Student (National) Visa

Visa for stays exceeding 90 days for studies, training, internships or voluntary work. This visa may also be issued for stays for au pairs and for conversation class assistants.  

Study stays of less than 90 days do not require a study visa. Depending on the applicant's nationality, a short-stay visa may be required (see “Schengen visas"). 

The following family members may obtain a visa to accompany the student: 

  • The spouse or unmarried partner.
  • Children who are minors or who have a disability. 

Visas for students' family members do not constitute work permits. 

 

Activities for which a study visa may be obtained​​​ 

  • Higher education studies, which are those studies, whether university or otherwise, at an institution or centre of higher education recognised in Spain that lead to the award of qualifications corresponding to the levels and qualifications established in Royal Decree 1027/2011, of 15 July, which establishes the Spanish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education. This also includes university studies leading to specific degrees which, in accordance with their autonomy and the provisions of university regulations, may be taught by recognised higher education institutions. It also includes the Master's degrees in Vocational Training provided for in Royal Decree 659/2023, of 18 July, which develops the organisation of the Vocational Training System.

    The higher education studies referred to in the previous paragraph may include, where appropriate, the completion of a preparatory course for such studies, as well as compulsory training placements, which shall also be considered higher education studies. University studies may be taken in person or in a hybrid format in accordance with the provisions of the corresponding study plans and in application of the regulations in force regarding universities. All other higher education studies may be taken in person or in a hybrid format in accordance with the regulations in force regarding education, provided that at least 50 per cent of the curriculum is delivered in person.

  • Post-secondary education, at an authorised educational centre in Spain, within the framework of a full-time programme, leading to a recognised qualification. Studies may be undertaken in person, or through a combination of in-person and distance learning, in accordance with current education regulations, provided that at least 50 per cent of the programme is delivered in person. With regard to vocational training, this section shall cover intermediate vocational training courses and vocational training specialist qualifications provided for in Royal Decree 659/2023 of 18 July.​

  • Mobility programme for secondary or post-secondary school pupils, with the aim of following a compulsory or post-compulsory secondary education programme at an officially recognised educational or scientific institution, within the framework of a pupil exchange programme or educational project.

  • Volunteering, provision of a voluntary service, understood as activities carried out by legally constituted voluntary organisations registered with the competent authorities, within the framework of programmes pursuing objectives of general interest for a non-profit cause.​​​
    ​​
  • Training activities, such as:

    Foreign language assistant programmes in Spanish educational centres registered in the State Register of Non-University Educational Centres or in the corresponding official registers.

    Teaching of Spanish or other co-official languages in Spain, delivered in person at official language schools or centres accredited in Spain by the Cervantes Institute or by the equivalent public body for the corresponding co-official language, provided that it is not the foreign national's mother tongue or the official language of their country of nationality.

    Preparatory courses for selective tests for access to specialised health training places.

    Completion of training leading to the award of a certificate of technical aptitude or professional qualification in accordance with the list of training activities, duration and conditions established by resolution of the competent body.

    Completion of a complete training course, neither modular nor partial, at an authorised educational centre in Spain, leading to the award of professional certificates from the C-level vocational training system, at levels 2 and 3, with the requirements and conditions established in Organic Law 3/2022 of 31 March on the organisation and integration of vocational training and its implementing regulations.

Required documents for the student​​ ​​

*****ONLY DOCUMENTS PRINTED ON A4 OR LETTER-SIZE PAPER WILL BE ACCEPTED*****

1. National visa application form completed, dated and signed by the applicant. ​

2. Photograph. One recent, passport-size, colour photograph, taken against a light background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the oval of the face. 

3. Valid passport. The passport must be valid for at least 90 days after the duration of study. If applying for a study visa for a stay longer than 180 days, the passport must be valid for at least 15 full months (or 455 days) from the intended date of entry into Spain. Where the passport has been issued less than one year, also present the previous expired passport. For passport holders who are not nationals of Jamaica, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Dominica or St. Kitts and Nevis, a copy of the corresponding resident and/or work permit must be submitted.

4. Confirmation of enrolment in programme and proof of ​payment of tuition. If student is pursuing an exchange programme, a letter from the foreign institution will also be required. 

Document issued by the institution in Spain indicating:

  • In the case of tertiary education (university studies)​, post-secondary education and training programmes, documents issued by the institution in Spain proving admission and payment of tuition fees at an educational institution authorised to offer a study programme.​
  • Admission to a student mobility programme: in this case, proof of admission to an educational institution, placement with a family or institution, and a commitment from the programme organiser to cover the costs must also be provided.​
  • Acceptance for a non-remunerated internship on the basis of a signed agreement.
  • An agreement with the organization responsible for the volunteer programme. ​​​

5. Proof of financial means. A recent letter from the bank stating account balance for the last three months, date of the last deposit, and the currency. In 2025, the applicant must demonstrate monthly source of income (the equivalent of at least EUR 600.00 per month). 

For the support of family members during stay in Spain, a minimum amount of EUR 450.00 per month for the first family member and EUR 300.00 per month for each additional family member that will integrate in the family unit whilst in Spain.

6. Health insurance. Original and a copy of the certificate accrediting the public or private health insurance contracted with an insurance entity authorized to operate in Spain. The insurance policy must cover all the risks insured by Spain's public health system. 

If the applicant is participating in a volunteer programme, in addition to the medical insurance, they must provide a copy of the civil liability insurance policy taken out by the organization. 

