Renewal of the Study Stay Authorization in Spain

Every year, thousands of international students continue their education in Spain after completing their first academic year. In these cases, when the study stay authorization does not cover the full duration of the academic program, it may be necessary to apply for its renewal or extension in order to maintain legal status in Spain.

Since the new Immigration Regulations came into force, authorizations for higher education studies may be granted for the full official duration of the program. However, renewals are still necessary in certain cases: for example, when the initial authorization was granted for a shorter period, when the studies continue into a new academic year, or when other circumstances require an extension of the authorized stay.

💡If you would like to learn about all the requirements for an initial study stay authorization, you can consult our 2026 Guide.

In this ARC Legal guide, we explain in a practical way how the renewal of a study stay authorization works in Spain, when it should be submitted, and what documentation you should prepare.

⏺️ When do I need to renew my student authorization?

A renewal or extension allows you to continue legally residing in Spain when the studies that justified the initial authorization have not yet been completed.

This is not the same as applying for a new authorization from scratch. The Spanish authorities will mainly verify that the conditions that led to the initial authorization continue to be met and, in particular, that there is genuine academic continuity.

For example, an extension may be necessary when:

Your current authorization expires before your academic program ends.
You are continuing the same bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or other studies during the following academic year.
Your initial authorization was granted only for a specific academic period.
You need to continue studies that you have already started but have not yet completed.
You are considering a possible change of studies.

One particularly important point is that the renewal is linked to the continuity of your studies. Therefore, any substantial change to the program originally authorized should be reviewed before submitting the application.

⏺️ When can I submit the renewal?

Deadlines are one of the most important aspects of the process.

The renewal may be submitted:

During the 2 months before the expiration date of your current authorization.
During the 3 months following its expiration.

Although it is possible to submit the application after the authorization has expired, doing so during the following three months may result in the initiation of administrative sanction proceedings.

For this reason, we recommend preparing the application sufficiently in advance and, whenever possible, submitting it before the current authorization expires.

💡 We do not recommend waiting until the last few days. Some documents, such as academic certificates, enrollment documents for the following academic year, health insurance, or bank documentation, may require some preparation time.

⏺️ Academic progress: one of the most important requirements

One of the main differences between an initial application and a renewal is that, in the latter, the Immigration Office may review how your studies progressed during the previous period.

For this reason, it will normally be necessary to provide an academic transcript or certificate of satisfactory academic progress issued by your university or educational institution.

This document should demonstrate that you have actually pursued your studies and show your academic progress.

The authorities may assess, among other factors:

The subjects or credits you have taken.
The subjects or credits you have passed.
Your academic progress during the year.
Your continued participation in the academic program.

Not every academic record is the same. If you have experienced difficulties during the academic year, have not passed certain subjects, or there are special circumstances that affected your studies, it is advisable to review your case before submitting the renewal.

⏺️ Enrollment for the next academic period

In addition to demonstrating what you have done during the previous academic year, you will also need to prove that you are going to continue studying.

For this purpose, you will normally need to provide an enrollment or registration certificate for the next academic period.

We recommend that the document clearly indicate:

Your full name.
The academic program.
The study format.
The duration of the program.
The expected start and end dates.
Confirmation of your enrollment for the new academic period.

You should also provide the corresponding proof of payment or, where the institution allows payment in installments, the applicable payment plan.

If your university does not yet allow you to formally complete enrollment by the time you need to submit the renewal, it is important to request a certificate explaining this circumstance.

⏺️ How much money do I need to renew a study stay authorization?

As with the initial application, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during the requested period without relying on the Spanish social assistance system.

As a general reference, the main applicant must demonstrate an amount equivalent to 100% of the IPREM for each month of the stay.

The IPREM currently used as a reference is:

€600 per month.
€7,200 per year.

This does not necessarily mean that you must always have €7,200 available. The specific amount will depend on the period for which you are requesting the renewal.

For example, if the requested extension covers six months, the calculation should be based on the specific duration of that period.

Depending on the circumstances, financial means may be demonstrated through:

Bank certificates.
Bank statements.
Scholarships or financial assistance.
Financial support from family members.

Amounts allocated to the payment of tuition or study costs are not taken into account when calculating the financial resources required for your living expenses.

⏺️ Health insurance during the renewal

Throughout the validity of the new authorization, you must continue to have adequate healthcare coverage in Spain.

If you use private health insurance, the policy must be issued by an insurance company authorized to operate in Spain and must provide coverage equivalent to that of the Spanish public healthcare system.

