Visa for stays longer than 90 days to pursue higher education or post-compulsory secondary education, student mobility programs, volunteer services, and training activities. A student visa is not required for study stays of up to 90 days. Depending on nationality, a short-term visa may be necessary (see “ Schengen visas ”).
The following family members may obtain a visa to accompany the holder of a student visa for higher education or specialized health training:
- The spouse, registered partner, or stable partner.
- Children of the visa holder, or of the spouse, registered partner, or stable partner, who are minors or require support due to disability or illness
Activities Eligible for a Student Visa
Higher education studies: These include university or non-university studies at an officially recognized institution or higher education center in Spain that lead to degrees corresponding to the levels and qualifications outlined in Royal Decree 1027/2011 of July 15, which establishes the Spanish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education. This also includes university-specific degrees offered autonomously by recognized higher education institutions in accordance with university regulations, and Vocational Training Master’s degrees under Royal Decree 659/2023 of July 18.
Such higher education studies may also include, where applicable, preparatory courses and mandatory training placements, which are also considered higher education. University studies may be pursued in either in-person or hybrid formats, in accordance with the corresponding curriculum plans and current university regulations. Other higher education programs may also be conducted in-person or hybrid formats, provided that at least 50% of the instruction is delivered in-person, in accordance with current education regulations.
Post-compulsory secondary education at an authorized educational institution in Spain must be part of a full-time program that leads to a recognized qualification. These may also be offered in-person or semi-in-person, as long as at least 50% of the instruction is in-person. This includes intermediate vocational training programs and Specialist Vocational Training qualifications under Royal Decree 659/2023 of July 18.
Student mobility programs for compulsory or post-compulsory secondary education, aimed at following an educational program in a recognized teaching or research institution within the framework of a student exchange program or educational project.
Volunteering: The performance of volunteer services carried out by legally established and registered volunteer organizations, as part of programs pursuing goals of general interest and non-profit causes.
Training Activities may include:
- Roles as foreign language assistants in Spanish educational centers listed in the national registry of non-university schools or corresponding official registries. For information on the North American Language and Culture Assistant Program visa (NALCAP Visa), click here
.
- Spanish language courses (Castilian) or co-official languages in Spain, delivered in person at official language schools or centers accredited by the Cervantes Institute or the equivalent public body for the respective co-official language—so long as the language is not the applicant's native or official language of their country of nationality.
- Preparatory courses for entrance exams for specialized health training positions.
- Training to obtain a certificate of technical aptitude or professional license, according to the training activities, duration, and conditions established by resolution of the competent authority.
- Completion of a full, non-modular, non-partial training program at an authorized teaching center in Spain, leading to professional certificates of the vocational training system (Level C, levels 2 and 3), as per Organic Law 3/2022 of March 31 on Vocational Training and its implementing regulations.
Required documents for the student
All foreign documents must be submitted either legalized or apostilled, and if they are written in a language other than Spanish, they must be accompanied by the corresponding translation.
1.
National visa application form: Each applicant must complete and sign a visa application form in all sections. If the applicant is a minor, the form must be signed by one of their legal representatives.
2.
Photograph: One (1) recent full-face color photograph passport-size, taken in person against a light background, facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses, or any garments concealing the oval of the face taken by a commercial photographer or studio
NO MORE THAN SIX (6) MONTHS BEFORE THE DATE YOU SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION. It should also meet the requirements pictured on this
link.
Photographs of minors must not show any part of the adult holding them.
3. Valid passport: Original and a copy of the page(s) with biometric data. The passport must be valid for at least one year and contain at least two blank pages. Passports issued over 10 years ago will not be accepted.
4. Proof of admission and payment of enrollment fees for the activity: Original and a copy of the document proving:
- For higher education, post-compulsory secondary education, and training activities: documents that certify admission and payment of enrollment fees at an authorized educational center. This requirement may be satisfied by submitting a document that certifies any of the following:
- The student is exempt from payment.
- The fees were paid by the student in their home country, as they are relocating to Spain under an exchange program between institutions or academic centers. Alternatively, under a bilateral agreement between institutions, the home institution covers the cost of enrollment, tuition, or an equivalent fee at the host institution.
- Partial payment of enrollment or tuition fees is sufficient. In such cases, the formalization of enrollment is understood to fulfill both the tuition payment and admission requirements.
A
single document may serve to verify both requirements.
- For student mobility programs: proof of admission, hosting by a family or institution, and a commitment from the program organizer to cover expenses. This requirement may be satisfied by submitting a document that certifies any of the following:
- The student is exempt from payment.
- The fees were paid by the student in their home country, as they are relocating to Spain under an exchange program between institutions or academic centers. Alternatively, under a bilateral agreement between institutions, the home institution covers the cost of enrollment, tuition, or an equivalent fee at the host institution.
