The Ultimate Guide to Spain Student Visas for US Citizens in 2024 >> Requirements, Process, and Expert Tips

Are you a US student dreaming of studying abroad in Spain? You’re not alone! Spain’s rich culture, world-class universities, and vibrant lifestyle make it an attractive destination for American students.

According to the Institute of International Education’s Open Doors Report, Spain consistently ranks as one of the top five study-abroad destinations for US students. Over 32,000 Americans studied there in the 2018-2019 academic year (the last full year before the pandemic).

To dive in, you must navigate the student visa process. Below, we give you all you need to know about the 2024 Spain Student Visa requirements, types, and how to apply.

But first, a quick question and answer:

Quick Answer: Do US Citizens Need a Student Visa for Spain?

Yes. US citizens need a student visa to study in Spain for programs lasting more than 90 days. You can enter Spain without a visa under the Schengen Agreement for shorter programs, but you’ll still need to meet specific requirements.

Understanding Spain Student Visa Types

Before diving into the application process, it’s crucial to understand the different types of student visas available:

Short-term Student Visa (Type D)

(Visado D Estudios hasta 180 días)

Up to six months study. With this visa, you don’t need a residence card (TIE) or a Foreigner Identification Number (NIE).

Note: You cannot extend this visa, but there is information and documentation to provide.

Long-term Student Visa (Type D)

(Visado D Estudios, Investigación)

Study of more than six months.

With this visa, you have three months to register as a resident in Spain and obtain a residence card (TIE) and a Foreigner Identification Number (NIE).

As a US citizen, you’ll most likely apply for either the Short-Term or Long-Term Student Visa, depending on your program duration.

Study Course less than 90 days

Citizens of 60 countries don’t need a visa for short study visits. Eligible nationalities include Argentina, Australia, Mexico, Singapore, the UK, and the USA.

Note 1: if you need to extend your short study course, you can apply for another 90 days to complete the course.

Note 2: International students can travel to the 26 Schengen nations in Europe while your student visa is valid.

Can You Work with a Spain Student Visa?

Good news! With a Spain student visa, you can work up to 20 hours per week as long as it doesn’t interfere with your studies, and your employer must get a work permit.

“Remember that Spain does have a relatively high youth unemployment rate, so you may need to hunt around. Your home language may be an advantage, plus use any skills and experience you have to stand out from other applicants.”

Alastair Johnson, Moving to Spain

Here are four common job options:

Teaching or tutoring English is in high demand, especially for native speakers. You can work privately or online at academies, earning €12-25 per hour.

Hospitality and tourism jobs in cities like Madrid and Barcelona offer roles in bars, restaurants, or hotels. These pay around €8-12 per hour and require basic Spanish.

Retail jobs in shops or supermarkets pay €7-10 per hour and often require some Spanish.

Freelance work like content writing or graphic design offers flexibility, with pay ranging from €10-30 per hour, depending on the task.

Spanish Job Seeker Visa (Post-Study Visa)

This isn’t a study visa; it is a student residence permit that lets you live in Spain for one year after completing your studies.

You can find a job, start a business, or find another legal way to immigrate to Spain with this visa. It is essential if you want to live in Spain after your studies.

However, only specific courses qualify. So, if your long-term goal is to move to Spain permanently, ensure your course allows for the Job Seeker Visa.

You can use the Registro de Universidades, Centros y Títulos (RUCT) to determine if your chosen course qualifies you for this.

Spain Student Visa Requirements for US Citizens

The documents required will vary depending on your specific circumstances and course duration. The exact process can also vary depending on which Spanish embassy or consulate you use.

