The first thing you may want to know if you’re planning to study in Spain is if you need a visa or not. And if you do, what type of visa it is, what the procedure is and what documents you’ll be asked for. Look no further! Here you’ll find everything you need to know.
Please mind that only full time courses are considered for student visas. This can be an intensive Spanish course, a course to prepare yourself for Spanish University entry or a full time study at a University in Spain. As long as the course intensity is 20 hours per week or more.
If you’re from a Schengen area country
So all EU countries + Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland (more information)
| Less than 90 days | you don’t need a student visa | No need to get a Spanish Identification Number for Foreigners (NIE). |
| More than 90 days | you don’t need a student visa | You will have to get a Spanish Identification Number for Foreigners (NIE). |
If you’re from any other country
| Less than 90 days | you don’t need a student visa | Here you have a visual map of countries that need to apply for a tourist visa to enter Spain countries. |
| Between 90 and 180 days | you will need to get a student visa type C | |
| More than 180 days | you will need a student visa type D |
Other relevant articles:
- Do I need any visa to study Spanish in Spain?
- How to get a Spanish study visa for non-EU citizens?
- How to apply for a student visa while in Spain?
- How to renew a Spanish student visa?
- Medical insurance for Spanish student visa – all you need to know
- What is the NIE and how do I get it?
- What is the TIE and how to get it?
- Can I work in Spain with a student visa?
- How to apply to a university in Spain for international students
- Find the best English speaking lawyers in Spain
The Linguaschools complete and comprehensive guide to Spanish paperwork.
Anything to add? Share your own experience in the comments below!
DISCLAIMER: We have gathered information to our best knowledge, from our experience, using a number of different (official) sources. Regulations change and interpretations may vary per country or region, but also between public office or staff. No rights can be derived from any of our articles. The content is merely a guide and we recommend you to check information with official sources before and during the process.
