How to Apply for a Spain Student Visa (Long-Term Student Visa & TIE (Residence Card))

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Admission: Obtain an official acceptance letter from an authorized educational institution in Spain for a full-time program.
2. Gather Documents: Prepare all necessary documents. All foreign public documents (like criminal records or medical certificates) must be legalized or apostilled, and translated into Spanish by a sworn translator recognized by Spain.
3. Book an Appointment: Schedule an appointment at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy serving your jurisdiction. Note that appointments can be scarce, so book early.
4. Submit Application: Attend your appointment in person to submit your application form, passport, documents, and pay the visa fee (approx. €80, varying by nationality).
5. Visa Issuance: The consulate typically takes 4 to 8 weeks to process the visa. Once approved, the visa allows you to enter Spain.
6. Apply for TIE: If your studies last longer than 6 months, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE - Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) at a local police station or immigration office within 30 days of entering Spain.

Required Documents Checklist

• Valid Passport (valid for at least the entire duration of the planned stay, with two blank pages).
• National Visa Application Form (completed and signed).
• Official Acceptance Letter from a Spanish educational institution.
• Proof of Financial Means (bank statements, scholarship, or notarized sponsorship).
• Medical Insurance (Must be public or private insurance authorized to operate in Spain, with no co-payments and no waiting periods, covering the entire stay).
• Medical Certificate (confirming you do not suffer from any diseases with serious repercussions for public health under the 2005 International Health Regulations).
• Criminal Record Certificate (from countries lived in over the past 5 years, legalized/apostilled and translated).

Financial Requirements (2024/2026 Guidelines)

You must prove you have sufficient financial means to cover your stay and return trip. This is calculated based on the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which is €600 per month in 2024/2026.

• Required Amount (Student): 100% of the IPREM (€600) multiplied by the number of months of your stay. For a 12-month program, you must show at least €7,200.
• Pre-paid Accommodation Deduction: If you have already paid for your housing in advance for the entire year, you can deduct this amount from the total required funds (proof of payment required).
• Accepted Evidence:
  • Bank statements from the last 3 to 6 months.
  • Official scholarship documents.
  • Notarized letter from parents assuming financial responsibility, accompanied by their bank statements.

Sponsorship Guidelines

• If parents or legal guardians are sponsoring you, they must provide a notarized letter assuming full financial responsibility.
• They must submit their own bank statements from the last 3-6 months.
• The consulate will assess their income to ensure they have enough to support you (€600/month) plus enough to maintain their own household.

Accompanying Family Members

• Eligibility: You may be eligible to bring your spouse/partner and minor children.
• Financial Burden: You must show additional funds based on the IPREM:
  • First Dependent (e.g., spouse): 75% of IPREM (an extra €450 per month).
  • Each Additional Dependent: 50% of IPREM (an extra €300 per month).
• Process: Dependents can apply for their visas simultaneously with the student or after. They must provide legalized proof of family ties (marriage/birth certificates).

Working While Studying

• Work Limits: As of recent legal updates, international students in higher education are automatically permitted to work up to 30 hours per week, provided the work does not interfere with their studies.
• Geographic Limit: The work is generally restricted to the geographic area where you are studying, unless the work is remote or weekend-only.
• Post-Study Work: Upon graduation from an undergraduate or master's program, you can apply for a "Job Search Visa" valid for 12 months to look for work or start a business project in Spain.