Overview - Study Visa ( More than 90 Days)
Pursuant to Royal Decree 1155/2024, new Immigration Regulations entered into
force on May 20, 2025, introducing substantial modifications to existing visa
procedures.
The updated provisions concerning long term Student Visa (>90 days) are
outlined as follows:
The applicant must meet the AGE requirements at the time of submitting the visa
application:
- For higher education studies, the applicant must be at least 17 years of age.
- For upper secondary education beyond the compulsory level, as well as for
training activities, the applicant must be over 18 years of age.
- For participation in mobility programs related to compulsory or post-compulsory
secondary education, the applicant must fulfill the age criteria established by
the relevant educational regulations governing such programs.
- In the case of volunteering activities, the minimum age requirement shall be
that which is established under the applicable sector-specific legislation
currently in force.
-Applications must be submitted at least two months in advance of the start date of
studies.
-The passport must be valid for at least one year (applicable to all kind of long term
visas, >90 days).
-Applicants must provide proof of having paid the registration and enrollment fees by
the school/University/Educational institution in Spain.
-Health insurance must be valid from at least one month before the start of studies until
15 days after the end of the studies, or for one year if the duration of the studies is
longer than one year.
-The student visa will be processed by adding one month prior to the start date of the
studies and 15 days after completion.
-Only applications from family members of bachelor or master degree students are
accepted. Furthermore, they cannot submit their application simultaneously with the
main applicant (student). They must wait until the main applicant (student´s)
authorization has been granted beforehand.
Visa for studies, student mobilities, voluntary services, or training activities, when such
activities are to be carried out for a period exceeding 90 days, falling within the
following:
Higher education, which includes university or non-university studies at a recognized
institution or center of higher education in Spain that lead to qualifications corresponding to the levels and certifications established in Royal Decree 1027/2011, of July 15,
which sets out the Spanish Qualifications Framework for Higher Education. This also
includes university studies leading to own degrees offered by recognized higher education institutions, in accordance with their autonomy and the provisions of university regulations. Additionally, this category includes Vocational Training Master's degrees as
provided in Royal Decree 659/2023, of July 18, which regulates the organization of the
Vocational Training System.
The higher education studies referred to above may also include, when applicable, a
preparatory course for such studies, as well as mandatory training internships, which
will also be considered higher education. University studies may be pursued in either
in-person or hybrid formats, in accordance with the relevant curricula and applicable
university regulations. Other higher education studies may be conducted in either inperson or hybrid formats, as long as at least 50% of the program is delivered in-person,
following current education regulations.
Post-compulsory secondary education, at an authorized educational center in
Spain, as part of a full-time program leading to a recognized qualification. These studies may be pursued in either in-person or blended learning formats, in accordance with
current education regulations, provided that at least 50% of the instruction is delivered
in person at the centers. Regarding vocational training, this includes intermediate-level
training cycles and Specialist Vocational Training qualifications provided for in Royal
Decree 659/2023, of July 18.
Student mobility programs for compulsory or post-compulsory secondary education,
aimed at pursuing a program of compulsory or post-compulsory secondary education
at an officially recognized educational or scientific center, as part of a student exchange program or educational project.
Volunteering, meaning the provision of volunteer services carried out by legally established volunteer organizations registered with the competent authorities, within programs aimed at achieving general interest goals for a non-profit cause.
Training activities, which include:
- Serving as foreign language assistants in Spanish educational centers registered in the national registry of non-university educational institutions or corresponding official registers.
- Studying Spanish or Spain’s co-official languages, taught in person at official
language schools or at centers accredited in Spain by the Cervantes Institute or
by the equivalent public institution for the relevant co-official language, provided
the language is not the student’s native or official language in their home country.
- Preparatory courses for competitive examinations for admission to specialized
healthcare training positions.
Pursuing training programs leading to technical aptitude certification or professional licensure, according to the list of training activities, duration, and conditions set out in a Resolution by the competent authority.
- Completing full, non-modular or non-partial training at an authorized educational center in Spain leading to professional certificates from the level C vocational training system, levels 2 and 3, with the requirements and conditions established by Organic Law 3/2022, of March 31, on the organization and integration of Vocational Training and its implementing regulations.
