Spain Student Visa

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

Last update 25 May, 2025

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Spain Rating from Citizen Remote

Overall 3.6

Internet Infrastructure 3.0

Country Stability 4.0

Cost of Living 4.0

Ease of Obtaining Visa 3.0

Taxes 4.0

Quick Visa Facts

Visa length Valid for the duration of your academic program.

Possible to extend? Yes – You can extend your visa from within Spain if your studies continue or you enroll in a new program.

Who can apply? Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens accepted into a recognized educational institution in Spain.

Minimum Income Requirements Requirements: Applicants must show 100% of Spain’s IPREM per month (€600–€700/month)

Time for visa applications Up to 90 days before your program starts.

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Dreaming of studying in Spain? Whether you're heading to Madrid for university, learning Spanish in Valencia, or enrolling in a design school in Barcelona, the Spain Student Visa is your first step to making it all happen.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from application requirements to timelines and official checklists, so you can feel confident every step of the way.

Spain Student Visa Overview

The Spain Student Visa is a national visa (visado nacional) required for non-EU/EEA citizens who plan to stay in Spain for more than 90 days to study, train, or conduct research. It’s regulated under Spain’s immigration laws and aligned with broader EU student mobility rules.

This visa is essential for anyone who wants to pursue education in Spain beyond short-term stays, whether it’s for a full academic degree, language course, or other structured learning program.

Who Is It For?

The Spain student visa is intended for:

Non-EU/EEA nationals accepted into an accredited Spanish institution.
Students enrolling in full-time academic programs (undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD)
Participants in official language courses.
Individuals attending primary or secondary school in Spain.
Those involved in research projects, training programs, or unpaid internships.
Volunteers participating in programs organized by recognized organizations.

What Does It Allow You to Do?

With a valid Spain student visa, you can:

Legally reside in Spain for the duration of your studies.
Travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days per 180-day period.
Apply for work authorization to take on part-time jobs (up to 30 hours/week)
Extend your stay or apply for a residence permit for continued studies.
Bring certain family members under specific circumstances.
Apply to modify your student visa to a work or residence permit later, if eligible.

This visa is more than just permission to study, it’s your legal pathway to living, learning, and building your future in Spain.

Spain Student Visa Requirements

To apply for a Spanish student visa, you must submit a complete application with supporting documents that demonstrate your purpose of stay, financial stability, health coverage, and legal compliance. Below are the key requirements you'll need to meet, though additional documents may be requested depending on the Spanish consulate handling your application.

You’ll need the following documents:

Passport valid for at least the duration of your stay in Spain.
National visa application form (Formulario Nacional)
One recent passport-sized photo.

Proof of Admission to an Accredited Institution

You must provide an official letter of acceptance or enrollment from a recognized educational institution in Spain. The letter should include the name of the program, duration of study, start and end dates, and confirmation of full-time attendance.

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

You’ll need to demonstrate that you can financially support yourself for the duration of your stay in Spain. The minimum required amount is typically 100% of Spain’s Public Multiple Effects Income Indicator (IPREM), which is updated annually. As of 2024, this amounts to approximately €600 per month, though consulates may request proof of a higher amount.

Acceptable forms of financial proof include:

Personal bank statements.
Proof of scholarships or grants.
A notarized letter of financial support from a parent or guardian, along with their ID and financial documents.
Proof of a funded program, if applicable.

Private Health Insurance

You must have private health insurance with full coverage in Spain, valid for the entire duration of your stay. The policy must:

Be issued by a company authorized to operate in Spain.
Have no copays or deductibles.
Include coverage for hospitalization and emergencies.
Clearly state the policyholder’s name and dates of coverage.

Travel insurance is not accepted; it must be long-term residency health insurance. You can find our recommendations for the best health insurance plans for digital nomads here.

Medical Certificate

A medical certificate is required to prove you are free from any diseases that could pose a public health risk, as defined by International Health Regulations. The certificate must:

Be issued within 90 days of your appointment.
Include the doctor's name, signature, and license number.
Be officially translated into Spanish and apostilled, if issued outside the EU.

Criminal Background Check

Applicants over the age of 18 must submit a national criminal background check from their country of residence covering the last five years. This document must:

Be issued within 90 days of your application.
Be apostilled or legalized.
Be officially translated into Spanish.

