Student visa: studying in Spain
The student stay (estancia por estudios) lets non-EU nationals live in Spain while following a qualifying programme — a degree, master’s, research or other recognised course. The 2025 immigration regulation brought changes for students, including part-time work and options after graduation. We prepare the file and coordinate everything around your arrival.
This route suits
- Students admitted to a Spanish university degree or master’s
- Researchers and doctoral candidates
- People enrolled in other qualifying full-time programmes
- Students who want to bring a spouse or children with them
It’s not designed for
- Short courses that do not meet the qualifying criteria
- People whose real aim is to work full-time in Spain
- EU, EEA or Swiss citizens, who register as EU citizens instead
Key requirements
Admission to a qualifying programme
A letter of admission or enrolment from an authorised institution, for a programme that meets the criteria for a student stay.
Means of support
The reference is 100% of the IPREM per month for the student, with additional amounts for family members. Proof of accommodation or prepaid costs may count. We confirm the current figure at consultation.
Health insurance
Public or private health insurance with full cover in Spain. Many consulates expect no co-payments and no waiting periods.
Criminal-record and medical certificates
Required for adult students on longer programmes, apostilled and with a sworn translation where needed. Requirements vary by consulate.
Passport and forms
A valid passport, the national visa application form and payment of the fee (tasa).
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; we confirm your situation in a consultation.
Last reviewed: Legal basis: LO 4/2000 (LOEX) · RD 1155/2024
How the process works
Programme and route check
We confirm that your programme qualifies and whether to apply from abroad or, where permitted, from within Spain.
Document plan
You receive a checklist for your nationality and consulate, including family members if they are coming with you.
Application
The application is filed at the consulate or through the relevant channel in Spain. Where a filing legally requires a colegiado professional, it is submitted by our named partner (abogado or gestor administrativo colegiado).
Follow-up
We track the application and prepare any response to a requerimiento with you.
Arrival and TIE
After arrival we book your TIE appointment and coordinate padrón, bank account and the other first steps.
After approval
If your stay is longer than six months, you apply for a TIE after arrival. The authorisation is linked to your studies and is extended year by year while you keep progressing. The 2025 regulation allows part-time work compatible with studies, and there are routes towards residence and work once you finish — eligibility depends on the qualification and the timing, so we plan this early.
Why files get refused or delayed
- Admission letters that don’t show the programme dates, hours or full-time status the consulate expects
- Means of support that are not documented in the consulate’s required form
- Health insurance with co-payments, waiting periods or exclusions
- Certificates too old for the consulate’s validity window, or without an apostille
- Translations that are not sworn translations (traducción jurada)
- Applying at a consulate that does not have jurisdiction over your place of residence
Frequently asked questions
Can I work in Spain on a student visa?
The 2025 regulation allows part-time work that is compatible with your studies, with a weekly limit. Your work must not interfere with your programme. We confirm the current conditions for your situation.
Can my family come with me on a Spanish student visa?
Generally, yes. Spouses or partners and children can usually accompany you, and the means of support increase for each family member. Their documents should be prepared at the same time as yours.
Can I stay in Spain after my studies?
There are routes to move from a student stay to residence and work, including options to look for a job or start a business after graduating. Eligibility depends on your qualification and timing, so plan this before your course ends.
How much money do I need for a student visa in Spain?
The reference is 100% of the IPREM per month for the student, with additional amounts for family members. The IPREM changes periodically, so we confirm the current figure and accepted evidence at consultation.
Turn this into a plan
The route finder takes two minutes. A consultation turns it into a plan.