Why apply for residency?
There are many advantages to having a residence permit in Spain. First, from a legal point of view and legal security. Then, family, health, employment and economic aspects.
For students and their families, given the nature of our academy, the financial aspect of university fees and credits is of greatest interest. Many students ask us about the cost of university , and we explain that there are significant differences between students with and without accommodation. Therefore, obtaining accommodation is one of the goals (and necessities) for studying in Spain.
Understanding the difference between a visa, a stay, and residency is very important. It's not common to obtain a residency permit during the first few months of study in Spain , as international students generally receive a student stay permit . This permit allows them to remain legally in the country for the duration of their studies, but it is not equivalent to residency.
We will go step by step explaining the differences and concepts between documents and processes according to your situation.
1. The visa to study in Spain
A visa is an official authorization issued by Spanish consular authorities abroad (embassies or consulates) that allows the holder to enter Spanish territory for a specific purpose and for a specific period. You can find more information in our post on how to obtain a visa in Spain.
Their functions are:
- Allow the legal entry to Spain.
- Determine the purpose and duration of the permitted stay (tourism, studies, work, residence, etc.).
Types of visa
- Short-stay visa (Schengen). Allows stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period, generally for tourism, business or family visits.
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- Tourism
- Business
- Family visit
- Cultural or sporting events
- Long-stay visa (Type D). It allows entry into Spain for stays of more than 90 days for specific purposes such as study, work, non-profit residence, family reunification, among others.
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- Study visa
- work visa
- Non-profit residence visa
- Family reunification visa
- Research visa
- Entrepreneur or investor visa (Golden Visa)
Issuing authority
- Embassies and consulates of Spain in the applicant's country of origin or legal residence.
Procedure
- Preparation of documentation:
- Valid passport.
- Completed application forms.
- Recent photographs.
- Specific documentation depending on the type of visa (study acceptance letter, employment contract, financial means, health insurance, etc.).
- Presentation of the application:
- Make an appointment at the Spanish embassy or consulate.
- Submit the documentation and pay the corresponding fees.
- Evaluation:
- Consular authorities review the application and may require an interview or additional documentation.
- Litigation, Arbitration:
- The applicant is notified of the granting or denial of the visa.
- Visa collection:
- If approved, the visa is stamped in the passport.
Who has or should apply for it
- Foreign citizens from countries that require a visa to enter Spain. That is, those who do not have a passport from the EU, Switzerland, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
- People who wish to enter Spain for reasons that require a long-term visa (studies, work, residence, etc.), regardless of their nationality.
Advantages
- Legal entry to Spain. Guarantees entry into the country in compliance with immigration regulations.
- Clarity in purpose and duration. Define the reason for the visit and the permitted length of stay.
- Facilitates subsequent procedures. For long-term stays, a long-stay visa is a prerequisite for applying for authorisations to stay or reside in Spain.
- Mobility in the Schengen Area. With a Schengen visa, you can travel to the countries within this area without the need for additional visas during the permitted period.
2. Stay in Spain
A stay permit is an authorization that allows a foreigner to remain temporarily in Spain for a specific period, generally longer than 90 days and shorter than one year, without the intention of establishing permanent residence. It is common in cases such as studies, academic exchanges, or professional internships.
Function of the stay
- Allow the legal stay in Spain for specific and temporary purposes.
- Authorize activities such as studies, Development, cultural exchange, non-work practices, volunteer jobs., etc.
Types of stay
- Stay for studies
- Student mobility stay
- Internship for non-work placements or volunteer services
- Stay for research or training
Issuing Authority
- Immigration Offices o Police Stations in Spain.
Procedure
- Obtaining a student visa (if applicable). Applicants must obtain a study visa in their country of origin to enter Spain.
- Entry into Spain. Within the validity of the visa obtained.
- Request for authorization of stay. Within the first month of entry, request the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).
- Required Documentation:
- Passport and visa.
- Certificate of admission to the study center.
- Proof of financial means and medical insurance.
- Census register certificates.
- Resolution. The competent authority issues the residence permit and delivers the TIE.
Who has or should apply for it
- Foreign students who are going to carry out studies, exchanges or internships in Spain for a period of more than 90 days.
- People who will participate in training, research or volunteer programs.
Advantages
- Legal residence in Spain. It allows you to stay in the country for the duration of the study program or authorized activities.
- Possibility of working. Authorization to work up to 30 hours per week may be obtained, provided that it is compatible with studies.
- Mobility in the Schengen Area. Possibility of travelling within Schengen countries during the validity of the authorisation.
- Access to services. Access to the health system (with medical insurance), public transportation with rates for residents, among others.
- Possibility of expansion. Authorization can be renewed if studies continue.
3. Residence in Spain
Residence is an authorization that allows a foreigner to live legally in Spain for a specific period (temporary residence) or indefinitely (long-term residence), with the possibility of working or carrying out economic activities, depending on the type of residence granted.
Function of the residence
- Authorize the permanence in Spain as a habitual place of residence.
- Allow the holder integrate in the social, labor and economic life of the country.
Types of residence
- Temporary residence:
- Residence and employment
- Residence and self-employment
- Non-profit residence
- Residence for family reunification
- Residence for exceptional circumstances (social, work, family roots)
- Long-term residence:
- It is obtained after legally residing in Spain for five continuous years.
- It grants similar rights to Spanish citizens regarding work and access to services.
Issuing authority
- Immigration Offices in Spain.
Procedure
- Application for residence visa (if applicable). In some cases, a residence visa must be applied for in the country of origin.
- Entry into Spain. Within the validity of the visa.
- Submission of the application for residence. Before the Immigration Office corresponding in Spain.
- Required documentation:
- Valid passport.
- Application forms.
- Certificates and specific documentation depending on the type of residence (employment contract, financial means, health insurance, etc.).
- Resolution. The immigration authority evaluates the application and, if approved, grants the residence permit.
- Obtaining the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE). Document proving legal residence in Spain.
Who has or should apply for it
- Foreign who wish to live in Spain for long periods and who meet the requirements for the type of residence requested.
- Employees, entrepreneurs, investors, reunited family members, people with sufficient financial means, among others.
Advantages
- Right to reside and work. Possibility of working as an employee or self-employed, depending on the authorization.
- Access to public services. Health system, education, social benefits, etc.
- Legal stability. It allows for long-term planning in personal and professional terms.
- Family reunification. Possibility of bringing direct relatives to reside in Spain.
- Mobility in the European Union. With long-term residence, you can easily travel and reside in other EU countries.
- Road to nationality. The period of legal residence counts towards applying for Spanish nationality, provided that the established requirements are met.
- Rights and freedoms. Legal protection and access to fundamental rights recognized in the Spanish Constitution.
Conclusions on how to proceed to pay less at university
As you've seen, there are several ways to be legally in Spain, each with its own characteristics and rights. Answering the initial question of how to pay less in university fees, the idea is to obtain residency accreditation as early as possible. If this isn't feasible in the short term, you could start university in regions where there are no extra fees for non-residents. For example, if your goal is to study at a public university in Madrid , where a degree should cost between €1500 and €2000 per year, but without residency it can rise to €6000, it might be a good option, if possible, to start at a university like the University of Castilla-La Mancha, located in Toledo, which doesn't charge extra for non-residents. You could then request a transfer of your academic record once you've obtained residency.
Another option, often used by students, is to obtain Spanish nationality, which could accelerate the process and eliminate the high cost of university studies.
