SpainStudy and training
Spain student visa
National visa for studies (estancia por estudios)
In short
Students admitted to an authorised Spanish institution apply for a national study visa at least two months before classes start. They must show resources of 100 % of IPREM a month, health insurance from an insurer authorised in Spain and, for stays over 180 days, a criminal record certificate; the new regulation allows work of up to 30 hours a week.
checked 25 October 2026
Key facts
- Processing time
- Apply at least two months before studies start; once the stay authorisation is favourable, the visa is decided within one month.
- Work
- Up to 30 hours a week alongside studies, under Royal Decree 1155/2024.
- Family
- Family members can accompany the student with 75 % of IPREM for the first and 50 % for each additional member.
- Where to apply
- Spanish consulate responsible for your place of residence (directly or through its external service provider).
Who qualifies
You need admission to a course at an authorised educational institution and proof that tuition has been paid. Exchange students and volunteers present the documents of their programme. Minors apply with their legal representative's signature.
Health, criminal record and medical certificate
Health insurance must come from an insurer authorised in Spain with cover similar to the national health system's basic package. For stays over 180 days, adults add a criminal record certificate covering the last five years. A medical certificate under the 2005 International Health Regulations is required.
Required documents
Identity
- National visa application form, signed (minors: by a parent or legal representative)
- Recent colour photo, light background
- Passport valid at least one year, with two blank pages, issued less than 10 years ago (original and copies)
- Proof of legal residence in the consular district (for non-nationals, a residence permit of that country)
Money
- Proof of means: 100 % of IPREM a month (more for family members)
Study
- Admission letter and proof of tuition payment from an authorised institution
Insurance
- Health insurance from an insurer authorised in Spain
Other
- Medical certificate confirming no disease with serious public-health implications under the 2005 International Health Regulations
Supporting documents (where they apply)
Other
- Criminal record certificate (stays over 180 days)
Means of support
The minimum is 100 % of IPREM per month for the student, plus 75 % of IPREM for the first accompanying family member and 50 % for each further one. The amount is reduced if accommodation has been paid in advance for the whole stay. Check the current IPREM value before applying.
After arrival: TIE card
Within one month of entering Spain, apply in person for the foreigner identity card (TIE) at the police station or immigration office of the province where the authorisation was processed. Your foreigner identification number (NIE) appears on it.
Working while studying
Royal Decree 1155/2024 allows students to work up to 30 hours a week, as long as the work is compatible with their studies; breaching the limit can end the authorisation.
How to apply, step by step
- Read the consulate's page for the "studies" visa and prepare the documents; foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.
- Book an appointment with the Spanish consulate responsible for your place of residence, or with its external service provider where it uses one, and lodge the application in person.
- Pay the national visa fee (EUR 90 as standard, a reciprocity amount for some nationalities) in the currency the consulate indicates.
- Wait for the decision and collect the visa in person within one month of notification.
- Enter Spain while the visa is valid and, where required, apply for the TIE within one month.
Frequently asked questions
How much money does a student need?
100 % of IPREM per month, plus 75 % for the first family member and 50 % for each additional one.
Can I work as a student?
Yes, up to 30 hours a week under the new regulation.
When should I apply?
At least two months before your studies begin.
Is travel insurance accepted?
No, the policy must be from an insurer authorised in Spain with cover similar to the public system.
Official sources
- Consulate General of Spain in Istanbul – national visa for studies
- BOE – Royal Decree 1155/2024, Regulation of the Aliens Act
- Consulate General of Spain in Istanbul – national visas: general information
Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.
Other visa types for Spain
Visits and short stays
- Tourist visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- Family and friends visit visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
Business and self-employment
- Business visa Maximum stay: Up to 90 days in any 180-day period
- Entrepreneur and start-up visa Validity: Visa one year; residence authorisation for entrepreneurs three years, renewable for two.
Study and training
- Researcher visa Validity: Visa: one year, or the authorisation's validity if shorter; the visa itself proves residence and the TIE is optional. Residence authorisations under Law 14/2013 are renewable for two years at a time.
Work
- Work visa Validity: Up to 180 days for authorisations of up to six months, otherwise 365 days; seasonal contracts up to 270 days.
- EU Blue Card Validity: Visa: one year, or the authorisation's validity if shorter; the visa itself proves residence and the TIE is optional. Residence authorisations under Law 14/2013 are renewable for two years at a time.
- Intra-company transfer visa Validity: Visa: one year, or the authorisation's validity if shorter; the visa itself proves residence and the TIE is optional. Residence authorisations under Law 14/2013 are renewable for two years at a time.
- Digital nomad visa Validity: Visa up to one year; then a residence authorisation of up to three years, renewable for two.
Family
- Family reunification visa Validity: Visa valid 365 days; TIE within one month of entry.
- Spouse and partner visa Validity: Visa valid 365 days.
Residence
- Retirement visa Validity: Visa valid for 365 days; apply for the TIE within one month of arrival; renewals are filed in the two months before expiry.
- Permanent residence Validity: The status is indefinite; the TIE card is first renewed after five years, then every five years until age 30 and every ten years after that.
Faster processing
- Fast-track and priority visa services Validity: Visa: one year or the authorisation's length if shorter. Highly qualified, entrepreneur and teleworker authorisations: up to three years, renewable for two.
Protection
- Asylum and international protection Processing time: Border: admission decision within four days; inside Spain: within one month; regular procedure: six months, after which silence counts as refusal.