If you are considering studying at a university or higher education institution in Spain, you will need to obtain a study stay authorization. This permit will allow you to legally reside in the country while completing your academic program.
Depending on your situation, there are two ways to apply:
- From outside Spain: Through a student visa, which you must obtain at the Spanish Consulate in your country of origin before traveling.
- From within Spain: If you are already in the country legally (e.g., with a tourist visa), you can apply for the study stay permit without having to return to your home country.
In this guide, we explain the procedure that applies to your case, the requirements, and the steps to follow.
Who can apply for a higher education study stay permit in Spain, and what programs are included?
This stay is intended for foreign nationals who wish to pursue higher education at a recognized institution or higher education center in Spain that leads to an officially recognized higher education degree.
Among the study programs eligible for this permit are:
- University degrees
- Official master’s programs
- Private university degrees
- Other higher education studies, such as higher technical-level programs
- Preparatory courses, foundation courses, and mandatory internships required by the above studies
💡 Note: The educational institutions must be recognized and accredited. To verify if a school is valid, you can check whether it is listed in the Registro de Universidades, Centros y Títulos (RUCT) or any official regional registry like CUALIFICAM.
Lastly, hybrid education (both in-person and online) is allowed for university studies. For other types of higher education, programs can be taken in both formats as long as at least 50% of the program is conducted in person.
Procedure for obtaining study stay permit based on your location
⏺️ Applying from outside Spain: Student Visa
If you have not yet traveled to Spain, you must apply for a long-term study visa at the Spanish Consulate in your country of residence at least two months before your studies begin.
Main Requirements and Necessary Documents
To obtain a higher education study stay in Spain, you must meet a set of requirements to ensure your admission into the country and your financial sustainability during your academic period. Below are the main requirements and documents you will need to provide:
✔ Official application form
✔ Valid passport with at least one year of validity
✔ Proof of payment of administrative fees
✔ Not being in an irregular situation in Spain and not being listed as inadmissible
✔ Age requirement: The applicant must be at least 17 years old. If under 18, they must provide parental authorization or legal guardian approval specifying the educational institution, the responsible entity, and the intended period of stay
✔ Health insurance with coverage in Spain, offering benefits similar to those provided by the National Health System, valid for the duration of the stay
✔ Criminal record certificate (if staying for more than 6 months and over 18 years old) from all countries where the applicant has resided in the past 5 years
✔ Medical certificate stating that the applicant does not suffer from any public health-related illnesses as per the International Health Regulations (2005)
Additionally, you must provide the following documents related to your admission to a higher education institution in Spain:
✔ Admission letter from a recognized higher education program in Spain
✔ Proof of payment of tuition or admission fees
💡 Important: The Spanish Embassies or Consulates handling your application in your country of origin may request additional documents or summon you for a personal interview. At ARC Legal, we can assist you in preparing your documentation and application according to the specific requirements set by the Spanish consular offices in your country.
Where to Apply for a Long-Term Study Visa?
At the Spanish Consulate corresponding to your country of residence. You can find a list of Spanish Embassies and Consulates abroad through this link.
How long does it take to process a Long-Term study stay visa application?
The Immigration Office will issue a decision regarding the long-term study stay permit within 7 days. If the decision is favorable, the Consular Office will process and issue the study visa within a maximum period of one month.
Entry into Spain and Next Steps
The visa will incorporate the long-term study stay permit and, once in Spain, will allow you to reside in the country for the duration of your course and any possible extensions. If your stay exceeds six months, you must apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) in Spain within the first month of your arrival.
💡 Getting an appointment for your TIE can be a long and exhausting process, as in some Spanish cities, it is difficult to find availability for fingerprint registration at the Police Station and the subsequent collection of the card. This is due to the high volume of applications and appointment system issues. At ARC Legal, we help you manage your appointments, adjusting to your availability so that you don’t have to worry.
⏺️ Applying from within Spain: Study Stay Permit
If you are already in Spain with legal status (e.g., on a tourist visa), you can apply for a study stay permiso directly, without having to leave the country.
Main Requirements
✔ Application must be submitted at least two months before your legal stay expires in Spain
✔ Official application form
✔ Valid passport with at least one year of validity
✔ Proof of payment of administrative fees
✔ Not being in an irregular situation in Spain and not being listed as inadmissible
✔ Health insurance with coverage in Spain
✔ Criminal record certificate (if staying for more than 6 months and over 18 years old)
✔ Medical certificate proving no public health risk
Additionally, you must provide:
✔ Admission letter from a recognized higher education program in Spain
✔ Proof of tuition or admission fee payment
Where to apply for a Long-Term Study Stay permit from Spain?
At the Immigration Office of the province where you will study.
How long does it take to process a Long-Term Study Stay permit from Spain?
The Immigration Office has a maximum of two months to issue a decision. If no response is given within this period, the application is considered denied due to administrative silence.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Study Visa or permit valid?
The validity of the study stay authorization matches the duration of the academic program.
💡 If your studies last longer than one year, you must demonstrate compliance with the initial requirements every year to renew your stay. At ARC Legal, we handle this process for our clients, ensuring compliance with all necessary conditions.
Can I work while studying in Spain?
Yes, you can work up to 30 hours per week, as long as the job is compatible with your studies.
✔ You can work as an employee or be self-employed without an additional permit
✔ The job must be related to your academic program
✔ The contract duration must not exceed your authorized stay
✔ Employment is limited to your region unless exceptions apply
Can I bring my family to Spain while studying?
Your partner and children can apply for a family stay authorization, allowing them to live legally in Spain while you study.
✔ You must prove your family ties
✔ You need additional financial resources to support them
✔ Family members cannot work under this permit
Apply for Your Study Stay with ARC Legal
Obtaining a study stay for higher education in Spain requires planning and fulfilling several requirements. Whether you are applying for a study visa from abroad or a stay permit from within Spain, it is crucial to have the right documentation and be aware of deadlines and procedures.
If you have questions or need assistance, ARC Legal can guide you through every step, ensuring compliance with all requirements and handling tasks like TIE appointments or permit renewals.
📩 Contact us and let us take care of the details while you focus on your studies!