If you are thinking of studying abroad and Spain is on your list of options, the first thing you need is the student visa in Spain.
For all those Venezuelans that we have had to emigrate, this visa represents more than a simple residence authorisationis the gateway to a experience of personal and professional growth.
However, we know that the process can seem complicated at first, with multiple requirements, documents and red tape. The good news is that with the right information and proper planning, applying for a student visa in Spain can be a much simpler process than you might think.
In this article, we will explain step by step how to do it, what documents you need, how long it can take and some useful tips to make your application a success. Read on and get ready to start your application. new phase in Spain!
What is a student visa in Spain?
The student visa in Spain is the permit you need if you want to live in the country while you are doing your studies at a university, school or other recognised educational establishment, whether public or private.
Basically, it is the document that allows you to to stay legally in Spain for the duration of your training.
If you are Venezuelanyou need to apply for it, since Spain considers us non-EU citizensi.e., we do not belong to the European Union (EU). This means that, unlike those who have European passportwe cannot enter and stay in the country for more than a year. 90 days without a visa.
On the other hand, if you have dual nationality and you have a passport of a EU countryyou don't need to apply for this visa; you can simply travel and enrol in the educational institution without restrictions.
Beyond the legal requirement, this visa gives you certain advantages. With it, you can not only study, but you can also internships, work up to 30 hours a week if you get authorisation and, in some cases, extend your stay when you finish your training to continue studying or even look for a job.
For the Venezuelans that we have had to emigrate, studying in Spain can be a great opportunity for growth. In addition to its quality education system, is a country with a large Latino community, which makes adaptation easier.
So if you are thinking of taking this step, read on because in the following sections we will explain everything you need to know in order to apply for your student visa in Spain Let's get on with it!
What types of student visas are there?
Depending on the length of your studies, there are two types of student visa in Spain. It is important to know which one you need to make sure you meet the right requirements.
Short-term Student Visa (91 to 180 days)
This visa is ideal if you are going to study in Spain for more than 3 months but less than 6 months. It is common for those who carry out intensive language courses, exchanges or short-term training. Some key points of this visa are:
- Does not allow for renewalIf you wish to continue studying after those months, you will have to return to your home country and apply for a new visa.
- Normally, the requirements are more flexible compared to the long-term visa.
- In some cases, you may need to submit the return air tickets as part of the application.
Long-term student visa (more than 6 months)
If your study programme lasts more than 180 days, you will need this visa. It is the one applied for by those doing a university degree, master's degree, doctorate or long-term vocational training courses. Key points about this visa:
- Allows you to apply for the Alien's Identity Card (TIE)which gives you a temporary residence permit in Spain.
- It can be renewed if you decide to continue your studies in the country.
- It allows you to work up to 30 hours per week if you obtain the corresponding authorisation.
When do you not need a student visa?
If your studies in Spain will last less than 90 daysno need to apply for a student visa. In that case, you can enter the country with a tourist visa (if you need it according to your nationality) and study without the need for additional permits.
It is important to assess the duration of your course before applying, as each visa has different requirements and limitations.
What are the requirements to apply?
If you want to study in Spain, there are certain mandatory requirements that must be fulfilled in order to obtain the student visa. It is essential that you gather all the documents in advance, as any errors or missing information can lead to delay your application.
Not being a citizen of the European Union
This visa is exclusively for people non-EU citizens, i.e. those that do not have nationality of a country of the European Unionas would be the case for Venezuelans.
If you are in any doubt about whether you can travel or study with your Venezuelan passportdon't miss our articles on countries that do not require visas for Venezuelans and on ETIASthe new compulsory authorisation.
Letter of admission to an educational institution
Before starting the visa processing, you must be admitted to a course or study programme in Spain. To prove it, you need to present the official letter of acceptance of the university or educational institution where you will study.
If you are going to do higher studies such as a master's or postgraduate degreeyou may be asked to provide the approval or apostille of your Venezuelan baccalaureate diploma and university.
Demonstrate sufficient funds
You must prove that you have enough money to stay in Spain without having to work. For this purpose, it is required to have at least the 100% of the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples), which is equivalent to some 600 per month. You can demonstrate this in a number of ways:
- Bank statements in your name.
- Letter of sponsorship if a family member will cover your expenses, accompanied by their financial documentation.
- Scholarship if you have one.
- If your stay will be for one or two years, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds for the whole period.
Health insurance with full coverage
It is compulsory to have a sprivate or public health insurance that covers your entire stay in Spain. It should offer comprehensive coverage, including hospitalisation and repatriation.
No criminal record
If you are of legal age, you must present a criminal record certificate that proves that you have no charges in Venezuela or in any other country where you have resided in the last five years. This document must be Apostilled and translated into Spanish if necessary.
Medical certificate
You must submit a certificate issued by a doctor confirming that you do not suffer from diseases that represent a risk to public health, according to the International Health Regulations 2005.
Proof of accommodation in Spain
It is necessary to demonstrate where you will live during your stay. You can present a reservation in a student residence, a rental contract or a letter of invitation if you will be staying with a relative or friend.
Air tickets (for short-stay visas)
If your stay will be less than 6 monthsyou must also include the return air tickets.
Visa application form
Finally, you must complete and sign the model EX-00which is the official application form for the student visa.
Remember that all documents must be legalised and translated into Spanish if they are in another language. Having everything ready in advance will make your application is quicker and simpler.
Steps to follow to apply for your visa
Once you have all the documents ready, it's time to submit the application. Although it may seem like a complicated procedure, The process is actually quite simple if you follow the right steps.
Where and how to apply?
There are two main ways of apply for a student visa in Spain:
- From your home country: you must go to the Spanish Consulate that corresponds to your place of residence. It is important to make an appointment and keep all documents in order.
- From Spain: if you are already in Spain with a tourist visa or other legal permit, you can apply for the student visa directly at the Aliens Office.
Please note, however, that you cannot apply by email. Someone must go in person to the consulate or the foreigners' office to present the documents.
Can I send someone in my place?
If you are not able to apply in person, you have the option to appoint a representative to do it for you. To do this, you will need to give it a notarial approval, allowing him or her to carry out the procedure on your behalf.
How long does the response take?
The waiting time is relatively short. Once you submit your application, you will receive a response within one working day. maximum period of one month. However, in some cases it may be quicker, depending on the consulate or immigration office where you apply.
For this reason, it is advisable to do the application in good time to avoid setbacks and make sure you get your visa before the start date.
As we can see, applying for a student visa in Spain is a fairly straightforward process if you follow the right steps and gather all the necessary documentation. Although it may seem a little complicated at first, taking into account the key requirements and the type of visa you need, will help you to do everything in an organised and efficient way.
Remember that whether you need a short or long term visa, the most important thing is to plan ahead, collect the right documents and submit the application at the appropriate place.
At CuriaraWe hope we have helped you in this process and we encourage you to take the next step with confidence. We know that this is just the beginning of a new life full of learning, growth and new experiences, and we wish you every success on your journey!
Curiara, uniting families.