Age Requirements
Please note that the age requirements must be complied when submitting the
visa application.
-For higher education studies, the foreign national must be at least seventeen
years old.
-For upper secondary education post-compulsory level and training activities,
the individual must be over eighteen years old.
– For mobility programs at the level of compulsory or post-compulsory secondary
education, the individual must meet the age requirements established by the applicable
education regulations for participation in such programs.
– In the case of volunteering, the minimum age shall be that established under the
relevant sectoral legislation in force.
Family members
Family members can only apply for the visa once the student visa is granted. It is
not allowed to submit the visa applications at the same time as the student.
Family members are eligible for student´s family visa ONLY if the student is enrolled
exclusively in either higher education studies or specialized healthcare training
programs.
The following family members may obtain a visa to accompany the student:
- The spouse, common law partner, unregistered common law partner of the holder
of the long-term residence permit for study purposes. unregistered common law
partner is understood as a person who can provide evidence of a lasting relationship.
In any case, such a relationship will be considered as established if proof of continuous
cohabitation for at least one year is provided, unless the couple has children in
common, in which case proof of stable cohabitation will suffice.
- Unmarried minor children or those who have not formed their own family unit, of the
holder of the long-term residence permit for study purposes or of their spouse,
registered partner, or stable partner.
- Unmarried adult children or those who have not formed their own family unit, of the
holder of the long-term residence permit for study purposes, or of their spouse,
registered partner, or stable partner who require specific and personalized support due
to disability or illness.
GENERAL INFORMATION
The application must be submitted between two months and up to 6 months prior to
the starting date of the intended activities or studies, unless the enrolment or
registration procedure requires a shorter period, in which case the applicant must
provide appropriate justification.
The application must be submitted in person or by a duly accredited representative at
the BLS Visa Application Center for Spain in Bangkok. The representative must provide
proof of his/her identity through an original passport or identity document and provide
an authorization letter signed by the applicant.
More information and appointments at:
https://thailand.blsspainvisa.com/
Proof of residence:
Nationals from Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia or Laos: don’t need to submit any proof
of residence.
Other nationalities: Only legal residents in Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia or Laos may
submit an application.
Documents: Original certificate of residence issued by the local authorities showing the
current address and copy of the visa/resident permit.
All original documents submitted must be accompanied by its copies. At the end of the
procedure, original documents will be returned to the applicant and the copies will be
kept with the file at the Embassy.
Translations of documents:
All documents in a foreign language must be translated to Spanish.
According to current regulations, any foreign documents intended to take legal effect in
Spain must be accompanied by a corresponding translation into Spanish. This is a
mandatory requirement:
A - In the case of documents issued in Thailand, there are two possible translation options:
If the document has been issued in ENGLISH, you must request a sworn translation
from English into Spanish by a certified/sworn translator in Spain. You can find numerous sworn translators at the following link:
https://www.exteriores.gob.es/es/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Paginas/Buscador-STIJ.aspx
The procedure may be carried out via email, so such translations will be accepted with
the application without the need for verification or certification by the Embassy.
It is possible to request Thai authorities to issue official documents in English. We recommend this translation route, as it is much faster and simpler.
If the document has been issued in THAI and there is no way to obtain it in English,
you must request a translation from Thai into Spanish by one of the translators recognized by this Embassy, listed in the attached document. In this case, the translation
must subsequently be verified by the Embassy of Spain (before being included in the
application file), which entails an additional cost of 1,150 THB per page.
B - In the case of documents issued in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Laos, there are two
options:
1.- If the document has been issued in ENGLISH, you must request a sworn translation
from English into Spanish by a certified/sworn translator in Spain. You can find numerous sworn translators at the following link:
https://www.exteriores.gob.es/es/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Paginas/Buscador-STIJ.aspx , as well as in the attached list. The procedure may be carried out via email, so such translations will be accepted with the application without the need for verification or certification by the Embassy.
We recommend this translation route, as it is much faster and simpler.
2.-If the document has been issued in Burmese, Khmer, or Laotian , it is necessary to
first obtain a translation into English through a notary/public authority. Afterwards, this
English version must be translated into Spanish by a sworn translator in Spain. You
can find numerous sworn translators at the following link: https://www.exteriores.gob-
.es/es/ServiciosAlCiudadano/Paginas/Buscador-STIJ.aspx , as well as in the attached
list. The procedure may be carried out via email, so such translations will be accepted
with the application without the need for verification or certification by the Embassy.
