Long-Stay Visa for Studies in Spain

The entry into force of Royal Decree 1155/2024 marks a strategic turning point in Spanish immigration policy. This ambitious reform not only seeks to simplify bureaucracy, but proactively eliminates administrative bottlenecks to consolidate Spain as an international talent benchmark, streamlining procedures that previously took months to just a few days.

1. What is the Long-Stay Permit for Studies?

In accordance with Article 52, this status enables foreign nationals to remain in Spain for a period exceeding 90 calendar days for educational or volunteering purposes. One of the most significant innovations is the explicit recognition of a hybrid mode, allowing studies to be less than 100% in-person, provided at least 50% of the training takes place physically at the institution.

• Higher Education: Full-time programmes at recognised institutions (degrees, master's, doctorates or university-specific programmes).
• Post-Compulsory Secondary Education: Bachillerato or intermediate-level vocational training cycles.
• Student Mobility: Exchange programmes in compulsory or post-compulsory secondary education at official centres.
• Volunteering Services: Participation in general-interest programmes with non-profit organisations, where activities are unpaid (except expense reimbursements).
• Training Activities: Includes language assistants, Spanish language courses (at centres accredited by the Instituto Cervantes), preparation for MIR/EIR exams and technical qualification training.

2. Essential Requirements for the Applicant

Financial solvency and the suitability of the institution are the pillars of the application (Articles 35 and 53). It is essential to verify that the institution is registered in the Registry of Higher Education Institutions, as this is a prerequisite for accessing fast-track processing benefits.

Strategic note: If the student proves they have paid accommodation in advance for the entire duration of the stay, the required monthly amount may be adjusted, significantly reducing the liquidity burden on their bank account.

1. Official admission: Enrolment or acceptance letter from a recognised and registered institution.
2. Health insurance: Private insurance with coverage equivalent to the National Health System. If the student works, Social Security registration replaces this requirement.
3. No criminal record: For stays exceeding 6 months, covering countries of residence over the last 5 years.
4. Medical certificate: As per the International Health Regulations 2005.

3. The Application Procedure

• From abroad: Processed via the Consular Office, combining the Visa and Authorisation.
• From Spain: Applicants in a regular situation may apply a minimum of 2 months before the start of studies.
• Accelerated Procedure (Art. 54.6): Registered higher education institutions may now submit the application electronically on behalf of the student. If the institution meets the registration requirement, the Administration has a reduced resolution deadline of just 15 days.

TIE Obligation: If the stay exceeds 6 months, the Foreign National Identity Card (TIE) must be applied for within one month of entry or the grant of the permit.

4. Working While Studying: Automatic Facilities

• Automatic Authorisation: Students in Higher Education are legally authorised to work (employed or self-employed) without additional procedures at the Immigration Office. Social Security registration is sufficient.
• Working hours limit: Work must be compatible with studies and cannot exceed 30 hours per week.
• Internships: Curricular internships (included in the study plan) are not considered work activity and do not count towards the hour limit or require authorisation.
• Insurance Exception: For those who work, Social Security registration covers the medical insurance requirement (Art. 57.5), eliminating the need for additional private insurance.

5. Family Members and European Mobility

• Accompanying family (Art. 56): The permit holder may be accompanied by their spouse or stable partner (minimum 1 year of cohabitation or common children). Minor or dependent children are also eligible.
• EU Mobility (Art. 59): Students in higher education on European programmes (e.g. Erasmus) may stay in other Member States for up to 360 days with their Spanish authorisation, following prior notification to authorities.

6. Duration and Renewal of the Stay

• Initial Validity: For higher education, the authorisation covers the full official duration of the degree or master's programme. For other activities, the initial limit is 1 year.
• Renewal Deadlines: Must be applied for during the 60 days prior to expiry. It may be applied for up to 90 days after, but the delay carries a possible administrative sanction. Timely submission automatically extends the validity of the previous stay until the file is resolved.

This reform not only facilitates the arrival of students, but creates a real bridge to the Spanish labour market, simplifying students' lives from day one.