Studying Spanish in Barcelona can be a life-changing experience, and we understand that the visa process might feel overwhelming… But don’t worry! 🙂 As an accredited center, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. From helping you choose the right course to ensuring you meet all the visa requirements, we’ll support you in achieving your dream of studying in Barcelona.
Need help with your student visa?
World Class Bcn Spanish Courses for Your Spanish Visa 🌍
Our Intensive Spanish Courses are the perfect choice for anyone applying for a Spanish visa. Why? Because they’re not just classes—they’re a full immersion into Spanish culture and language.
Here’s why students from all over the world choose World Class Bcn ↓
Why Choose Our School for Your Student Visa?
Accredited by the Cervantes Institute:
We provide official documentation required for visa applications.
We provide official documentation required for visa applications.
Dedicated team: We assist you throughout the application process, including documentation, NIE, and TIE.
Immersive Learning Experience: Learn Spanish from native teachers in a supportive and engaging environment. Beyond grammar and vocabulary, we focus on helping you confidently speak, listen, and connect with locals.
Part of Your New Community: We’re more than just a school. At World Class Bcn, you’ll find a supportive international community ready to welcome you. From workshops to cultural activities, it’s the perfect way to make friends and embrace Spanish culture. life.
➡️ Already ready to apply?
➡️ Want to learn more? Read our complete guide below ↓
The Complete Guide to Spanish Visa
In this section, we’ll cover everything you need to know about applying for a Spanish student visa. Here’s what we’ll explain:
- What is a Student Visa and why do you need it?
- Types of Visas
- Requirements for a Student Visa
- Documents You Need to Apply
- Step-by-Step Guide (Applying from outside or within Spain)
- Processing Time and Costs
- What to Do Once You Arrive in Spain (NIE, TIE, and more)
- Renewing Your Visa
- Working with a Student Visa
- F.A.Q.
1) What is a Student Visa and why do you need it? 🤔
If you’re planning to study in Spain for more than 90 days and you’re not from the EU/EEA, you’ll need a Spanish Student Visa to make your dream a reality. This visa not only allows you to live legally in Spain while studying but also comes with extra perks—like the ability to work part-time and even extend your stay for further education or career opportunities.
2) Types of Student Visas ✅
Depending on how long you plan to study, there are two types of Spanish student visas:
✅ Short-term Student Visa (Type C)
- For courses lasting up to 180 days.
- Ideal for short-term study programs, but it cannot be renewed from Spain.
✅ Long-term Student Visa (Type D)
- For courses longer than 180 days (6 months).
- Allows you to apply for a TIE (Foreigner Identity Card), which serves as your Spanish residency permit.
- Can be renewed in Spain without needing to return to your home country.
- Lets you work part-time (up to 30 hours per week) while studying.
If your goal is to immerse yourself in Spanish language and culture, our Intensive Spanish Courses are the perfect option for securing your visa. We provide fully accredited courses that meet all visa requirements, ensuring a smooth application process.
3) Requirements for your Student Visa 📌
Getting your Spanish Student Visa is easier than you think—especially when you have the right guidance! To qualify, you’ll need to meet a few key requirements:
📌 Enroll in a Full-Time Course
Your studies must be at an accredited institution (like us! 🤓) and include at least 20 hours per week—our Intensive Spanish Courses meet all visa requirements!
📌 Have Health Insurance
You’ll need a private health insurance plan that covers your entire stay in Spain. It should have unlimited coverage.
📌 Show Proof of Financial Means
Spain requires proof that you can support yourself during your stay. You’ll need at least €600 per month in a personal bank account.
📌 Provide a Clean Criminal Record
If you’re applying for a long-term visa (Type D), you’ll need a criminal background check from the country (or countries) you’ve lived in over the past five years. This must be translated into Spanish and apostilled.
📌 Submit a Valid Passport & Other Documents
Your passport must be valid for your entire stay.
In the next section we will speak about documents needed for your Visa.
4) Documents needed for your Student Visa📝
Applying for your Spanish student visa? Here’s a complete checklist of the essential documents you’ll need.
📝 General Documents (All Student Visas)
🔽 Completed Application Form (Modelo Ex-00):
You must fill out and submit the Modelo Ex-00 form, which is the official student visa application form in Spain. Make sure all details are accurate to avoid delays.
🔽 Valid Passport:
Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended stay in Spain. Also, check that you have at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
🔽 3 Passport Photos
You’ll need three recent, biometric passport-sized photos that follow international standards. Ensure a plain white background.
🔽 Proof of Financial Means
Spain requires proof that you can support yourself during your stay. You must show at least €600 per month in your personal bank account. Bank statements must be recent and clearly show your name and balance.
🔽 Health Insurance Certificate
You need a private health insurance plan that meets the following conditions:
✔ Unlimited coverage with no co-pays or waiting periods.
