Family Immigration, Residence permit, Student Visa

Student Visa

July 11, 2016

Foreigners can stay in Spain for a period of more than 90 days if they are planning to carry out any of the following:

Undertake or further studies in an authorized education centre in a full time program leading to a diploma or certificate of studies;
Research or training activities (provided that these do not involve paid employment, in which case a residence and work permit for research must be applied for);
Participate in a student mobility program in order to join a secondary education and/or baccalaureate program in an officially recognized centre;
Unremunerated trainee in a public or private organization or entity;
Participate in a voluntary service scheme addressing which pursues objectives of general interest;

What do I have to do?

You will have to apply in person at the Spanish diplomatic mission or consulate in your country of residence for a study visa.

Documentation needed for the visa:

An official application form (which can be found at http://extranjeros.mtin.es );
A passport or travel document valid in Spain, with a minimum validity period equal to the duration of the stay;
If a minor arriving alone, permission from parents or legal guardians with confirmation of the entity and planned period of stay;
A guarantee of the financial means necessary, for you and your relatives, to cover the costs of the stay and the return journey to your country;
Public or private health insurance with an insurance company authorized in Spain;

If the duration of the stay is more than 6 months, you will also need:

A medical certificate stating that you do not suffer from any disease that could have a severe impact on public health in accordance with International Health Regulations;
If the applicant is an adult, proof of the absence of a criminal record in countries of residence over the past 5 years, for any conduct considered a criminal offense in Spain;

Furthermore, depending on the activity for which the stay permit is applied for:

If undertaking or furthering studies: acceptance by an education centre authorized in Spain in a full-time program leading to a qualification/diploma or certificate of study
If for research or training activities: acceptance by a centre in Spain officially authorized to carry out such activities. In the case of research, this centre should be a University, a centre belonging to the Spanish Council for Scientific Research, or other public or private R&D institution;
If participating in a student mobility program: Acceptance by an officially recognized secondary education and/or baccalaureate school or research centre Acceptance on a student mobility program, offered by an organization officially recognized for that purpose Evidence that the organization assumes responsibility for the student throughout their period of stay, particularly with regard to their study fees, living expenses, and return journey to their country. Evidence that the student has accommodation during their stay with a host family or institution chosen by the organization running the program;
Unremunerated trainee: on acceptance, by means of a signed agreement, by a public or private company, or officially recognized professional training centre;

How long does the study visa allow me to stay in Spain?

The duration of stay will be equal to that of the activity you are going to carry out, up one year. The visa an be extended if you still satisfy the required conditions and can provide evidence that you have passed the relevant exams and meet the requirements to continue your studies, or that the research work is under progress. To extend your visa you must submit an application within 60 calendar days prior to its expiry, (you can also apply 90 days after expiry, but you might be fined, via the official form, (available at http://extranjeros.mtin.es), addressed to the Government Delegate or Sub-Delegate Office in the province where you are carrying out the activity.

Once the visa has been granted, what do I have to do?

The diplomatic mission or consulate will notify you if you have been granted a visa. Then you will have to pick it up within 2 months. If you fail to do so, it will be understood that you have relinquished abandoned your application and it will be filed. If your stay is for more than 6 months, you must apply for a Foreigner’s Identification Card (TIE) within 1 month after arriving in Spain.

Can my family come with me if I have a study visa? Yes. The family (spouse, common-law partner, and children under 18 or those with a disability who are not objectively able to provide for their own needs) of a study visa holder or applicant may apply for a visa to enter and stay in Spain for the same duration as the main applicant (student) visa holder.

As well as having a visa, the foreigner must also meet the following requirements:

Have the financial means to support the family;
Give evidence of the family ties or relationships;
If the stay is for more than 6 months:

- A medical certificate stating that you do not suffer from any disease that could have a severe impact on public health in accordance with International Health Regulations

- If the applicant is an adult, proof of the absence of a criminal record in countries of residence over the past 5 years, for any conduct considered a criminal offense in Spain.

If your duration of stay is more than 6 months, your family members will also have to apply for a Foreigner’s Identification Card (TIE) within 1 month after arriving in Spain. Family members are not allowed to work and can not obtain a work permit in Spain.

Can I work in Spain with a study visa?

Yes, provided that the work is compatible with the activity for which the visa was granted, and that the income derived from such work is not required to support you in the country. If you wish to be employed or self-employed, you must first apply for a work permit and must meet the requirements according to the activity you want to engage in. for the same.