Spain, as a popular study destination in Europe, is known for itsQuality higher education, relatively low tuition, rich cultural experienceattracts an increasing number of international students. However, success in obtainingSpain Student VisaThe first step towards realizing your dream of studying in Spain. 2025 has seen an update to Spain's student visa policy, which is explained in detail in this article.The latest application requirements, required materials and processing procedures, to help you get your visa without any problems!
I. Types of Spain Student Visa and Applicable People
groundDuration of study abroadThere are two main categories of student visas in Spain:
1️⃣ Short-term student visa (Schengen Visa Type C)
- pertainNot more than 90 daysof short-term programs (e.g., language classes, exchange students, summer programs).
- Applicable only in the Schengen area, non-extendable.
2️⃣ Long-term student visa (Type D)(Applicable to most international students)
- pertainCourses exceeding 90 daysThese include undergraduate, master's, doctoral and long-term language studies.
- Applicants need to arrive in SpainApplication for a residence card (TIE), obtaining long-term legal residency.
⚠ take note of: Students from both public and private universities who are enrolled in a program of more than 90 days must apply for aLong-term student visa category DThe
Second, the latest application conditions for Spain's student visa (updated in 2025)
According to the latest visa policy of Spain, the following basic conditions need to be fulfilled to apply for a student visa:
✅ Acceptance into an officially recognized school in Spain(e.g. universities, language schools)
✅ Full-time courses (at least 20 hours per week)The language program is also required to meet this standard
✅ Sufficient financial means(Proof of ability to pay tuition, accommodation and living expenses)
✅ Purchase of health insurance that meets the requirements(covering medical expenses during the period of study in Spain)
✅ clean bill of health(Some countries require a certificate of non-criminalization)
III. List of materials required for Spain's student visa (latest version in 2025)
The key to a successful visa application isWell-prepared and truthful materialsRecommended in advanceAt least 3-6 monthsStart the process.
📌 1. Visa application form (Formulario de solicitud de visado)
- available atOfficial website of the Embassy of Spain in ChinaDownload andComplete in Spanish or EnglishThe
📌 2. Valid passport
- needValid for more than 6 monthsand at leastTwo blank pagesThe
📌 3. Letter of admission to a Spanish school (Carta de admisión)
- leave it (to sb)Spanish educational institutionsIssued with a clear indicationCourse name, duration and weekly class hoursThe
📌 4. Proof of financial capacity(Submit either or a combination of the following documents)
- Personal bank certificates of deposit(Recommended balance not less than10,000-12,000 euros/year).
- Financial guarantee from parents or guarantor(Proof of income to be attached).
- Scholarship certificates(if any).
📌 5. Proof of medical insurance
- buyingFull Spanish health insurance coverageThe minimum coverage needs to beEuro30,000and containsEmergency medical, hospitalization and repatriation expensesThe
📌 6. Proof of accommodation(choose one of the following)
- Rental contractmaybeProof of Reservation of Student DormitoryThe
- If staying with family or friends, you will need to provideProof of residence of the sponsor and letter of invitationThe
📌 7. Certificate of non-criminalization (Certificado de antecedentes penales)(Applicable to applicants over 18 years of age)
- It needs to be provided by the public security bureau or relevant organization in the place where the household registration is located and carried outdual certification(Notarization + diplomatic certification).
📌 8. Medical certificate (Certificado Médico)
- requireHealth certificate issued by a regular hospital, certifying that the applicant is free of infectious or serious diseases.
📌 9. Visa application fees
- Generally60-80 euros(The exact amount is subject to the Consulate's requirements).
Fourth, Spain student visa process (2025 latest version)
Step 1: Prepare documents and schedule a visa interview
- interviewsOfficial website of the Embassy and Consulate of Spain in China(or Visa Application Center) to schedule an interview online.
- It is recommended that at least3-6 monthsStart preparing.
Step 2: Submit your application at the Spanish Embassy or Consulate General
- Submit all required documents and pay the visa application fee.
- Likely to be asked in an interviewMotivation for studying abroad, financial resources, future plansand other issues, make sure you are prepared.
📍 Embassy and Consulates of Spain in China (interview location available by appointment)

- Beijing, capital of People's Republic of China: Embassy of Spain in China
- Shanghai: Consulate General of Spain in Shanghai
- Guangzhou subprovincial city and capital of Guangdong: Consulate General of Spain in Guangzhou
Step 3: Wait for Visa Approval
- trial periodGenerally15-45 working days, the peak period may be extended.
- During this period it is possible to passCheck the status at the Visa Application Center or the Embassy's official websiteThe
Step 4: Receive Visa & Purchase Airline Ticket
- If the visa is approved, the applicant will need toPick up your passport in person at the EmbassyThe
- It is recommended that airfare be purchased in advance andEnsure first entry into SpainThis is to avoid affecting the entry record.
Step 5: Residence card (TIE) upon arrival in Spain
Students holding a long-term student visa (Category D).Within 30 days of entryRequired to go to the local foreigners' affairs officeApplication for TIE (Residence Card for Foreigners)Otherwise, the visa may be invalidated.

V. Frequently Asked Questions about Spain Student Visa Application
💬 Q1: When applying for a visa, does the bank certificate of deposit have to be a personal account?
✅ Yes, the certificate of deposit generally needs to be the applicant's own account or that of an immediate family member, and provide theCertificate of deposit frozen for 3-6 monthsThe
💬 Q2: What should I do if my visa is refused? Can I reapply?
✅ Yes, but you need to find out the reasons for rejection (e.g. insufficient financial means, missing documents, etc.) and resubmit the application with additional information.
💬 Q3: Is it possible to enter Spain with a tourist visa and then exchange it for a student visa?
❌ No. Spain currentlyTourist visa to student visa is not allowed, need to return home to reapply.
💬 Q4: How long does the visa processing time usually take?
✅ General15-45 daysbut the peak season may be extended, it is recommended that3-6 months in advanceApplication.
Sixth, summarize: how to successfully get the Spanish student visa?
✅ advance preparation(start collecting materials at least 3-6 months in advance)
✅ Well-funded(Certificates of deposit are preferred)More than 10,000-12,000 euros)
✅ complete set of materials(Any lack of documents will result in the rejection of the application)
✅ Timely booking of appointments(Tight quota during peak visa season, early booking is required)
✅ Apply for TIE on time after entering the country(Application for residence card within 30 days)
The visa policy for studying in Spain in 2025 is stabilizing, but you still need to keep an eye out for the latest changes. Hopefully this article will help you get your visa and start yourStudy in SpainJourney!