How to Get Your Student Visa for Spain in 2025

Discover the updated requirements, step-by-step process and practical advice to process your residence authorization for studies in Spain in 2025.

Spain has established itself as one of the most attractive educational destinations worldwide, thanks to its academic quality, culture and cost of living. However, for citizens from outside the European Union, European Economic Area or Switzerland, access to this experience begins with a fundamental administrative procedure: the residence authorization for studies. This permit is not an option, but a legally indispensable requirement for any training that exceeds 90 days in duration.

Looking ahead to 2025, the regulatory framework, updated through Royal Decree 1155/2024, seeks to streamline certain aspects of the process. However, this modernization also reinforces the need for meticulous preparation on the part of the applicant. The residence authorization for studies is applicable to a variety of training programs, as long as they are carried out in accredited centers:

• Official university degrees such as Bachelor's, Master's or Doctorate.
• Accredited higher Vocational Training studies.
• Research or training activities within the framework of an agreement.
• Student mobility programs in secondary education or high school.
• Non-labor internships formalized through an agreement.

It is essential to understand that specific requirements may vary slightly between consulates. Therefore, it is imperative to consult the official website of the corresponding diplomatic mission, such as the Spanish Consulate in Santiago de Chile, which serves as a good reference model. Anticipation is your best ally. We recommend starting the procedure for the student visa Spain 2025 with a minimum of three to four months in advance, anticipating the time needed to gather documents and the official resolution period.

Fundamental Requirements: Admission, Solvency and Health Coverage

A student visa application is based on three pillars. Neglecting any of them is usually the direct cause of a denial. Therefore, it is crucial to pay maximum attention to them from the beginning of the process to build a solid and seamless file.

The Admission Letter: Your Academic Passport

This is not a simple confirmation email. You need an official, firm and unconditional admission letter issued by an authorized study center in Spain. This document must clearly specify the name of the course, the exact start and end dates, and the total duration of the program. An admission conditioned on passing a level test or paying tuition is usually not accepted; the place must be guaranteed.

Accreditation of Economic Means: IPREM as Reference

Spanish authorities must ensure that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay without needing to resort to public assistance. The reference for this calculation is the Public Indicator of Multiple Effects Income (IPREM). You are required to prove possession of 100% of the monthly IPREM for each month of stay, which for 2025 is around €600. For a 12-month academic year, this amounts to approximately €7,200. The most common ways to demonstrate this solvency are:

• Bank statements from the last six months showing a sufficient average balance.
• Scholarship grant letter specifying the amount and duration of the aid.
• Notarial deed from a direct relative who commits to covering your expenses, accompanied by their proof of solvency.

Health Insurance: Complete Coverage without Surprises

Health insurance for student visa Spain is another non-negotiable requirement. Not just any policy will do. It must be contracted with an insurer authorized to operate in Spain and offer complete coverage, similar to that of the National Health System. This means it must not have co-payments or waiting periods for any type of medical care. Additionally, it is essential that it includes coverage for repatriation of mortal remains in case of death. Contracting insurance that does not meet these conditions is a common mistake that causes delays and denials.

Preparing Your Complete Documentation File

Once the three previous pillars are secured, it's time to gather the rest of the documentation. Organization is key to avoid oversights that could paralyze your application. Below, we present you with a checklist with the documents that make up the student visa Spain requirements.

1. Valid passport: Must have validity that covers the entire duration of your intended stay in Spain.
2. National visa application form: Completed in full and signed.
3. Recent photograph: In color, with white background and passport size.
4. Criminal record certificate: Issued by the authorities of the countries where you have resided in the last five years. This document must be legalized with the Hague Apostille and, if not in Spanish, have an official sworn translation.
5. Medical certificate: Must explicitly indicate that "the applicant does not suffer from any of the diseases that can have serious public health repercussions in accordance with the provisions of the 2005 International Health Regulations."
6. Proof of accommodation: A document that demonstrates where you will live, at least during the first weeks. It can be a rental contract, a reservation in a student residence or an invitation letter.

For applicants under 18 years of age who do not travel accompanied by their parents, it is mandatory to present a notarial authorization from both parents or legal guardians, where their consent for the trip and the data of the person who will take care of the minor in Spain are recorded. If you need more guidance on this or other procedures, you can consult our detailed guides on immigration procedures.

Summary of Key Documentation and Considerations

This table summarizes the documents that usually generate the most doubts. Legalization and official translation are critical steps that should not be omitted to avoid delays or denials.

The Application Process Step by Step

With all the documentation ready, the time comes to process the studies visa Spain. Following a logical order will help you manage the process with greater peace of mind and efficiency. Here we describe the usual sequence of steps to follow.

1. Locate your Consulate and verify its requirements: The first step is to identify the Spanish Embassy or Consulate General that corresponds to you according to your place of residence. Visit their official website to confirm the list of documents, form models and any specific procedure they apply.
2. Request advance appointment: Online appointment systems at consulates are usually very saturated, especially before the start of the academic year. Don't leave this step for last. Plan and book your appointment as soon as you have an estimated date to have all your documentation.
3. Submit your application on the appointment day: Attend the appointment with all original documents and a set of photocopies. During the appointment, you will submit your file, biometric data will be taken (photograph and fingerprints) and you must pay the corresponding consular fee. You can consult information about fees in our article on immigration fees update.
4. Prepare for a possible consular interview: Although not mandatory in all cases, the consular agent may conduct a brief interview. The objective is to confirm that the real reason for your trip is to study. Be clear, concise and honest about your academic and professional plans.
5. Wait for resolution and collect your visa: The legal period for resolution is one month, although in practice it may extend. Once your application is approved, the consulate will notify you to come and stamp the visa label in your passport.

Practical Tips for a Successful Application

Beyond meeting formal requirements, there are certain details that can make the difference between an approved and denied application. Paying attention to these aspects will help you present a stronger case and plan your next steps once you arrive in Spain.

Avoiding common mistakes is fundamental. Some of the most frequent are:

• Presenting incomplete documents or poor quality photocopies.
• Using unofficial or non-sworn translations.
• Providing insufficient or unclear economic evidence.
• Contracting health insurance that does not meet all requirements.

For a deeper insight, we recommend reading our article on most common mistakes in immigration procedures. Additionally, although not an explicit requirement, demonstrating roots in your country of origin (family ties, properties, a job offer for your return) can strengthen your application by showing that your intention is to return after completing your studies.

Once in Spain, your initial visa has a validity of 90 days. During that time, it is essential that you register in your municipality of residence and request the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the corresponding police station. This card will be your official identity document during your stay.

Finally, it is important to know that the residence authorization for studies allows you to work up to 30 hours per week, as long as the work activity is compatible with your study schedule. To better understand the conditions and possibilities, you can consult our section on work authorizations.

Legal Notice

SpainImmigration is not an official website of the Government of Spain. The information is general and educational in nature and may contain unintended errors or become outdated. Always verify with official sources before conducting procedures.

If you need legal advice about your case, consult a specialist lawyer.

When we link to regulations or official sites, it does not imply sponsorship or support from those agencies.