✔ Covers medical emergencies and repatriation.
✔ Issued by a company recognized in Spain.
🔽 Letter of Acceptance from Our Institution
This official document confirms your full-time enrollment in our accredited program. We provide this once you’ve completed enrollment and payment.
🔽 Proof of Accommodation in Spain
You must show that you have a place to stay upon arrival. Acceptable proof includes:
✔ Rental contract (must cover your stay).
📝 Additional Documents for Long-Term Visa (Type D – 180+ Days)
🔽 Medical Certificate
A letter from a doctor stating that you do not have any contagious diseases or health risks according to International Health Regulations (2005). The document must be:
✔ Issued within the last 3 months.
✔ Written in Spanish or officially translated.
✔ Signed and stamped by a licensed doctor.
🔽 Criminal Record Check
If you’re applying for a long-term visa, you must provide a criminal record certificate from any country you’ve lived in during the past 5 years. Key requirements:
✔ Must be apostilled and officially translated into Spanish.
✔ U.S. applicants must obtain it from the FBI (not local police).
🔽 Parental Authorization (For Under-18s)
If you’re under 18, your parent or legal guardian must submit a notarized authorization letter allowing you to study in Spain. It must:
✔ Specify the duration and purpose of your stay.
✔ Be officially translated into Spanish.
✔ Include a notarized copy of the parent’s passport.
✔ Specify the duration and purpose of your stay.
✔ Be officially translated into Spanish.
✔ Include a notarized copy of the parent’s passport.
📍 Applying from Within Spain 🇪🇸
6) Student Visa Processing Time & Cost ⏳💰
⏳ How Long Does It Take to Get a Spanish Student Visa?
Once you submit your application, the processing time is typically around 1 month. However, this can take longer if additional documents are requested.
🔥 TIP: Start gathering your paperwork as early as possible—especially for translations and apostilles, which can take extra time! You can apply up to 90 days before your course starts, so don’t wait until the last minute.
💰 How Much Does the Student Visa Cost?
The standard visa application fee is €80 (or the equivalent in your local currency). Some consulates may charge slightly different fees, so always check in advance.
7) What to Do After You Arrive in Spain
🆔 Do You Need a TIE (Foreigner Identity Card)?
If your student visa is valid for more than 180 days, you must apply for a TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) within 30 days of your arrival in Spain.
This card serves as your official ID in Spain and contains your NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), which you’ll need for:
✅ Renting an apartment
✅ Opening a Spanish bank account
✅ Getting a local phone plan
📋 How to Apply for Your TIE
To get your TIE, follow these steps:
1️⃣ Book an appointment at your local immigration office (Extranjería). Slots fill up fast, so try to book before you arrive!
2️⃣ Gather your documents (originals + copies):
- Your passport + a photocopy of the entry stamp into Spain
- Completed TIE application form (Modelo Ex-17)
- Letter of acceptance from your school (we provide this!)
- 3 passport photos (biometric standard)
- Proof of payment for the TIE fee (€16.03 – Tasa Modelo 790 Código 12)
- Empadronamiento certificate (registration of your address in Spain)
🔥 Pro Tip: Book Your TIE Appointment ASAP!
TIE appointments can be hard to get, so book online before you arrive if possible! If slots are full in your city, check for availability in nearby towns.
➡️ Need more details? Visit our NIE/TIE guide!
9) Renewing Your Student Visa📅
Yes! If you plan to continue studying in Spain, you can renew your student visa without leaving the country. However, you must meet these key requirements:
✅ Hold a valid passport and legal residency status
✅ Prove you have sufficient financial means (€600/month minimum)
✅ Have full health insurance coverage for the renewal period
✅ Provide confirmation of continued enrollment in your institution
✅ Show evidence of academic progress (completed courses, passed exams, research progress, etc.)
✅ Ensure your new studies are related to your previous program
📋 How to Renew Your Student Visa
The renewal process is similar to your first visa application but done within Spain. Follow these steps:
1️⃣ Fill out the application form (Modelo Ex-00) – this time, select the box for “prórroga” (renewal).
2️⃣ Gather all required documents (passport, financial proof, health insurance, school enrollment & progress confirmation).
3️⃣ Pay the visa renewal fee (€17.50) using Tasa Modelo 790 Código 52.
4️⃣ Submit your application at the local immigration office (Extranjería) before your current visa expires.
⏳ How Long Does It Take?
Processing times vary, but expect an answer within one month. Apply early to avoid issues!
🔥 Tip: Need help with your renewal? Our team can guide you through the process!
With a student visa, you can work up to 30 hours per week, provided it doesn’t interfere with your studies. After completing your course, you may be eligible to convert your visa into a work permit.
10) Can You Work with a Student Visa in Spain?
