How To Apply For A Student Visa
Your Ultimate Guide To Studying In Spain
Spain, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and world-renowned academic institutions, is an ideal destination for students from around the world. If you come from outside of the EU and wish to embark on an educational journey in Spain, here’s everything you need to know to secure your student visa.
1. Determine the Type of Visa You Need
- Short-Term Stay (Up to 180 days): If your course lasts six months or less, you'll need a short-term student visa (Type D).
- Long-Term Stay (More than 180 days): For courses that span longer than six months, you will require a long-term student visa.
Note: you are only authorised to work on long-term visas!
2. Gather Necessary Documentation
While the specific requirements may vary depending on the local Spanish consulate or embassy, typically you'll need the following documents:
- Completed Application Form: Ensure you fill out the appropriate form for either the short-term or long-term visa. Click here to download an example.
- Passport: Valid for the entire duration of your stay, with at least one blank page.
- Passport-Sized Photos: Typically two, meeting Spain's photo requirements.
- Acceptance Letter: From a recognized educational institution in Spain, stating the course's duration, study hours, and other pertinent details. Your school will be able to provide you with this.
- Proof of Accommodation: Such as a rental agreement, dormitory reservation, or a letter from the host (if you'll be staying with someone). Your school can help you with this too.
- Financial Proof: Demonstrate that you can financially support yourself during your stay. This can be bank statements, proof of scholarships, or financial guarantees from parents/sponsors. See below for more details.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive health coverage valid in Spain for the entirety of your stay. We’ve shopped around for the best deal and can recommend this provider.
- Medical Certificate: A statement from your doctor ensuring you don't carry any contagious diseases as per international health regulations. Download a template here.
- Criminal Record Certificate: For stays over six months, from your home country or any country you've lived in the past five years.
3. Submit Your Application
- Apply in person at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country. You should book an appointment in advance. See the Spanish Government consulates page for a list of all consulates globally.
- Pay the visa application fee. Prices may vary, so it's best to check with your local consulate.
4. Wait for the Decision
Visa processing times can vary:
- Short-term visas typically take about 15 days.
- Long-term visas can take anywhere from 1 to 3 months.
Stay patient, and refrain from booking any non-refundable travel until you receive confirmation.
5. Arrive in Spain
Once you land in Spain:
- You have 90 days from arrival to register with the local authorities, specifically the Foreigner’s Office or Police Station, if your stay is longer than six months. You will receive a Student Residence Card (TIE: tarjeta de identidad de estudiante), which serves as your official ID during your time in Spain. We recommend this service for booking your TIE appointment.
Enjoy Your Academic Adventure in Spain!
Pro tips:
Always keep multiple copies of your documents.
Begin the application process well in advance. Remember, there might be delays.
Research if there are any bilateral agreements between Spain and your home country, which might simplify the process or provide additional opportunities.
Connect with students or expat groups in Spain for real-time advice and experiences.
Useful Resources
Official Spanish Visa Portal for the most up-to-date visa information.
Recommended health insurance provider
Recommended service for booking and organising TIE appointments in Barcelona.
Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, visa requirements can change, and it’s always best to check with your nearest consulate.
Extending your Spanish educational adventure
Extending your Spanish educational adventure
Spain offers an enriching academic experience, and many students decide to extend their stay for continued education. If your course exceeds the duration of your initial visa, or you wish to pursue further studies, renewing your student visa becomes essential. Here’s how you can go about it:
1. Eligibility for Renewal
Ensure you meet the following criteria:
- Ongoing Studies: You must still be enrolled in the educational institution and continuing your studies.
- Satisfactory Progress: Show evidence that you've successfully completed courses and met the necessary academic requirements.
2. Gather Necessary Documentation
Typically, for a renewal, you'll need:
- Application Form: The EX-00 form is usually used for renewing student visas.
- Current Passport: Must be valid for the duration you intend to stay.
- Current Student Residence Card or Visa: Must be in valid status at the time of renewal.
- Proof of Continued Enrollment: A document from your institution confirming your ongoing studies.
- Academic Records: Showing you've successfully met your course requirements. This is sometimes referred to as the certificado de aprovechamiento and is a document that states you’ve attended and passed your course.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Demonstrate that you can continue supporting yourself financially. This can be recent bank statements, proof of scholarships, or financial guarantees.
