A Comprehensive Guide for International Students

Spain is not only known for its rich culture, sunny beaches, and vibrant cities — it’s also a top destination for international students. Whether you’re enrolling in a university program, language school, or conducting research, you’ll likely need a Student Stay Authorization (Autorización de Estancia por Estudios) to legally live and study in the country.

This article offers a complete overview of the requirements, process, benefits, and key considerations for obtaining your student stay permit in Spain.

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📘 What Is Student Stay Authorization?

Student Stay Authorization is a temporary residence status that allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to reside legally in Spain while undertaking full-time academic or vocational studies, participating in exchange programs, unpaid internships, or research.

Unlike regular residence permits, this status is classified as a “stay” (estancia), not a long-term residence, and does not count toward permanent residency until later modifications.

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📝 Who Needs to Apply?

You will need to apply for this authorization if you are:

• A non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen
• Intending to stay in Spain for more than 90 days for academic purposes
• Enrolled in:
  • A university or accredited academic program
  • A language school – WE WILL ACTUALIZE THE INFORMATION ABOUT LANGUAGE COURSES!!
  • A research project
  • Professional training or internships

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✅ Requirements for Student Stay Authorization

To qualify for the student stay, you must fulfill the following general requirements:

1. Proof of Enrollment

• Letter of admission from a recognized educational institution in Spain
• The course must be full-time, and the institution must be officially accredited

2. Sufficient Financial Means

• You must demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay.
• In 2025, this is roughly €600/month (100% of IPREM)
• You can show:
  • Bank statements (yours or a sponsor’s)
  • Scholarships or financial aid
  • Proof of family financial support

3. Private or Public Health Insurance

• Coverage must be valid in Spain for the duration of your stay
• The policy must provide comprehensive health services without co-pays or deductibles
• EU citizens may present the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

4. Valid Passport

• Valid for at least the entire duration of your planned stay
• Minimum of 2 blank pages and issued within the last 10 years

5. No Criminal Record

• You must provide a certificate from countries where you’ve lived in the past 5 years, confirming you have no serious criminal convictions
• The certificate must be apostilled/legalized and officially translated into Spanish

6. Medical Certificate

• A statement declaring you are free from diseases that could have serious public health consequences, according to international regulations

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🗂 Required Documents (Standard List)

1. National Visa Application Form
2. EX-00 Application Form for stay authorization
3. Passport (original + copy)
4. Recent passport-size photographs
5. Admission letter from the educational institution
6. Proof of financial means
7. Health insurance policy
8. Medical certificate
9. Criminal record certificate
10. Proof of accommodation in Spain (rental agreement, university housing, letter of invitation)
11. Visa fee payment receipt

Note: Document requirements may vary slightly by consulate, so always check with the Spanish consulate in your country.

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📍 Where and When to Apply?

You can apply for the student visa in two main ways:

1. From Your Home Country

• Apply at the Spanish consulate or embassy before traveling
• You will receive a student visa valid for up to 90 days, and then apply for a TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) upon arrival in Spain

2. From Spain (on a tourist visa)

• You can apply within the first 60 days of your legal stay in Spain
• This is a relatively new option and has become popular, especially among language students

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🪪 What Happens After Arrival?

Once you arrive in Spain:

1. Register your address at the local Ayuntamiento (City Hall) — get your “Empadronamiento”
2. Apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) at the nearest immigration office (Oficina de Extranjería)
   • Appointments can be made online via the Sede Electrónica
   • You’ll need photos, passport, copy of visa/stamp, and EX-17 form

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⏳ Duration and Renewals

• The initial authorization is valid for the length of your academic program, up to 1 year
• You can renew it annually as long as you continue your studies and meet the requirements

To renew, you’ll need to show:

• Academic progress (passed exams or completed modules)
• Continued enrollment
• Updated health insurance and financial proof

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💼 Can I Work on a Student Authorization?

Yes — with conditions.

• Students can work part-time (up to 30 hours/week) or full-time during breaks
• A separate work authorization must be requested by the employer
• The job must not interfere with your academic commitments

Starting from 2022, students are automatically allowed to work without needing extra paperwork if conditions are met, thanks to updated immigration reforms.

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🔄 Can I Modify the Student Stay to a Work Residence?

Yes. After completing your studies or research program:

• You can modify your stay to a residence and work permit (cuenta ajena or cuenta propia)
• You must have lived legally in Spain on a student visa for at least 3 years (or 1 year for post-study modification under some newer provisions)
• The job offer must meet minimum salary and hours requirements

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🛂 Family Members

Students may bring their family members (spouse, partner, minor children) under a family stay permit. The student must demonstrate additional financial resources to support them.

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💡 Tips for a Successful Application

• Start early: Consulates can have long wait times, and appointments fill quickly
• Prepare multiple copies of each document
• Use official translations: Documents in languages other than Spanish must be translated by a sworn translator (traductor jurado)
• Stay organized: Bring originals and copies to appointments
• Keep your empadronamiento updated — it’s required for many processes in Spain

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📌 Final Thoughts

Spain offers a welcoming environment for students from around the world, and the Student Stay Authorization opens the door to a rich academic, cultural, and personal experience. With the right planning, documentation, and awareness of deadlines, you can start your Spanish education journey with confidence.

From tapas to textbooks, it’s a path full of learning — inside and outside the classroom.