7. Police Record Certificate issued by all countries of residence within the past 5 years. The certificate must bear the Apostille of the Hague and must be translated by a sworn translator​​​ from this official list (see pages 565 - 568). The police record is NOT required for minors (those under 18 years of age) or students spending less than 180 days. ​

8. ​Medical certificate ​issued by a registered physician. The certificate should be signed and sealed/stamped by the physician and should state the following verbatim in both languages:

"Este Certificado Médico acredita que la Sr./Sra. [INSERT FULL NAME HERE], no padece ninguna de las enfermedades que pueden tener repercusiones de salud pública graves de conformidad con lo dispuesto en el Reglamento Sanitario Internacional de 2005.

This is to certify that Mr/Mrs [INSERT FULL NAME HERE]​ does not have any serious illness/disease that could impact public health, as established in the International Health Regulation of 2005.”


9. Proof of residence in the consular district (Jamaica, Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Dominica, or St Kitts & Nevis): this shall be provided by means of the original and a photocopy of a document proving residence in the consular jurisdiction of this Embassy.​

APPLICANTS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 YEARS MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING:

10. Proof of identity and capacity of the minor applicant's parents/guardian(s):

    • A copy of the parent's/legal guardian's national identity card or passport 
    • Original and copy of document proving kinship (birth certificate, adoption papers, court-ordered exclusive custody, etc.)
11. Authorisation of parents/legal guardians.
    • A notarised authorisation letter for the minor applicant to carry out the activity in question in Spain , signed by:
      • ​​both parents listed on the birth certificate/adoption papers; OR
      • guardian(s) legally granted exclusive custody.
    • Information of the host family in Spain including names, addresses, and photocopies of D.N.I. (Spanish national ID card)
    • Sworn declaration (acta de manifestaciones) from the host family (before a lawyer/notary public) expressing that their knowledge of the stay of the minor is not for means of adoption, and their promise to return the minor to his/her home country​.

12. Payment of the visa fees. The visa fees are as follows:

​FOR  APPLICANTS SUBMITTING IN PERSON (IN JAMAICA):

The visa processing fee is J$16,493.00, payable in cash upon submission of visa application. This fee is non-refundable. Payment must be made in Jamacan dollars.

FOR APPLICANTS SUBMITTING VIA COURIER​ (FROM ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA, THE BAHAMAS, DOMINIC​A OR ST. KITTS AND NEVIS)​:

The visa processing fee is USD 104.00, payable in the form of a Bank Draft made in the name of EMBASSY OF SPAIN. Payment must be made in US dollars.  

The application and supporting documents may be sent to the following address via FedEx or DHL:

Embassy of Spain

6th Floor, Courtleigh Corporate Centre

6 - 8 St Lucia Avenue

Kingston 5, Jamaica, W.I.



Please note that nationals of Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, the United States of America and the United Kingdom are subject to different rates for reasons of reciprocity.  Kindly contact the Consular Section via e-mail at emb.kingston@maec.es for information on requisite fees.​

Required documents for family members​ 

In the case of family members accompanying the holder of a study or specialised health training visa, it should be noted that the family member's visa application cannot be processed simultaneously with that of the applicant, as it is a requirement for the family member's visa that the student holds a valid long-term residence permit for study purposes.

For each family member accompanying the student, the following document​s must be provided:

  1. A copy of the student's passport or Foreign Identity Card.
  2. The documents listed above under numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 12. Where applicable, those listed under numbers 7, 10 and 11.​
  3. Certificates proving kinship with the student (marriage certificate, registered partnership (common law) certificate, or birth certificate, as applicable) must be provided. Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, where applicable, must be submitted together with an official translation into Spanish, using a sworn translator​​​ from this official list (see pages 565 - 568)

When necessary to assess the application, the Consular Office may request additional documents or data and may also ask the applicant to come in for a personal interview.  

Procedure​ 

This Consular Office is competent to accept visa applications from individuals residing in the consular district or who are regularly in the consular district for study purposes even if they are not a resident. 

Applying for a study visa also entails applying for a study stay permit. 

  • Who can apply for a visa: The application must be submitted no more than 90 days in advance to the intended travel date​

  • Visa application period: Visa applications must be submitted sufficiently in advance of the beginning of the pertinent study programmes, as the procedure entails consultations with other authorities.  
  • Place of submission: Applications may be submitted in person at the Consular Office or sent to this Embassy via FedEx or DHL (address in footer). 
  • Proof of receipt: The Consular Office will provide the applicant with proof of receipt of the application via e-mail. ​
  • Rectifying the application: The Consular Office may ask the applicant to submit any missing documents, or to provide additional documents or data that are necessary for a decision regarding the application.   The applicant may also be called in for a personal interview. 
  • Decision period: The legal period for reaching a decision is of 1 month from the day after the application submission date, but this period may be extended if an interview or additional documents are requested. 
  • Collecting the visa: The visa may be collected in person by the applicant or by their representative (if the applicant is a minor) within a maximum period of 2 months, counted as of the day after the date on which the favourable decision is notified. In cases in which the application was sent via courier, the applicant or their representative must arrange the return of the visa and any relevant supporting documentation via FedEx or DHL. Alternatively,​ the Consular Office will inform the applicant regarding the procedure for the return of the passport and any other original documentation.  
  • Refusal of the visa or study stay permit: Refusals of the visa or study stay permit will always be notified in writing, setting forth the grounds on which the decision adopted was based. 
  • Appeals: If a study stay permit or visa is refused, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consular Office within 1 month of the day following the date on which notification of the refusal is received. An application for judicial review may also be filed with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within the 2-month period beginning the day after the date on which the applicant receives notification of the visa refusal or of the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal. 
  • Validity period of the visa: If the study stay does not exceed 6 months, the visa will be valid for the entire stay and it will not be necessary to obtain a Foreigner Identity Card. 

    ​If the study stay is for longer than 6 months, the visa will be valid for a 90-day stay. The student must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card within a period of 1 month from their entry into Spain, at the Foreign Nationals' Office or the Police Station of the province in which the permit was processed.

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