Student Visa for Spain 2026: Complete Guide to Requirements, Documents and Process

Table of Contents

1. Why you need a student visa for Spain
2. Student visa types
3. Family members & right to work
4. Requirements for the 2025–26 student visa
5. Officially recognised universities
6. Financial means & the 2025 IPREM
7. Requirements by country and consulate
8. Document checklist
9. Step-by-step process
10. Registration on the municipal register (Empadronamiento)
11. Common reasons for refusal
12. Practical tips
13. Options after you graduate
14. Expert assistance

Why you need a student visa for Spain

If you are a citizen of a country outside the European Union, the European Economic Area or Switzerland and you will stay in Spain for more than 90 days to study, you must apply for a Student Visa.

This visa allows you to:

• Enrol in a university or official centre
• Work part-time (up to 30 hours per week)
• Bring your partner or children under certain conditions
• Apply for residence after completing your studies

Questions? Book a consultation with Spain Study Advisors.

Student visa types

Short-stay visa (Type C)

For programmes up to 90 days (intensive Spanish courses, short trainings or summer programmes).

• Work: not permitted
• Documents: admission letter, travel insurance, return tickets and sufficient funds
• Processing time: 15–30 days (depending on the consulate)

Tip: apply early and make sure your insurance covers your entire stay.

Long-stay visa (Type D)

• Work: permitted up to 30 hours per week (must be compatible with studies)
• Renewal: yearly for the duration of the programme
• Typical timeframe: 4–8 weeks (book an appointment 2–3 months in advance)

Family member visa (dependants)

Your partner or children can accompany you with a Student Family Member Visa. After arrival they will obtain their TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) valid for the same period as your stay.

Family members & right to work

Family members may work in Spain with authorisation:

• The spouse or registered partner can request a work authorisation at the Foreigners’ Office appointment portal once they have their TIE.
• Employment or self-employment is permitted whilst the residence remains valid.
• Minor children cannot work; adult children must obtain their own permit.

Tip: if your partner plans to work, include them from the initial application.

Requirements for the 2025–26 student visa

1. Official admission letter from a recognised institution
2. Sufficient financial means for your stay
3. Valid health insurance in Spain
4. No criminal record in the last 5 years
5. Proof of accommodation
6. Intention to return upon completion of studies

How to check if your university is recognised

The student visa is granted for programmes officially recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Education.

1. Search your institution in the RUCT (Registry of Universities, Centres and Degrees).
2. Verify that the degree is listed as an «Official Degree».
3. Optional: check accreditation at ANECA.

Financial means & the 2025 IPREM

Financial means are generally referenced against the IPREM (Public Indicator of Multiple Effect Income). The Budget Law 31/2022 set the monthly IPREM at €600 (which remains in force unless a new budget law updates it). See also the SEPE page (reference amounts).

Recommendation: show between €8,000 and €10,000 per academic year.

Accepted documentation

• Bank statements (last 3–6 months, stamped)
• Bank balance certificate
• Scholarship or grant letters
• Sponsorship declaration + proof of income
• Blocked account with a Spanish bank

Tips: translate and legalise documents; avoid sudden large deposits; include tuition and accommodation payments. Find official sworn translators (MAEC).

Requirements by country and consulate

Specific requirements vary by consulate.

1. Go to the official directory of Embassies and Consulates (MAEC).
2. Select your country and consulate.
3. Open the “Student visa” or “National visas” section. (Example information page: National student visa).
4. Follow their document list and appointment system.

Typical timeframe: 4–8 weeks. Apply 2–3 months in advance.

Document checklist (2025–26)

Step-by-step process

1. Obtain your admission letter
2. Prepare and translate/legalise documents (MAEC sworn translators)
3. Book an appointment at your consulate or office
4. Submit your application
5. Wait for the decision (4–8 weeks)
6. Collect visa and passport
7. Travel to Spain
8. Register on the municipal register (Empadronamiento)
9. Apply for your TIE within 30 days: review requirements for the TIE (Ministry of the Interior) and book your appointment at the appointment portal. To find offices, see Foreigners’ Offices (contacts).

Registration on the municipal register (Empadronamiento)

Upon arrival, register at the town or city hall where you live. The Empadronamiento Certificate proves your address and is required for the TIE, access to services and banking.

Common reasons for visa refusal

Practical tips

• Apply at least 3 months in advance
• Use official sworn translators
• Keep digital and paper copies
• Do not buy travel tickets until the visa is approved
• Check your application status on your consulate’s website
• Find your Foreigners’ Office: official contacts
• Book appointments (fingerprints/TIE): Foreigners’ Office appointments

Can I stay in Spain after I graduate?

Yes. After completing your studies you can apply for a 12-month residence authorisation to seek employment or switch to a work authorisation once hired. Sectors with demand include technology, business and healthcare.

Expert assistance

At Spain Study Advisors we help you secure your student visa successfully:

• Verification of institutional recognition
• Review of financial proof (IPREM)
• Identification of the competent consulate
• Preparation of complete documentation
• Appointment booking

Book a consultation and begin your academic journey in Spain with total confidence.