Student Visa
Who needs to apply for a student visa?
Unless you’re from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, you’ll need a student visa to study in Spain for longer than 90 days.
This visa allows you to carry out research and training activities, participate in student exchange programs, or work as an unpaid intern or volunteer for more than three months.
If the period of study is less than 90 days and you are not from the EU/EEA or Switzerland, a short-term visitor/tourist visa or Schengen visa will be issued upon arrival. You do not need to apply for this 90 day visa as it is granted to all non-EU/EEA or Swiss travelers upon entry to Spain.
Where do I apply for a student visa?
Apply for a student visa in the Embassy or Consular Office of Spain closest to your address in your country of origin.
You must apply for the visa in your country of origin before coming to Spain (except in the case of renewal or extension of the period of studies, this you can do in Spain).
Check the Spanish Consulate website in your country to find out how to apply for a student visa.
How long can I stay in Spain?
Citizens of the European Union
European citizens and citizens of the States party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area may reside in Spain for less than three months without the need to obtain any type of authorization or document.
However, if you wish to reside in Spain for more than three months, you must go to the Foreign Nationals Office and request registration with the Central Register of Foreign Nationals, and a registration certificate will be issued immediately with your name, nationality, registered address, foreigner’s identity number (NIE) and the date of registration.
You must be a student in a public or private educational institution in Spain to do so.
Non-EU Citizens
If the duration of study is less than three months (90 days), you will be allowed to stay in Spain with the short-term visitor/tourist visa or Schengen visa for 90 days from the date of entry.
If the duration of studies is longer than three months and less than six, you must apply for the student visa. This visa is valid for six months from the entry date.
If you are planning to study/stay in Spain for more than six months, you still have to apply for a student visa. This will act as your entry visa and will only be valid for 3 months. You must apply for a student card (NIE – Número de Identificación de Extranjero) and TIE (Tarjeta de Identificación de Extranjero) at the corresponding Foreign Nationals Office or police station as soon as you can once you are in Spain. The NIE/TIE will allow you to remain in Spain for the duration of your studies. This card is usually valid for one academic year and can be renewed annually from within Spain.
Keep in mind…
Any procedure at the Foreign Nationals Office requires a scheduled appointment.
Can I work while in Spain on a student visa?
You can work in Spain on a student visa as long as the work is compatible with activities carried out under the student visa, granted that the income received does not serve as a means to support you.
The ability to work may depend on your country of origin and you may be required to apply for permission, which takes a while to process.
Can my family accompany me to Spain on a student visa?
Only the following relatives may accompany you as a foreign student during your stay in Spain:
- Legal spouse or civil partner.
- Children under the age of 18.
- Children of the age of majority who have disabilities which prevent them from providing for their own needs due to their state of health.
Their stay in Spain is subject to the validity of your student visa. In order for your family to accompany you, first you have to obtain a student visa. Once you have it, then your family member/s will be able to apply for their respective visas.