Please speak to your Spanish Immigration Lawyer to ensure you have everything. Required documents you need for your application may include:

Document	Comments
Admission Letter	This must be for a recognized course of study in Spain. It is not enough to have applied to the course; you’ll need an official offer of a place to study. Plus, the educational institution must be authorized by the Spanish government for a Spain student visa.
Proof of Sufficient Funds	You’ll need to show you have at least €600 per month of study (100% of the 2024 IPREM). The IPREM is a financial benchmark to determine the minimum funds required for a student visa. Note that IPREM is liable to annual increases.
Private Health Insurance	From a Spanish private health insurance provider. Note: Not all policies qualify – use the link to choose the best medical insurance for a visa application.
Certificate of Criminal Record	Issued no more than three months before application.
Medical Certificate
Two Completed Visa Application Forms	Download the online application form.
Valid Passport	This must have at least six months of validity beyond your intended stay.
Two Recent Passport-sized Photos
Visa Application Fee Payment Receipt
Another form of ID	Driver’s license or national ID card.
A current student ID card

The Spain Student Visa Application Process for US Students

You can apply for your Spanish Student Visa in Spain or from the US. If you apply from the US, you’ll use the nearest Spanish consulate or embassy.

To apply from within Spain, you can enter the country on a Schengen tourist visa, find and be accepted onto a course of study, and apply for your student visa.

Advice from our Spanish immigration lawyer partner:

“If you apply in Spain on a tourist visa, there is a time restriction. You must apply within 60 days of entering the Schengen region, so you’ll have at least 30 days left on your visa. However, you can stay in Spain until your application is completed, even if it extends past the 90-day limit.”

Raquel Moreno, BeGlobal Attorneys

You can apply personally. However, we recommend using a Spanish immigration lawyer to apply on your behalf, as the application process is complex.

The immigration department will reject or delay incorrect applications. You will lose your application fee in this case.

The Spanish immigration department clearly states:

“We cannot overstate the importance of paying the utmost attention to filling out the application and the accompanying information.  INCOMPLETE OR INCORRECT APPLICATIONS WILL BE REJECTED.”

Spanish Immigration Department

Note: There will be translation and certification requirements for some documents. Most Spanish consulates now require your medical certificate and a background check with Spanish translations and Apostille authentication.

Having decided from where you will apply, here are the steps to apply for your Spain student visa:

1.     Get Admitted
Secure admission to a Spanish educational institution and obtain an official acceptance letter.

2.     Gather Documents
Collect all required documents listed above.

3.     Schedule an Appointment
If applying from the US, contact the Spanish Embassy or Consulate nearest you to schedule a visa application appointment.
From within Spain, schedule an appointment at the nearest Immigration Office

4.     Submit Your Application
Attend your appointment and submit your completed application along with all required documents.

5.     Pay the Fee
The student visa fee for US citizens is €132 (approximately $145 at the time of writing).

6.     Wait for Processing
Visa processing typically takes 1-3 months but can sometimes be as quick as 15 days.

“US citizens must obtain a student visa through a Spanish consulate or BLS International [an external company used for visa processing] before departure if they study abroad in Spain for 90+ days.”

University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC)

Expert Tips for a Successful Spain Student Visa Application

Expert Tip	Reason
Apply Early	Start your application process at least 2-3 months before your intended travel date.
Double-Check Everything	Ensure all your documents are accurate, complete, and meet the specific requirements of the Spanish consulate you’re applying through.
Prepare for Your Interview	Be ready to clearly articulate your study plans and intentions for your time in Spain.
Learn Basic Spanish	While not a requirement, showing some Spanish language skills can strengthen your application.
Have a Backup Plan	In case of unexpected delays, have a contingency plan for your travel and study arrangements.

“When submitting your student visa application, the course should start within a maximum of 90 days.”

Moving to Spain Immigration Lawyer

Proving Financial Sufficiency for Your Spain Student Visa

One of the most crucial aspects of your visa application is demonstrating that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies in Spain. Be prepared to show that you can cover both your tuition fees and living expenses. You can prove this through:

• Bank statements showing a minimum balance
  You’ll need at least €600 per month of study, but each Spanish consulate applies the guidelines differently. The amount is lower if you can show proof of accommodation or support, like a bursary.
• Financial aid or scholarship award letters
• A notarized letter from parents or guardians guaranteeing financial support
• A letter from your university confirming any financial assistance

Note: Our Spain Immigration Lawyer partner explains:

“The student visa is always issued for one year. Every year, the permit has to be renewed, and, in all renewals, he or she will have to show 100% of the IPREM.”