How to Apply for the Spain Student Visa – Step-by-Step Instructions

Applying for a Spanish student visa involves several steps, from gathering documents to attending your visa appointment. While the exact process may vary slightly depending on your local Spanish consulate, the steps below outline what most applicants can expect:

Step 1: Identify Your Jurisdiction

Before beginning, determine which Spanish consulate has jurisdiction over your place of residence. You must apply through the correct consulate based on your permanent address, not your school’s location. Each consulate may have specific forms, appointment systems, and document checklists.

Step 2: Schedule a Visa Appointment

Most consulates require an in-person appointment to submit your application. Some allow online booking via their official website, while others require scheduling by email. Due to high demand during peak seasons, it’s best to schedule your appointment well in advance, ideally 1 to 3 months before your program starts.

Step 3: Gather All Required Documents

Collect all required documents, making sure they meet the consulate’s specifications. This often includes:

A completed visa application form.
Passport and passport photos.
Letter of acceptance from a Spanish institution.
Proof of financial means.
Private health insurance.
Medical certificate.
Criminal background check.

Some consulates may request one set of originals and one set of copies, so review your consulate’s checklist carefully.

Step 4: Submit Your Application in Person

Attend your visa appointment with all required documents. You must appear in person, and minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The consulate will review your application and may ask questions about your studies or financial support.

At this stage, you will also:

Pay the non-refundable visa fee (typically €60–€160, depending on nationality)
Provide biometric data (photo and fingerprints)

Step 5: Wait for Processing and Pick Up Your Visa

Visa processing times can vary, but it generally takes 2 to 4 weeks. During peak periods, it may take longer. Some consulates allow you to check your application status online or via email.

Once approved, you’ll be notified to pick up your visa. You must collect it in person unless the consulate specifically allows mailing. Your visa will be affixed inside your passport and will show:

Visa type and number
Dates of validity
Entry limitations (usually multiple entries)

Step 6: Apply for a TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) After Arrival

If your stay in Spain exceeds 180 days, you must apply for a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days of arrival at the local immigration office (Extranjería). This is your official residency card in Spain.

How Much Does the Spain Student Visa Cost?

The cost of a Spanish Student Visa depends on your nationality and the Spanish consulate handling your application.

For U.S. citizens, the fee is typically $160, based on the reciprocity agreement between Spain and the United States. Applicants from most other countries, including Canada and other non-EU/EEA nations, usually pay around €80, although this can vary slightly by location.

Visa fees must be paid at the time of your appointment, and most consulates require payment by money order or cashier’s check. Personal checks, cash, and credit cards are generally not accepted, so it’s important to check your consulate’s exact instructions.

In addition to the visa fee, be prepared for other expenses. These may include document translation and legalization, private health insurance, and travel costs if your consulate requires an in-person appointment. If your stay in Spain exceeds 180 days, you’ll also need to apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) once you arrive, which comes with a separate administrative fee.

To avoid surprises, always consult your consulate’s official website for the most current fee schedule and payment guidelines.

Taxes for People With a Spanish Student Visa

If you're staying in Spain on a student visa, your tax obligations depend on how long you stay and whether you engage in paid work during your time in the country.

In general, if you stay in Spain for more than 183 days in a calendar year, you're considered a tax resident. This means you may be required to pay Spanish taxes on your worldwide income. However, if your stay is under 183 days, you're usually considered a non-resident for tax purposes and only pay taxes on income earned within Spain.

Students who are not working (i.e., fully supported by personal funds, scholarships, or family) typically do not owe taxes. But if you work part-time under a student work authorization — for example, internships, research positions, or hourly jobs — you’ll likely be taxed on your Spanish income.

Spain has tax treaties with many countries to avoid double taxation, so the income you earn may be protected from being taxed twice. It’s a good idea to check with a tax advisor or your consulate if you’re unsure how your home country handles taxation while studying abroad.

In short:

If you don’t work in Spain, you probably won’t owe any Spanish taxes.
If you do work, you’ll likely pay taxes on that income.
If you stay more than 183 days, you may become a tax resident.

