Everything You Need to Know About the Student Visa in Spain in 2025

I'm here with you to share everything you need to know about Spain’s student visa in 2025.
As we enter the new year, a number of changes are expected in the student visa landscape, and I want to make sure you're up to date with all the crucial details. So, let’s dive in!

What is a Student Visa in Spain?

A student visa is your official permit to study in Spain. Whether you want to attend a language school, pursue a master's degree, or enroll in a university program, the student visa allows you to live in Spain while studying.

You can apply for the visa either from within Spain or through the Spanish consulate in your home country.

But why choose the student visa over other options? Because it's one of the easiest routes to residency in Spain! Unlike the digital nomad visa, which requires proof of remote work, or the investor visa, which demands significant financial investment, the student visa has more accessible requirements.


Why Apply for a Student Visa?

The main attraction of the student visa is its simplicity. For instance, if you're planning to study in Spain, all you need is to show:

• €8,000 in your bank account (to prove you have enough financial means to live in Spain for a year)
• Proof of enrollment in a recognized educational institution
• Proof of health insurance

These requirements are straightforward compared to other types of visas. Once you meet these conditions, you can obtain your visa and start studying in Spain.

After one year, it's possible to modify your visa to another type (like a work permit or residence visa), without having to leave the country.


Why Spain is a Top Destination for Students

Spain has become one of the most popular destinations for international students, and for good reason:

• Affordable and High-Quality Education: Education in Spain is well-regarded worldwide, offering a great balance of quality and cost. You can find top universities and language programs with fees that are significantly lower than in other European countries.

• A Wonderful Lifestyle: Spain’s sunny climate, delicious food, and welcoming culture make it an attractive place to live. The lifestyle here is very laid-back, and locals are known for their hospitality.

• International Environment: With an increasing number of international students every year, Spain is becoming even more multicultural, which is great for networking and forming global connections.

What’s New in 2025?

If you're planning to study in Spain, here’s what you need to know for 2025:

Choosing the Right Program
You must ensure the program you wish to enroll in is eligible for a student visa. While many courses qualify, not all do. For example, some programs at universities in Madrid or Barcelona may qualify, but newer courses in emerging fields like AI or engineering might not. Make sure your course is approved by Spain’s Ministry of Education.

Start Dates Matter

The time of year you start your studies will influence when you need to apply for your student visa. Universities typically begin in September or October, while master's programs might start in January or February.
Language courses often have rolling intakes, so you can start nearly any month of the year.

Living Costs: Housing and Rent

The most significant cost you’ll face in Spain as a student will be rent. Housing prices vary depending on the city, but generally:

• Shared rooms in Barcelona or Madrid start at around €500-€600 per month.
• Private apartments in these cities typically range from €800 to €1,200, depending on location.
• Outside city centers, you can find slightly cheaper options, but they will still be a significant part of your budget.

If you're on a budget, you might want to consider sharing accommodation, but even shared rooms in some areas can be expensive (around €800 per month for a room in a shared flat).

Tuition Fees
Tuition fees in Spain vary by city and institution, but generally:

• Language courses can range from €3,000 to €7,000 per year. For example, in Barcelona, where there’s more competition, you might pay €3,000 for a year of Spanish classes. But in places like Tenerife, where there are fewer schools, tuition could be as high as €7,000.
• University fees for a bachelor’s degree are usually between €1,000 and €2,000 per year for EU students, but international students can expect to pay more.

Budgeting and Living Expenses
Other living expenses like food and utilities are typically more affordable in Spain than in countries like Germany or the UK. On average, you can expect to spend:

• Food: Around €200-€300 per month
• Utilities (electricity, internet, etc.): Around €50-€100 per month
• Transportation: Public transport is relatively cheap, with monthly passes starting at €40-€50 in most cities.

You can compare costs between your home country and Spain using websites like Numbeo to get a better idea of what to expect financially.


Top Courses for International Students in Spain

Every year, over 224,000 international students come to Spain. The most popular fields of study include:

• Business and Management
• Engineering
• Languages
• Law
• Medical Sciences

While Spain has a lot to offer academically, it’s also important to consider your career path. After finishing your studies, finding a job might take time. Spanish employers value local education, so internships and networking are key to securing a job post-graduation.


Working While Studying in Spain

The student visa allows you to work up to 30 hours per week. However, it’s important to manage your expectations, as many students take on basic jobs (like waiting tables or working in retail) that don't require advanced skills.

If you’re studying in Spanish, you may have better luck in customer service or call centers, which are abundant in cities like Barcelona and Madrid (many of which are linked to global companies like Booking.com, Facebook, and TikTok). But if you don’t know Spanish, your job opportunities will be limited, and you may need to focus on language courses before looking for work.

If you already have a remote job, you might want to consider applying for a Digital Nomad Visa instead of the student visa, as it will allow you to work full-time while living in Spain.


