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Type D — Student Visa (Type D)
SpainSpain•Europe
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Type D — Student Visa (Type D)

Study Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks – 1 month

Estimated Cost

EUR €90

Stay Duration

Duration of program

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
Spain flag

Living in Spain

Cost of Living
26% cheaper than United States
Avg Salary€22,000
Quality of Life
183/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Full-time study at a recognized institution in an EU member state. National visa with residence permit.

The Spanish Student Visa (Type D) is a national long-stay visa for non-EU/EEA nationals pursuing full-time studies at a recognized Spanish institution — universities, language schools, or vocational centers. It doubles as a residence permit for the duration of the program.

Higher education students may work up to 30 hrs/week without a separate work permit. Spouses may accompany on a family visa but are not authorized to work. Applicants must show EUR 600/month in funds. Processing takes 5–8 weeks; apply at least two months before the program start date.

This visa is ideal for non-EU nationals enrolled in a full-time Spanish study program who want a legal residence pathway with the option to work part-time and convert to a work visa post-graduation.

Spain

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Stay & Extensions

Status typeTied to program duration

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Highly Qualified Professional Visa (PAC)
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Highly Qualified Professional Visa (PAC)

ValidityUp to 3 years (renewable for 2-year periods)
Processing10 days
View Visa Details
Employee Work Visa (Visado de trabajo por cuenta ajena)
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Employee Work Visa (Visado de trabajo por cuenta ajena)

Validity1 year
Processing3 months
View Visa Details
Digital Nomad Visa
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Digital Nomad Visa

Validity1 year
Processing1–3 weeks
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Admission to a full-time study program at a recognized Spanish educational institution

Proof of sufficient financial means to cover tuition and living expenses (IPREM threshold)

Valid health insurance with full coverage in Spain (no co-payments)

Medical certificate confirming no infectious diseases

No criminal record in the country of residence for the last 5 years

Proof of accommodation for the duration of the stay

KEY CRITERIA

Education

high_school or higher

Min. Income

600 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Completed national visa application form

Valid passport

Letter of acceptance from the Spanish educational institution

Proof of full tuition payment (if applicable)

Proof of financial means (bank statements, scholarship, or sponsorship)

Proof of accommodation

Private health insurance policy

Medical certificate

Criminal record certificate (apostilled/legalized)

Passport-sized photographs

Application Process

1

Complete application form

Fill out the National Visa Application Form

2

Gather required documents

Prepare proof of admission, financial means (100% IPREM), health insurance, medical certificate, and criminal record certificate

3

Book an appointment

Schedule an appointment at the designated Spanish Embassy, Consulate, or BLS Visa Application Center

4

Submit application and pay fee

Submit the application in person and pay the €90 visa fee

5

Await decision

Receive the decision on the application (usually within 1 month)

Application Forms

Varies by member state—

Related visas

Study visas in other countries

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