Spain Study Visa New Policy Changes Now Implemented from June 2025 Onwards

If you’re planning to study in Spain in 2025 or beyond, here’s some vital news: Spain’s study visa process has changed significantly under the new immigration regulation (RD 1155/2024), effective from May 20, 2025. The good news? You can still follow your academic dreams in Spain—but there are now updated requirements, timelines, and eligibility rules you must know before applying.

Here’s your complete and updated guide to securing a Spain Student Visa in 2025.

What’s New in 2025?

As of May 20, 2025, new legal reforms mean:

• Visa applicants must now process their student visas through BLS International, Spain’s new outsourced visa service provider.
• NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) and TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) issuance policies and family member eligibility are now more defined.
• Stricter guidelines have been introduced for financial proof, health insurance, and representation, especially for minors and families.

Who Can Apply?

A Spain Study Visa is required for stays longer than 90 days if you’re enrolled in:

• Higher education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD programs).
• Post-compulsory secondary education programs.
• Mobility or exchange programs (for minors or post-secondary students).
• Non-remunerated volunteering.
• Training activities, such as Spanish language studies, NALCAP, healthcare specialization preparation, or professional certifications.

Note: If your study program is under 90 days, you may not need a study visa—depending on your nationality. Always confirm if a Schengen short-stay visa is required.

What About Family?

Students in higher education or specialized healthcare training can bring:

• Their spouse or registered partner.
• Children (minors or dependents with disabilities).

However, family members cannot work under this visa category.

New Study Visa Processing Time for Spain: Visas take 5 to 8 weeks to process and do not book travel until your visa is approved.

List of Required Documents to Apply for Spanish Study Visa After New Policy

1. Visa Application Form (2024) – Must be signed and legible.
2. Recent Passport-Sized Photo – No photocopies; write your name on the back.
3. Valid Passport – Must have at least 2 blank pages and be valid for your entire stay.
4. Acceptance Letter – Must be:
   • Issued in Spanish.
   • From an authorized institution.
   • Include proof of tuition payment, program name, contact details, and full-time enrollment (20+ hrs/week).
5. Proof of Financial Means – You must show:
   • Minimum €600/month (~$700) for yourself.
   • Additional €450/month ($500) for spouse, €300/month ($350) per child.
   • Via bank statements, scholarship letters, or a notarized sponsorship letter (with supporting documents).
6. Health Insurance Certificate – Must be:
   • From an insurer authorized in Spain.
   • Minimum €30,000 coverage.
   • No deductibles/copays/waiting periods.
   • In Spanish.
7. Criminal Record Check (for stays over 180 days) – FBI fingerprint-based, apostilled, translated.
8. Medical Certificate – Must confirm you’re free of diseases per WHO guidelines, in Spanish or bilingual format, signed by a physician.
9. Proof of US Residence – Copy of state ID or driver’s license; non-citizens must also show a valid visa or green card (notarized copy).
10. Visa Fee Payment – Via money order only to “Consulate General of Spain.”
    • US Citizens: $160
    • Other Nationalities: $104
    • Special rates for citizens of Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, UK, etc.
11. For Minors: Birth certificate, parental authorization, proof of legal guardianship, and identity documents.
12. Family Member Docs: Add marriage/birth certificates (apostilled + translated into Spanish), and criminal background and medical certificates for each family member.

✅ Additional Tips

• If you’re under 18, you must provide detailed authorization documents and declarations of responsibility from your parents and host in Spain.
• Once you receive a visa for more than 6 months, you’ll need to apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within 1 month of arriving in Spain.
• You will also be assigned a NIE number, which is essential for residence, banking, healthcare, etc.
• A visa is automatically a request for a study stay permit. If denied, you’ll be notified in writing with options to appeal.

After Visa Approval – Next Steps

Once your student visa is approved, it will either be valid for the full duration of your study program if it is less than six months, or for one year (365 days) if your stay exceeds that period. In the case of a longer stay, you must apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within one month of arriving in Spain at the relevant immigration office or police station.

Additionally, your NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) should appear on your visa sticker. If it does not, you should contact the consulate via email to confirm whether your NIE has been issued.

Decision & Appeal Process

The legal timeframe for a decision on your visa application is one month from the day after submission. However, this period may be extended if an interview is required or additional documents are requested. If your visa or study stay permit is refused, you have the right to file a reconsideration appeal with the consulate within one month from the date you receive the notification.

Alternatively, you may submit a judicial review to the High Court of Justice of Madrid within two (02) months of receiving the refusal notice or the denial of your reconsideration appeal.

References

• https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Consulados/sanfrancisco/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/Visado-de-estudios.aspx
• https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/ottawa/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Consular/NIE.aspx
• https://www.exteriores.gob.es/Embajadas/ottawa/en/ServiciosConsulares/Paginas/Foreigner-Identity-Card-(TIE).aspx.

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