How to Get a Student Visa to Study in Spain (2023)

How to Get a Student Visa to Study in Spain (1)Today we are pleased to welcome to the blog guest writer, Ciaran O Toole. Ciaran is from SegurCaixa Adeslas, where he is part of the English speaking team and works with clients who are looking for health insurance as part of their visa application or renewal. He is from Ireland and originally came to Spain to study Business and Spanish. He has lived in Madrid for 3 years and has been working in insurance for 2 years.

Ciaran knows the headache of moving to Spain and his job is to help you! For that reason, we knew he was the right person to help answer some of the questions you may have on the student visa, coming to Spain, the different visas, and how Adeslas health insurance can be used as part of the visa. Without further ado, we present Ciaran…

Every year, there are many foreign students coming to study in Spain, especially for the weather, the lifestyle and the culture. Are you also looking forward to studying in Spain and are curious about the student visa procedure? If yes, this blog is for you!

1. Do I really need a student visa?

Not all students planning to study in Spain are required to apply for a student visa. If you are only studying for up to 90 days, you will not need a student visa. Instead, you can apply for a Schengen tourist visa via the BLS International Visa Management Agency if you are from a country without visa-free access to Spain. So it’s important to note that all the explanations below will not be appropriate for your case. However, this may change in 2024 with the introduction of the ETIAS visa scheme.

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But, if you are a non-EU resident and plan to study in Spain for more than 90 days, you will need to apply for a study visa. This is where you need our health insurance.

2. Should I go for a short-term student visa or a long-term one?

How to Get a Student Visa to Study in Spain (2)The type of student visa that you can apply for typically depends on the course length:

  • Short-term student visa – Short-term study visas typically last between 91-180 days.
  • Long-term student visa – The long-term visa is for those who wish to study for more than six months or 180 days. In this case, you will need to apply for a type D student visa and a NIE/TIE (Tarjeta de Identitad de Extranjero) residence permit.

3. What are the requirements for applying for a student visa?

As talked above, if you need to apply for a student visa, the next is to figure out the required documents before starting the application process.

The following example is the general documents required for each country, but you would better always check the details presented by the official website of embassies and consulates in case there are additional documents required to be submitted:

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  • The passport and the copy
  • 3 recent ID photos (original and copy)
  • Two filled-out visa application forms
  • A legal authorization signed by the parents: for students below 18 years old and does not come accompanied by his or her parents
  • Medical certificate demonstrating that the application does not suffer from any disease recognized by the International Health Regulation of 2005.
  • How to Get a Student Visa to Study in Spain (3)Proof of enough economic means to cover the expenses of stay until the return to your country: The monthly minimum quantity must represent 100% of IPREM (564.9€ in 2021, you can consult here for the following years). If you have dependent relatives, a monthly quantity of 75% of IPREM for the first dependent, and 50% of the IPREM for each of the rest. You may also provide proof of scholarship, but you need to also specifically consult your consulate.
  • Admission letter from your university or school, verifying your enrolment as a full-time student, leading to obtaining a degree or certificate
  • Proof of private Health Insurance from an insurer recognized and authorized to operate in Spain. (Our Expat insurance meets all the requirements and has been long certified as the No.1 health insurance in Spain. We are an insurance company that speaks English.) The insurance must cover all risks normally covered for nationals and must be maintained for the entire duration of the authorization. It must cover at least all the preventive, diagnostic, treatment and rehabilitation assistance activities carried out in health centres, clinics, hospitals and urgent health transport.
  • Certificate of criminal record dated no more than three months before the application date, stating that applicant does not have a criminal record in countries where it has resided for the past five years. Not applicable for students under 18 years old.
  • Consular fee: It varies across consulates and years.

** Bear in mind that usually all the documents must be properly legalized and translated into Spanish.

How to Get a Student Visa to Study in Spain (4)4. How can I make an appointment with my consulate?

Once you have received an acceptance letter or invitation letter from your education centre, you can begin the process. You are advised to make an appointment at the consulate at least 30 days before your desired entry to Spain. Ideally, you can start the process around three months before travelling to Spain, leaving sufficient time for processing of visa application.

On the official website mentioned above, you will find easily the email of the consulate to which you belong. If there exists more than one consulate in the country you are in, you need to make sure which consulate should you go to exactly.