Always keep records of your income and visa dates, and consider speaking with a tax professional if you're earning money or planning to stay long-term.

Living in Spain as a Student

Living in Spain as a student offers a rich cultural experience, vibrant social life, and relatively affordable cost of living compared to other Western European countries. Whether you’re in a major city like Madrid or Barcelona, or a smaller university town like Granada or Salamanca, you’ll find student discounts, lively neighborhoods, and easy access to public transport. Many universities also offer support services to help international students adjust to life abroad.

Day-to-day life is a blend of academics and immersion, from enjoying long lunches and exploring local festivals to practicing your Spanish in real-world settings. Most students live in shared flats or university residences, and the relaxed pace of life allows for a healthy study-life balance. Spain is also well-connected to the rest of Europe, making weekend travel a popular perk of student life.

Best Cities to Live in Spain as a Student

Spain is home to dozens of student-friendly cities, each offering its own mix of academic excellence, culture, and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for big-city energy, beachside living, or a charming historic atmosphere, there’s a perfect spot for every kind of student.

Madrid

Spain’s capital is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city packed with world-class universities, endless cultural attractions, and a buzzing student scene. Home to institutions like Universidad Complutense and IE University, Madrid combines academic prestige with an unbeatable lifestyle. You’ll find countless tapas bars, late-night cafés, iconic museums, and efficient public transport, all within a city that rarely sleeps. It’s ideal if you want a fast-paced, international environment with everything at your fingertips.

Barcelona

For students drawn to a coastal lifestyle, Barcelona blends beach days with academic rigor. It’s home to top universities like Universitat de Barcelona and Pompeu Fabra, and offers a creative, youthful energy that’s hard to match. The city’s mix of historic architecture, modern design, and bilingual culture (Spanish and Catalan) creates a unique living and learning environment. From indie film festivals to world-famous nightlife, Barcelona is vibrant, artistic, and full of opportunity.

Granada

Granada is perfect for students who want a more relaxed, affordable, and culturally rich experience. Known for the Alhambra and its picturesque Moorish influences, Granada is also a university town with a strong international student presence. The cost of living is lower than in Spain’s major cities, and you’ll often get free tapas with your drinks, a beloved local tradition. Its walkability, scenic views, and laid-back vibe make it a student favorite for good reason.

Cost of Living

The official currency of Spain is the Euro. €1 EUR = $1.1291 USD.

The average net monthly salary in Spain is around €1,785, which equates to approximately $1,920 USD.

Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay in different cities:

Madrid

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - €1,324.62 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - €2,318.42 per month
Basic Utilities - €160 per month
Wi-Fi - €29.74 per month
Public Transport - €1.50 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - €400-€600 per month

Barcelona

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - €1,349.62 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - €2,371.03 per month
Basic Utilities - €159.64 per month
Wi-Fi - €33.90 per month
Public Transport - €2.55 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - €300–€400 per month

Granada

Rent (1 bedroom in city center) - €730 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city center) - €990 per month
Basic Utilities - €110.40 per month
Wi-Fi - €22.67 per month
Public Transport - €1.40 one-way
Groceries (2 people) - €250–€300 per month

Can I work in Spain with a student visa?

Yes, but there are limitations. You can work up to 30 hours per week with prior authorization, and the job must not interfere with your studies. This applies to internships, part-time work, or student jobs, but you must coordinate with your employer and the Spanish authorities to obtain the correct permit.

Do I need to speak Spanish to apply for the visa?

No, Spanish language skills are not required to obtain the student visa. However, depending on your program, you may need to demonstrate proficiency in the language of instruction (Spanish or English). That said, learning some Spanish will definitely make daily life easier once you’re in Spain.

Can I travel within Europe with a Spain Student Visa?

Yes. The Spain Student Visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within any 180-day period, as long as your visa is valid. This includes popular destinations like France, Italy, Germany, and Portugal.

How early should I apply for the student visa?

It’s recommended to apply at least 2 to 3 months before your planned travel date. Consulates can take several weeks to process your application, and appointment availability may be limited, especially during peak seasons like summer and fall.

Can I get help applying for a Spanish Student Visa?

If you need help applying for a visa, you can talk to Citizen Remote. Get specific advice from one of our experts, or outsource the entire application to our team.

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