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studentPath to citizenship

Student Visa

Long-stay visa for non-EU nationals enrolled in full-time educational programmes in Spain lasting more than 90 days.

Estimated Cost

$1,000

Processing Time

~1 months

Validity

12 months

Description

Spain's Student Visa (Visado de Estudios) allows non-EU nationals to reside in Spain while pursuing full-time higher education, secondary education, language studies, professional training, or voluntary programs lasting more than 90 days. As of 2025, student visa holders may work up to 30 hours per week (increased from 20 hours). Upon completing a bachelor's or master's degree, graduates may apply for a Job Seeker Visa to remain in Spain for up to 12 months to find employment. Language course students (without tertiary degree) are no longer eligible for the post-study job seeker permit as of May 2025. Student years count toward the 5-year permanent residency timeline.

Official informationLast updated: 2026-03-10

Timeline

Processing Time
1 months – 2 months

Average: 1 months

Visa Validity
1 year

Path to Residency

Path to Citizenship

~10 years

Eligibility

Education:NoneAge:17+Min Income:$7,800/yr

Requirements

Valid passport*

Minimum 1-year validity, 2 blank pages.

Acceptance letter from Spanish educational institution*

Issued in Spanish; must confirm full-time enrollment for program exceeding 90 days.

Proof of paid enrollment/registration fees*

Proof of financial means (~$650/month)*

~$650/month minimum (100% of IPREM) multiplied by number of months of stay; add ~$490/month for spouse, ~$325/month per additional dependent.

Health insurance*

Minimum $32,500 coverage; valid in Spain.

Medical certificate*

Within 3 months of application.

Criminal background check*

Mandatory for stays exceeding 180 days. Apostilled and Spanish-translated.

Proof of accommodation*

Cost Breakdown

FeeAmountType
Visa application fee$106One-time
Residence permit application fee$80Recurring
Health insurance (annual)$1,000Recurring
Document translation/apostille(optional)$400One-time
Estimated Total$1,000