Spain Student Visa (Type D)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 30-60 days (4-8 weeks, up to 12 weeks peak season)
- Fee
- EUR 80
- Validity
- 1 year (duration of study program)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
National Type D visa for non-EU citizens studying in Spain for more than 90 days. As of May 2025, medical certificates are required for ALL student visa applicants. Language students can no longer convert tourist status to student visa within Spain. Student visa renewal limited to ONE renewal. US citizens pay $160 due to reciprocity.
Eligibility
-
Nationality
All non-EU/EEA citizens who have been accepted to study at a recognized Spanish educational institution
-
Purpose of visit
Must be enrolled full-time in a recognized Spanish educational program: university degree, language course, vocational training, or research program
-
Financial
Must demonstrate monthly financial means of at least 100% of IPREM (EUR 600/month)
Minimum funds: EUR 600/month (100% IPREM)
-
Health
Must not suffer from diseases with serious public health repercussions as certified by a medical professional
-
Criminal record
Must not have a criminal record in the countries where they have resided during the past 5 years
Documents you need
-
Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 12
-
Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: Recent passport-size color photograph against white background
-
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, scholarship confirmation, sponsor guarantee; Minimum amount: 100% of monthly IPREM (approx EUR 600/month) x months of stay
-
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Student residence confirmation, rental contract, or host family letter; Must cover full stay: Yes
-
Police clearance
Countries required: Countries of residence during past 5 years; Validity months: 6
-
Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.
Required tests: General health assessment confirming no diseases with serious public health repercussions; Validity months: 3
-
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: National visa application form (EX-00)
-
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash, card; Amount: EUR 80 standard, $160 for US citizens (reciprocity)
-
Proof of enrollment
Provide proof of enrolment or admission from the school, university or training provider.
Must be current: Yes; Must be original: Yes
-
Private health insurance
Coverage territory: Spain; Minimum coverage: Full coverage, no co-pay, no waiting period
How to apply
-
Document gathering
Obtain acceptance letter from Spanish institution, criminal background check (apostilled), medical certificate, health insurance, and financial documentation. All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized and officially translated into Spanish.
-
Online application
Complete the national visa application form (EX-00). Prepare all required photocopies of documents.
-
Appointment booking
Book appointment at Spanish consulate or BLS/VFS visa application center. Must apply at least 2 months before program start.
-
Fee payment
Pay visa fee (EUR 80 standard, $160 for US citizens) and any service center fee.
-
Document submission
Submit all original documents and copies at the consulate or visa application center during the appointment.
-
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing. Typically 4-8 weeks, may extend to 12 weeks during peak season (June-September).
-
Visa collection
Collect passport with student visa. After arrival in Spain, obtain the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within 30 days.