Everything you need to know before doing an exchange in Spain in 2025

Planning an exchange in Spain in 2025 requires meticulous attention to various aspects, from visa procedures to cultural adaptation. With the recent modernization of the Spanish immigration system and the European Union's new policies for non-European students, being well informed has become even more crucial. This detailed guide covers all the essential elements — from precise financial requirements to up-to-date work permits — to transform your dream of studying in Spain into a successful and enriching experience.

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Visa requirements for students in 2025

To study in Spain for more than 90 days, you will need to obtain a long-term student visa (study visa), issued by the Spanish consulate in Brazil. As of January 2025, the process became mostly digital, but it still requires the presentation of physical documents and personal attendance to collect biometric data. The average processing time is 30 days, but can extend to 45-60 days during periods of high demand (May-August). It is recommended to start the process at least 120 days in advance.

Essential documentation updated for 2025

1. Acceptance Letter: Official document issued by an educational institution recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education (with DIE code). The letter must specify:

• Full name of the course and weekly workload (minimum of 20 hours)
• Exact start and end date
• Total amount of the course and assessment system
• Full address of the institution and contact details

2. National Visa Application Form: VisESP-2025 form completed online and signed. Manually completed forms are no longer accepted since March 2025.

3. Valid passport: Valid for more than 6 months after the expected end of the course and at least two blank pages. Since January 2025, passports issued more than 10 years ago have not been accepted, even if they are still valid.

4. Recent photos: 2 photographs 3.5 x 4.5 cm with a white background, without glasses or props that hinder facial recognition.

5. Criminal Record Certificate: For stays longer than 180 days, issued by the Federal Police within the last 90 days, with the Hague Apostille and certified translation into Spanish (not accepted in English since 2025).

6. Medical Certificate: For stays longer than 180 days, attesting to the absence of diseases that pose a risk to public health, according to International Health Regulations. The document must have been issued within the last 90 days by a doctor registered with the CRM, with the Hague Apostille and certified translation.

7. Health Insurance: Minimum coverage of €30,000 for the entire period of stay, explicitly including medical repatriation and hospital care without deductibles. Policies issued by Brazilian insurance companies must have representation in Spain.

8. Financial Proof: Detailed documentation as explained in the next section.

9. Consular fee: €90 for adults and €45 for children under 12 (amounts updated in January 2025), payable only in cash or via the consulate's online payment system.

The program Study and Work in Spain offers expert advice on all of these requirements, including pre-approved document templates and personalized guidance to maximize your chances of approval.

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Detailed financial proof

Financial proof is a critical and often decisive element for the approval of the Spanish visa in 2025. The minimum amount required is equivalent to 100% of the IPREM (Public Indicator of Multiple Effects Income), which corresponds to €600 per month of stay. To calculate the amount needed, multiply €600 by the number of months you want to stay in Spain. For example, for a 9-month course, you will need to prove access to a minimum of €5,400.

Accepted methods of financial proof

1. Personal bank statements

• Current account or immediate redemption applications (blocked funds and investments are not considered)
• It is recommended to present a history of the last 3 to 6 months to demonstrate financial stability (the consulate analyzes the movement pattern, not just the current balance)
• Statements must be in Portuguese or English, with official Spanish translation if necessary
• The documents must be legalized or apostilled

2. Sponsorship letter from immediate family members

• Formal document stating financial responsibility
• Proof of kinship (birth or marriage certificate with The Hague Apostille)
• Sponsor's bank statements
• Proof of income (income tax return, payroll, pro-labor)
• Foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and, if appropriate, accompanied by an official Spanish translation

3. Scholarships or funding

• Official document of the granting institution
• Specifying values, periods, and conditions
• Official Spanish translation if the original document is not in that language

4. Combination of methods

• It is allowed to combine different sources of resources
• The documentation for each source must be complete
• The combined total must meet the minimum required

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Important aspects that are often overlooked

• The financial proof must correspond to 100% of the requested period of stay
• If the accommodation has already been paid in advance for the entire stay, this amount can be deducted from the total amount needed
• Recent large deposits with no clear origin may raise suspicion and result in denial
• Documents in Portuguese must be officially translated into Spanish
• Real estate, vehicles, and other non-liquid assets are not considered as financial evidence

The Spanish consulate carefully reviews the financial documentation to verify its authenticity and sufficiency. It is recommended to submit excess documentation, when possible, to increase the chances of visa approval.

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Living costs in the main Spanish cities (2025)

Spain maintains an excellent cost-benefit ratio for international students, especially when compared to countries such as the United Kingdom, France or Germany. However, the costs vary significantly depending on the location chosen. The table below provides a breakdown of the monthly costs in euros for the main Spanish cities in 2025:

*Accommodation in a shared room

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Breakdown of costs by category

1. Accomodation

• Student residences: €350-700 monthly, generally including water, electricity and internet. Many residences offer options with or without meals included.
• Shared apartments (shared flats): €250-700 monthly for a room, depending on the city and location. In Madrid, areas such as Moncloa and Argüelles are popular with students, while in Barcelona, Gràcia and Eixample are cost-effective neighborhoods.
• Homestay (living with a Spanish family): €500-800 monthly, generally including two daily meals and laundry. This option is excellent for cultural and linguistic immersion.

2. Food

• Budget supermarkets: Mercadona, Lidl, Aldi (approximate monthly budget: €150-200)
• Meal at a university restaurant: €5-8
• Menu of the day in common restaurants (menu of the day): €10-15
• Coffee: €1.20-2.50
• Beer at a bar: €2-3.50

3. Transportation

• Youth Transport Pass (Youth Transport Pass) in Madrid: €20 per month for children under 26, covering metro, bus and commuter trains
• Single metro ticket: €1.50-2.40, depending on the city
• Shared bicycles (municipal system): €25-40 per year

4. Communication

• Prepaid cell phone plan: €10-20 per month (operators such as Orange, Vodafone, Movistar, MásMóvil)
• Shared home internet: €10-15 monthly per person

5. Additional expenses to consider

• Books and academic materials: €50-100 per semester
• Health insurance: €60-100 monthly
• Cultural activities: Many museums have free admission on certain days/times
• Internal travel: AVE train tickets with a youth discount can start at €20 for trips between large cities

Medium-sized cities like Valencia, Sevilla, and Granada offer excellent quality of life at significantly lower costs than Madrid and Barcelona. For example, a student in Granada can save up to €400 monthly compared to Madrid, which represents approximately €3,600 over the course of an academic year.

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Work permits for students in 2025

Spanish legislation on student work has undergone significant changes in recent years, resulting in a more favorable framework for international students. Since the 2022 immigration reform (Royal Decree 903/2022), later expanded in 2024, students with a long-term visa can work up to 30 hours a week during the term of office, a substantial increase compared to the previous limit of 20 hours.

Updated bureaucratic procedures

1. Automatic authorization for new visas

• All NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) cards issued after August 16, 2022 already automatically include authorization to work
• It is not necessary to carry out any additional procedures before starting to work
• The permit is valid for all sectors of the economy

2. For NIE cards issued before August 2022

• It is necessary to apply for “compatibility with studies” at the foreign office (Oficina de Extranjería)
• Online scheduling through the MERCURIO platform (citas.administracion.gob.es)
• Required documents: form EX-12, passport, NIE card, proof of current enrollment
• Processing within 20-45 business days, with automatic approval if there is no response within this time

3. Important limitations

• Work activity cannot be the main purpose of the stay
• Work cannot interfere with studies (it is necessary to maintain a minimum frequency of 80%)
• The work permit expires automatically with the student visa

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Wage and working conditions

The interprofessional minimum wage (SMI) in Spain for 2025 is set at €1,184 per month for contracts of 40 hours per week (€8.87 per hour). This amount is spread over 14 annual payments (including two extra payments). By working the maximum allowable for students (30 hours per week), you can earn approximately:

• Weekly salary: €266.10 (before tax)
• Monthly salary: €1,064.40 (before tax)
• Tax withholding: 2%-19%, depending on total annual income and the application of conventions to avoid double taxation

Taxation for foreign students was simplified in 2024, with tax exemption on the first €6,000 a year for non-regular tax residents (less than 183 days in the previous tax year). This represents a significant advantage compared to Spanish workers.

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Sectors with the highest demand for Brazilian students

1. Hospitality and tourism

• Bars, restaurants, hotels, and tourist attractions
• Advantage for Portuguese and English speakers
• Average salary: €7.30-€10.50/hour, often with additional tips
• Examples of functions: waiter, receptionist, kitchen assistant, tour guide
• Hiring peaks: March-April (preparation for summer) and September (after the departure of seasonal workers)

2. Customer service and telemarketing

• International and multinational service centers
• High valuation of native Portuguese speakers
• Average wage: €9-€14/hour, often with productivity bonuses
• Possibility of flexible hours, ideal for students
• Companies like Teleperformance, Webhelp, and SYKES have offices in major cities

3. Technology and startups

• Expanding companies in Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia
• Entry-level roles in technical support, software testing, and digital marketing
• Average salary: €10-€17/hour for initial duties
• Technology Hubs: Barcelona Tech City, Madrid's B<IVE, Valencia Startup Capital

4. Language teaching

• Private language schools and private lessons
• High demand for Portuguese teachers (especially for business)
• Average salary: €12-€20/hour, with higher prices for private lessons
• Possibility to work without a formal contract (especially for private lessons)

5. App economy

• Food delivery (Glovo, Uber Eats, Just Eat)
• Personal shopping (Getir, Gorillas)
• Average income: €8-€15/hour, depending on efficiency and region
• Advantages: total flexibility of schedules, weekly payment

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Practical tips for finding work:

1. Prepare a curriculum in European format (Europass model)
2. Get the NIE And the Social Security Affiliation Number shortly after your arrival
3. Open a Spanish bank account to receive salaries
4. Sign up on the main employment platforms: InfoJobs, Indeed España, JobToday
5. Join specific Facebook and LinkedIn groups for Brazilians in Spain
6. Take advantage of the job fairs organized by Spanish universities
7. Invest in networking with local students and teachers

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Spanish educational system and academic adaptation

The Spanish education system has distinct characteristics that may pose an initial challenge for Brazilian students. Understanding these differences in advance will facilitate your academic adjustment.

Teaching and Assessment Framework

1. Academic organization

• Model based on the Bologna Process (European system)
• Academic year divided into two semesters: September-January and February-June
• ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) credit system, where 1 credit equals 25-30 working hours
• Typical weekly workload: 20-25 hours of in-person classes

2. Assessment methods

• Greater emphasis on continuous assessment (40-70% of the final grade)
• Group work represents a significant part of the assessment (30-50%)
• Oral presentations are common in virtually every discipline
• Grade system from 0 to 10, with 5 being the minimum score for approval:
  • Suspended (0-4.9): Disapproved
  • Approved (5-6.9): Approved
  • Notable (7-8.9): Good/Very Good
  • Outstanding (9-10): Excellent
  • Honor Enrollment: Exceptional distinction, limited to 5% of students

3. Teacher-student relationship

• Less hierarchical than in Brazil, with more informal treatment
• Teachers are generally accessible during tutoring hours
• Active classroom participation is often considered in the assessment
• Expected autonomy and student initiative

4. Academic resources

• University libraries with extensive collections and access to international databases
• Virtual platforms such as Virtual Campus or Moodle for materials and communication
• Specific tutors for international students at many institutions
• Language support services (reinforcement classes in academic Spanish)

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Cultural aspects and social adaptation

The exchange experience goes far beyond formal studies. Spain has a distinct lifestyle and social codes that may require a period of adaptation, even with its linguistic proximity to Portuguese.

