won’t need a Spanish student visa. If you are not an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen, check whether you need a visa and follow the relevant steps below.
Choose the right route for your study period
Keep in mind that students from some countries can stay in Spain for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa, even if they are not EU/EEA citizens. Others need a Schengen visa. To find out if this applies to you, contact the Spanish consulate responsible for your place of legal residence.
For studies lasting more than 90 days, the long-stay study route applies, with different residence-card requirements:
- shorter study stay – if you plan to study in Spain for more than 90 days and up to 180 days, the long-stay study visa route normally applies; a TIE is generally not required for six months or less.
- longer study stay – if you plan to study in Spain for more than six months, obtain the appropriate visa or authorisation and apply for a foreigner identity card (TIE) within a month after your arrival.
The long-term student visa allows you to obtain the Spanish foreigner identity card (TIE), normally required for non-EU/EEA, non-Swiss students staying more than six months. The TIE documents your authorised stay. Higher-education authorisation can cover the full duration of your studies, subject to continuing enrolment and annual evidence where required.
Keep in mind that you can apply for higher-education study authorisation when you are already in Spain if you are an adult, legally present and meet the relevant conditions.
If applying from Spain, normally apply at least two months before your lawful stay expires and at least two months before studies start, unless an allowed exception applies. The Spanish Ministry’shigher-educationstudyrules explain this route.
Apply to a Spanish university and get your acceptance letter
If you’re still not sure where you want to study in Spain, you will have to decide before you can start your student visa application process. After being accepted at a Spanish university, you’ll get an acceptance letter required for the visa application.
Ready to study in Spain? Explore universities and find a programme that matches your interests and career goals.
Documents required for a Spanish student visa
Follow the checklist of the consulate responsible for your application. Requirements depend on the study route and duration:
- Completed visa application form
- Passport meeting the national study-visa requirements, normally with at least one year of validity
- Recent passport-size photos in the required number and format
- Letter of acceptance from a Spanish university
- Information about the study programme (extended details regarding your chosen degree within the university, such as the hours of study per week)
- Health insurance from an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, with cover comparable to the Spanish public health system. A generic €30,000 travel policy is not the standard long-stay study requirement.
- Medical certificate where required by the consulate for your route and stay
- For stays over six months, a recent criminal-record certificate for adult applicants covering the countries of residence during the previous five years. Follow the consulate’s issue-date, legalisation and translation rules.
Language requirements for studying in Spain
Proof of Spanish language proficiency depends on the programme. Spanish-taught degree programmes require applicants to have a very good command of the Spanish language, subject to the university’s admission rules.
The DELE test (Diploma de Español Como Lengua Extranjera) is one recognised qualification; check which tests your university accepts.
If you decide to pursue an English-taught programme in Spain, you may have to provide evidence of a good command of English unless an exemption applies. Accepted tests vary by university; examples include:
- IELTS
- PTE Academic
- C1 Advanced
Spanish student visa fees and proof of funds
Proof of financial means during your stay: normally 100% of monthly IPREM, which is €600 per month for an individual student in 2026, excluding study fees. Extra amounts apply to accompanying family; prepaid accommodation may affect the calculation.
Visa application fee: check your consulate’s current schedule. The amount can depend on nationality and reciprocity, so €60 is not a universal fee. The Spanish Consulate in Washington’s study-visa guidance illustrates the 2026 funds, insurance and fee requirements; use your own consulate’s checklist.
When and where to apply for your Spanish student visa
After you got accepted to a Spanish university, contact the Spanish embassy/consulate in your area and check out the list of documents that you need for the visa application. The required documents may vary depending on each consulate or regulations from your home country.
Follow the appointment procedure of the responsible consulate or its designated application centre; in-person attendance may be required.
Apply at least two months before your studies start unless an accepted exception applies. Schedule the appointment as soon as possible. Always check the consulate's website for the most up-to-date estimations on processing time.
List of Spanish embassies and consulates worldwide.
Registration and the TIE after arrival in Spain
The registration procedure depends on your nationality and the length of your stay:
- EU/EEA and Swiss citizens staying longer than three months normally apply for the EU registration certificate within three months of arrival. This includes a foreigner identification number (NIE).
- Non-EU/EEA, non-Swiss students authorised to stay more than six months normally apply for the TIE within one month of entering Spain.
For these procedures, follow the appointment instructions of the local immigration office or police station (Policía Nacional). A NIE alone is an identification number, not permission to reside.
Working while studying in Spain
As an international student in Spain, your work rights depend on your nationality and type of study authorisation:
- During a part-time job, working hours should not overlap school hours.
- For higher-education study authorisation, employed or self-employed work is normally permitted automatically, without a separate work permit, up to 30 hours per week and compatible with your studies.
- The 30-hour limit also applies during holidays. Other study categories may require separate work authorisation; EU/EEA and Swiss citizens do not have this student-permit limit.
In the case of a curricular internship, whether at a public or private institution, as long as it is part of your studies and covered by the relevant agreement, you won’t need a separate work authorisation.
The Ministry’s student immigration guide explains work rights and study authorisations under the current framework.
