Student Visa Spain (2025): Requirements, Process, and How to Apply

Last updated: October 27, 2025

If you’re planning to study in Spain, understanding the student visa process is your first major step. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from 2025 rule changes and document requirements to financial thresholds, TIE registration, and how Gazelle Immigration Group can help you secure approval faster and stress free.

Recent updates make it more important than ever to plan early.

• Applications are filed in your home country at your assigned consulate or BLS office.

• Apply at least two months before your program begins.

• Medical certificates and background checks are commonly required and must be recent.

• Financial proof remains tied to IPREM, updated annually.

A student visa is required for non-EU and non-EEA citizens who plan to study, research, or train in Spain for more than 90 days.

If your program lasts fewer than 90 days and you are from a visa-exempt country, you can usually enter as a tourist. For programs longer than 90 days, you will need a national study visa to remain in legal status.

Before booking your appointment, gather and verify the following documents. Exact details can vary by consulate.

1. Valid passport with at least six months of validity

2. Letter of acceptance from an accredited Spanish university or school

3. Proof of financial means for the full duration of your stay

4. Private health insurance that meets consulate standards

5. Criminal background check, legalized and translated

6. Medical certificate issued recently, translated if required

7. Proof of accommodation in Spain

8. Completed national visa application form and fee payment

9. Two recent passport photos with white background

Gazelle Immigration Group double checks each document so you meet your consulate’s standards the first time.

1. Gather your documents and translations

2. Book your appointment at the Spanish consulate or BLS office that serves your region

3. Attend your appointment, submit biometrics, and pay the fee

4. Wait for a decision, then collect your passport and visa

5. Travel to Spain and register your address

6. Apply for your TIE card within 30 days of entry

This clear sequence helps you avoid timing errors and missed steps.

For 2025, applicants must show funds equal to at least 100% of the current IPREM for each month of study. You can meet this with personal bank statements, a sponsor, or a scholarship. Provide recent statements that clearly show balances and ownership. If a family member is sponsoring you, include a signed support letter and proof of their funds.

Enter how many months you will study in Spain, and add dependents if applicable. This quick calculator estimates the minimum funds to show.

You must have private health insurance valid in Spain for the full duration of your studies. All consulates require no co-pays or waiting periods and clear coverage for hospitalization and repatriation. Gazelle Immigration Group can help you select a compliant policy before submission.

Once in Spain:

1. Register your address at your local town hall for padrón

2. Book your TIE appointment within 30 days of entry

3. Bring your passport, visa, EX-17 form, photos, padrón certificate, and payment receipt

4. Collect your TIE card when it is ready

Gazelle offers in-country support for scheduling, forms, and appointment prep.

Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full time during academic breaks. Some employers may need to request work authorization. After completing your studies, you may be able to modify it to a job search authorization or work permit. Gazelle guides students through both study-time work and post-study pathways.

1. Submitting documents without apostille or legalization

2. Using travel insurance instead of a full coverage policy

3. Showing insufficient or unclear funds

4. Failing to translate documents into Spanish when required

5. Booking your appointment too late

6. Using an acceptance letter that does not include program details and duration

7. Missing the TIE application window after arrival

Navigating consulate rules, translations, and appointments can feel overwhelming. Gazelle Immigration Group provides:

• Lawyer-led guidance with consulate-specific expertise

• Document review and translation checks before you submit

• Support with health insurance and financial documentation

• In-country assistance for padrón, TIE, and renewals

• Fast response times and bilingual service

With Gazelle by your side, you can focus on your academics while we manage the paperwork and deadlines.

Applying for a student visa in Spain does not have to be complicated. Gazelle Immigration Group streamlines the process from start to finish so you arrive on time and start your studies with confidence.

Processing times vary by consulate, but most applications take four to eight weeks after submission. Gazelle Immigration Group helps clients prepare complete files to avoid delays and ensure faster approval.

You must prove financial means equal to at least 100% of the IPREM for each month of your stay. For a 12-month program, that’s roughly €8,400–€9,000. If you have dependents, additional funds are required.

In most cases, new student visa applications must be submitted at your Spanish consulate abroad. However, some students who are already in Spain on a valid stay or residence permit may be eligible to apply locally. Gazelle reviews your situation and confirms the correct process before filing.

Yes. Students can work up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full time during holidays or breaks. Gazelle Immigration Group can help you request work authorization when needed.

Student visas are typically valid for the length of your academic program and can be renewed yearly if your studies continue. Gazelle’s legal team assists with renewals and status modifications for graduates.

Within 30 days of arrival, you must register your address (padrón) and apply for your TIE card. This is your official residence card. Gazelle provides in-country assistance to handle these first steps smoothly.

In many cases, yes. Spouses and dependent children can apply for accompanying visas once the student’s visa is approved. Additional financial proof will be required to cover their living expenses.

If your application is denied, you can appeal or reapply after correcting the issues identified in the rejection letter. Gazelle’s legal experts help review denials, fix document problems, and strengthen resubmissions.

Yes. Most consulates require all official documents — including background checks, medical certificates, and financial proofs — to be translated into Spanish by a certified translator. Gazelle can connect you with approved translators.

Yes, after finishing your studies, you can apply to modify your student residence into a work permit or a post-study job search authorization. Gazelle Immigration Group assists with these transitions to ensure you remain in legal status.