If considered necessary, the Embassy may request additional documents or data and
may also ask the applicant to come in for a personal interview. Please check that
complete contact details provided in the application form are correct and accurate.
No information will be provided about the status of the visa before the process has
come to an end.
IMPORTANT :
The complete processing time may take up to 1 (one) month since the application is received in the Embassy.
When the Visa is issued, the passport must be collected by the applicant at the Embassy of Spain. For minors, the visa should be collected by one of the parents/legal
guardian.
*If it for Studies of up to 90 days, national study visa is not required. Depending on the
applicant's nationality, a Schengen visa may be applied, it is highly recommended not
to purchase the travel tickets until you receive your visa.
Documents Required
"Checklist
"
Required Documents
For visas of less than 135 days won’t be necessary to submit the Criminal Records.
We don´t request any flight reservation or accommodation. Please do not buy the ticket until the visa is granted as the decision period may take up to 1 month.
National visa application form.
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR LEGAL RESIDENTS IN MYANMAR, CAMBODIA, OR LAOS
If you are a legal resident of Myanmar, Cambodia, or Laos, you must contact the Visa
Section of the Embassy of Spain prior to submitting any visa application: emb.bangkok.vis@maec.es
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO APPLY FOR STUDY VISA
1. National Visa application form (see “Download Form” section)
The application must be submitted between 2 months and up to 6 months prior to the
starting date of the intended activities or studies, unless the enrolment or registration
procedure requires a shorter period, in which case the applicant must provide
appropriate justification. The visa application form must be dully filled and signed by the
applicant. In case of minor applicants, it is mandatory that the application form be
signed by parental authority or legal guardian.
2. Proof of residence in Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia or Laos.
Original certificate of residence issued by the local authorities showing the current
address and copy of the visa/resident permit
Nationals from Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia or Laos: don’t need to submit any
proof of residence.
3. Passport.
A valid passport recognized as such by Spain, with a minimum validity of one year.
4. Photocopy of all pages of the passport.
5. Photograph. One recent (taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance) color
photograph, passport-size, printed on matte/glossy paper, with a white background,
facing forward, without dark or reflective glasses nor any garments concealing the
applicant’s full feature of the face.
6. Police Clearance Certificate. Applicants of legal age must provide a criminal background certificate from the
countries where they have resided in the last 5 years. This Certificate must be issued
within 180 days of submitting the visa application.
The Police Clearance Certificate must be legalized or apostilled, unless it is issued by
an EU member state and translated by a sworn translator.
7. Medical Certificate.
Original and the copy of a Medical Certificate confirming that the applicant does not
suffer from any disease that could cause serious repercussions for public health
pursuant to the 2005 International Health Regulations.
- This Certificate must be issued within 90 days of submitting the visa application.
- This Certificate must include a stamp from the issuing Medical Center, doctor’s
signature and doctor’s License Number.
- The Certificate must be written on letterhead paper from hospital/doctor’s office or
directly on the provided template.
- The Certificate must be signed by a Doctor (Physician), not by a Nurse Practitioner
or a Physician Assistant.
- Medical certificate must be accompanied by an official or certified translation into
Spanish. The Spanish translation is not necessary if you use the model. Please
find this model in “Download form”.
This Consular Section does not provide information about Medical centres that issue
this Certificate. The applicant may contact any public or private Medical centre duly accredited.
8. Health insurance.
Accrediting the public or private health insurance contracted with an insurance entity
authorized to operate in Spain:
https://rrpp.dgsfp.mineco.es/?culture=es-ES&ui-culture=es-ES
The insurance policy must cover all the risks insured by Spain's public health system.
Health insurance must be valid from, at least, one month before the start of studies
until 15 days after the end of the studies, or for one year if the duration of the studies is
longer than one year.
The medical insurance must not have co-payments or coverage limit, that is, it must
cover 100% of medical, hospital and extra-hospital expenses. Spanish companies like
Sanitas, Adeslas, Axa, etc. offer coverage of 100% of expenses and unlimited. In case
the policy has a coverage limited to a specific amount, this shall not be less than
30,000 euros, without prejudice to the individual assessment of the application. The
insurance contract must be maintained during the authorization period.
If the applicant is participating in a volunteer programme, in addition to the health
insurance, they must provide a copy of the civil liability insurance policy taken out by
the organization.
Travel insurances won’t be accepted.
If the applicant is participating in a volunteer program, in addition to the Medical
insurance, they must provide a copy of the civil liability insurance policy taken out by
the organization.
9. Specific requirements according to the categories of studies:
Please submit one printed copy, if it is an electronically signed document. Otherwise,
please submit the original document and the copy.
The document must be issued in Spain by the authorized university, school, education
center, etc.
9.1 Higher education studies. (University, etc.)
Admission letter of higher education studies, as the main activity, at a recognized
higher education institution or centre in Spain, within the framework of a full-time
program leading to the award of a recognized higher education degree. A recognized
higher education degree shall be understood as one issued by a higher education
institution or center officially recognized in Spain.
Proof of payment of the enrolment fees, tuition fees, or an equivalent document
required by the respective institution or education center.
9.2 Upper secondary education post-compulsory level/Educación secundaria
Postobligatoria.
Admission letter of post-compulsory secondary education studies at an authorized
educational center in Spain, within the framework of a full-time program leading to the
award of a recognized qualification.
Proof of payment of the enrollment fees, tuition fees, or an equivalent document
required, where applicable, by the respective institution or education center.
9.3 Mobility programs for students enrolled in lower or upper secondary education.
Admission letter of an educational center.
Admission letter in a student mobility program for undertaking compulsory and/or postcompulsory secondary education at an officially recognized academic or scientific
institution.
Letter of the educational center managing the student mobility program or educational
project assuming responsibility for the student during their stay, particularly regarding
the cost of studies, as well as living expenses and return travel to their country of
origin.
Accommodation provided by a host family selected by the organization responsible for
the mobility program or a boarding school or residence arranged by or affiliated with
said organization within the framework of the program.
9.4 Voluntary or community service activities.
Admission letter to carry out voluntary services under a signed agreement with the
organization responsible for the program, which must include a description of the
program, the tasks and supervision conditions, the planned activities and conditions for
their execution, the duration of the service, required volunteer work hours, available
resources to cover board and lodging, a minimum amount of pocket money during the
stay, and, where applicable, the training the foreign national will receive to carry out the
program.
Proof of registry of the volunteer organization with the competent authority in
accordance with applicable national, regional or European Union legislation.
9.5 Educational and training activities:
Admission letter to undertake the training activities.
Proof of payment of the enrolment or registration fees required, where applicable, by
the relevant institution, organization, or center.
In the case of Preparatory courses for competitive examinations granting access to
specialized healthcare training programs, the applicant must hold a Spanish degree in
medicine, pharmacy, nursing, or other university degrees qualifying them to participate
in the annual competitive examinations for access to specialized healthcare training
posts, or a foreign degree duly recognized or officially approved as equivalent to those
mentioned.
10. Proof of financial means.
Original and copies of documents proving that the applicant (or their legal
representative or the family member (mother or father supporting them) has sufficient
financial means to cover the expenses of the student during the duration of his/her
studies.
The minimum required amount is equivalent to 100% of Spain's Public Multiple Effects
Income Indicator (IPREM). Additionally, 75% of the IPREM must be added for the first
family member and 50% of the IPREM for each additional family member. If the
accommodation for the entire stay has been paid for in advance, this amount will be
deducted.
The IPREM IN 2025: 600 € /month, 7.200 €/year.
Documents to be submitted are as follows:
Original and copy of bank Certificate and updated bank statement/bank book for the
last 12 months (including the address, telephone number and email of the bank) duly
stamped and signed by the bank.
a) For beneficiaries of a scholarship: evidence of the amount of the scholarship that
has been awarded and details of the covered expenses. Financial means from the
applicant are also requested.
b) In case of sponsorship:
- Birth certificate demonstrating the familial relationship with the sponsor.
The document must be apostilled or legalized and accompanied by an
official Spanish translation
-
Declaration of sponsorship:
A notarized letter in which a parent, legal guardian, or other relative
assumes full financial responsibility for the applicant, covering at least
the minimum monthly amount required for the duration of their stay. The
document must be apostilled or legalized and accompanied by an official
Spanish translation. Suggested wording: "I hereby certify that I, [full name of parent, legal guardian, or other
relative assuming full financial responsibility], assume full financial
responsibility for [full name of applicant]’s round-trip airfare, monthly
room and board expenses while in Spain, as well as any additional
expenses, including emergencies, that may arise during his/her stay."
- Original and copy of bank Certificate and updated bank statement for
the last 12 months (including the address and telephone number and
email of the bank) duly stamped and signed by the bank.
11. Letter of employment or, if the applicant is still studying, letter from the
school/university.
12. Proof of the representative's identity and capacity.
If the applicant is a minor, it will be necessary to submit copies of the identity document
or passport of their parents, as well as of the document constituting proof of kinship.
The originals must be shown when submitting the application.
If the visa application is submitted through a representative, a copy of the identity
document or passport of the representative and of the power of attorney or document
accrediting representation must be submitted. The originals must be shown when
submitting the application.
13. STUDENT VISA FOR MINORS (UNDER 20 YEARS for Thai Nationals and
UNDER 18 YEARS for nationals of Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos).
In addition to the documents detailed above (requirements 1 to 12), the following
documents must also be submitted:
13.1. Original birth Certificate.
The birth Certificate must be legalized/apostilled and accompanied by an official
translation into Spanish.
13.2. Copies of parents IDs/passports.
13.3. An authorization letter signed by both parents or legal guardians
witnessed by an officer at the Embassy of Spain, in which they give their
permission to the minor to travel to Spain for the purpose of carrying out
the activity.
The letter must include information about the center of study and planned length
of stay. It must also contain information about the person who will take care of
the minor once is Spain: name, surname, ID or NIE numbers and address. This
letter must be filled and signed at the Embassy of Spain before the visa
application.
13.4.
Letter from the school with the information of the person or persons
responsible and in charge in Spain.
13.5. Notarized declaration of the person or persons taking care of the minor in
Spain.
13.6. Copy of the DNI (Spanish ID) or the passport and NIE of the person or
persons responsible and in charge of the minor in Spain.
13.7. Certificate from the Ministry of Justice of Spain stating that the person(s)
responsible and in charge of the minor in Spain does not have any sexual
misconduct record in the Registry of Sexual Offenders
https://sede.mjusticia.gob.es/es/tramites/certificado-registro-central or
express authorization for the Administration to obtain said certification:
https://www.mjusticia.gob.es/es/Ciudadano/TramitesGestiones/
Documents/1292428513701- Modelo_de_autorizacion.PDF
14. Required documents for family members
The following required documents must be submitted for each family member
accompanying the student:
- The documents listed above as 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10 and 11,12. Where applicable.
- Documents proving relationship to the student (marriage, civil union, or birth
Certificate, or other document, depending on the relationship):
-
- For married couples: Marriage Certificate.
- Domestic partnership: Certificate of Domestic Partnership Registration.
- Unregistered domestic partnership. Documents proving evidence of a
lasting relationship. In any case, such a relationship will be considered as
established if proof of continuous cohabitation for at least one year is
provided, unless the couple has children in common, in which case proof of
stable cohabitation will suffice.
- For children: Birth Certificate.
- For children of divorced parents: The final divorce and custody filings for the
minor.
Note: All documents issued by government authorities must be apostilled/legalized an
translated to Spanish by an official translator.
PROCESSING TIME
The decision period for processing the visa is up to 1 (one) month from the date
of application submission. However, this period may be extended if additional
documents or interviews are required.
Once a favourable decision is made and the applicant has been notified, the visa
must be collected within 1 (one) month. If the collection is not carried out within
the aforementioned period, it will be understood that the applicant is no longer
interested and the visa granted and the procedure will be archived.
Visa refusals will be provided in written notification, with grounds for the refusal
stated.
Applicants have the right to appeal visa refusals within one month of receiving
notification. Appeals can be submitted to the Embassy or filed for a judicial review with the High Court of Justice in Madrid within two months.
Applying for a study visa also entails applying for a study stay permit.
