The student visa is one of the most processed documents by foreigners in Spain, and this is due to the high volume of applications, from various parts of the world, to access universities and training centers in the country.
Are you in this situation? Stay tuned for more information on this procedure.
Furthermore, if you would like to speak with an advisor afterwards to resolve any doubts or even receive assistance, contact us and arrange a personalized consultation to determine if you would need this visa and the steps you should take to obtain it successfully.
What is a student visa?
First, a student visa is a type of residence permit that allows people from outside the European Union to study at Spanish educational institutions and live in the country for the duration of their studies. This includes enrollment in programs such as undergraduate degrees, postgraduate programs, master's degrees, and doctorates, among others.
It is important to note that this visa is only intended for non-European citizens and is not considered a permanent residence permit.
However, one positive aspect of this type of visa is that it allows you to work up to 30 hours per week during your studies and easily switch to a work permit once you complete them. If this interests you, we can discuss it further later.
The years lived in Spain under this visa only count as half of the time toward obtaining permanent residency, and are not considered at all toward obtaining Spanish nationality.
In short, a student visa is a good option for people from outside the European Union looking to study and live in Spain. Furthermore, if they need to work to do so, it's possible.
Do I need a student visa to study in Spain?
It depends on your situation. Not all students need a student visa, so having accurate information before starting this process is crucial.
If you are a non-EU citizen, the answer is yes.
Conversely, if you are a citizen of the EU, the EEA, or Switzerland, you do not need a student visa. According to Article 44 of Royal Decree 557/2011, students from these countries can stay in Spain for the duration of their studies without a visa. This also applies to their family members traveling together after submitting a joint application.
Types of student visas
There are two types of student visas in Spain depending on the duration of studies:
- Short-term student visa: for those foreigners who wish to study between 91 and 180 days in Spain.
- Long-term student visa: for those foreigners who wish to study for More than 6 months in Spain.
It's important to note that for those wishing to study for less than 90 days, a student visa is not required. In this case, a tourist visa will suffice if one is needed to enter the country.
Requirements for obtaining a student visa in Spain
To successfully apply for a student visa in Spain, it is essential to understand and meet the following requirements (according to Organic Law 4/2000 ):
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Letter of admission from an authorized institution in Spain. You must be admitted to an authorized public or private educational institution (university, institute, language school, research center, etc.). Furthermore, the program must be full-time and for the purpose of obtaining an official degree or certificate.
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Sufficient financial means to live in the country. You must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your living expenses and return to your country of origin. This is calculated based on 100% of the monthly IPREM (approximately €600-700 per month, or €7.200-8.000 per year). You must also demonstrate that you can cover the costs of accommodation and transportation.
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Accommodation during studies. You can submit a rental agreement, letter of invitation, student residence, etc.
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Health insurance. This can be private or public, but it must cover the entire stay in Spain, with a minimum coverage equivalent to Spanish Social Security , without co-payments or waiting periods.
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Medical certificate. A certificate is required stating that you do not suffer from any of the diseases listed in the WHO International Health Regulations.
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Criminal record. You cannot have a criminal record in Spain or in other countries with which Spain has agreements. In addition, you must submit a criminal record certificate from the country or countries where you have resided in the last 5 years.
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General documentation. If you are under 18 and not traveling with your parents, you will need a legal authorization signed by them. You will also need a valid passport (with blank pages), the national visa application form (model EX-00), a passport-size photo, and the consular fee (which varies by country, around €60-90).
- Besides all this, foreign documents they must be apostilled or legalized and, if they are not in Spanish, translated by a sworn translator.
How to apply for a student visa
The application for a student visa can be made either at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of origin or directly in Spain while you hold a tourist visa.
It's important to note that the application must be submitted within 90 days of the start of your studies in Spain, and no less than 30 days in advance. If you decide to apply in Spain, you will first need to schedule an appointment with the relevant Immigration Office, which you can easily find online.
You don't have to submit the application in person; you can designate an authorized representative through a notarized authorization. For example, you can hire an attorney to submit the application on your behalf.
It is important to note that the application cannot be submitted by email and must be submitted in person at the consulate or Immigration Office in Spain.
How long is a student visa valid in Spain?
In a previous section, we saw that, depending on the length of your studies, you will need to apply for a short-term or long-term student visa. But how long is a student visa valid for?
The expiration date of your card and the end date of your studies may not coincide.
Previously, a visa was granted for one year. You could apply for a permit that allowed you to stay in the country for one year, and if you met the same requirements for the initial application, you could renew it year after year until you completed your studies. Now, things have changed.
Study visa for 1 year
If your academic year lasts more than 6 months, you will receive a residence card, but if it lasts less than 6 months, you will only receive a stamp in your passport. This means that, in this case, you will not receive any physical card.
Study visa for more than 1 year
It's now possible to apply for a two-year student visa. This means that if your course or master's degree lasts more than two years, you won't have to renew your visa year after year or extend your stay. This means you'll need to take an additional step in the process: make an appointment at the immigration office once you arrive in Spain to obtain your residence card. When the year is up, you can renew your expired residence card without needing to apply for a new visa, but the renewal is still required.
If your studies are extended, don't worry. If your student visa is valid until June and your program is extended, you can request an extension of your card at the local police immigration office. This way you can continue your studies without interruption.
Can I work with a study visa in Spain?
Yes, it is possible to work in Spain with a student visa, but it is necessary to meet a series of conditions:
- Do not exceed 30 hours per week. You can work up to 30 hours a week while maintaining your student status. The job must be compatible with your studies (it cannot interfere with your school schedule).
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You no longer need formal authorization since August 2022. Thanks to the reform of the Immigration Law ( Royal Decree 629/2022 ) , it is no longer necessary to request additional authorization to work for someone else if you have a valid student visa. The company only needs to notify the SEPE (State Public Employment Service) and Social Security of the contract.
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You can work for someone else or for yourself.
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You are not allowed to work full-time except during holidays. You may only work full-time during official academic holiday periods (verifiable with your educational institution). It may also be permitted for professional internships if they are related to your field of study.
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Curricular or extracurricular internships. If you undertake curricular (mandatory) internships as part of your study plan, you do not need additional authorization. For extracurricular (optional) internships , you can undertake them if they comply with the visa requirements.
Changing from a student visa to a work visa
After completing your studies, you have the option of changing your student visa to a work permit.
This process can be completed 60 days before your student card expires, regardless of how long you've been studying or what kind of job offer you find. If you want to work for someone else, you'll need to find a job offer that allows you to work 40 hours a week for a year. On the other hand, if you want to be self-employed, you'll need to submit a business plan detailing your business idea.
