Student Visa for Spain

Non-EU students who plan to study in Spain for more than 90 days need a long-stay student visa (Type D) or an appropriate student residence permit. HolaSpain helps you obtain the official documents and supports your consular 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, ensuring that all documentation meets the official requirements for student visa approval in Spain. Our trusted partner schools provide high-quality Spanish courses and complete support for your visa application process.

Who needs a student visa?

Short stays (under 90 days)

Depending on nationality, a visa may not be required for courses shorter than 90 days. Check your consulate rules before travelling.

Countries Requiring a Visa to Enter Spain:

Africa: Angola, Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Libya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Zimbabwe.

Americas: Haiti, Jamaica.

Asia: Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Myanmar (Burma), China, Philippines, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Nepal, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Syria, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen.

Countries Requiring a ETIAS to Enter Spain:

Europe (non-EU): Albania, Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, United Kingdom, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Ukraine, Vatican City.

Americas: Canada, United States.

Asia/Oceania: Australia, Brunei, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan.

Long stays (over 90 days)

If you plan to study more than 90 days you will generally need a Type D student visa to enter and remain legally in Spain for the duration of your studies.

Course requirements

To qualify for a student visa you usually must be enrolled in a full-time language course (minimum 20 hours per week as required by Spanish authorities). HolaSpain partners offer intensive courses that meet consular criteria.

Required documents (typical)

• Completed visa application form
• Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
• Official acceptance letter from the Spanish school
• Proof of financial means (bank statements or IPREM-based proof)
• Private health insurance valid in Spain (no co-payments)
• Criminal background check (police certificate), if requested
• Passport photos and consular fees

How HolaSpain helps — Step by step

1. Contact HolaSpain and choose your school and course dates.
2. We confirm enrollment and send the invoice to proceed.
3. You make payment to reserve your place and receive the payment confirmation.
4. We provide the documents needed for the consulate application.
5. You submit your visa application at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country.
6. After visa approval, arrange travel and accommodation; we can assist with housing and airport transfer.

Processing time and timing

Consular processing times vary but typically range from 2 to 6 weeks. We recommend applying at least 8 weeks before your course start date to allow for scheduling and potential delays.

Work and internships

Student visas often permit part-time work or internships if compatible with the study programme (rules vary by permit and nationality).

Extend or renew your permit

It is usually possible to renew or extend your student residence from within Spain. HolaSpain provides guidance and support for renewals and administrative procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions