What is the Spanish student visa?

A national visa for studies of more than 90 days. There are two types depending on the course length: 90 to 180 days, and more than 180 days. The application form is the National Visa Application Form, filled in in English or Spanish.

Who needs a Spanish student visa?

Non-EU nationals accepted on a course in Spain lasting more than 90 days. Language schools must offer at least 20 hours a week.

Where and when do I apply for a Spanish student visa?

In person at the Spanish embassy or consulate, with an appointment booked online (one appointment per passport). Visit no later than 2 months before your course starts; you can apply from 6 months before. After a course of more than 180 days starts, you apply for the TIE in Spain.

Which documents do I need for a Spanish student visa?

Admission letter from the school; National Visa Application Form; Passport and passport photo; Proof of financial means; Health insurance; Criminal record certificate (courses over 180 days); Medical certificate (courses over 180 days)

Guides

Spanish student visa: an overview

To study in Spain for more than 90 days you need a student visa, applied for in person at a Spanish embassy or consulate before you travel.

Last checked: 10 October 2026

Right now NARADocs prepares student visa applications for the Embassy of Spain in Seoul (Korean nationals). Support for your nationality is coming soon — the after-arrival guides (TIE, NIE, EU registration) are available to everyone now.

What it is

A national visa for studies of more than 90 days. There are two types depending on the course length: 90 to 180 days, and more than 180 days.[1]
The application form is the National Visa Application Form, filled in in English or Spanish.[2][1]

Who needs it

Non-EU nationals accepted on a course in Spain lasting more than 90 days.[1]
Language schools must offer at least 20 hours a week.[1]

Where and how long

In person at the Spanish embassy or consulate, with an appointment booked online (one appointment per passport).[3][1]
Visit no later than 2 months before your course starts; you can apply from 6 months before.[1]
After a course of more than 180 days starts, you apply for the TIE in Spain.[1][4]

How it works

Get your admission letter with the exact course dates.[1]
Book your embassy appointment online.[3]
Fill in the National Visa Application Form.[2]
Gather your documents, with originals and one copy of each.[1]
Go to the embassy in person and submit your application.[1]

Documents to prepare

Admission letter from the school[1]
National Visa Application Form[2]
Passport and passport photo[1]
Proof of financial means[1]
Health insurance[1]
Criminal record certificate (courses over 180 days)[1]
Medical certificate (courses over 180 days)[1]

Titles only. The final list is the one given by the office handling your case.

3 common mistakes

1. Booking the embassy too lateAppointments are online only, one per passport. Plan to visit at least 2 months before your course starts.[3][1]
2. An admission letter with the wrong detailsThe course dates decide the visa type and can’t be changed to fit your travel plans; language schools need 20+ hours a week.[1]
3. No copiesBring every original plus one copy; the embassy does not make copies.[1]

Get a personal to-do list and keep track of every document — in your language.

Prepare it step by step with NARADocs

Official sources

This is a general overview, not legal advice. Rules can change; always check the official source and the office handling your case.

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