Spain Student Visa 2026: requirements and whether you can work

If you want to study in Spain for more than 90 days, you need a student visa (also called stay-for-studies). In this 2026 guide we cover the exact requirements, cost, whether you can work with it, and the mistakes that cause the most denials.

What is Spain's student visa?

The student visa is the authorization that allows non-EU foreigners to stay in Spain for more than 90 days in order to complete official studies, vocational training, non-labor internships, research or volunteer programs.

2026 student visa requirements

• Admission to an accredited institution (university, VET, language school, etc.).
• Sufficient financial means: 100% of the monthly IPREM (roughly €600/month) for the student, plus 75% for the first family member and 50% for each additional member.
• Private health insurance with full coverage in Spain, no co-payments or waiting periods.
• Criminal record certificate from your country of origin (apostilled and translated).
• Medical certificate stating absence of diseases with public health impact.
• Payment of fee 790 052 (visa) and, once in Spain, fee 790 012 for the TIE.

Can you work with a student visa in Spain?

Yes. Since the new Immigration Regulation entered into force (Royal Decree 629/2022), international students can work up to 30 hours a week without additional authorization, provided that:

• The job is compatible with your studies.
• The income is not your main means of subsistence.
• The employer reports the contract to SEPE before the start date.

During holidays, full-time work is allowed.

New law: residency by studies in 2026

The 2022 regulatory reform remains in force in 2026 and brings key advantages:

• Higher-education years count in full towards arraigo and nationality by residence.
• Upon completion you can apply for the residence permit for job search or entrepreneurship (12 extra months).
• You can switch directly to a work-and-residence permit (employee or self-employed) without leaving Spain.

Step-by-step application process

1. Get the admission letter from your school.
2. Gather documentation (financial means, insurance, criminal record, medical certificate).
3. Book an appointment at the Spanish consulate in your country of residence.
4. File the application and pay the corresponding fee.
5. Pick up the visa (usual timeline: 1 month).
6. Travel to Spain and apply for the TIE within 30 days of arrival.

Common mistakes that cause denials

• Proving financial means with a relative's account without notarized authorization.
• Submitting health insurance with co-payments or waiting periods.
• Failing to apostille the criminal record certificate.
• Enrolling in courses with less than 20 in-person hours per week.

How long and how much?

The legal timeline is 1 month, but in high-demand countries it may extend to 2 months. Consular fees range between €60 and €160 depending on nationality.

Need help with your student visa?

At Vive Legal we review your documentation, prepare your case and support you through the TIE. See our student visa service.