Dreaming of living and studying in Spain? With a student visa, you can legally stay, study, and even work part-time during your program.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
✅ Who qualifies for a student visa
✅ What documents are required
✅ How to apply step-by-step
✅ Why using a lawyer makes the process easier
🇪🇸 What Is the Student Visa?
The Spain student visa allows non-EU citizens to reside in Spain while attending an approved educational program.
It covers:
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University or postgraduate degrees
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Language schools
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Study abroad programs
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Vocational training
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Internships tied to academic study
🧠 You must enroll in a full-time program at a recognized institution.
🧑🎓 Who Can Apply?
You can apply for a student visa if you:
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Are a non-EU citizen
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Have been accepted into a recognized Spanish school or university
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Can prove sufficient financial means
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Have valid private health insurance
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Plan to study full-time
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Will stay in Spain longer than 90 days
✈️ If your course is less than 90 days, you may only need a Schengen short-stay visa, not a student visa.
📋 Required Documents for the Student Visa
To apply for a student visa in Spain, you’ll need the following:
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Passport (valid for the entire duration of your studies)
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Letter of acceptance from a recognized Spanish institution
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Proof of financial means (approx. €700/month or more)
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Medical certificate (confirming you’re in good health)
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Private health insurance valid in Spain
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Criminal background check (from countries of residence in the past 5 years)
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Visa application forms (EX-00 and national visa form)
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Passport-sized photos
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Proof of paid tuition or program registration (if applicable)
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Proof of accommodation in Spain
📌 All foreign documents must be translated into Spanish and legalized or apostilled.
🗂️ How to Apply: Step-by-Step
Option 1: Apply from Outside Spain
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Book an appointment at your local Spanish consulate or embassy
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Submit all required documents
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Attend an interview (if required)
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Wait for visa approval (usually 30–60 days)
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Once approved, travel to Spain
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Within 30 days of arrival, apply for your TIE card (residence ID)
Option 2: Apply from Inside Spain (Change of Status)
If you’re already in Spain on a valid visa (e.g. tourist, au pair, language assistant), you may apply for a residence permit as a student directly at an Extranjería office.
🕒 You must apply at least 30 days before your current stay expires.
⚠️ This process requires legal accuracy. Hiring a lawyer is strongly recommended.
⏱️ Duration & Renewal of the Student Visa
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Initially valid for up to one academic year
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Renewable yearly if your studies continue
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You must demonstrate continued enrollment and academic progress
📌 Your student visa does not count toward permanent residency years, but it offers a legal path to stay and build eligibility over time.
💼 Can You Work on a Student Visa?
Yes — but there are conditions:
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You may work up to 30 hours per week
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The job must not conflict with your studies
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You need to notify immigration or apply for a separate work authorization
👨💻 Want to freelance or start a business? You’ll need additional permits — a lawyer can guide you through this.
🧑⚖️ Why Hire a Lawyer for Your Student Visa?
Applying for a student visa involves strict timelines, document legalizations, and frequent bureaucratic errors. A simple mistake can result in rejection.
With a lawyer, you benefit from:
✅ Personalized guidance and timeline planning
✅ Proper document preparation and certified translations
✅ Appointment scheduling at consulates or Extranjería
✅ Hands-on support with TIE applications, renewals, and changes
✅ Seamless transitions to work visas or arraigo after graduation
🎓 From Student to Resident: Long-Term Options
When you finish your studies, Spain offers several options to stay longer:
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🧑💼 Post-study work permit (for internships or job search)
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💼 Work permit (with employer sponsorship or self-employment)
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🧭 Arraigo process (if you’ve lived in Spain for a few years)
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🛂 Transition to a non-lucrative visa or family reunification
The right strategy depends on your goals. A legal advisor helps you plan ahead.
👨⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Can Help You
We help students from all over the world move to Spain with confidence. Our services include:
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📄 Full visa application support
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📆 Appointment booking at consulates and police stations
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✍️ Spanish translations and apostille/legalization
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🤝 Legal support for TIE, renewals, and permit changes
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🛤️ Long-term planning for life after graduation
📍 Available in Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Granada, Valencia, and across Spain.
📚 Start Studying in Spain the Right Way
Let us handle the paperwork while you focus on your studies. Whether you’re applying from abroad or already in Spain, we make the process smooth, fast, and stress-free.