Raquel Moreno, BeGlobal Attorneys

Which Courses Meet the Spain Student Visa Requirements?

A wide range of areas meet the requirements to apply for a student visa in Spain. Here are some examples.

• Spanish Language Courses
  The most common course type for a Spanish Student Visa). The Cervantes Institute must accredit all Spanish language courses.
• Other language courses
• Professional Training Courses
• Industry Specific Training
  Like sporting or artistic training
• Tertiary Education
  Including undergraduate, Masters, and PhD level study

Important Note
The course must be full-time to qualify for student visas. The Spanish authority defines full-time as a course of study at least 20 hours per week. Online courses are invalid; you must physically attend the course in Spain.

Popular programs for international students include:

• Spanish Language and Culture
• Business and Economics
• Engineering and Technology
• Arts and Humanities
• Mediterranean Studies

Many universities offer courses in English, but studying in Spanish can greatly enhance your cultural immersion and language skills.

Tertiary Education: At What Level Can I Study with a Spain Student Visa?

Education Level	Spanish	US Equivalent	UK Equivalent
Post-secondary Vocational	Escuela Técnica/FP	Trade School	Vocational College
Undergraduate (General)	Universidad (Grado)	College/University (Undergraduate)	University (Undergraduate)
Undergraduate Diploma/Certificate	Título de Técnico Superior	Associate’s Degree	Foundation Degree/Certificate
Undergraduate Degree (First)	Título de Licenciatura	Bachelor’s Degree (BA, BS)	Bachelor’s Degree (BA, BSc)
Honors Degree	Licenciatura con Honores	N/A (Honors programs within Bachelor’s)	Bachelor’s Degree with Honors (BA Hons, BSc Hons)
Postgraduate Diploma	Diploma de Postgrado	Graduate Certificate/Diploma	Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip)
Master’s Degree	Título de Máster	Master’s Degree (MA, MS)	Master’s Degree (MA, MSc)
Integrated Master’s Degree	Máster Integrado	N/A (Separate Bachelor’s/Master’s)	Integrated Master’s (MEng, MMath)
Doctorate (PhD)	Doctorado	Doctorate (PhD)	Doctorate (PhD, DPhil)
Professional Doctorate	Doctorado Profesional	Professional Doctorate (JD, MD)	Professional Doctorate (EdD, DBA)
Postdoctoral Research	Investigación Postdoctoral	Postdoctoral Research	Postdoctoral Research

Which Institutions Meet the Spanish Student Visa Requirements?

The institution and course you choose must be on the approved list of the Registro de Universidades, Centros y Títulos (RUCT). You can check RUCT’s website to see if the institution and course you wish to take are eligible. You must be accepted into one of these education or training programs to apply for your student visa in Spain. You are not restricted to just universities; public and private educational institutions are accepted.

This table shows the programs that qualify for a Spain Student Visa:

Program	Reason
Study with an approved Spanish education facility	Eligible courses include Spanish language courses and undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs.
Research with an authorized institution	These include Spanish Universities, public and private research institutes, and the Spanish Council for Scientific Research centers.
Unpaid training	Offered by a company or professional training center.
Student mobility programs	Including student exchange and the Erasmus program.
Unpaid internships	And in limited cases, paid internships.
Unpaid volunteer work
Language and Culture Assistants program	These programs offer paid work to citizens of selected countries. You’ll help teachers in the classroom with English language instruction.

READ ALSO >> Spanish University Guide for International Students

READ ALSO >> Best Ways to Learn Spanish >> Our Tips and Resources

What Health Insurance is Required for a Spanish Study Visa?