👨🎓 Working While Studying
Yes, you are allowed to work in Spain without needing an extra work permit! However, there are some conditions:
- ✅ You can work part-time (up to 30 hours per week).
- ✅ Your job must not interfere with your studies.
- ✅ A temporary full-time job (max. 3 months) is allowed only during breaks (e.g., summer vacation).
- ✅ You cannot use work income as proof of financial means for your visa application.
🎓 Working After Completing Your Studies
Want to stay in Spain after graduating? Here are your options:
➡️ Apply for a work visa as an employee (trabajo por cuenta ajena)
✔️ Requires a job offer from a Spanish company.
✔️ Apply with regional immigration authorities.
➡️ Apply for a work visa as a freelancer/self-employed (trabajo por cuenta propia)
✔️ Submit a realistic business plan.
✔️ Show proof of financial backing.
➡️ Apply for a “Highly-Skilled Professional” work permit
✔️ You must have studied in Spain for at least one year.
✔️ Requires a job offer in a managerial or technical role with a salary above €40,000 per year.
➡️ Apply for a 12-month “Job Search” permit
✔️ Available only for university graduates (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Level 6+ European Qualifications).
✔️ Must have €7,200 in savings to support yourself while searching for a job.
✔️ Once you secure a job, you can switch to a regular work visa.
🔽 💡 Alternative Options
If you don’t qualify for a work visa, consider:
- 📌 Internship Permit – If you find a company willing to sponsor your internship.
- 📌 Digital Nomad Visa – If you work remotely for a company outside Spain.
🔥 Tip: Want to stay in Spain after studying? Plan ahead and explore your options early!
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🔽 What should I do if my visa application is denied?
If your student visa is denied, contact us immediately. Depending on the reason for the denial, we may be able to assist with an appeal.
📄 Check the Visa Appeal Process
If an appeal is not possible, you can request a refund by submitting the official denial letter:
- More than 15 days before your program starts → Full refund (except for a cancellation fee).
- Less than 15 days before your program starts → Partial refund (less than 25% of the total amount).
To be eligible for a refund, you must provide the official visa denial document from the Spanish consulate, including your name, passport number, and the reason for rejection. Administrative fees may apply.
🔽 How long does the student visa last?
The duration of your student visa depends on the length of your study program:
- Short-term visas → Up to 1 year.
- Long-term visas for higher education → Up to 2 years.
Student visas in Spain are granted for the duration of your study program, up to a maximum of one year. However, for higher education programs lasting more than one year, the visa may be granted for up to two years. Renewal is required for longer stays
If you plan to continue studying in Spain, you must apply for a renewal within 60 days before your current visa expires and no later than 90 days after its expiration. It is recommended to begin the renewal process early to avoid any legal complications.
🔽 What are the financial requirements for a Spain student visa?
To meet the financial requirements for a Spain student visa, you must demonstrate sufficient funds equivalent to 100% of the Spanish Public Indicator of Multiple Effects Income (IPREM), which is reviewed annually. For 2024, this amounts to €600 per month.
For example:
- 6-month course → You need €3,600 in savings.
- 12-month course → You need €7,200 in savings.
These funds can also be provided by a parent or legal guardian, but in this case, you must submit a notarized affidavit of financial support and bank statements from the sponsor.
Note: Since requirements may vary slightly depending on the Spanish consulate or local immigration office, it is always advisable to check with your specific consulate before submitting your application.
🔽 What are the health insurance requirements for a student visa in Spain?
Your health insurance must meet these conditions:
✔️ Be from a licensed provider in Spain.
✔️ Cover at least €30,000, with no co-payments or deductibles.
✔️ Full coverage for medical consultations, emergencies, hospitalizations, surgeries.
✔️ Be valid for your entire stay.
❌ Travel insurance is NOT accepted.
Your health insurance policy must be issued by a provider that is legally registered to operate within Spain. Foreign health insurance plans or travel insurance policies will not be accepted.
Ensure that your insurance covers 100% of medical expenses, with no co-payments (copagos), deductibles, or waiting periods. Some Spanish consulates may require proof that the policy covers at least €30,000 in medical expenses and repatriation.
💡 Recommended Insurance Provider:
🔽 Can my family stay in Spain with me while I study?
Yes! Your spouse/unmarried partner and dependent children can apply for a visa to stay with you.
However:
- Their visas do not include a work permit.
- You must prove additional financial means:
- First family member → +75% of the IPREM (€450/month).
- Each additional member → +50% of the IPREM (€300/month).
Family members who accompany a student visa holder do not automatically receive a work permit. If they wish to work in Spain, they must apply for a separate authorization
🔽 Under Can I enter Spain with a tourist visa and apply for a student visa later?
Yes, you can apply for a student visa while in Spain on a tourist visa, but you must submit your application at least 60 days before your tourist visa expires. If your student visa is not granted, you must leave Spain before your tourist visa expires.
