FAQ
Common questions.
What do I need for the Spain student visa?
The official page asks for: admission to a recognised full-time course, proof of paid registration or enrolment fees, health insurance from an insurer allowed in Spain, criminal record check if staying over 6 months, medical certificate and passport valid for at least one year, as well as the money to live on.
How much money do I need for the Spain student visa?
100% of the IPREM each month for the student, which the Spanish consulate in Hamburg gives as EUR 600 (2025 figure). Add 75% of the IPREM for the first family member and 50% for each other one. Less is needed if housing for the whole stay is paid in advance.
Do I need to pay tuition before I apply?
Show that you have been admitted and have paid the registration or enrolment fees.
Can I work while I study in Spain?
Higher education students can work with no extra permit, up to 30 hours a week, if the work fits with their studies. Work is limited to the region where the authorisation was granted.
Can I stay in Spain after I graduate?
Graduates with at least a bachelor's level degree can stay up to 24 months to look for a job or start a business. You cannot work on this permit itself.
Can I get a Spain student visa for a language course?
Yes. Spanish or co-official language courses at official language schools or Instituto Cervantes accredited centres can count as training activities for a study visa.
How long can I stay on the Spain student visa?
For higher education the stay matches the full length of the studies. The visa covers up to 365 days, then you get a foreigner identity card (TIE). Yes, while you keep studying, one year at a time, with up to two extensions per authorisation.
How much does the Spain student visa cost?
The visa fee depends on the consulate and your nationality, for example USD 160 for US citizens and USD 94 for others at the consulate in Miami. A separate fee applies when you apply from inside Spain.
Who can apply for the Spain student visa?
Open to people from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland. People from outside the EU, EEA and Switzerland who have a place on a full-time course in Spain. For higher education you must be at least 17.
Can I bring my family?
Higher education students can bring a spouse or partner and children. They need their own visas or permits and cannot work.
How do I apply?
At the Spanish embassy or consulate for where you live. If you are already in Spain with a valid status, at the immigration office or online. The consulate has up to one month to decide. An application made inside Spain can take up to two months.
Sources
- Spain: Long-stay authorisation for studies (study visa) (ciudadaniaexterior.inclusion.gob.es)
- Spain: how to apply (exteriores.gob.es)
- Spain: Long-stay authorisation for studies (study visa) (boe.es)
- Spain: Long-stay authorisation for studies (study visa) (ciudadaniaexterior.inclusion.gob.es)
- Spain: Long-stay authorisation for studies (study visa) (exteriores.gob.es)
- Spain: Sheet 4 bis: work for study permit holders (ciudadaniaexterior.inclusion.gob.es)
General information, not legal advice. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.