In the subject line asking for an appointment, you should specify the visa type you wish to apply to accelerate the process.
Then in the email, you need to specify the following information:

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  • The applicant’s personal details (full name, nationality, passport number, and telephone number)
  • Visa type you wish to apply for
  • Place of residency in your home country
  • Reasons why you are requesting this visa
  • Desired date for the appointment at the Consulate office (Note that they may not give you the appointment on the exact date that you prefer due to fluctuations of demands)

You will get a response email later specifying the date and time.

After applying, you will get notified of the resolution results. If your application is successful, you must collect your visa within two months from the date you are notified. If you fail to do so, it means that you have renounced your visa and the procedure will be closed.

Note that only one person can be attended at an appointment. If the applicant is with several family members, they each need to apply for an appointment.

How to Get a Student Visa to Study in Spain (5)5. What are the next steps after obtaining the student visa?

Well, pack your luggage and go!

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Remember we said before the difference between long-term and short-term student visas? If you will be studying in Spain for more than 3 months (90 days), you will need to apply for your residence permit (also known as TIE/NIE) after arriving in Spain. This is also a compulsory procedure that you may find complicated.

6. What other visas can be obtained?

As well as the student visa, there are other visas that are sought after. Including the newly approved digital nomad visa which has been a big hit. The non-lucrative visa and the golden visa. The digital nomad visa is a remote working visa, the non lucrative visa is a non working visa and the golden visa is an investment visa.

Reference:

[1] VISADO DE ESTUDIOS . (2021). Retrieved 1 August 2021, from http://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/MEXICO/es/InformacionParaExtranjeros/Paginas/InformacionVisadosyOtrosTramites/visado_de_estudios.aspx
[2]Applying for a visa. (2021). Retrieved 1 August 2021, from https://www.educacionyfp.gob.es/eeuu/convocatorias-programas/convocatorias-eeuu/nalcap/visa.html

How to Get a Student Visa to Study in Spain (6)For more details you can contact me below.
Ciaran O Toole
otoolec@oac.segurcaixaadeslas.es
+34 613834640

(Video) STUDENT VISA In Spain:📚🇪🇸 Documents, Requirements & Application Process

FAQs

How to Get a Student Visa to Study in Spain? ›

Applying for a student visa can be a complicated process because you have to make sure you have all the required documents and meet the requirements (including proof of financial resources or health insurance). Here are some of the reasons why your Spanish student visa can get rejected: Lack of financial support.

Is it easy to get Spain student visa? ›

Applying for a student visa can be a complicated process because you have to make sure you have all the required documents and meet the requirements (including proof of financial resources or health insurance). Here are some of the reasons why your Spanish student visa can get rejected: Lack of financial support.

Can I get a student visa to study Spanish in Spain? ›

How can I obtain the visa? Before arriving in Spain, you should apply for a student visa at the Spanish consulate in your home country or your country of legal residence. You should submit the documents that show that you have been admitted to a study programme. You must apply for a student visa (Type D).

How much money do I need for Spain student visa? ›

if you apply from the U.S.: $160. If you apply from Canada : $95. Other nationalities: $67.

How long does it take to get a student visa to study in Spain? ›

The process to get this type of visa might take approximately 4 weeks. This General Consulate recommends not purchasing plane tickets until your visa has been granted. The Consulate General of Spain in Miami has full authority to evaluate and request documents in addition to those initially submitted by the applicant.

Can a US citizen study in Spain? ›

All U.S. passport holders must obtain a student visa through a Spanish consulate/embassy prior to departure if they are studying abroad in Spain for 90+ days. Visa processing is out of USAC's control as visas are not guaranteed and are granted at the discretion of Spanish consulates.

How much money do you need as a student in Spain? ›

The average cost of living per student will range between €1,000 to €1,300. This sum of money will be enough to pay rent, utilities, food, and other recreational activities. The go-to student portal for international students interested in studying in Spain.

Do US citizens need visa to study in Spain? ›

Those studying in Spain for less than 90 days do not need a student visa.

Is Spain visa free for US citizens? ›

Spain is a party to the Schengen Agreement. This means that U.S. citizens may enter Spain for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa. Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond the period of stay.

