Student Visa for Spain

Non-EU students who plan to study in Spain for more than 90 days generally need a long-stay student visa (Type D). HolaSpain helps you choose an accredited school, obtain the official enrollment documents, and prepare your application so you can focus on learning Spanish and enjoying life in Spain.

We work exclusively with Spanish language schools accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, and we coordinate the documentation typically required for student visa applications. Our partner schools provide high-quality Spanish courses and support throughout the pre-arrival visa process.

Who needs a student visa?

Short stays (under 90 days)

For courses shorter than 90 days, visa requirements depend on your nationality. Some travellers can enter the Schengen Area visa-free, while others must apply for a short-stay (Schengen) visa. Always confirm the current requirement with your Spanish consulate before travelling.

Visa requirement (official reference)

Instead of relying on informal country lists, we recommend checking the official EU lists of nationalities that do (or do not) require a Schengen visa for short stays, and confirming any consulate-specific rules where you apply.

ETIAS (future requirement for some visa-exempt travellers)

ETIAS is not yet operational. Once implemented, travellers from certain visa-exempt countries will need an approved ETIAS for short stays. If you are planning a trip in the future, confirm the latest ETIAS status and requirements before you travel.

Long stays (over 90 days)

If you plan to study for more than 90 days, you will generally need a Type D student visa to enter Spain and remain legally for the duration of your studies. The exact requirements and documentation can vary by consulate and by your specific study programme.

Course requirements

To qualify for a student visa, you must be enrolled in a full-time programme. For Spanish language courses, many consulates typically expect an intensive schedule (often around 20 hours/week), but the exact criteria can vary depending on the consulate and the type of programme. HolaSpain partners offer intensive courses designed to meet common consular expectations for long-stay study applications.

Required documents (typical)

• Completed visa application form (as required by your consulate)
• Valid passport (valid for the entire intended stay; consulate-specific validity rules may apply)
• Official acceptance/enrollment letter from the Spanish school
• Proof of financial means (requirements vary; many consulates reference IPREM-based criteria)
• Private health insurance valid in Spain (comprehensive coverage; consulates often require no co-payments for the applicant)
• Criminal background check (police certificate), if required for your case and duration
• Passport photos and applicable consular fees

How HolaSpain helps — Step by step

1. Contact HolaSpain and choose your school, city, and course dates.
2. We confirm availability and enrollment options with the school and send the invoice to proceed.
3. You make the payment to reserve your place and receive payment confirmation.
4. We coordinate the enrollment documents typically needed for the consulate application (admission letter, programme details, and invoice/receipt).
5. You submit your visa application at the Spanish consulate/embassy that corresponds to your place of residence.
6. After visa approval, arrange travel and accommodation; we can assist with housing options and airport transfer.

Processing time and timing

Processing times vary widely by consulate and by season. As a general rule, apply as early as your consulate allows and leave extra time for appointments, document legalization/apostilles (if needed), and potential delays.

After arrival in Spain (TIE)

If your authorized stay is longer than 6 months, you will usually need to apply for a TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) after arriving in Spain. This is done through the relevant police/immigration offices and requires an appointment.

Work and internships

Students may be allowed to work as long as it is compatible with their studies. In general, work should not exceed 30 hours per week. The specific route (automatic permission vs. additional authorization) can depend on the type of studies and your individual situation, so we recommend confirming the conditions linked to your authorization once granted.

Extend or renew your permit

It is often possible to renew or extend a student stay from within Spain if you continue meeting the requirements (e.g., ongoing enrollment and academic progress). HolaSpain can guide you through renewals and related administrative steps.