The student visa
The fastest lawful way to start life in Spain: language courses or study, the right to stay for the duration of the programme and the option to switch to a work status later.
Who it suits
- You are coming for language courses or university study.
- You want to live in Spain and look around before changing status.
- You plan to move to self-employment or employment later.
- You are moving with family: they can apply alongside you.
What you will have to prove
- Enrolment on a full-time course with enough teaching hours a week.
- Tuition paid, or payment evidenced by the school contract.
- Funds for the whole period of study — the benchmark is derived from IPREM.
- Health insurance for the full term, with no excess.
- Evidence of accommodation in Spain.
- A criminal record certificate and a medical certificate for courses longer than six months.
How the work goes
Case review 45 minutes
We check the purpose of the move and pick the format: a short course or a programme longer than six months.
School and documents from 2 weeks
School contract, finances, insurance, legalisation of certificates.
Appointment and filing consulate slot
We book the consulate and check the set before the visit.
Review up to 1 month
We follow the decision and answer requests.
Arrival and TIE card 30–40 days
For programmes longer than six months we arrange the card after arrival.
Length, renewal and the path to permanent residence
- Length of stay
- For the duration of study. This is an estancia — a stay, not residence.
- Renewal
- Renewed while the study continues and funds and insurance hold.
- Switching to residence
- After the required period of study the status changes to a work permit, employed or self-employed. Study years count towards permanent residence only in part.
How it differs from the other programmes
Formally this is a stay rather than residence: the time does not count towards permanent residence the way work statuses do. In exchange it is the most accessible entry — the money requirements are lower than for no lucrativa, and unlike the highly qualified route, no employer is needed.
Compare all the programmesWhat we do
Request a call- We check that the school and the course meet the consulate’s requirements.
- We calculate the funds required and check your evidence.
- We assemble the dossier and support the consulate appointment.
- We plan the switch to a work status in advance so the time is not lost.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work while studying?
Can I get a work permit afterwards?
Do I need a TIE card?
Can my family come?
Current as of 13 August 2026
Other programmes
Digital Nomad permit
Remote employees and freelancers working for companies outside Spain.
Learn moreNo lucrativa permit
Those living on savings or passive income who do not plan to work.
Learn moreHighly qualified & EU Blue Card
Qualified professionals with a contract from a Spanish company.
Learn moreSelf-employment (cuenta propia)
Residents of at least a year who want to work for themselves.
Learn moreFamily members
Those joining a Spanish resident or a citizen of Spain or an EU country.
Learn moreTell us about your situation
We reply within one business day and suggest a time for the review. A case review costs €100 and counts towards the service.