Visas

Who requires a visa?
Depending on the length of study and nationality, a visa may not be required.

Nationals of the following countries may not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days:
(a) EU countries, Australia, Canada, Japan and US;
(b) Andorra, Argentina, Aruba, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep. Of), Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Netherlands Antilles, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela.

Those studying longer than 90 days may require a student visa.

Nationals of countries not appearing above may require a visa to enter Spain

What documents will be required?
The following may be required:

Completed application form.
4 passport-size photos.
Valid passport (For a minimum of 180 days prior to your arrival in Spain)
Return travel tickets or itinerary and proof of payment for tickets.
Proof of purpose of visit.
Evidence of sufficient funds for stay.
Proof of attendance at educational institute
Medical certificate from physician
Police clearance certificates (for any countries of residence during the previous 5 years)

Time required to issue visa:
Between 2 days and 6 weeks, depending on nationality.

Applications from nationals of the following countries must apply in person, and these applications will take 3 weeks or longer:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Burundi, China (PR), CIS, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Guinea-Bissau, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Korea (DPR), Lebanon, Libya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sudan, Surinam, Syria, Vietnam and Yemen.

What is the cost of a visa?
€15.50 — €21.70 (double- or multiple- entry)

Note: Visa fees may be waived for some nationals

How long is the visa valid for?
Varies, depending on type obtained

Other information:
Spain is a signatory to the 1995 Schengen Agreement.

Where to Apply
At the local foreigners' office or Police station.

What proves must be brought forward to obtain a permit to stay?
The following documents must be brought forward stating:

All requirements for entry and stay in Spain are fulfilled, including a visa to undertake or extend studies.
The student has been regularly accepted in any private/public educational or scientific centre to undertake/extend studies or carry out non profitable -investigation/formation works.
The timetable means attending no less than 3 months, including the approved studies, investigation or formation schedule.
In the case of underage students not with their parents, the latter will have to provide an authorization for the journey as well as for the studies. The said authorization must specify the educational centre and the foreseen staying period.
Students can guarantee the necessary financial means to support the cost of their studies, stay and return to their country, as well as, if need may be, of their relatives.

How long does the stay permit last?
As long as the course lasts.

Is the stay permit renewable?
Yes.

When does the stay permit validity expire?

When the activity granted for comes to an end.
When the period it was granted for is over.

Can foreign students work in Spain?
Basically, foreign students cannot carry out any profitable activity, but it will be allowed if it doesn't limit the studying aims.

Can foreign students' relatives come to Spain?
Students who have obtained a visa for studying can apply for the corresponding stay visas for their relatives to enter and stay in Spain, during the period of their studies or investigation. They don't need a staying period prior to the foreign student.

Embassy contact information:
Please contact the nearest Spanish embassy for information on what documentation you may require to enter Spain.