How much bank balance is required for Spain visa? ›

Bank Statement: Six (6) months updated personal bank statement (Saving A/c statement) with sufficient economic means for the entire duration of stay € 65.52 Euros (INR 4914 approx) per person per day of stay or € 589.68 Euros (INR 44,226 approx.) per person for a minimum period of 7 day stay.

How do I get a visa for Spain from USA? ›

How to Apply for a Spanish Short-Stay Visa
  1. Decide what visa type you need. ...
  2. Figure out where to apply for a Spain visa. ...
  3. Complete the application form for a Spanish short-stay visa.
  4. Collect the requirements for a Spanish visa. ...
  5. Appoint a visa interview.
  6. Attend the interview at the appropriate Spanish Embassy/Consulate/VAC.

Is there an interview for Spain student visa? ›

When applying for a Spanish student visa, it is most likely that you will be invited to an interview after submitting all documents, as the last step of the application process. The diplomatic officers who are going to interview you are interested to know you on a deeper level outside of the official documents.

Can I study in Spain if I dont speak Spanish? ›

If you're living in a major city, studying a course taught in English, interning or working at a company that requires English, or are living in expat areas such as Costa del Sol or Malaga, you can get by with just English in Spain. In all these scenarios, you can live in Spain even if you don't speak Spanish.

Who can sponsor for student visa in Spain? ›

If you're under 18, your parents can sponsor you. They must prove their family link to you and demonstrate that they also have the means to support themselves during your stay in Spain. You may also need to show you have resources to pay for your return home.

Can I study in Spain for international students? ›

Spain is one of the best study destinations among European countries to pursue a degree for international students. In fact, it is an ideal destination for all international students who value century-old educational expertise, a beautiful climate, and golden beaches.

Is it cheaper to study in Spain or USA? ›

Tuition fees in Spain vs the US

What about tuition fees? The cost of education in Spain is significantly cheaper than the cost of education in the US. US Tuition fees average between $5,000 and $50,000 per year in comparison to Spanish average annual tuition fees of between $880 and $2,450.

Is college free in Spain for US citizens? ›

Unlike many other countries, students in Spain are not required to pay an entrance fee to attend college. This means that in spite of your financial situation, you have the opportunity to pursue your education and achieve your educational goals.

How much does it cost for an American to study in Spain? ›

Spanish Studies Abroad provides housing, meals, tuition, and many activities and excursions, so there are fewer hidden costs. Here are some rules of thumb. Most semester programs with university credits in Spain will run from $12,000 to $20,000 per semester, without any aid or scholarships applied.

Can you live off $1,000 a month in Spain? ›

With an average salary of €2,710 per month, you'll find that Spain is really as affordable as everyone says. If you're by yourself, you can live on €1000 per month in Spain. This includes room rent, groceries, health insurance, rare use of public transport, eating out a few times a month and shopping moderately.

Can you live in Spain with $2000 a month? ›

Retirement in Spain also tends to be fairly low cost. You can retire comfortably on about $2,000-2,200 a month, about $25,000-27,000 a year. If you choose to live a bit further away from the big cities, you can retire at approximately $1,700-1,900 a month, which is about $20,000-22,000 annually.

Is it expensive to live in Spain as a student? ›

A. Generally, you won't be requiring over 900 euros to 1,200 euros monthly while living in Spain. But if a student wants to pursue higher education in Madrid or Barcelona, the cost of living will be a bit expensive.

Can a US student work in Spain? ›

The student visa DOES allow you to work in Spain, and does so up to 30 hours per week.

Can I live in Spain with a U.S. passport? ›

Can US citizens move to Spain? Yes! Spain offers a range of visa options, from student visas to non-lucrative residency visas, which allow you to live in Spain without working there. You'll have to apply for your visa in the U.S., at the Consulate General for your home state.

How long can a US resident stay in Spain? ›

You can stay in Spain for a maximum of 183 days per year (6 months) in order to not become a resident. If you spend an extra day (184 days and onwards), you will be regarded as a resident, hence paying resident taxes in the country. This is a really important question, and different from the prior one.

How do I prove I have enough money to enter Spain? ›

Economic means may be accredited by presenting cash, traveller's cheques, a credit card accompanied by a bank account statement, an up-to-date bank book, or any other resource that accredits the amount available, such as a credit statement regarding the card or bank account.

