How to Apply for a Student Visa in Spain?
Good news if you studied abroad in Spain and are from an EU/EEA country! You will not be required to have a Spanish student visa. If you are not an EU/EEA citizen, go to the next step and prepare to apply for a student visa.
Types of Student Visa in Spain
There are two types of student visas depending on the length of your studies:
Short-term student visas are intended for students in the country from 91 to 180 days.
A long-term student visa if you plan to stay in the country for more than six months to study.
Remember that you do not need to apply for a student permit if your studies last less than 90 days, regardless of whether you are a non-EU citizen. Your tourist visa will suffice.
How does a student visa work in Spain?
A student visa must be obtained in your home country, not upon arrival in Spain. You should apply at least 1-3 months before your intended arrival date. Applications received less than 90 days before the start of the program will not be accepted.
You can find more information on how to apply for a visa in Spain by visiting the official visa center website. Spain BLS. The longer-stay Type D visa allows you to obtain a TIE (Tarjeta de identidad de extranjero) Residence Card for foreign students, a temporary permit that allows you to live legally in Spain. It is only valid for one academic year, but can be renewed annually for longer courses.
You must apply for your TIE card within 30 days of entering Spain, which you can do at the Foreigners Office (immigration center) or at the police station.
Requirements or eligibility criteria for a student visa in Spain:
Required documents vary depending on the consulate, the individual's situation and the course the applicant wishes to take. Although the documents for a student visa may differ depending on your situation, the following documents are essential:
The visa application form
The passport
Two recent passport size photographs
Acceptance letter from a Spanish university
Study course information (broad details of your chosen degree within the university, such as weekly study hours)
Health insurance - minimum 30,000 EUR insurance for your studies.
Proof of financial capacity for the duration of your stay (at least EUR 900 per month)
Visa application fee for medical certificate (60 EUR)
Criminal record certificate (issued by the relevant authorities in your home country within the last five years)
How valid is a Spain Student Visa?
Once you get your permit, which allows you to stay in the country for one year, you can renew it every year. If your course or training lasts two years, you will not need to renew your passport or extend your temporary stay.
Spain Student Visa Fees and Costs:
If applying from the US: $160
If using Canada: $95
Any other nationality: $67