Other Visa Types For More Than 90 Days
Temporary residency is the situation that authorises a stay in Spain for a period of more than 90 days and less than five years, for whic you can choose other types of visa. Authorisations for a duration of less than five years may be periodically renewed. In this case, following an application by the interested party, if the applicant meets the circumstances to grant it.
Student Visa
Anyone, regardless of age, can apply for a Spanish student visa as long as they are accepted into a recognized program of study. Even senior applicants are eligible, provided they meet academic requirements, demonstrate sufficient funds, secure health insurance, and intend to pursue genuine educational activities in Spain.
Main features of student visa
Purpose / Who is it for: For non-EU/EEA citizens who want to live in Spain to study, do research, or participate in training/educational programs at recognized institutions.
Work Allowed Limited: up to 30 hours per week part-time during studies, provided it doesn’t interfere with classes. Full-time allowed during official breaks/internships related to studies.
Minimum Income / Financial Means: Must prove sufficient funds to cover living costs (generally 100% of IPREM/month ≈ €600–€700 in 2025). Additional funds required per dependent.
Permits / Duration / Renewal: Granted for the length of the study program (usually 1 year), renewable annually if studies continue. Can switch to work/residence permit after studies under certain conditions.
Family / Dependents: Family reunification possible (spouse/children), but dependents cannot work unless they get their own permit. Extra income proof required.
Tax Implications: Students generally not taxed unless working and exceeding Spanish residency thresholds (183+ days). If tax resident, worldwide income applies.
Health Insurance: Private health insurance covering full stay required, unless already covered by public scheme or bilateral agreements.
Residency / Citizenship Path: Time on a student visa does not fully count toward permanent residency (considered temporary stay), but years may count partially toward citizenship depending on nationality.
Other Considerations / Restrictions: Must maintain enrollment and academic progress. Change of purpose (e.g., to work visa) possible after graduation. Losing enrollment = losing residency rights.
Application: At the Spanish consulate in your country of residence (or in Spain if already legally present, for extensions/renewals).
Procesing time: Typically 1–2 months, but can be quicker (2–4 weeks) depending on the consulate and program start date.
After arrival in Spain: Apply for residence card (TIE) within 30 days.
Two main types of Spanish Student Visas
They are based on education level:
| Type | For | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Higher Education Student Visa | University studies, master’s, PhD, official exchange programs | Usually valid for the length of the program (1 year, renewable) | Can often switch to work/residence permit after graduation |
| Other Education Student Visa | Language schools, vocational training, non-university courses | Same: tied to program length (up to 1 year, renewable) | Work options more limited, but still up to 30 hours/week part-time |
For updates
Here you’ll find the link to the Student VIsa at he Foreign Office, Consular Services
From Student Visa to Residency?
Time spent on a student visa (estancia por estudios) generally does not count towards the five years required for permanent residence. The student visa is considered a temporary “stay” for a specific purpose (education), not a pathway to long-term settlement.
The Indirect Path: Student Visa as a Stepping Stone
The main value of a student visa is that it allows you to be legally in Spain, which can make it easier to switch to a residence permit that does count towards permanent residence. The most common switches are:
- After Completing Studies: The “Job Search Visa” (Familiarmente conocida como “Búsqueda de empleo” o “Fórmate para quedarte”)
- Spain offers a 12-month (extendable to 24 months in some cases) permit for recent graduates from Spanish universities or recognized institutions to stay and look for work.
- Crucially, time on this job search permit also does not count for permanent residence. Its purpose is to give you a bridge to find a job.
- Switching to a Work Permit:
- This is the key step. Once you find a job offer that meets the requirements, you can apply to switch from your student visa or job search visa to a standard initial work permit (cuenta ajena).
- The clock for permanent residence starts ticking from the moment you are granted this work permit.
- Finding an employer willing to sponsor you and navigating the labor market test (proving no suitable Spanish/EU candidate is available) is the biggest challenge.
Exception for Highly Qualified Professionals
Under the Highly Qualified Professional regime, certain specific periods of residence for research or study can be counted at a 50% rate, but this is a complex exception with very specific criteria and is not the norm for a standard student.
Most Common Visas
For a more accurate information, you can click on the link to consular services and choose among the options by country they provide.
Investigation
Practicals
Self-employed
Working for a company
Entrepreneur
Highly Qualified Worker
Investor Visa (Golden Visa)
The Spanish Golden Visa program was officially terminated on April 3, 2025, meaning it’s no longer possible to obtain Spanish residency through investment in real estate or other assets under this program.
The program, which previously offered residency permits to non-EU investors, allowed for different investment routes, most commonly a €500,000 real estate purchase.
While the Golden Visa is gone, other visas, such as the Digital Nomad Visa and the Non-Lucrative Visa, exist as alternatives for individuals wanting to live in Spain.