Spain student visa guides
Everything you need to get to Spain, stay legal, and plan for renewal. Written for non-EU applicants after the May 2025 reform, with the specifics the government pages leave out.
Most-read guides
The questions most applicants ask first. If you are new to the Spain student visa, start with these six.
Language school vs university: which rules apply?
The most important distinction in the 2025 reform. Your study type decides your work rights, renewals, and whether you can stay. The honest breakdown.
Read guide → PopularCan I work on a student visa?
Yes for university students. Not automatically for language school students. The honest breakdown after the 2025 reform.
Read guide → PopularFinancial requirements
IPREM thresholds, bank statement format, how many months you need to show, and what counts as proof of funds.
Read guide → PopularTourist to student: what changed?
Since May 2025 you can no longer convert from tourist to language student visa inside Spain. Here is what the rules actually say.
Read guide → PopularCriminal background check guide
ACRO for UK applicants, FBI for US, RCMP for Canada. Processing times, apostille, and exactly what each consulate wants.
Read guide → PopularFull document checklist
Every document, in the right order, with the apostille and translation requirements. Downloadable PDF.
Read guide → PopularRenewing your visa
The DELE or SIELE exam is now required. Here is how renewal works after the reform, and why planning ahead matters.
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