As a general rule, the insurance should:

Have no copayments.
Have no waiting periods.
Provide comprehensive coverage.
Be valid throughout the entire period requested.

It is important to verify not only that the insurance policy remains active, but also that its validity correctly covers the entire period for which the renewal is being requested.

⏺️ Can I continue working while renewing my authorization?

Yes. In the case of higher education studies, the study stay authorization allows you to work both as an employee and on a self-employed basis, provided that the work is compatible with your studies.

The general limit is 30 hours per week.

The primary purpose of your stay continues to be academic, so your professional activity must not interfere with the normal development of your academic program.

Renewing your authorization does not automatically change your status into a residence and work authorization. If you are completing your studies and wish to remain in Spain primarily to work, it may be advisable to explore other immigration options.

⏺️ What happens after I submit the renewal?

Once the application has been submitted electronically, you will receive a filing receipt confirming submission of the application.

Submitting the renewal within the legally established period allows you to maintain continuity of your legal status while the Spanish authorities process the application.

During this period, the Immigration Office may:

Approve the application.
Request additional documentation.
Ask for clarification regarding certain documents or circumstances.
Refuse the renewal if it considers that the applicable requirements have not been met.

For this reason, submitting the application does not mean that the process is complete. It is important to monitor the application and respond correctly to any request for additional documentation within the deadline provided.

⏺️ Can I travel while my renewal is pending?

This is a particularly important issue for international students.

If your TIE remains valid, in principle you may travel using your passport and your card, provided that both remain within their respective validity periods.

The situation changes when your TIE has expired and the renewal is still pending.

If you need to leave Spain and return while your authorization is being renewed, it may be necessary to request a return authorization before traveling. A return authorization allows you, in certain circumstances, to leave Spain and re-enter while your renewal application is being processed.

💡 If you are planning to travel while your renewal is pending, we always recommend reviewing your immigration status before purchasing your flights, especially if you intend to travel outside the Schengen Area.

⏺️ What happens once the renewal is approved?

Once the extension has been granted, if the new authorization is valid for more than six months, you will normally also need to renew your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).

The authorization and the card are two separate procedures.

First, you obtain the favorable decision from the Immigration Office. After that, you must book an appointment with the Police for the issuance of your new TIE.

During this second stage, you will normally need to prepare, among other documents:

The favorable decision.
Your passport.
The applicable application form.
A photograph.
The administrative fee.
Any additional documentation that may be required depending on the case.

For this reason, we recommend not considering the process complete until you have received your new card.

⏺️ What if I am finishing my studies?

Renewing your student authorization is not always the best option.

If you are completing your bachelor’s or master’s degree and your goal is to remain in Spain to develop your professional career, it may be the right time to explore other alternatives. Depending on your personal and professional circumstances, there are different immigration routes that may allow you to move from a study stay authorization to a status that enables you to remain and work in Spain.

The most appropriate option will depend, among other factors, on the studies you have completed, your employment situation, the type of company you will be working for, and your professional plans.

For this reason, we recommend reviewing these alternatives before your student authorization expires rather than waiting until you have completely finished your studies to plan your next step.

⏺️ How ARC Legal Abogados can help you

At ARC Legal, we assist international students throughout every stage of their academic stay in Spain.

If you need to renew your study stay authorization, we can review your academic and immigration situation, prepare the documentation, and submit the application electronically before the Immigration Office.

Our service may include:

Preliminary review of the viability of the renewal.
Review of academic progress and academic documentation.
Verification of financial means.
Review of health insurance.
Preparation of forms and administrative documentation.
Electronic filing of the renewal application.
Monitoring of the application.
Assistance with any requests for additional documentation.
Subsequent assistance with the renewal of the TIE.

We can also assist you if you plan to travel while your application is being processed and need to assess whether an authorization to return is appropriate.

And if you are approaching the end of your studies, we can review the different options available for you to continue legally residing in Spain and develop your professional career here.

Our goal is to allow you to focus on your studies while we make sure that your immigration status is properly managed.

Related publications

¿Prefieres leer este artículo en español 🇪🇸? Puedes encontrarlo aquí. Renovación de la estancia por estudios en España | Guía 2026

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Spanish immigration law is subject to legislative, interpretative, and administrative changes. At ARC Legal, we make every effort to keep our information up to date and verify it against official sources, but we always recommend consulting a specialized professional before starting any procedure or making legal decisions. If you need personalized advice regarding your situation, you can contact our firm.

Renewal of the Study Stay Authorization in Spain | 2026 Guide