- Health Insurance: Renewed or ongoing coverage that's valid in Spain.
- Updated Accommodation Details: If you've moved since your initial application or the last renewal.
3. Application Process
- Submit Before Expiry: It's crucial to apply for renewal before your current visa or residence card expires. Typically, it's advisable to start the renewal process about 60 days before expiration.
- Submit In-Person: Renewals are typically done at the Foreigner’s Office (Oficina de Extranjeros) or a designated Police Station in your residing province in Spain.
- Application Fee: Just like the initial application, there's a fee associated with renewing your visa. The amount can vary, so consult with the office where you're applying.
4. Await Approval
While waiting times can differ based on various factors:
- You might receive a temporary document or receipt (resguardo), allowing you to stay in Spain legally while your renewal is being processed.
- Once approved, you might need to provide additional photos or come in for fingerprints, depending on your location.
Collect Your New Student Residence Card (TIE)
Pro tips:
Upon approval, you’ll be notified to collect your renewed Student Residence Card (TIE: tarjeta de identidad de estudiante), which serves as proof of your legal status in Spain.
Stay proactive! Don't wait until the last minute to renew; delays or unforeseen circumstances can occur.
Keep updated records and documentation. Any changes in your situation, like shifting accommodations or changes in financial support, must be reflected in your renewal application.
Engage with your academic institution. They often have departments or counsellors who assist international students with visa-related matters.
Useful Resources
Official Spanish Immigration Portal for detailed information on renewals and other immigration matters.
Expatriate forums and student communities in Spain can offer practical advice and shared experiences.
Disclaimer: This guide aims to provide an overview of the renewal process. As regulations can change, it’s essential to consult official sources or immigration professionals for specific and up-to-date advice.
Working on a Student Visa in Spain
Work legally and get paid while you study in Spain
For many international students, working while studying is an attractive way to gain experience, immerse in local culture, and supplement finances. Spain offers various avenues for students to work legally. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Convenio de Prácticas: Professional Work Experience in Spain
If your visa has ‘no autorizado a trabajar’ (not authorised to work) there is still a way around this. You can do paid ‘work experience’ at a company, as long as the experience is relevant to your studies. E.g. If you are doing a teacher development course, you can work as an English teacher. If you are doing an engineering degree, you can work at an engineering firm.
2. How does a convenio de prácticas work?
- Nature of Work: An internship or trainee agreement rather than a formal employment contract.
- Duration: Varies but can last from a few months up to two years.
- Three-Way Agreement: Involves the student, the educational institution, and the company or organisation offering the internship.
- Stipend or Compensation: Not always provided, but many offer some form of compensation or benefits. In some cases it is as high as a regular salary, especially with English teaching.
- Alignment with Studies: The internship should be in line with the student's academic program or course. E.g. If you do a teacher training course, you can work as an English teacher. If you do a Masters in marketing, you can work in a marketing company.
3. Before Starting Any Employment
- If your visa has ‘no autorizado’, your employer must obtain authorization from the Servicio Público de Empleo Estatal (Public Employment Service). This ties you to a specific employer and role.
- If your visa has ‘autorizado’, there is no additional paperwork required. You automatically have the right to work.
- The job or internship must not interfere with the primary purpose of your stay: your studies.
4. Duration Limits and Renewals
- Work authorization lasts for the contract's duration but can't exceed the student visa's length.
- If renewing your student visa, remember to renew work authorization if you intend to continue working.
5. Social Security and Taxes
- All workers, including students, must be registered with the Spanish Social Security system, providing access to healthcare and other benefits.
- Students are also subject to income tax based on earnings. Ensure you understand Spain's tax system to remain compliant.
Tips for Securing Work or Internships
Leverage Your Course Provider / University
Use career services to connect with local employers or internships.
Language Skills
Enhance job prospects and cultural immersion by learning Spanish.
Networking
Join student associations, attend local events, or participate in gatherings to connect with potential employers.
Useful Resources
Disclaimer: This guide provides an overview of working on a student visa in Spain.
Regulations can change, and specific scenarios might have unique requirements.
Always consult official sources or legal professionals for updated and personalised advice.