National Visas – Study visa
Visa allowing for a stay longer than 90 days for higher or post-compulsory secondary education, student mobility, volunteer services, and training activities. Study stays of up to 90 days do not require a student visa. Depending on the nationality, a short-stay visa may be required (see "Schengen Visas").
The following family members may obtain a visa to accompany the holder of a higher education or specialized healthcare training visa:
• The spouse, registered partner, or stable partner.
• The children of the holder, or of the spouse, registered partner, or stable partner, who are minors or who require support due to disability or illness.
Activities eligible for a study visa
a. Higher education, including, a preparatory course, as well as mandatory training internships, which will also be considered higher education. University studies may be conducted in person or in a hybrid format (provided that at least 50 percent of the program is offered in person)
b. Post-compulsory secondary education within the framework of a full-time program, leading to the award of a recognized qualification. Studies may be conducted in person or in a hybrid format (provided that at least 50 percent of the program is offered in person)
c. Mobility program for students from compulsory or post-compulsory secondary education at an officially recognized educational or scientific institution, within the framework of a student exchange program or an educational project.
d. Volunteering, activities carried out by legally constituted volunteer entities, within the framework of programs that pursue objectives of general interest for a non-profit cause.
e. Training activities, considered as such:
1. Language assistants in Spanish educational registered centres.
2. Language studies of Spanish or co-official languages in Spain, taught in person at official language schools.
3. Preparatory courses for tests in order to access specialized healthcare training positions.
4. Training leading to certification of technical aptitude or professional qualification.
5. Complete training, at an authorized educational centre in Spain, leading to obtaining professional certificates-Grade C vocational training system, levels 2 and 3.
Required Documents
All foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled, and translated.
1. National visa application form: Each applicant must complete and sign a visa application. If the applicant is a minor, one of their legal representatives must sign the application.
2. Photograph: A recent passport-sized, color photograph with a light background, taken head-on, without dark glasses, reflections, or accessories that obscure the oval of the face.
3. Valid passport: original and a photocopy of the biometric data page(s). The passport must be valid for at least one year and have at least two blank pages. Passports issued more than 10 years ago are not accepted.
4. Proof of admission and payment of registration for the activity. Original and a copy of the document proving
a. In the case of higher education, post-compulsory secondary education, and training activities, documents proving admission and payment of tuition at an educational center authorized to carry out a study program.
b. Admission to a student mobility program: in this case, proof of admission to a study center, of being hosted by a family or institution, and the program organizer's commitment to cover the costs must also be provided.
c. The agreement with the organization in charge of a volunteer program.
5. Proof of financial means: original and a copy of the documents proving that the applicant (or their legal representative) has sufficient financial means to cover the costs of the student's stay and return and that of any accompanying family members. The minimum amount required is 100% of the IPREM (Spanish National Insurance Tax). To this amount, 75% of the IPREM (Spanish National Insurance Tax) must be added for the first family member and 50% of the IPREM (Spanish National Insurance Tax) for each additional family member. If it can be proven that the accommodation has already been prepaid for the entire stay, this amount will be reduced.
6. Health insurance: original and a copy of the public or private health insurance certificate taken out with an insurance company authorized to operate in Spain, with benefits similar to those granted by the common basic portfolio of healthcare services of the National Health System, valid for the duration of the planned stay.
7. Criminal Record Certificate: When the duration of the stay exceeds 180 days, applicants over the age of criminal responsibility must present the original and a copy of the criminal record certificate issued by the country or countries of residence within the last 5 years.
8. Medical certificate: Original and a copy of a medical certificate certifying that the applicant does not suffer from diseases that may have serious repercussions for public health in accordance with the International Health Regulations of 2005.
9. Proof of residence within the consular district: This must be proven by means of the original and a photocopy of a document proving residence within the district of this Consular Office.
10. Proof of the identity and capacity of the representative: If the applicant is a minor, a copy of the parent's ID or passport and the document proving kinship must be presented. The originals must be shown when submitting the application. If the visa is being applied for through a representative, a copy of the representative's ID or passport and the power of attorney or document proving representation must be presented.
11. Authorization from legal representatives: If the foreigner is a minor and is in the care of a third party who does not have parental authority or guardianship, the foreigner must have authorization from both parents or from the person who holds exclusive parental authority or guardianship for the planned stay in Spain to carry out the activity in question, along with proof of the center, organization, entity, or agency responsible for the activity for which they have been authorized and the planned period of stay.
12. Payment of the visa fee
Required Documents for Family Members
· For each family member accompanying the student, the following must be presented:
· A copy of the student's passport or Foreigner's Identity Card.
· The documents listed above under numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 12. If applicable, those listed under numbers 7, 10, and 11.
· In addition, they must provide certificates proving their relationship with the student: marriage certificate, registered partnership certificate, or birth certificate, as applicable.
Procedure
· This Consular Office is competent to accept visa applications from persons residing within the consular district.
· Applications for a student visa also entail an application for a study permit.
· Legitimated person: The visa application must be submitted in person by the interested party or by one of their parents if the applicant is a minor. It may also be submitted through a duly accredited representative.
· Deadline for visa application: The visa must be requested two months prior to the start of studies or training, unless justified reasons prevent it from being submitted within that time.
· Place of submission:
· Proof of submission: The Consular Office will provide the interested party with a receipt confirming that the application has been submitted. https://sutramiteconsular.maec.es Opens in a new window
· Correction of the application: The Consular Office may ask the applicant to submit any missing documents or provide additional documents or information necessary to resolve the application. It may also call the applicant for a personal interview.
· Deadline for decision: If the decision on the residence permit is favorable, the Consular Office will issue the residence visa within a maximum period of one month.
· Visa withdrawal: The visa must be collected in person by the applicant or by their representative, if they are a minor.
· Denial of a study permit or visa: If applicable, the denial of a study permit or visa will always be notified in writing, stating the reasons for the decision.
· Appeals: In the event of a denial of a study permit or visa, the applicant may file an appeal for reconsideration with this Consular Office within one month from the day following the date on which they receive notification of the denial. They may also file an administrative appeal with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within two months from the day following the date on which they receive notification of the visa denial or the dismissal of the appeal for reconsideration.
· Visa validity: If the authorized stay does not exceed 180 days, the visa will be valid for the entire stay, and it will not be necessary to obtain a Foreigner's Identity Card. If the authorized stay is for more than 180 days, the visa will be valid for 365 days. The applicant must apply for a Foreigner's Identity Card within one month of entering Spain at the Police Station in the province where the authorization was processed.