Spain Study Visa New Policy 2026 – Check Here

If you’re planning to study in Spain or beyond, it’s essential to understand the new visa procedures introduced by Royal Decree (RD) 1155, which took effect on May 20. These changes affect how international students apply for long-term study visas, especially in terms of processing, documentation, and family inclusion.

Here’s your complete and updated guide to applying for a Spain Student Visa.

Key Changes:

As of May 20,the following updates apply to student visa applicants:

• Visa Processing Shift: Applications must now be submitted through BLS International, Spain’s new authorized external visa processing provider.
• NIE and TIE Clarification: Issuance procedures for the Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) and Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) are more strictly defined.
• Stricter Financial Documentation: Stronger requirements now apply to proof of income, especially for those bringing family.
• Tighter Health Insurance Rules: Applicants must now use Spanish-authorized insurers with coverage of at least €30,000 and no deductibles or waiting periods.
• Family Inclusion Updated: Guidelines for bringing dependents are clearer, but work restrictions remain.

Check Also: Canada New Study Visa Rules – No Attestation Letter Needed

Eligibility:

A Spain Study Visa is required if your stay exceeds 90 days and you’re enrolling in:

• Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral degree programs
• Non-compulsory secondary education (post-16 education)
• Official language schools (e.g. Spanish language studies)
• Exchange or mobility programs for students or minors
• Health or professional specialization training (e.g. MIR or FIR)
• Volunteer or unpaid training opportunities

For stays under 90 days, you may not need a student visa depending on your nationality. Citizens of some countries can enter under the Schengen short-stay policy.

Benefits:

Access to Quality Education

• Enables international students to study in top Spanish universities, language institutes, and vocational schools.
• Covers a wide range of academic and professional programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD, language courses, etc.).

Legal Stay in Spain

• Allows legal residence in Spain for the full duration of your studies.
• Option to renew your student visa annually or convert it to a work permit after graduation (subject to conditions).

Automatic NIE Assignment

• Students now automatically receive their NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) with the visa, simplifying paperwork related to banking, housing, and healthcare.

Eligibility for TIE (Foreigner Identity Card)

• If your stay is over 6 months, you can apply for a TIE, giving you legal proof of residence and access to various services in Spain.

Family Reunification Options

• Students in higher education or medical training can bring their spouse and children to live with them in Spain (note: dependents cannot work).

Part-Time Work Rights

• Students can legally work up to 30 hours per week, allowing them to gain experience and support themselves during their studies.

Simplified Financial Proof Requirements

• Standardized monthly financial requirements make it easier to plan and prepare proof of funds.
• Scholarships and sponsorships are accepted as valid financial documentation.

Access to Spanish Health Insurance

• Students are required to have comprehensive health insurance with €30,000+ coverage, granting access to Spain’s high-quality healthcare system.

Clear Appeal Process

• If your visa is rejected, the policy outlines a structured appeal process including administrative reconsideration and judicial review.

Centralized Visa Processing via BLS

• The new use of BLS International for visa applications ensures more streamlined, standardized processing across consulates.

Can Family Members Join?

Yes, but only in specific cases. Students in higher education or specialized medical training may bring:

• A spouse or registered partner
• Dependent children, including minors or adult children with disabilities

Note: Family members cannot work while staying in Spain under a dependent visa.

Processing Time:

• Average processing time: 5 to 8 weeks
• Do not book flights until your visa is officially approved.

Required Documents:

• Completed Visa Application Form– Signed and filled out clearly.
• Passport-Size Photo – Recent, with name written on the back.
• Valid Passport – Must have 2 blank pages and be valid for your full stay.
• Official Acceptance Letter – Must:
  • Be in Spanish
  • Confirm enrollment of 20+ hours/week
  • Be issued by an authorized institution
  • Show tuition payment and contact details
• Proof of Financial Means:
  • €600/month for the applicant
  • €450/month for a spouse
  • €300/month per child
  • Accepted proof: bank statements, scholarship letter, or notarized sponsor affidavit
• Health Insurance Certificate – From an insurer authorized in Spain, offering:
  • Minimum €30,000 coverage
  • No deductibles or waiting periods
  • Policy in Spanish or with certified translation
• Criminal Record Certificate(for stays over 180 days):
  • FBI or national record
  • Apostilled
  • Translated into Spanish
• Medical Certificate – Confirms absence of contagious diseases (WHO standard), must be signed and translated.
• Proof of Legal U.S. Residency(if applying from the U.S.):
  • Copy of driver’s license/state ID
  • Non-citizens: notarized copy of visa or green card
• Visa Fee Payment – Money order payable to “Consulate General of Spain”:
  • U.S. citizens: $160
  • Other nationalities: $104 (varies by country)
• For Minors:
  • Birth certificate
  • Parental consent form
  • Guardian’s ID and proof of legal custody
• For Accompanying Family:
  • Marriage/birth certificates (apostilled + translated)
  • Health and police clearance for each dependent

Steps After Visa Approval:

• If your visa is for more than 6 months, you must:
  • Apply for the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within 30 days of arrival
  • Your NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) should appear on your visa sticker. If not, email the consulate to confirm issuance.

Appeal Process:

• The legal timeframe for a visa decision is 1 month after submission.
• If denied, you can:
  • Submit a reconsideration appeal to the consulate within 30 days of notification
  • File a judicial appeal with the High Court of Justice of Madrid within 60 days of denial

Additional Tips:

• If under 18, submit notarized parental permissions and documents from the Spanish host (e.g., school, host family).
• All documents not originally in Spanish must be officially translated by a sworn translator.
• Start preparing documents at least 3 months before your intended travel date.

References & Official Links:

• Spain Student Visa – San Francisco Consulate
• NIE Information – Spanish Embassy in Canada
• TIE Guidance – Spanish Embassy

Frequently Asked Questions: