Do I need a visa to study (Spanish) in Spain? [2025]

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 cannot apply fo a student visa You may need to apply for a tourist visa. There’s no problem to study Spanish with a tourist visa as long as the course duration is less than 90 days. Here you find out if you need to apply for a tourist visa to enter Spain.
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

Study visa for Spain

Study at a Spanish University

Other interesting information

Anything to add? Share your own experience in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER: We have gathered information to our best knowledge, from our experience, using many 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.

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