Learn how to study legally in Spain in 2025. Complete guide to the student visa, requirements, benefits, and step-by-step application.

Studying in Spain has become an increasingly attractive option for thousands of international students. With a wide academic offering, pleasant climate, diverse culture, and enviable quality of life, Spain is one of the most desirable destinations for pursuing university degrees, technical training, arts education, or professional specialization. However, doing so legally requires a clear understanding of the requirements and procedures to obtain a student stay authorization. In this article from Visal Immigration Lawyers, we explain step by step everything you need to know about this process, with the latest updates from the Immigration Regulation reform of May 2025.

The student stay authorization is a permit that allows foreign nationals to legally reside in Spain while undertaking an academic or professional training program recognized by the Spanish education system or by officially accredited institutions. Although it is not a residence permit in the strict sense, it allows the holder to live in Spain during the entire training period, to renew it if necessary, and in some cases to work or even transition to a residence and work permit after completing the studies.

This permit can be requested either from the country of origin through the Spanish consulate, or in some specific cases, directly from Spain during a legal period of stay (typically under a tourist visa).

There are a wide variety of educational programs eligible for this authorization. It is essential, however, to verify that the studies you intend to undertake are valid under the current legal framework.

Programs eligible for the student stay authorization include:

• Official undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees.

• Vocational training programs (both intermediate and higher level).

• Artistic and sports education at the intermediate and advanced levels.

• Professional training in plastic arts and design.

• Post-compulsory secondary education (e.g., Spanish Baccalaureate).

• Official certificates of professionalism (levels 2 and 3).

• Preparatory courses for regulated professions.

• Language courses at recognized centers.

• Conversation assistant programs.

• Non-official training provided by institutions of recognized prestige in Spain.

To obtain the student card, applicants must meet the following general requirements:

• Be officially enrolled in an accredited educational center. This is fundamental. The school must be authorized to issue valid qualifications. You can check this through official registries such as RUCT or the Register of Higher Education Institutions.

• Demonstrate sufficient financial means: students must have income or savings equivalent to at least 100% of the monthly IPREM (about 600 euros/month in 2025) for the duration of the stay.

• Hold private health insurance valid in Spain, without co-payments or waiting periods.

• Have no criminal record in the past 5 years.

• Not suffer from any contagious diseases considered a threat to public health.

• Pay the corresponding government fee.

There are two ways to submit the application, and eligibility depends on both the type of studies and the student’s personal situation.

When applying through the Spanish consulate in the country of residence, the applicant can request the student visa for any of the valid study programs mentioned above. The applicant must submit all supporting documents, duly legalized and translated where necessary. It is advisable to apply at least two months before the start of the course.

Applicants can also apply from Spain, but only under specific conditions:

• The applicant must be in Spain legally (e.g., as a tourist).

• The studies to be undertaken must be either higher education programs, certificates of professionalism (level 2 or 3), or specialized health training.

• The application must be submitted with at least 60 days of legal stay remaining and two months before the program starts.

Spain’s updated immigration regulation now allows international students to work up to 30 hours per week without any additional permit in the following cases:

• University-level studies.

• Intermediate or advanced vocational training.

• Certified professional training programs.

For other types of education, the employer must apply for a work authorization compatible with the student’s status, which is reviewed by the immigration office.

The student authorization also allows for the accompaniment of certain family members, but only in cases where the student is enrolled in higher education or specialized medical training.

Eligible family members include:

• Spouse or registered partner.

• Stable partner with proof of relationship.

• Minor children or adult children with disabilities who depend on the applicant.

These relatives will be granted a dependent student stay card, which does not allow them to work in Spain.

It is possible to renew the student stay authorization as long as the original conditions remain fulfilled and the student continues to pursue studies. The number of allowable renewals depends on the type of program:

• One renewal for volunteer programs or non-academic training.

• Up to two renewals for higher education or secondary-level education.

• Renewals are not allowed for international mobility programs.

Failing to meet the requirements or deviating from the conditions originally approved can lead to the termination of the permit.

Upon successful completion of the studies, the student may be eligible to change their status to a residence and work permit. To do so, the applicant must:

• Finish the educational program with satisfactory performance.

• Have a job offer or plans to work as a self-employed professional.

• Not have benefited from development cooperation grants from Spain or their home country.

This modification is only permitted if the completed studies fall into the categories of higher education, certified professional training, or specialized health training.

Visal Immigration Lawyers offers the following practical advice:

• Always confirm that the institution is properly authorized to offer valid programs.

• Plan your arrival in Spain to align with the timeline required for applying within the country.

• Prepare and legalize your documents well in advance.

• Carefully choose your health insurance to meet the strict coverage standards.

• When in doubt, consult with experienced immigration lawyers to avoid common mistakes that can lead to denials.

FAQ:

How long does it take for the consulate to process a student visa? It typically takes between 30 and 90 days. For this reason, early application is strongly recommended.

Can I switch to another program after I start my studies in Spain? Only if the new course is also eligible under the student authorization rules. Always check before making changes.

How many times can I renew my student card? This depends on the type of program. Most allow one or two renewals. Volunteering or informal training is usually limited to one renewal.

Does time spent under a student permit count toward permanent residence or nationality? No. Student stay periods do not count toward legal residency for nationality or long-term residency purposes.

What should I do if my application is denied? You can file an administrative appeal or judicial challenge. Visal Immigration can review your case and help prepare a new strategy to improve your chances of approval.

At Visal Immigration Lawyers, we are specialists in Spanish immigration law. We have helped hundreds of students from all over the world establish themselves legally in Spain. If you need guidance regarding your course, institution, family, or employment options, we are here to help.

Contact us on Whatsapp at 618 702 253 or visit our website: www.visalimmigration.com.

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