Important — Seoul PDF checklists are pre-reform
The Seoul Embassy's SSU and SLU PDF checklists are dated 08/02/2024 — before Spain's RD 1155/2024 reform took effect in May 2025. The Embassy's landing page carries a separate notice about the new rules. Where the PDFs conflict with the reform, the reform takes precedence. Key differences: passport must now be valid for at least 1 year from application date (PDFs say "until end of study"); health insurance must now be from a DGSFP-authorised Spanish insurer (PDFs say overseas policy, min. €30,000). The checklists below reflect the current legal position.
Which visa do you need?
| Type | Study duration | Visa validity | TIE card? |
|---|---|---|---|
| SSU | Over 90 days and up to 180 days | 195 days (stay up to 180) | No |
| SLU | More than 180 days | 90-day entry window | Yes — within 1 month of arrival |
Most language academy students doing 6–12 month courses need the SLU. The document lists are nearly identical — SLU additionally requires a medical certificate and criminal record check.
SSU document checklist — up to 180 days
1
National visa application form
Completed and signed in all sections. Download from the Embassy website. Minors must have a parent sign.
2
Passport photo
Colour, passport-sized, white background, face forward, no glasses or coverings.
3
Valid passport
Original + photocopy of biometric pages. Must be valid for at least 1 year from the application date (RD 1155/2024). At least 2 blank pages. Not issued more than 10 years ago.
4
Korean residence permit (non-Korean nationals only)
Original + copy of your Alien Registration Card. If using a Certificate of Overseas Korean Registration, it must be in English with the Korean Apostille. C-type (tourist/visit stay) visa holders cannot apply.
5
Language academy acceptance letter + proof of paid tuition
From an Instituto Cervantes-accredited school. Must include: your name and passport number, exact course dates, subjects, minimum 20 hours/week, school contact details. Proof that tuition has been paid in full is required separately.
All schools on this site are Cervantes accredited. Enrol and save €500 →
6
Health insurance
The Seoul PDF (pre-reform) accepts an overseas policy with min. €30,000 including repatriation. However, RD 1155/2024 requires a DGSFP-authorised Spanish insurer with no copayments or deductibles. To avoid refusal, use a Spanish-authorised insurer: Sanitas, Adeslas, DKV, MAPFRE Salud, or Cigna Global.
7
Proof of financial means
Self-funded: 소득금액증명원 (NTS income certificate, past 12 months) — issued in English, with Korean Apostille; OR payslips + employment certificate in English. Plus 잔고증명서 + 거래내역서 (bank balance + 3-month transaction history) — issued in English by your bank (no apostille required on bank documents).
Family sponsor: 재정보증서 (financial guarantee letter) in Spanish, notarised + Hague Apostille; sponsor's 소득금액증명원 in English with Korean Apostille; sponsor's bank balance + transactions in English; 가족관계증명서 (family relations certificate) in English with Hague Apostille.
Family sponsor: 재정보증서 (financial guarantee letter) in Spanish, notarised + Hague Apostille; sponsor's 소득금액증명원 in English with Korean Apostille; sponsor's bank balance + transactions in English; 가족관계증명서 (family relations certificate) in English with Hague Apostille.
All Korean NTS and bank documents must be requested in English. Bank statements do not require apostille.
8
Highest academic degree
Copy of your highest completed degree or equivalent certificate. In English, or translated into Spanish by a sworn translator, with Hague Apostille.
9
Visa fee
No KRW amount is published on the Embassy website. The base fee is €80 equivalent. Confirm the exact amount with the Embassy before your interview — pay in KRW at the interview.
SLU additional documents — over 180 days
Everything in the SSU checklist above, plus:
+1
Medical certificate
Must be issued by a hospital on the Embassy's approved hospital list — check the Embassy website before booking as not all Korean hospitals are accepted. Must be issued within 1 month of your visa interview date. Book this last — do not get it weeks in advance or it will expire before your interview. Must confirm you do not have any disease posing a public health risk per WHO IHR 2005.
+2
Criminal record certificate
From all countries where you have resided (on any visa except tourist) for the past 5 years. Each certificate must have the Hague Apostille. Must be issued within 6 months of your visa interview date. Korean Apostilles are issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (외교부) — apply in person or via apostille.go.kr.
Collecting your visa — how it works
The Embassy does NOT notify you when a decision is made. Monitor the visa status system yourself. When it shows "RESUELTO", go to the Embassy to collect your passport — either with a pickup appointment, or walk-in Mon/Wed/Fri 12:00–12:50. Bring your Visa Enrollment Receipt. Collect within 1 month of the RESUELTO status appearing.
Frequently asked questions
Does my language school need Cervantes accreditation? +
Yes — mandatory since May 2025. The Seoul checklist explicitly states the acceptance letter must come from a school "recognized by Instituto Cervantes." Without accreditation, the application will be refused. Every school in our finder is accredited.
Which visa do I need for a 6-month language course? +
Count your days carefully. A course of exactly 180 days is SSU; one day over 180 is SLU. The SLU requires a medical certificate, criminal record check, and a TIE card after arrival in Spain.
How do I get the Korean Apostille? +
Korea's Apostille authority is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (외교부). Apply in person at the Apostille Window in Seocho-gu, Seoul, or use the e-Apostille portal at apostille.go.kr for electronic documents. Allow 1–2 weeks, especially during peak periods.
Do my bank statements need an apostille? +
No — the Seoul checklist does not require apostille on personal bank statements. They must be issued in English by your bank. The NTS income certificate (소득금액증명원) does require the Korean Apostille.
Can I work in Spain on a student visa? +
Yes — since the May 2025 reform (RD 1155/2024), student visa holders can work up to 30 hours per week in Spain, provided it is compatible with studies. No separate work permit is required. You still need to demonstrate sufficient financial means when you apply.
How early should I apply? +
You can apply up to 180 days before your course starts, and must apply at least 2 months before. We recommend starting 3–4 months ahead. Korean apostilles and English-language documents take 2–4 weeks, and the medical certificate (SLU) must be done within 1 month of your interview date. Book that last.