Spain Student Visa: study in Spain for more than 90 days.
The Student Visa is for college, university and other study programs in Spain that last longer than 90 days. You apply at your Spanish consulate in the U.S., ideally at least two months before your program starts. Enrollment, funds, insurance and background documents all need to line up, so start with the checklist.
- Work up to 30 hours a week
- Family can join
- Apply 2+ months before you start
Free PDF: Student Visa Document Checklist
- Admission and enrollment proof
- 2026 living-funds requirement
- Insurance, FBI and work rules
PDF · No email required
*Based on 100% of IPREM (€600/month) for the student, 75% for the first family member and 50% (€300/month) for each additional one. Tuition doesn't count toward living funds; fully prepaid accommodation may be deducted.
Who the Student Visa is for
Tuition and living costs are counted separately. You'll need to show you can cover both.
A good fit if you…
- Have been accepted by an authorized Spanish university, college or school
- Will study full time for more than 90 days
- Are working toward a recognized degree, diploma or certificate
- Can show at least €600 a month for living costs, on top of tuition
- Can get Spanish private health insurance for your whole stay
Consider another route if you…
- Work remotely for a U.S. employer or clients Digital Nomad Visa
- Are retiring, or living off savings or a pension Non-Lucrative Visa
- Are married to an EU citizen (not Spanish) EU Spouse Residence
- Are married to a Spanish citizen Spanish Spouse Residence
From acceptance letter to residence card
You apply in the U.S. at the Spanish consulate that covers where you live. Work backward from your program start date.
Get admitted and enroll
Get an acceptance letter in Spanish and pay your registration or enrollment fees.
Gather your documents
Proof of funds, health insurance, medical certificate and, for longer stays, an FBI check, with apostilles and translations.
Apply at your consulate
Book through the consulate or its provider, at least two months before classes. Expect to leave your passport.
Get your TIE card
For stays over six months, apply for your TIE in person within 1 month of arriving.
What you'll need for your Student Visa application
Tick items off as you go. The full PDF explains what each consulate expects, including the details that most often cause delays.
Application & admission
Funds & insurance
Background & final check
Timing matters. FBI records, apostilles, medical certificates, enrollment confirmation and insurance dates all need to line up with your appointment and program start. Can't finalize enrollment until just before classes? Document that and include a signed commitment to enroll. Need documents translated? See our official sworn translation services.
Travel insurance won't be accepted
Your consulate will ask for a certificate, in Spanish, from an insurer authorized to operate in Spain, naming you and showing your coverage dates. The policy should be comparable to Spain's public system, with:
- No copayments, deductibles or waiting periods
- Repatriation and at least €30,000 of cover, where your consulate asks for it
- Travel insurance and insurance cards are not accepted
GuiriGuru can help you get Spain visa-compliant private health insurance, with the certificate your consulate needs.
Get your dates right
- Match your programCoordinate the policy start date with your program and your consulate's rules.
- Cover before and afterSome consulates want coverage to begin before the program starts and continue after it ends.
- Line it up with your appointmentThe certificate has to be ready when you apply, alongside your enrollment proof.
- Cover every family memberEach accompanying spouse, partner or child needs their own insurance, as well as their own forms and passport.
Get the complete Student Visa checklist
The free 3-page PDF covers admission and enrollment, 2026 living funds, insurance, background documents, working while you study, family members and minors. Keep it on your phone while you gather your paperwork.
Not the right fit? Explore the other visa routes
Important: This page and checklist are for general information only and are not legal advice. Requirements change and can differ by consular district, program type, length of stay and personal circumstances. Your assigned Spanish consulate is authoritative, so confirm its current checklist before filing, or book a consultation with a licensed Spanish immigration lawyer through GuiriGuru.