Student Visa Spain (2026)
The Student Visa Spain (Visado de Estudios) is the official long-stay residence permit that allows non-EU citizens to live in Spain for more than 90 days while studying at accredited institutions.
This includes university degrees, language schools, research programs, internships and professional training.
This 2026 guide explains everything you need to apply successfully:
- Requirements
- Documents
- Financial means
- Mandatory health insurance
- Working rights
- Renewals
- TIE process after arrival
Table of Contents
- What Is the Student Visa Spain?
- Who Needs a Student Visa? (Eligibility 2026)
- Student Visa Spain Requirements (2026)
- Required Documents (Checklist)
- Types of Student Visas in Spain
- How to Apply (Step-by-Step Process)
- After Arrival in Spain (TIE + Registration)
- Working While Studying in Spain (New Rules 2026)
- Renewing & Extending Your Student Visa
- Health Insurance Requirements (Mandatory)
- Official Goverment Sources
- Related Spain Visa Guides
- FAQs
- Get Visa-Approved Student Health Insurance
What Is the Student Visa Spain?
The Student Visa Spain allows non-EU nationals to reside legally in Spain while completing approved studies, including:
- University degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD)
- Postgraduate programs
- Accredited Spanish language courses
- Professional or vocational training
- Study-abroad programs
- Official internships or research projects
Important:
Time spent under a Student Visa does not count toward permanent residency or citizenship. However, it can later be modified into a work or residence permit.
For a full overview of Spain’s immigration system, see: Spain Visas Guide
Who Needs a Student Visa? (Eligibility 2026)
You must apply for a Student Visa if you are:
- A non-EU / non-EEA / non-Swiss citizen
- Studying in Spain for more than 90 days
- Officially accepted by an accredited Spanish institution
You do not need this visa if you are:
- An EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
- A family member of an EU citizen with EU residence rights
Accepted study categories include:
- University and postgraduate studies
- Accredited language schools
- Research and scientific programs
- Internships (with formal agreement)
- Vocational and professional training
Official authority:
Student Visa Spain Requirements (2026)
These are the official Spain student visa requirements applicable to university degrees, language courses and long-term study programs.
1) Acceptance Letter
Issued by the Spanish institution and confirming:
- Program name
- Duration
- Schedule
- Enrollment details
2) Proof of Financial Means
Spain requires 100% of IPREM per month.
Estimated 2026 minimum:
- €700–€750 per month
Accepted sources:
- Bank statements
- Scholarships or grants
- Parental sponsorship (notarized letter)
- Savings or investment income
3) Private Health Insurance (Mandatory)
A strict legal requirement imposed by MAEC.
Your policy must include:
- No copayments
- No waiting periods
- Full hospitalization & specialist care
- Nationwide coverage
- Insurer authorized in Spain
Visa-compliant options: Expat Health Insurance Spain
4) Criminal Background Certificate
Required for stays longer than 6 months, apostilled or legalized.
5) Medical Certificate
Required for long-stay visas, confirming no public-health risk.
Full legal framework: Spain Visa Requirements
Documents Required (Checklist 2026)
Most applicants must prepare:
- Passport (12+ months validity)
- National Visa Application Form
- EX-00 or EX-01 form (depending on case)
- Two passport photos
- Official acceptance letter
- Proof of financial means
- Private health insurance certificate
- Criminal background certificate (apostilled)
- Medical certificate (if applicable)
- Proof of accommodation
- Visa fee payment
- Proof of residence in home country
- Sworn translations (when required)
Types of Student Visas in Spain (2026)
Visa Type | Duration | Best For | Work Allowed |
Schengen Study Visa | Up to 90 days | Short courses | No |
Short-Term Student Visa | 3–6 months | Language programs | No |
Long-Term Student Visa | 6+ months | Degrees & postgraduate | Up to 30 h/week |
Student Internship Visa | Program duration | Internships | Depends |
How to Apply for the Spain Student Visa (Step-by-Step)
From an accredited Spanish institution.
Including apostilles and sworn translations.
Including apostilles and sworn translations.
Mandatory for all non-EU students.
At the Spanish consulate in your country of residence.
Typical timeline: 15–45 days.
You must enter Spain within 90 days.
After Arrival in Spain: TIE & Empadronamiento
Within 30 days of arrival, you must:
Register your address at the local town hall.
Required documents:
- EX-17 form
- Passport + visa
- Padron certificate
- Photos
- Fee (Modelo 790-012)
This activates your legal stay.
For a complete step-by-step overview of everything you must do after arrival — including registration, banking, healthcare setup and practical first steps — see our Moving to Spain Checklist.
Working While Studying in Spain (Rules 2026)
Under current regulations, student visa Spain work hours are limited to a maximum of 30 hours per week.
- Up to 30 hours/week
- Studies must remain the priority
- Authorization may be required
Possible future modifications:
- HQP Visa
- Regular Work Permit
- Entrepreneur Visa
- Digital Nomad Visa
Renewing & Extending the Student Visa
You may renew if you show:
- Continued academic progress
- Updated financial means
- Valid private health insurance
- Current empadronamiento
- Clean criminal record
Renewal window:
- Up to 60 days before expiry
- Up to 90 days after expiry (exceptional cases)
Health Insurance Requirements for the Student Visa (2026)
Your insurance must include:
- No copayments
- No waiting periods
- Hospital & specialist care
- Nationwide coverage
- Spanish-authorized insurer
If you want to understand how health insurance and healthcare access actually work in Spain for international students — including public vs private healthcare, when private insurance is legally required, and what changes after Social Security registration — see our complete guide to Health Insurance in Spain for Expats.
Student-friendly plans:
Full guide:
Official Government Sources
- Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAEC) — exteriores.gob.es
- Ministry of Inclusion, Migration & Social Security (UGE) — inclusion.gob.es
- BOE — boe.es
Related Spain Visa & Health Guides
FAQs — Student Visa Spain (2026)
When should I apply?
2–3 months before your program starts.
Can the visa be denied?
Yes — common reasons are missing documents, insufficient funds or incorrect insurance.
Can I bring family members?
Yes, dependents may apply in certain cases.
Can I work with a Student Visa?
Yes, up to 30 hours per week.
Does student time count for residency?
No — but it can be modified into a work permit.
If you still have practical questions about life in Spain as a student — working hours, healthcare access, documents, taxes or daily logistics — see our Spain Expat FAQ with clear, up-to-date answers for non-EU residents.
Get Visa-Approved Students Health Insurance
Start your application with 100% compliant health insurance, accepted by all Spanish consulates.
- Full coverage
- No copays
- No waiting periods
- Hospital & emergency care
- Same-day certificate
Clear guidance. No pressure. Real support.
