Keys to applying for a residence permit to study in Spain

How to apply for a residence permit in Spain to study? How to apply for a permit to study in Spain? What are the latest news for Hispanic-American students in Madrid? Are you a foreigner and would you like to study legally in Spain? From Gentile Law, expert lawyers in residence permits in Spain for studies and experts in Immigration, we tell you in the following article everything you need to know if you want to study in Spain and you need to apply for a residence permit for studies.

Madrid, the academic epicenter par excellence for South American students

What is the latest news for Hispanic American students in Spain? Last October, the President of the Community of Madrid, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, announced that the Public Fee Decree will be modified to reduce tuition fees at public universities for undergraduate and master`s degree students from Hispanic American countries by up to 85%.

While the exact date for the modification of the Decree has not been announced, it is expected to be applicable for the academic year 2024-2025.

With this change, tuition fees for Hispanic American students are significantly reduced, paying between 6 and 8 times less than what they currently pay. This brings the prices for European and Hispanic American citizens to a similar level, offering an unparalleled opportunity for young people looking to expand their studies in one of the most attractive cities with the best educational institutions in Europe.

What do I need to study in Spain?

How can I study in Spain legally if I am a foreigner? How long can I stay in Spain as a student? For those seeking to stay in Spain for a period exceeding 90 days for study purposes, it is necessary to obtain a study residence permit. Do you need a residence permit to study in Spain? At Gentile Law, lawyers specialising in study residency, we can help you obtain your residence permit in Spain.

What are the benefits of a study residence permit?

What are the advantages of obtaining a residence permit to study in Spain? The main benefits granted by the residence permit for study in Spain include the following:

• Access to prestigious academic institutions: Spain has numerous high-quality universities and schools in various disciplines.
• Right to work: the study residence permit allows for up to 30 hours of work per week.
• Family reunification: The study residence permit allows family members to live in Spain with the main applicant.
• Free movement within the Schengen Area: those who obtain the study residence permit can travel throughout the Schengen Area without the need for additional visas.

What are the requirements for obtaining a study residence permit in Spain?

What do I need to obtain a residence permit to study in Spain? What does a foreigner need to study in Spain? The requirements for applying for a study residence permit in Spain are as follows:

1. Not being a citizen or family member of a European Union, Swiss, or European Economic Area citizen.
2. Not being prohibited from entering Spain.
3. Having sufficient financial means to live in the country, equivalent to 100% of the monthly IPREM (approximately 8,000 euros).
4. Providing proof of admission to an authorized educational institution in Spain for full-time studies leading to the attainment of a higher education degree or certificate.
5. Having a valid health insurance policy with coverage equivalent to the Spanish public health system.

In case the duration of the studies exceeds six months, the following additional documents are required:

6. Federal criminal record certificates from the country or countries where the applicant has resided for the previous 5 years before entering Spain.
7. A medical certificate verifying that the applicant does not suffer from any infectious diseases, validated by the corresponding Medical Board.

What courses are valid for the student visa in Spain?

What types of courses are eligible for study residence permit? Not all courses grant eligibility for a study residence permit in Spain. At Gentile Law, expert lawyers in foreigners, we will tell you about them as follows. Eligible courses are those that lead to the attainment of a degree or certificate recognized by Spain (master`s degrees, undergraduate degrees, early childhood, primary and secondary education, vocational training, and language courses). Furthermore, the courses must meet the following requirements:

• A minimum of 20 hours per week.
• The studies must be carried out at an institution authorized by the Ministry of Education, registered in the Official Public Registry, or in the registry of the autonomous community in which the applicant a
• An official certification must be provided upon completion.
• The courses must be conducted in person or in a hybrid format.

Is it possible to work in Spain with a study residence permit?

Can I work in Spain if I have a residence permit to study in Spain? Yes, it is possible to work in Spain with a study residence permit, either as an unpaid intern or as an employee, provided that the weekly working hours do not exceed 30 hours.

Is it possible to stay in Spain after finishing the studies?

How long can I stay in Spain as a student? Can I live in Spain if I have finished my studies and I am a foreigner? Spain offers various options for remaining in the country after successfully completing the studies for which the study residence permit was granted. To learn more about this, we recommend reading our article: "What Visa Do I Need to Stay in Spain After Finishing My Studies?".

How to apply for a study residence permit?

What are the keys to applying for a residence permit to study in Spain? The application for a study residence permit can be made from the country of residence or from within Spain. Then, as specialists in the processing of residence permits for foreigners, we will analyze both options.

Option 1: Application Initiated in the Country of Residence.

• Submission location: Spanish Consulate in the country of residence.
• Resolution period: once the study visa application is submitted, the authorities have one month to issue a decision. If this period elapses without a response, it may be considered a negative administrative response (negative administrative silence).

After obtaining the study visa, it must be collected within two months from the notification and then entered into Spain.

Option 2: Application Initiated in Spain.

• Submission location: the application can be made online through the Immigration platform or in person at Immigration offices.
• Resolution period: once the application is submitted, the authorities have one month to issue a decision. If this period elapses without a response, it may be considered a negative administrative response (negative administrative silence).
• Time to submit: to apply from within Spain, the applicant must do so within 60 days of entering Europe.

Whether you choose option 1 or 2, once you have obtained the study residence permit in Spain, you will need to schedule an appointment for fingerprinting. After 30 days of being fingerprinted, you can collect your Foreigner Identity Card.

It`s important to note that the fingerprinting and application for the Foreigner Identity Card are only required for those with a study residence permit lasting more than 6 months. In other words, the second and third steps of the process are only applicable to those studying in Spain for more than 6 months.

Gentile Law, expert lawyers in residence permits

Now that you know the keys to apply for a residence permit in Spain to study, as well as its advantages and the requirements to study in Spain if you are a foreigner, at Gentile Law, expert lawyers in processing visas and residency in Spain and Europe, we understand the importance of study residence permits for international students and are committed to providing our clients with the best possible guidance, offering expert and secure assistance.

We have extensive experience advising international students in obtaining residence permits for study and as immigration lawyers purposes, ensuring a smooth process and providing them with the peace of mind they need to achieve their academic goals.

Would you like to study in Spain and need a residence permit for studies? Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information on how we can help you achieve your academic goals in Spain.