At ARC Legal, we have obtained favorable decisions for a family of four, consisting of the holder of a study stay authorization and three family members accompanying the student during their stay in Spain.
The case involved a particularly relevant element: the applications were submitted from within Spain, making it essential to properly coordinate the requirements applicable to studies with the time limits governing the submission of the applications and legal stay within the Schengen Area.
⏺️ Applying for a study stay authorization from Spain
Spanish regulations allow, in certain circumstances, an application for a long-term study stay authorization to be submitted from within Spain, without first having to apply for a visa at the Spanish Consulate in the applicant’s country of origin.
This option can be particularly useful for individuals who are legally present in Spain and decide to begin or continue certain studies in the country.
However, submitting the application from Spain requires particular attention to the time limits established under Spanish immigration regulations. It is not sufficient simply to be legally present in Spain when starting the process: it is also necessary to ensure that the application can be submitted within the specific time limits applicable to this type of authorization.
💡 If you would like to learn more about the requirements for an initial study stay authorization, you can consult our 2026 Guide.
⏺️ The importance of the Schengen 90/180-day rule
In this case, it was also necessary to analyze the immigration status of all four family members, as they had spent time temporarily in several Schengen countries during the preceding months.
For third-country nationals who are permitted to stay in the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays, it is essential to take into account the well-known 90 days in any 180-day period rule.
This rule is not calculated simply by calendar months, nor does it automatically mean that a person can remain for three months every time they enter Spain. It is calculated on a rolling basis, taking into account the days spent throughout the Schengen Area during the preceding 180 days.
For this reason, when considering an application for a study stay authorization from within Spain, it is advisable to review the applicant’s previous entries into and exits from the Schengen Area and, where applicable, those of their accompanying family members.
⏺️ Timing and planning as an essential part of the procedure
This case demonstrates the importance of planning the application before travelling to Spain.
When the procedure is initiated from within Spain, the dates of entry, the start date of the studies, the period of authorized stay in Schengen, and the deadline for submitting the application are directly connected.
Incorrect planning may mean that, even if the academic, financial and health insurance requirements are met, the application cannot be submitted at the intended time or difficulties may arise in relation to the applicant’s immigration status.
In this case, ARC Legal analyzed the family’s circumstances in advance and began planning the procedure several months before the applications were submitted, subsequently coordinating the preparation and submission of all four applications, including the main study stay application and the applications for the three accompanying family members.
⏺️ Result: four favorable decisions
Ultimately, the Spanish authorities granted all the requested authorizations, resulting in four favorable decisions: one for the holder of the study stay authorization and three for the accompanying family members.
This outcome allows the entire family to remain together in Spain for the authorized period, subject to the conditions established in their respective decisions.
⏺️ How ARC Legal Abogados can help
The possibility of applying for a study stay authorization from within Spain can considerably simplify the procedure. However, it requires a prior analysis of factors such as the applicant’s nationality, their legal status in Spain, their dates of entry into and exit from the Schengen Area, the duration and characteristics of the studies and, where applicable, the circumstances of accompanying family members.
At ARC Legal Abogados, we assist international students and their families throughout the entire process, from planning their entry into Spain to submitting the application and subsequently obtaining their Foreigner Identity Card (TIE).
Related articles
- Renewing a study stay authorization in one month: when planning makes the difference
- International students in Spain | 2026 Guide
- Legalization and apostille of Spanish degrees and diplomas for students who have already returned to their country
¿Prefieres leer este artículo en español 🇪🇸? Puedes encontrarlo aquí. Caso de éxito: estancia por estudios desde España para una familia de cuatro miembros
The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration regulations are subject to legislative, interpretative and administrative changes. At ARC Legal, we make every effort to keep the information up to date and verified against official sources, but we always recommend consulting a specialized professional before starting any procedure or making legal decisions. If you require advice tailored to your individual circumstances, you can contact our firm.