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
- Do I need any visa to study Spanish in Spain?
- How to get a Spanish study visa for non-EU citizens? (applying from your home country)
- How to renew a Spanish student visa?
- Can I work in Spain with a 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?
Study at a Spanish University
- How to apply to a university in Spain for international students
- PCE University Spain access exam for students from EU, China, Norway, etc.
- The best universities in Barcelona for international students
- The Best Business Schools in Barcelona
- The 9 Best Universities in Valencia for international students
- The 9 Best Universities in Madrid for international students
Other interesting information
- 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 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.