How long does Spain take to approve visa? ›

“You can apply for a Spanish Schengen visa up to 3 months before your planned trip. The processing time may take up to 15 days since the day of your application. The Embassy of Spain processes Schengen visa applications in up to 4 days.

What is proof of financial means for student visa? ›

A prospective student must have financial evidence showing that they or a sponsor has sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the period of intended study. Evidence of financial ability includes but is not limited to: Family bank statements. Documentation from a sponsor.

How much bank balance is required for US student visa? ›

It is usually said that your bank account must show at least 1.5 times the amount mentioned in your I-20 form or a minimum of 10,000 USD to be considered eligible for the F1 visa.

How long does it take to get a visa for Spain from USA? ›

Processing time? As a general rule, 15 days from the date your complete application is received by the Consulate General of Spain. Visa Applications for certain nationals will require an additional security check that may result in longer visa processing time. Check the Annex 16 for the list of these countries.

Can I drive in Spain with US license? ›

Can I drive with my U.S. driver's license in Spain? U.S. citizens who plan to drive in Spain must obtain an international driving permit (IDP) prior to their arrival. An international driving permit translates your state-issued driver's license into ten languages so that officials in foreign countries can interpret it.

How long can US citizen stay in Spain with visa? ›

The 90-day rule

This rule simply states that you can live in Spain without residency for a maximum of 90 days. After those 3 months, you need to either obtain a residence permit, or leave the country. And that is because the shortest stay option is the tourist (or Schengen) visa, which lasts exactly for 90 days.

Which student visa is the easiest to get? ›

Q: Which is the easiest country to get a student visa for Indian students? A: Undoubtedly, you need to put some effort to acquire a student visa for any country, however, the most prominent options to accomplish easy attainment of student visa as an Indian student are Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Is Spain accepting international students? ›

Some Spanish colleges are more accommodating to international students than others, some have a huge student body while others prefer maintaining a smaller class size, and each one is situated in a different climate ranging from on the ocean to tucked away in rolling hills.

What is the easiest Spanish visa to get? ›

The non-lucrative residence residency is a Spanish visa available to non-EU citizens who have sufficient economic means to stay in the country without engaging in any work or professional activity. It is one of the easiest routes to permanent residency in Spain, provided you meet the income/savings conditions.

What is the hardest country to get a student visa? ›

Hardest countries to get a visa
  • North Korea.
  • China.
  • Russia.
  • Saudi Arabia.
  • Bhutan.
  • Pakistan.
  • Nigeria.
  • Turkmenistan.

Which country gives fastest student visa? ›

Which countries provide international students with simple PR opportunities? One of the top nations for foreign student immigration is Singapore, although other options include Canada, Australia, Germany, New Zealand, and Canada.

Which country has highest student visa acceptance rate? ›

Australia is known as the best student destination globally because of its high-quality education, low cost of living and opportunities to work. Australia welcomes international students from all over the world, and the higher education system in Australia differs from other countries.

Do US citizens need student visa for Spain? ›

Those studying in Spain for less than 90 days do not need a student visa.

How can an American apply to college in Spain? ›

Here is how to apply to study in Spain as an international student in a few simple steps:
  1. Choose a Spanish City. ...
  2. Choose a Degree Program and University. ...
  3. Check Requirements. ...
  4. Get Your Qualifications Recognized. ...
  5. Apply to University. ...
  6. Receive Letter of Acceptance. ...
  7. Apply for Student Visa.

Does Spain reject student visa? ›

Appeal Letter for Spain student Visa Refusal

Your visa application for Spain is rejected if: You have received a visa rejection letter from the consular service. This is an express refusal; You have not received any response within 60 days after your visa application was filed.

Can a US citizen move to Spain? ›

US citizens can stay in Spain for 90 days out of every 180 days without the need for a visa. After acquiring Spanish residency through the Spain Golden Visa program, US citizens can apply for permanent residency with the following : A completed Modelo EX11 visa application. Pay a visa fee of €80.

Which visa is easy to get from USA? ›

For many, a "B" visitor visa is the easiest and most appropriate one to get. (See 8 U.S. Code § 1101.) The B visa a nonimmigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) or for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2).

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