Family and Visa Changes After May 2025

A significant change to Spain’s immigration laws will take effect after May 20, 2025. If you plan to bring family members with you, you’ll need to apply for your visa from the Spanish consulate in your home country. This applies to spouses, children, and dependents. Before May 2025, you could apply for a family visa from within Spain, but after this date, you’ll need to start the process abroad.


How to Apply for a Student Visa

The application process for a student visa may seem simple, but it involves several steps, so make sure you’re prepared:

• Choose your program and educational institution.
• Secure housing and have proof of your living arrangements.
• Open a Spanish bank account and deposit at least €8,000 to prove financial stability.
• Purchase health insurance for the duration of your stay.
• Submit your application either through the consulate or within Spain (if applicable).
• Provide the necessary documents like proof of admission, medical records, a non-criminal background check, and translated copies of your certificates.

My Personal Journey and the Changes in Visa Regulations

When I first arrived in Spain ten years ago, I came as a student studying architecture. At that time, I faced challenges with visa renewals, constantly reapplying each year. After completing three years of study, I switched my visa to an entrepreneur visa, as I started my own business.

Back then, the process was much more complicated. But today, the system has changed significantly, making it easier for international students and entrepreneurs to stay in Spain and plan their futures.


Key Changes in Student Visas for 2025

1. Long-Term Student Permits: One of the most exciting changes is that students no longer need to apply for a student visa every year. Instead, you can apply for a student visa that will cover the full duration of your studies at a Spanish university or language school. The only thing you need to renew annually is your residency card.
2. Easier Transition from Student to Work Visa: Another important update is the ability to modify your visa more easily after one year. If you're studying here, you don’t have to wait for three years to switch to another visa type like I did. You can already modify your visa to an entrepreneur, work, or startup visa within a year. This makes it easier for you to continue building your life in Spain beyond just being a student.

The Path to Permanent Residency and Spanish Citizenship

If you decide to stay in Spain long-term, there’s a clear pathway to citizenship. After ten years of living in Spain, you can apply for Spanish citizenship. However, if you entered Spain as a student, those first three years don’t count toward the ten-year requirement. So, if you’re planning to stay, your student years will essentially “pause” the clock for your citizenship application.

The good news is that after one year as a student, you can modify your visa to a work or entrepreneur visa. This will start counting toward your ten years for citizenship. Plus, Spain now offers new visa options, such as the digital nomad visa and startup visa, which were not available a few years ago.


How to Plan for Your Future in Spain

If you want to stay in Spain after your studies, it’s important to plan ahead. Don’t wait until the last minute to figure out what comes next. Think about how you’ll extend your stay, what type of work visa or business visa you might apply for, and how you’ll support yourself.


Student Visa Options in 2025

Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common student visa options in Spain:

Language School Visa (Valid Until May 2025):

• If you want to study Spanish at a language school, you can apply for a student visa to stay for up to one year. You can even extend this visa for another year.
• After that, you’ll need to decide what your next step is. How will you modify your visa? Do you have a plan for continuing your education or finding work?

University Student Visa:

• If you plan to study at a university, you can apply for a student visa that covers the entire duration of your degree program.
• Once you finish your studies, you’ll have one year to search for a job. During that year, you can apply for a work visa, which will allow you to continue living and working in Spain.

Work While Studying: What You Need to Know

• If you're studying at a language school, your student visa will not authorize you to work. However, there are some exceptions, and some employers might be flexible about hiring students for internships or part-time jobs.
• On the other hand, if you're studying at a university or business school, your visa will allow you to work up to 30 hours per week during your studies.

Bringing Your Family: What to Consider

If you’re planning to bring your family with you, you can do so—but make sure to apply for the proper permits before May 20, 2025. After this date, the rules for family reunification may change, so it's essential to get this right early.


What’s Next? Tips for Your Student Journey in Spain

Here are a few key points to remember if you’re coming to Spain as a student:

• Think Ahead: The time flies quickly. After one year, you’ll need to decide how to modify your visa or extend your studies. Start planning early.
• Understand Your Visa Options: Whether you come as a student, digital nomad, or entrepreneur, make sure you know what’s possible and what you’ll need to do next.
• Prepare for Your Future: Spain offers plenty of opportunities for those who plan ahead. Think about how you’ll live in Spain for the long-term, and what type of visa you’ll need to stay.

Key Points about Student Visas in Spain (2025)

• You can apply for a student visa for language courses until May 2025. The visa is valid for one year, and you can extend it for another year.
• University students can apply for a visa that covers the entire length of their studies.
• After completing your studies, you can modify your visa to a work visa and start your job search.
• Student visas for language schools do not grant work rights, but university students can work up to 30 hours per week.
• Family reunification is possible but needs to be done before May 2025.

How We Can Help

At Dream Life Spain, we help students and entrepreneurs navigate the process of obtaining student visas, finding housing, opening bank accounts, and more. If you want to make your dream of studying and living in Spain a reality, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Feel free to contact us for more information or if you need assistance with your visa application and settling into Spain.