Path to staying
- Post-study workup to 12 months
- Permanent residencyafter 5 years
- Citizenshipafter 10 years
Overview
- Country
- Spain
- Visa name
- Student Visa (Visado de Estudios)
- Local name
- Visado de Estudios / Estancia por Estudios
- Status
- Active
- Renewable
- Yes
Spain's student visa for non-EU nationals pursuing academic, research, or professional training programs. Major 2025 reform (Royal Decree 1155/2024) grants visa for full program duration, allows 30 hours/week work without additional authorization, and simplifies transition to work permits after graduation.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Subsidized
- Tuition range
- $926 – $16,100/year
- Proof of funds
- $694/month
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
Public university tuition: EUR 800-2,500/yr for bachelor, EUR 1,500-4,500/yr for master (varies by autonomous community). Each community sets its own prices. International students may pay higher rates at some institutions. Private universities: EUR 5,000-20,000+/yr.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Term hours
- 30 hrs/week
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Automatic
Up to 30 hours per week since May 2025 reform (previously 20 hours). Work authorization is now automatic and included in the student visa, no separate permit needed. Employment must not interfere with studies.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modification to Work Permit (Modificacion de Estancia por Estudios) | Work permit | 12 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | Yes |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DELE (Diplomas de Espanol como Lengua Extranjera) | Admission | Spanish | B2 | Required for Spanish-taught programs. B2 level minimum for most undergraduate programs. Some universities accept SIELE certification as alternative. |
| IELTS Academic | Admission | English | 6.0 | Required for English-taught programs. Growing number of programs in English especially at master level. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Visa Application Fee | Application | $69 | One time |
| TIE Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) | Permit | $19 | Per year |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and children. Family members can apply for family reunification.
- Spouse work
- Not allowed
- Conditions
- Dependent family members typically need their own work authorization.
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 5 years
- Citizenship
- After 10 years
How to apply
- Method
- In person
- Processing
- 30-60 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- www.exteriores.gob.es
- Health insurance
- Required (buy separately)
Notes and caveats
Major reform under Royal Decree 1155/2024, effective 20 May 2025: visa now covers the full program duration, 30-hour work authorization is automatic, and post-study transitions are simplified. Student status is an "estancia" (stay), not "residencia" (residence), so time does not count toward permanent residency. Language course student visas can only be renewed once and cannot be converted to work permits. Must apply at least 2 months before program start.
Also in Spain
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source