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Spain Student Visa 2026

The Student Visa allows you to study in Spain on a course of at least 6 months. Higher-education students (university or equivalent) may work up to 30 hours per week. Funds are assessed against the actual length of your course, not a fixed amount.

Work up to 30 hours/week — but only for higher-education students

University or higher-education students may work up to 30 hours per week. Language and vocational students have different work rights. Confirm your course type before planning your work schedule.

Language students cannot switch from tourist status inside Spain (since May 2025)

If your course is a language course, you must apply from outside Spain before entering. This rule changed in May 2025 and is widely misunderstood.

Who it suits

  • Students who have a university or higher-education place
  • Students whose course lasts at least 6 months
  • Those who want to work up to 30 hours/week while studying

Who it does NOT suit

  • People who want to work without studying
  • Students on language or vocational courses (different work rules)
  • Language students trying to switch from tourist status inside Spain (blocked since May 2025)

Requirements

Figures per regulation 2026.1, effective from 2026-01-01. Next review: 2027-01-31.

Minimum course duration6 months
Financial requirement per month of course€600 / month of course
Work permitted (higher education students)Up to 30 hours per week
Acceptance letter requiredYes — must be from the host institution

Documents you'll need

  • Valid passport with at least 6 months validity
  • Completed application form (EX-22)
  • Recent passport-size photographs
  • Acceptance letter from the host institution
  • Proof of course duration (at least 6 months)
  • Proof of financial means (based on course length)
  • Health insurance valid in Spain
  • Criminal record certificate from your country/countries of residence
  • Sworn Spanish translations of all foreign-language documents
  • Apostille or legalisation of criminal record certificates as required

How long it takes

Typically 3–4 months from document collection to approval.

See the full timeline →

What it costs

From €530 with our Check-up package.

See the cost breakdown →

Frequently asked questions

How many hours can I work on the Student Visa?

Students on higher-education courses (university or equivalent) may work up to 30 hours per week. Students on language or vocational courses have different work rules. This is a key distinction that many people get wrong.

How much money do I need to show?

Funds are assessed against the actual length of your course, at €600 per month of course. So a 12-month course requires €7,200 in funds. A longer course requires more funds but also gives you more time to study.

Can I switch from a tourist permit to a Student Visa inside Spain?

No — not for language courses. Since May 2025, language students cannot switch from tourist status inside Spain. If your course is a language course, you must apply from outside Spain or from your country of residence before entering Spain.

Is this the right visa for you?

Our free eligibility checker will tell you in 90 seconds whether this route fits you — or whether another fits better.

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