Who it fits
Non-EU nationals admitted to a full-time programme in Spain — a university degree, master's or doctorate, or a language or vocational course that meets the required hours.
What usually matters
- An admission letter for a full-time programme at an accredited centre in Spain.
- Means of about €600 a month for the student (100% of the IPREM index), plus more for each accompanying family member.
- Health insurance with full coverage in Spain and, for longer stays, a clean criminal record.
- Work of up to 30 hours a week is allowed alongside your studies.
- For higher education the authorisation covers the whole programme, so there is no yearly renewal.
The stay for studies lets non-EU nationals live in Spain while they follow a full-time programme at an accredited centre. It covers university degrees, master’s and doctorates, and also language or vocational courses that meet the hours required. It is governed by Spain’s immigration regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024), in force since 20 May 2025.
Under this regulation, the authorisation for higher education is granted for the length of the programme, so in those cases it no longer needs to be renewed every year. Students may also work up to 30 hours a week alongside their studies.
The application is usually filed at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence. In some cases it can be requested from inside Spain during a legal stay — we confirm which applies to your case on the first call with our advisor, and our Barcelona partner lawyers then prepare the file.
What you need to show
You need the admission letter, health insurance with full coverage in Spain and, for longer stays, a clean criminal record. On means, the reference is about €600 a month for the student (100% of the IPREM index), plus more for each accompanying family member; evidence of accommodation and paid tuition helps. Your spouse or partner and your children can accompany you.
What decides the file
Three things: a genuine admission from an accredited centre, proof of funds that clearly belong to you or to your sponsor, and insurance that meets the consulate’s standard. Documents issued outside Spain need an apostille and a sworn translation — this takes time, so plan for it early.
After your studies
When you finish, you can move to the post-study residence to look for work or start a business, or switch to a work or self-employed permit.
Sources (checked against official sources on 6 October 2026): Real Decreto 1155/2024 (BOE) · Estancia por estudios, Ministerio de Inclusión · IPREM 2026 (SEPE).
This page gives general orientation. The right route and the exact requirements are confirmed only after reviewing your file.
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