Spain · Student Visa
Student visa categories, eligibility, required documents, work rights, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Non-EU students staying longer than 90 days need a Spanish student visa or stay authorisation, based on admission to an accredited institution, proof of sufficient funds and health insurance. You apply through the Spanish consulate covering your residence, with in-country procedures handled by the immigration authorities via the electronic administration portal. EU/EEA/Swiss students need no visa.
Non-EU students staying longer than 90 days need a student visa/stay authorisation for Spain, based on admission to an accredited institution, proof of sufficient funds and health insurance. EU/EEA/Swiss students do not need a visa. Applications are made through the Spanish consulate (and the immigration authorities for in-country procedures).
- Non-EU students need a student visa/stay authorisation for stays over 90 days.
- Requirements include admission, sufficient funds and health insurance.
- EU/EEA/Swiss students do not need a visa; apply via the Spanish consulate.
- 1
Secure admission to an accredited institution
The visa is built on your admission. Confirm the institution is accredited for the purpose before relying on its offer for the visa.
- 2
Identify the right consulate
Spanish consulates have defined districts. Applying outside the district covering your legal residence is a common cause of a file being rejected at intake.
- 3
Prepare funds and insurance evidence
You must show sufficient funds and health insurance. Check the current required amount and the accepted insurance conditions before booking an appointment.
- 4
Apply for stays over 90 days
The student visa or stay authorisation is for study longer than 90 days. Shorter courses fall under the Schengen short-stay rules instead.
- 5
Handle in-country steps through the official portal
Once in Spain, further procedures run through the immigration authorities' electronic administration portal. Keep your documentation for those steps.
- Admission to an accredited institution confirmed
- Correct consular district identified
- Proof of sufficient funds prepared
- Health insurance meeting the requirements arranged
- Course length confirmed as over 90 days
- Nationality checked against the EU/EEA/Swiss exemption
- Documentation retained for in-country procedures
- Spain immigration portal (inclusion.gob.es)
Official immigration/extranjería information.
Frequently asked questions
Which Spanish consulate should I apply to?
The one whose district covers your legal place of residence, not simply the nearest. Consulates routinely refuse files submitted outside their district, which wastes an appointment slot you may struggle to rebook.
Do I need a student visa for a short course in Spain?
The student visa or stay authorisation applies to study longer than 90 days. A shorter course falls under the Schengen short-stay rules instead, which are a different application with different conditions.
Do EU students need a Spanish student visa?
No. EU, EEA and Swiss students do not need a visa to study in Spain, though they may still have registration obligations once resident. Non-EU students staying over 90 days do need one.
Government portals
- General Access Point (administracion.gob.es) — Central portal for Spanish public administration services
- Immigration e-Office (Extranjería) — Residence, foreigner ID (NIE/TIE) and immigration procedures
- Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria) — Spanish income tax (IRPF) and VAT (IVA) filing
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (visas) — Visa applications abroad and consular services