The Spanish government has strict requirements for your Spanish private health insurance:

1.     Comprehensive Coverage
The health insurance policy must offer comprehensive coverage. It should cover any medical services you might need while in Spain, including but not limited to general doctor visits, emergency services, hospitalization, and surgical procedures.

2.     Validity
The policy must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Spain as defined by your visa. If you plan to extend your stay, you should ensure that your health insurance is extended accordingly.

3.     No Deductibles or Co-Pays
Your health insurance should not have deductibles or co-pays. This means you should not have to pay anything out of pocket to receive medical services covered by your policy.

Tip: See Spanish Student Visa Private Healthcare quotes for a specialized excellent service.

After Arrival: Student Residence Card (TIE)

Once you arrive in Spain with your student visa, you must apply for a student residence card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero or TIE) within one month. This card is crucial for your legal stay in Spain beyond the initial entry period.

READ ALSO >> Spain TIE Card, NIE Number Explained

Cost of Living and Studying in Spain

While costs can vary depending on the city and lifestyle, here’s a general overview of expenses:

• Tuition fees: €750 to €2,500 per year at public universities, higher for private institutions
• Accommodation: €300 to €600 per month
• Food: €200 to €300 per month
• Transportation: €30 to €60 per month
• Books and supplies: €100 to €200 per semester
• Health insurance: €50 to €100 per month

Total estimated monthly cost: €900 to €1,500

Check out our customizable Spanish Cost-Of-Living Calculator for more details.

Can You Bring Family Members With You on a Spanish Student Visa?

Yes, you can – but only some family members, and there are a few things to consider.

Which Family Members Can You Include?

• Your Spouse or De Facto Partner
• Dependent Children
• Other Dependent Family Members (but only in exceptional circumstances)

What Do You Need To Add Family Members To Your Application

1. Evidence that you can financially support all dependents.
2. Health Insurance in Spain for each family member.
3. Each family member must apply for their residence card. Remember that the maximum stay is the same as the primary visa holder.

Our Immigration Lawyer partner makes an important point:

“The spouse of a student visa holder cannot work for a Spanish company or be self-employed (autónomo). However, the spouse is allowed to work remotely for a non-Spanish company or non-Spanish clients.” – Raquel Moreno, BeGlobal Attorneys

Raquel Moreno, BeGlobal Attorneys

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

US students often face several challenges when applying for a Spain student visa. Here are some common issues and tips to overcome them:

1. Language Barrier
   While many Spanish officials speak English, some documents may be in Spanish.
   Tip: Use certified translation services for important documents.
2. Proof of Funds
   Demonstrating sufficient financial resources can be tricky.
   Tip: Start saving early and consider multiple funding sources, including scholarships and family support.
3. Health Insurance Requirements
   Spain has specific health coverage requirements.
   Tip: Research Spanish-approved insurance providers or check if your US insurance offers international coverage.
4. Visa Processing Delays
   Unexpected delays can disrupt travel plans.
   Tip: Apply as early as possible and maintain flexible travel arrangements.
5. Cultural Adjustment
   Adapting to Spanish culture and academic systems can be challenging.
   Tip: Participate in pre-departure orientations and connect with current international students in Spain.

Conclusion

Obtaining a Spain student visa as a US citizen may seem daunting, but with proper preparation and understanding of the process, you can successfully navigate the application and embark on your Spanish adventure. Remember to start early, gather all necessary documents, and carefully follow the guidelines provided by the Spanish consulate.

Securing your student visa opens the door to an enriching educational experience in one of Europe’s most vibrant countries. From world-class universities to rich cultural experiences, studying in Spain offers a unique personal and academic growth opportunity.

International students love studying in Spain. We know people who have used a Spanish student visa to study everything from Starter Spanish to an MBA. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!) with your Spain student visa application and your upcoming studies in Spain!

Additional Resources:

• Spanish Ministry of Education
• Study in Spain Official Website
• US Department of State – Spain Travel Information

---

The Top Ten Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Spain Student Visa