Visas
Student Visa for Spain
How to apply for Spain's student visa, including timing, financial requirements and work rights.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-15Apply 90 days before your course starts where possible, and no less than 30 days before — processing times vary by consulate.
This guide is not yet verified by Tuchati's editorial review — treat it as a helpful starting point, not a final legal answer.
Overview
Non-EU students planning to study in Spain for more than 90 days generally need a Student Visa, arranged before travelling. This guide covers the visa application itself; for the wider settling-in process, see our guide to moving to Spain as a student.
Requirements
- Applies to non-EU citizens accepted onto a course at an authorised Spanish educational institution, for a stay of more than 90 days
- You must prove sufficient financial means to cover your stay, generally referenced against a public income index and reviewed periodically
Step-by-step process
- Secure your place at an authorised Spanish educational institution first — your acceptance letter is required for the visa application
- Apply at your home country's Spanish consulate, ideally around 90 days before your course starts and no later than 30 days before
- Arrange health insurance without co-payments or waiting periods, covering the full duration of your stay
- Prove sufficient financial means to support yourself for the intended stay
- Once in Spain, if your stay exceeds six months, apply for your TIE within the first month after entry
Required documents
- Acceptance letter from an authorised Spanish educational institution
- Passport with sufficient validity
- Proof of health insurance and sufficient financial means
- Criminal record certificate, if required by your consulate
- Medical certificate, if required by your consulate
Common mistakes
- Applying too close to the course start date, risking a delay that affects your enrolment
- Not realising the TIE application (for stays over six months) has its own separate deadline after arrival, distinct from the visa itself
Practical tips
- Since August 2022, non-EU student visa holders can generally work part-time, up to a set weekly hours limit, without needing a separate work permit — confirm the exact limit for your specific visa
- Requirements can vary slightly between consulates — check your specific consulate's current document list
How Tuchati can help
If you're navigating the student visa process and want help understanding the timeline or your work rights while studying, Tuchati can help you get the details right.