- Partial payment of enrollment or tuition fees is sufficient. In such cases, the formalization of enrollment is understood to fulfill both the tuition payment and admission requirements.
A single document may serve to verify both requirements.
- Agreement with the organization responsible for the volunteer program.
5. Proof of sufficient financial means: Original and copy of documents showing the applicant (or their legal representative) has sufficient funds to cover the student’s stay and return, and that of any accompanying family members. The minimum required amount equals 100% of the IPREM (Public Indicator of Multiple Effect Income). Add 75% for the first family member and 50% for each additional family member. If accommodation is prepaid, this amount is reduced. The IPREM for 2025 is €600, approximately CAN $897.
If a family member is going to cover the applicant's expenses, documentation proving that person's financial means must be provided, along with the following:
A document issued before a notary public (a sworn statement or affidavit) in which the grantor commits to financially supporting the applicant. The relationship or kinship with the applicant must be indicated. The statement must meet the following requirements regarding legalization or Apostille:
- If the statement is issued before a Spanish notary, it does not require an Apostille.
- If the statement is issued in a country that is a signatory of the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, it must include the corresponding Apostille.
- If the statement is issued in a country that is not a signatory of the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, it must be legalized by the Spanish Consular Office with jurisdiction in the country where the document was issued.
6.
Health insurance: Original and copy of a public or private health insurance certificate with a provider authorized to operate in Spain. It must offer services equivalent to Spain’s National Health System and be valid for the entire intended stay. Travel insurance is not acceptable. The policy must provide full coverage with no copay, deductible, or coverage limit. Spanish providers such as Sanitas, Adeslas, Axa offer appropriate plans. Exceptionally, a foreign policy may be accepted if it meets the other requirements and has coverage up to at least USD $500,000. In any case, the insurance company must be authorized to operate in Spain. There is a list of them at
https://rrpp.dgsfp.mineco.es/.
If participating in a volunteer program, a liability insurance policy must also be submitted.
When activity is longer than six months, applicants of legal age (18 years old and older) must submit the original and a photocopy (not notarized) of their criminal background check(s) issued by the country or countries of residence in the past 5 years.
In the case of Canada, only the negative criminal record certificate issued by the RCMP containing the visa applicant's fingerprints will be accepted. You will find more information about how to obtain it
here.
Criminal records certificates from local police stations will not be accepted.
The Canadian Criminal Record Certificate must be authenticated with the Hague Apostille Certification, and must be accompanied by an official translation into Spanish by a sworn/certified translator.
The visa will not be issued without the Criminal Record Certificate
apostilled by Global Affairs Canada, so it is recommended that you carry out this procedure with the Canadian authorities
well in advance.
The official translation can include the translation of the Apostille as well, but it is not necessary (the translation does not need an Apostille and the Apostille does not need a translation). You can find a certified translator through
The Association of Translators and Interpreters of Ontario.
The background check must be issued within 6 months preceding the submission of the visa application.
The apostille must certify the signature on the Criminal Background check, not other signatures (e.g. we don’t accept apostilles that certify the signature of a notary public that stamps a seal on the criminal background check).
If the applicant has spent more than 6 months (more than 180 days) during the last 5 years in another country (outside Canada) an additional criminal background check from every country of residence must be provided.
Criminal record certificates must be authenticated with a Hague Apostille. However, if the certificate is issued to a European Union citizen by the authorities of the Member State of their nationality, authentication is not required. You can refer to the list of countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention
here.
If the country in which the applicant has lived in the past 5 years does not subscribe to The Hague Convention of 1961, the background check must by authenticated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country and then by the Spanish Consulate in that country. The background check must be accompanied by an official translation into Spanish (if the original is not written in Spanish).
8. Medical certificate. Original and a copy of a medical certificate issued by your family doctor worded as follows:
“This medical certificate states that Mr./Mrs. ….. does not suffer from any diseases that may have serious consequences on public health in accordance with the provisions contained in the 2005 International Health Regulations."
It must be accompanied by an official translation into Spanish by a sworn/certified translator.
9. Proof of Residence in the Consular Jurisdiction. The visa applicant must prove their legal residence in the country where the application is being submitted. If the applicant is not a Canadian citizen, they must provide documentation proving their legal residence in Canada (such as a permanent residence card, work permit, or study permit along with a certificate of enrollment).
Proof of residence must be provided by submitting the original and a copy of a document that certifies residence within the jurisdiction of this Consular Office.
10. Proof of Identity and Legal Representative. If the applicant is a minor, a copy of the parent’s passport or ID and a document proving the relationship must be presented. Originals will be checked at the time of submission. If applying through a representative, a copy of the representative’s ID or passport and a notarized power of attorney must be provided
11. Authorization from Legal Guardians. If the applicant is a minor, it will be necessary to provide the original and a copy of the parents' or guardians' authorization of the minor's temporary relocation to Spain, certified by a notary, which must also name the individual who will be responsible for the minor in Spain.
