Big changes are sweeping across Spain’s study visa system—and if you’re planning to study, volunteer, or train in the land of flamenco and fiestas, you need to pay attention. As of June 2025, the Spanish government has rolled out a new, comprehensive framework for study visas exceeding 90 days, opening doors for more family-inclusive, purpose-diverse education and training opportunities—but also tightening documentation requirements.
Here’s your all-in-one, thrilling breakdown of what’s new and what it means for you as an international student.
What’s New?
Starting June 3, 2025, the updated Spanish study visa policy now includes clear eligibility for a wider range of applicants:
- Higher education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorates)
- Post-secondary and mobility programs
- Language assistantships
- Certified training programs (including health, volunteering, professional certificates)
⏱️ Short stays (<90 days) don’t require a study visa, but you might still need a Schengen visa depending on your nationality.
But the game-changer? Family members can now apply to join you.
Family Can Come Too!
Yes! Spain’s revamped visa rules now allow:
- Your spouse or registered/unmarried partner
- Your children (minors or with disabilities)
to accompany you. They will need to file their own visa applications but follow a modified version of your document checklist (more on this below).
What Documents You’ll Need – Full Checklist
Ready to gather your documents? Here’s the master list of what students must submit:
- Visa Application Form – Complete and signed.
- Photograph – Passport-size, recent, and against a light background.
- Passport – Minimum 1-year validity, no older than 10 years, and two blank pages.
- Proof of Acceptance – Letter from a Spanish educational institute, including fee payment if applicable.
- Proof of Funds – You must show financial capacity for your stay (100% of IPREM/month). Options include:
- Scholarship confirmation
- Letter from sponsor with notarized documents
- 6 months’ bank statements
- University accommodation/meal coverage
- Health Insurance – Private/public insurance with no copayments and minimum €30,000 coverage (travel insurance won’t cut it!).
- Criminal Record Certificate – Required for stays >135 days; must be apostilled and translated.
- Medical Certificate – Must confirm you are disease-free per the 2005 International Health Regulations.
- Proof of Residence in Consular District – If applying from outside Spain.
- Representation Docs (if minor) – Parental authorization, birth certificate, and guardian details.
- Additional Docs – For minors, language assistants, au-pairs, or special cases.
- Visa Fee Payment – Paid in local currency; varies by nationality.
For Family Members
Each family member must provide:
- Application form, photograph, passport
- Health insurance, criminal record check, and medical certificate
- Proof of residence
- Proof of relationship (marriage, birth, or registered partnership certificate—translated and legalized)
- Any necessary representation documentation.
Study Visa Application Timeline for Spain
- Apply at least 2 months before your studies begin
- Application must be in-person (or via legal representative)
- Submit to the designated BLS International Spain Visa Center in your area (e.g., Manchester)
- A proof of receipt will be issued with a tracking code
- Decision deadline: Up to 1 month (may extend if interview/docs required)
✅ If approved, collect your visa within 2 months.
⛔ If refused, you can appeal within 1 month or go to Madrid’s High Court within 2 months.
Visa Validity Rules
If your study stay in Spain is up to 6 months, your visa alone will be valid for the entire duration, and you do not need to apply for a Foreigner Identity Card. However, if your study program extends beyond 6 months, you will be issued a 90-day visa upon approval. In this case, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within 1 month of your arrival in Spain at the Foreign Nationals’ Office or Police Station in the province where your visa was processed.
