Additional Costs for Obtaining a Student Visa for Spain
Studying in Spain is a life-changing experience. If you are not a European Union citizen and plan to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a Student Visa. Beyond the course tuition fees, there are additional mandatory costs and procedures you should carefully plan for.
If you intend to enrol in a long-term course in Spain (more than 90 days), you must apply for a Student Visa (Type D) at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence.
Below you will find a clear breakdown of the main additional costs you should consider, apart from your course fees.
1. Visa Application Fee
The visa fee is paid directly at the Spanish Consulate when submitting your application.
- The amount varies depending on your nationality.
- The fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused.
Estimated cost: between €60 and €160 (or equivalent in local currency).
2. Mandatory Health Insurance
Health insurance is a compulsory requirement for student visa approval.
The policy must meet the following conditions:
- Valid throughout Spain
- No co-payments
- Valid for the entire duration of your stay
- Coverage equivalent to the Spanish public healthcare system
- Comprehensive medical coverage (commonly up to €10,000,000)
Estimated cost:
- 6 months: €250 – €450
- 12 months: €400 – €700
The price depends on your age and the insurance provider.
3. Proof of Financial Means
You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Spain.
The standard reference is 100% of Spain’s IPREM per month (approximately €600 – €700 per month).
Example (estimated):
- 6 months → approximately €3,600 – €4,200
- 12 months → approximately €7,200 – €8,400
This is not a payment to the government, but you must provide official bank statements or financial documentation as proof.
4. Medical Certificate
You must provide a medical certificate confirming that you do not suffer from any disease that may have serious public health implications.
Estimated cost: €30 – €100 depending on your country.
5. Criminal Record Certificate
Required for stays longer than 6 months.
This document may need to be legalised or apostilled.
Estimated cost: €10 – €50 (depending on your country).
6. Official Translations and Apostille
Many documents must be:
- Translated into Spanish
- Completed by a sworn (certified) translator
- Apostilled or legalised if required
Estimated cost:
- Sworn translation: €30 – €60 per page
- Apostille/legalisation: varies by country
7. TIE (Foreigner Identity Card)
If your stay exceeds 6 months, you must apply for the TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days of arriving in Spain.
Estimated cost: approximately €16 – €22.
Estimated Total Additional Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | €60 – €160 |
| Health Insurance | €250 – €700 |
| Medical Certificate | €30 – €100 |
| Criminal Record Certificate | €10 – €50 |
| Translations & Apostille | €100 – €300 |
| TIE in Spain | €16 – €22 |
| Estimated Additional Total | Approximately €470 – €1,300 |
This total does not include tuition fees or accommodation.
Important Notes
- Requirements may vary depending on your nationality.
- Each Spanish Consulate may request additional documentation.
- Always verify the latest requirements on the official website of the Spanish Consulate in your country.
Planning these additional costs in advance will help you avoid delays and prepare a strong, complete visa application.
Applying for a Student Visa is the first official step toward beginning your academic journey in Spain. Being fully informed about the required procedures and costs will allow you to move forward with clarity and confidence.