12. Payment of the visa fee. Please refer to the consular fee chart. The visa fee must be paid when submitting the application. Fees are non-refundable, even in case of refusal.
13. EXPLANATORY NOTES REGARDING STUDENT VISAS:
It must be noted that applying for a visa also entails applying for authorization for a long-term stay. Therefore, the visa application must be accompanied not only by the documentation that proves compliance with the visa requirements, but also by the documentation that proves compliance with the requirements for obtaining long-term stay authorization, depending on the type of activity to be carried out.
The long-term stay authorization will begin one month before the start date of the activity and will extend fifteen days beyond its conclusion. As such, the start date of the activity is considered to be one month prior to the date indicated on the admission document, and the end date fifteen days after. For example, if the admission or equivalent document states that the activity will take place from 01/10/2025 to 01/07/2026, the authorized period will run from 01/09/2025 to 15/07/2026.
Accordingly:
- Health Insurance:
- If the planned activity is shorter than 6 months (additional month before the start and 15 days after the end both included), the health insurance must be valid from one month before the studies begin until 15 days after they end. However, if the applicant knows their exact date of entry into Spain, the health insurance should begin from that date.
- If the planned activity exceeds 6 months, (additional month before the start and 15 days after the end both included), the student visa will be issued with a validity of one year, and the health insurance must also be valid for one year, starting from the date of entry into Spain.
- Criminal Record Certificate:
If the planned activity exceeds 6 months, and after adding the one month before and 15 days after the studies, a criminal record certificate must be submitted as described in Section 7.
For visas for family members accompanying the holder of a student visa for higher education or specialized health training, it must be noted that the family member’s visa application cannot be processed simultaneously with the student’s. This is because one of the requirements for the family member’s visa is that the student already holds a valid long-term stay authorization for studies.
Required documents for family members
Each family member accompanying the student must submit the following:
- A copy of the student’s passport or Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).
- The documents listed above under numbers 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 12. Where applicable, also the documents listed under numbers 7, 10, and 11.
- In addition, they must provide certificates proving their family relationship with the student: a marriage certificate, registered partnership certificate, or birth certificate, depending on the case.
It is emphasized that family members may obtain a visa to accompany the holder of a student visa only if the studies being pursued are higher education or specialized health training.
Procedure
This Consular Office is competent to accept visa applications from individuals residing in the National Capital Region or who are regularly in the National Capital Region for study purposes even if they are not residents.
Applying for a study visa also entails applying for an authorization for a study stay permit.
- Who can apply for a visa: Visa applications must be submitted in person by the applicant or by one of their parents if the applicant is a minor. They may also be submitted through a duly accredited representative.
- Visa Application Deadline: The visa must be applied for two months prior to the start of the studies or training, unless justified reasons are provided that prevent submission within that timeframe.
- Proof of receipt: The Consular Office will provide the applicant with proof of receipt of the application with a code that enables them to check the status of the dossier through the following link: https://sutramiteconsular.maec.es/Home.aspx
- Rectifying the application: The Consular Office may ask the applicant to submit any missing documents, or to provide additional documents or data that are necessary for a decision regarding the application. The applicant may also be called in for a personal interview.
- Decision period: The legal period for reaching a decision is of 1 month from the day after the application submission date, but this period may be extended if an interview or additional documents are requested.
- Collecting the visa: The visa must be collected in person by the applicant or by their representative (if the applicant is a minor) within one month, from the day on which the favourable decision is notified.
If the status of your visa application is listed as "RESUELTO", a decision has been made and your visa has either been granted or denied.
In any case, you may pick up your passport on any working Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., without an appointment.
Other status are:
“EN TRAMITACIÓN, Pendiente de trámite": Pending a decision from Spain to some consultation.
"EN TRAMITACIÓN, Pendiente de resolución": Pending a decision from the Consul.
"EN TRAMITACIÓN, Pendiente de expedición": Pending issuance of visa sticker.
- Refusal of visa or study stay permit: Refusals of the visa or study stay permit will always be notified in writing, setting forth the grounds on which the decision adopted was based.
- Appeals: If a study stay permit or visa is refused, the applicant may submit an appeal for reconsideration to this Consular Office within one month from the day a notification of the refusal is received. An application for judicial review may also be filed with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within the two months period from the day the applicant receives notification of the visa refusal or of the dismissal of the reconsideration appeal.
- Validity period of the visa: If the authorized stay does not exceed 180 days, the visa will be valid for the entire duration of the stay and it will not be necessary to obtain a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE). If the authorized stay exceeds 180 days, the visa will be valid for a 365-day stay. The applicant must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card within one month of entering Spain, at the Police Station in the province where the authorization was processed.
This information is not binding and does not alter or replace the relevant regulations, which shall always prevail.