How to get a student visa to study Spanish in Spain

By Marta Díaz on Thursday, February 12, 2026

Every year, thousands of international students choose Spain as their destination to learn Spanish. The combination of language, culture, climate, and quality of life makes the country an ideal choice for those looking to improve their Spanish while enjoying a total immersion experience like the one offered by Enforex.

However, before packing your bags, it is important to know whether you need to apply for a student visa to learn Spanish in Spain and how this process works. In this article, we explain in simple terms what a student visa is, who needs one, and answer the most common questions among students. Keep reading so you don't miss anything!

What is a student visa and what is it for?

A student visa is a permit that allows citizens of countries outside the European Union to legally reside in Spain while studying, such as taking Spanish courses at an accredited school. This visa is intended for medium or long-term stays and is mandatory when the course exceeds 90 days.

Thanks to this permit, students can live in Spain for the duration of their studies, enjoy the cultural experience, and, in many cases, combine language learning with other educational activities.

Who needs a visa to study in Spain?

The need for a visa depends mainly on the student's nationality and the duration of the program. Citizens of the European Union, the European Economic Area, or Switzerland do not need a visa to study in Spain. However, students from non-EU countries must apply for one if the Spanish program lasts more than 90 days.

For shorter courses of less than three months, many students can enter as tourists. However, it is important to note that this type of stay does not allow for an extension of the study period once in Spain. Therefore, if the idea is to study Spanish for several months, it is best to apply for a student visa from the outset.

How long must the program take to apply for a visa?

To obtain a student visa, the program must last more than 90 days and include at least 20 hours of classes per week. This requirement is essential and can only be met if you study at an officially recognized school.

Accredited Spanish schools, such as Enforex, offer intensive and long-term programs that meet the conditions required by the Spanish authorities and allow students to apply for a visa with complete confidence.

What documentation is required for the application?

Although requirements may vary slightly depending on the country of origin, the process is usually quite similar at all consulates. Normally, a valid passport, a letter of acceptance from the school, proof of payment for the course, private medical insurance valid in Spain, and proof of sufficient financial means to cover the stay are required.

For longer stays, it may also be necessary to present a medical certificate and a criminal record certificate. The school is responsible for issuing the letter of admission and guiding the student through the steps to follow.

Where and when do I apply for a student visa?

The visa must always be applied for from the country of origin or from the country where the student has legal residence, through the corresponding Spanish consulate or embassy. It is not possible to apply for a student visa once you are in Spain as a tourist.

Processing times may vary, but the process usually takes between two and six weeks. For this reason, it is recommended that you start the application process well in advance once your enrollment in the Spanish course has been confirmed.

Can you work with a student visa?

One of the most frequently asked questions is whether a student visa allows you to work in Spain. In many cases, it is possible to work a limited number of hours per week, provided that the job is compatible with your studies. Current regulations allow you to work up to 30 hours per week, although in some situations additional permission may be required.

Many students take advantage of this option to gain work experience or do an internship while improving their Spanish.

Is it possible to renew the visa from Spain?

If the student wishes to continue their studies once the initial course has ended, it is possible to renew the study permit from Spain. To do so, it is necessary to meet the established requirements and submit the application within the corresponding deadline.

Renewing the visa is a common process for students who decide to extend their experience and continue learning Spanish in Spain for a longer period of time.

Other frequently asked questions about student visas

One of the most common questions is whether it is possible to study in Spain without a visa. The answer is yes, provided that the program lasts less than 90 days and the student's nationality allows it. It is also common to ask whether a minimum level of Spanish is required to apply for a visa. In this case, the answer is no: it is possible to apply even if you are a beginner.

Another frequent question is whether a student visa allows you to travel to other European countries. Once in Spain with a legal stay, students can travel within the Schengen area for the duration of their permit. It is also possible to change schools, although this process must be carried out in accordance with current regulations.

As you can see, applying for a student visa to learn Spanish may seem like a complex process at first, but with the right information and the support of a specialized school, everything becomes much easier. Having an accredited school is key to avoiding problems and ensuring a safe and legal study experience.

At Enforex, we help our international students from the very beginning so that they can focus on what is most important: learning Spanish, integrating into the local culture, and enjoying their stay in Spain to the fullest. If you have any questions, you can call us or contact us, and our advisors will help you with whatever you need.