Obtain Your Student Visa for Spain: A Comprehensive Guide

A student visa is a type of residence permit granted to students from outside the European Union who wish to pursue their studies at educational institutions in Spain. This permit also applies to those looking to participate in research activities, professional internships, or volunteer projects within the country.

It is important to note that this visa is required exclusively by individuals who are not citizens of European Union countries and is necessary only if the studies or activities to be undertaken exceed 90 days in duration.

For those whose stays are less than 90 days, the Schengen Visa is appropriate. The one we explain in this post is the national visa, necessary for studying at our academy.

You can check the following link (Annex I, page 13) for the list of countries whose citizens must apply for the Schengen visa for stays of up to 90 days.

1. National Visa Application.

You must complete the national visa application form. This form is crucial and is available in several languages for your convenience:

• Form in Spanish
• Form in English
• Form in Portuguese
• Form in French

2. Passport-Style Photograph

You will need a recent, color photograph with a clear background. It should be a frontal image where your face is clearly visible, meeting the standard size for passport photos.

3. Valid and Current Passport

Submit your original passport and a photocopy of it. It’s important that your passport is valid for the duration of your stay in Spain and has not been issued more than 10 years ago. It should also have a minimum validity of 1 year and two blank pages.

4. Admission Letter from the Educational Center

Include in your visa application the admission letter from the educational institution in Spain, detailing the study program, school calendar, and total tuition cost. This document must confirm your acceptance into the study program and is an essential requirement for the visa application process.

Special Note for Spanish Studies and PCE: If you are going to study Spanish, choose a center accredited by the Instituto Cervantes. For PCE preparation, opt for highly prestigious centers with national accreditation. Academia La Llibreta, a collaborator with the UNED since 2021 and with a center associated and accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, ensures quality education. If you enroll in our center, we will facilitate this admission letter.

5. Proof of Financial Means.

Financial solvency is a key requirement for obtaining your student visa. Depending on your personal circumstances, you can demonstrate it in the following ways:

• Personal Funds: Present bank statements and proof of income demonstrating your financial capacity. It is important that these documents justify the source of the funds.
• Family Support: If you are financially dependent on your family, you will need documents certifying the family relationship and a financial commitment from the family member, such as bank statements and proof of income from this person.
• Scholarships: If you have a scholarship, present an official letter from the granting entity, detailing the amount awarded and the conditions of the same.

In the following section, we will provide you with a detailed guide on the specific indicators you will need to consider to adequately demonstrate your financial solvency.

6. Health Insurance

You must have public or private health insurance. This insurance must cover, at a minimum, all risks covered by the Spanish public health system.

7. Criminal Record Certificate

For study stays longer than 180 days, you will need a criminal record certificate from the last 5 years. This document must be legalized, apostilled, and translated into Spanish.

8. Medical Certificate

Present a medical certificate demonstrating that you do not suffer from serious diseases that may pose a risk to public health.

9. Proof of Residence

You will need

proof of your residence in the consular district where you are making the application.

10. Documentation for Minors

If you are a minor, additional documents are required such as the ID or passport of the parent, a document proving the relationship, and a notarial authorization to travel to Spain.

11. Visa Fee Payment

The fee for processing the visa is approximately €80.

A crucial aspect of your study visa application is demonstrating your financial solvency. For this, the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples) is used, an index employed in Spain to determine the necessary minimum economic resources. In 2023, you must demonstrate that you have at least 100% of the IPREM, whose values are:

• 20.00 € per day
• 600.00 € per month
• 7,200.00 € annually in 12 payments
• 8,400.00 € annually in 14 payments

This ensures that you can sustain yourself during your study period in Spain.

If you plan to come to Spain with family members, there are additional solvency requirements. For the first family member, an additional 75% of the IPREM is required, namely:

• Daily IPREM: 15.00€ (Total Daily: 35.00€)
• Monthly IPREM: 540.00 € (Total Monthly: 1,140.00€)
• Annual IPREM – 12 payments: 5,400.00 € (Total Annual: 12,600.00€)
• Annual IPREM – 14 payments: 6,300.00 € (Total Annual: 14,700.00€)

For each additional family member, you need an extra 50% of the IPREM, which translates to:

• Daily IPREM: 10.00€
• Monthly IPREM: 300.00 €
• Annual IPREM – 12 payments: 3,600.00 €
• Annual IPREM – 14 payments: 4,200.00 €

These calculations will help you appropriately plan your budget for your stay in Spain, ensuring that you can cover your needs and those of your family members.

• For Stays Less Than 180 Days: A student visa is sufficient for your stay in Spain.
• For Stays More Than 180 Days: It is necessary to apply for the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero or Foreigner’s Identity Card). Keep in mind that the student visa will be valid only for the first 90 days of your stay.

Discover more about how to obtain the TIE here.

1. Fulfillment of Academic Requirements

Verify and meet all the academic requirements of the university or educational institution you wish to enter. This may include proof of your Spanish language proficiency and submission of your academic record.

2. Acceptance Letter

Include in your visa application an acceptance letter from the educational center, detailing the study program, school calendar, and total tuition cost. If you enroll in our Spanish courses and/or PCE, we will facilitate this letter.

3. Demonstration of Sufficient Funds

Ensure you demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses in Spain, whether through personal funds in a bank account or through a scholarship or financial aid.

4. Mandatory Health Insurance

Obtain health insurance that meets Spanish requirements, as it is a mandatory requirement for the study visa.

5. Detailed Travel Itinerary

Present a detailed plan of your stay, including accommodations and, if applicable, information about your work or internships during your stay in Spain.

6. Work Opportunities for Students

As a student, you can work up to 30 hours per week as long as it is compatible with your studies. No special authorization is required for non-labor internships that are part of your study plan.

7. Demonstration of Intention to Return to Your Country

It is crucial to demonstrate your intention to return to your home country after completing your studies. This may include presenting family ties, scholarships that require return, post-study employment promises, or a round-trip plane ticket.

8. Complete and Detailed Application

Ensure that you complete all required forms and provide all necessary documentation. In case of doubts, consult with the Spanish embassy or consulate in your country.