Student Visa for Spain: Requirements, Money, Insurance and the TIE
Fee figures: catalogue of 6 October 2026.
Anyone from outside the EU, the EEA and Switzerland who studies in Spain for more than 90 days needs a study visa. The requirements below are those published by Spanish consulates as of October 2026. Each consulate adds its own practical details, so read the page of the one that covers your place of residence.
The main requirements
- Admission. Proof that you are admitted to an authorised centre for full-time studies leading to a degree or certificate.
- Money. For your own support you must show at least 100% of the IPREM for each month of stay. The IPREM is a reference index set in the state budget: at the time of writing it was €600 a month, so €7,200 for twelve months. If you prove that accommodation is paid in advance for the whole stay, the amount is reduced. Family members who accompany you require additional amounts.
- Health insurance. Public or private insurance with an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, covering everything the public health system covers, with no co-payments and no waiting periods. Travel insurance is not accepted.
- Criminal record certificate for adults, covering the last five years, when the stay exceeds six months. It must be recent, legalised or apostilled, and translated.
- Medical certificate stating that you do not suffer from diseases with serious public health implications under the International Health Regulations.
Foreign documents must be legalised or apostilled and, when not in Spanish, accompanied by an official translation. See apostille and legalisation and sworn translations.
When and where to apply
Apply in person at the Spanish consulate, or its visa centre, in the country where you legally live. Consulates ask you to apply at least two months before the course begins. The legal decision period is one month, and it can be longer if the consulate requests more documents or an interview.
After arrival: the TIE
- If your stay is six months or less, the visa covers the whole stay and nothing else is needed.
- If your stay is longer than six months, you must apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within one month of entering Spain, at the immigration office or the police station of your province. Bring your passport, the visa, proof of the fee paid and a photo. The card carries your foreigner identity number (NIE).
You will also be asked to register your address at the town hall (empadronamiento), which is needed for many procedures.
Working while you study
Under the immigration regulation in force since 2025, students in higher education may work up to 30 hours a week, provided the job is compatible with the studies. Check the wording on your authorisation.
EU citizens
No visa. If you stay longer than three months, you register in the Central Register of Foreign Nationals and receive a certificate with your NIE. You will be asked for proof of enrolment, health cover and a declaration of sufficient means.
What it costs
Tuition at public universities for non-EU students is typically €1,208 a year in our catalogue; details in how much it costs to study in Spain. Housing options are in student housing in Spain.
Where to look next
Official sources
- Spanish consulate: study visa (example page; choose your own consulate)
- Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration: immigration portal
Always check current information on the official website of the university before you apply.