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How to Get a Student Visa for Spain in 2025

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The student visa for Spain, officially known as the long-term visa type D, allows international students to study at universities, colleges, and language schools. This article explains how to obtain a student visa for Spain, the eligibility criteria, required documents, and how long it takes to get a student visa to Spain.

From 20 May 2025, key changes will take effect:

  • Language course students must be at least 18 years old and can only apply at the consulate in their home country, no later than two months before their course begins. The visa can only be renewed once and requires passing either the DELE or SIELE exams. Travelling family companions will no longer be allowed. While students cannot switch directly to a work visa after completing their course, they may enrol in a university instead.
  • After completing their studies, students can join the job market and extend their residence permit for up to one year.

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Requirements for Obtaining a D Study Visa for Spain

To study in Spain for more than six months, a foreign national must apply for a long-term D visa. This requires an official invitation or enrolment confirmation from an accredited educational institution.

The key requirements for students are as follows:

  • Proof of financial requirements for a Spain student visa. A student must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses, including accommodation for the entire stay and an amount equivalent to 600 euros per month (based on Spain’s IPREM minimum wage).
  • If the student is under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany them.
  • Accompanying family members must provide proof of funds equivalent to 75% of IPREM for the first relative and 50% of IPREM for each additional relative.
  • Students must be enrolled in a programme lasting more than six months, with at least 20 hours of study per week.

Benefits of a Student Visa to Spain

Advantages of studying in Spain:

  • Over 10 Spanish universities rank among the top 500 globally, according to the British organisation QS.
  • The option to study in English.
  • Opportunities to work in EU countries after graduation.
  • Eligibility to obtain a Spanish residence permit, as well as access to opening and managing bank accounts within the EU.
  • The flexibility and mobility offered by the European Bologna system in higher education institutions.
  • A standardised assessment framework through ECTS credits, ensuring academic recognition across Europe.

With a D student visa, non-EU residents can travel freely to all Schengen countries without requiring additional visas. They can also bring their families (spouses and children) to Spain and work up to 30 hours per week.

Documents Required for a Student Visa to Spain

To apply for a student visa, you’ll need to provide the following documents:

  • a completed application form;
  • a valid passport with photocopies;
  • two passport-sized photos;
  • confirmation of enrolment at an educational institution and proof of course payment;
  • proof of financial means to cover living expenses for six months (e.g., a bank statement);
  • medical insurance;
  • a certificate of no criminal record;
  • a medical certificate;
  • receipt of the visa application fee payment;
  • proof of accommodation in Spain (e.g., a rental agreement or hotel booking);
  • a letter of motivation (required for applications in some countries).

You can submit these documents at the consulate in your home country or at an immigration office in Spain. If additional information is needed, the authorities may request further documents or invite you for a personal interview.

Criminal Record Certificate with Apostille

If planning to study in Spain for over 180 days, you must provide a criminal record certificate issued in your country of citizenship or permanent residence. This document verifies the absence of a criminal history. Usually it can be obtained via the state online services portals or police departments.

Medical Certificate

For visa applications exceeding 180 days, both the original and a copy of a medical certificate must be submitted. The certificate must confirm that the applicant does not have any dangerous diseases as defined by the International Health Regulations 2005.

Bank Statement

The bank statement must be in the applicant’s name or that of a relative and should demonstrate sufficient funds to cover living expenses during the study period. For example, for a six-month programme, the account should show at least six times the IPREM amount, equating to 3,600 euros.

Proof of Residence

Applicants must provide documents verifying their accommodation in Spain, such as a rental agreement, property purchase contract, or a letter from the educational institution confirming the provision of accommodation.

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Study Documents

These include:

  • an invitation letter from the educational institution;
  • a syllabus for a course lasting at least six months or a timetable confirming 20 or more study hours per week;
  • proof of course fee payment.

Insurance

Applicants must provide the original and a copy of a health insurance certificate issued by a licensed insurer authorised to operate in Spain. The policy must cover risks up to 30 thousand euros, including coverage for accompanying family members. Well-known providers include DKV, Allianz, and Sanitas.

Letter of Motivation

This is an important document for student visa applications at consulates in some countries. The letter should clearly outline the student’s intentions to study in Spain, explaining their choice of country and programme, and demonstrating their commitment to the course.

letter
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List of Documents for Family Members

If a student’s relatives are moving to Spain, they must provide the following in addition to the standard documents:

  • birth or marriage certificates;
  • proof of financial solvency and accommodation.

Translation of Documents into Spanish

All documents submitted for a visa application must be translated into Spanish by sworn translators and certified by the consulate.

Procedure for Obtaining a Student Visa to Spain

For foreign nationals, the process involves:

  1. Choosing an educational institution and signing a contract. This can be a state university or a private language centre accredited by the Instituto Cervantes.
  2. Preparing and gathering the required documents.
  3. Booking an appointment to submit documents at the Spanish consulate in a home country.
  4. Awaiting a decision, which typically takes 1–4 months.
  5. Moving to Spain and obtaining a student card at the police station.

A student visa can currently be obtained while in Spain on a tourist visa. However, from May 2025, this will change for language students, requiring applications to be made exclusively at the consulate in their home country, resulting in a longer process.

Student Visa Validity Period

The D visa for Spain is issued for the duration of the study programme, typically six months to a year. Students can apply to extend their visa if needed.

To renew a student visa, it’s advisable to apply three months before the current visa expires. In addition to the required documents and proof of continued study or successful course progress, a fee of 80 euros is payable.

University students can renew their student visa indefinitely and eventually transition to another residence permit without needing to leave Spain, such as one based on employment.

When a Visa Can Be Refused (and What to Do)

A visa application may be refused due to:

  • an incomplete set of documents;
  • errors in the submitted documents;
  • insufficient financial resources.

If your visa is refused, you can appeal to the consulate within one month of the notification. Alternatively, you may file an appeal with the Supreme Court of Madrid within two months.

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