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Important cultural differences

1. Pace of life and schedules

• Late lunch (14:00 - 15:00) and dinner very late by Brazilian standards (21:00 - 22:30)
• Shops often close between 14:00 and 17:00 in smaller cities (siesta)
• Nightlife starts and ends later (bars are full after 11pm)
• Punctuality is more valued in academic and professional settings than in social settings

2. Communication and social interaction

• Spaniards tend to speak louder and with more gestures than Brazilians
• Direct conversations are valued; “getting to the point” is not considered rude
• Moderate physical contact (kisses when greeting, touching during conversations) is normal
• Frequent use of “please” and “thank you” is essential, despite the direct communicative style

3. Regional diversity

• Spain is a country with strong regional and distinct cultural identities
• Co-official languages in several regions: Catalan (Catalonia), Basque (Basque Country), Galician (Galicia), Valencian (Valencia)
• Customs, cuisine, and even schedules can vary significantly between regions
• Political sensitivity about regional issues, especially in Catalonia and the Basque Country

4. Festivities and traditions

• Each city has its own annual “Fiesta Mayor” (patron saint's day)
• Important national holidays: Holy Week (March/April), Día de la Hispanidad (12/October)
• Important regional festivals: La Tomatina (Valencia), San Fermín (Pamplona), Feria de Abril (Seville)
• Academic calendar often adapted to local festivals

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Strategies for successful adaptation

1. Language preparation: Language proficiency is crucial for a complete experience. Even if your studies are in English, learning Spanish is essential to everyday life. The program Learning a language abroad offers targeted preparation before the trip, with intensive courses that develop practical language skills.

2. Diversified social network construction

• Participate in language exchange programs (language exchanges)
• Sign up for student associations and sports groups
• Explore apps like Meetup to find groups with similar interests
• Avoid the “bubble effect” of living only with other Brazilians

3. Adoption of local habits

• Try gradually adjusting your meal times to the Spanish standard
• Take an active part in local traditions and festivities
• Familiarize yourself with the social codes specific to your region
• Adapt to the more relaxed pace in social settings (la Española)

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Banking and financial systems in Spain

Establishing yourself financially in Spain is a crucial priority soon after your arrival, making it easier to manage daily expenses, receive salaries, and minimize conversion rates. The Spanish banking system is modern and digitized, but it presents important peculiarities for international students.

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Bank account opening

1. Types of accounts available for international students:

• Non-Resident Account: Available immediately with a passport, with no NIE required (recommended for the first few weeks)
• Foreign Student Account: Requires NIE and registration certificate, generally without maintenance fees
• Digital Account/Neobanks: Options such as N26, Revolut or Bunq that can be opened even before arriving in Spain

2. Required documentation (as of 2025)

• Valid passport
• Student Visa or TIE (Foreign Identity Card)
• NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
• Certificate of enrollment from the educational institution
• Proof of address in Spain (rental agreement or service invoice)
• Certificate of tax non-residence (for non-resident accounts)

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Local financial planning

1. Important initial expenses

• Security deposit for rent: generally 1-2 months of rent (€500-1,400)
• TIE issuance fee: €18.93 (amount updated for 2025)
• Public transport: Monthly pass €20-55, depending on the city
• Basic furniture: €200-500 if the apartment is not furnished

2. Economy in everyday life

• Mobile subscription: Operators like Digi, Simyo, and Lowi offer plans starting at €5/month
• Affordable supermarkets: Mercadona, Lidl, Aldi, Día have prices up to 40% lower than convenience stores
• Discount apps: TooGoodToGo for discounted food, Groupon for services

3. Spanish payment system and PIX

• Bizum: Instant transfer system between Spanish banks (equivalent to PIX)
• Contactless payments: Widely accepted, including on public transport
• Mobile payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay work at most establishments

4. Important precautions

• Notify your Brazilian bank about the trip to avoid card blockages
• Always keep an emergency fund accessible (recommended: coverage of 3 months of expenses)
• Avoid withdrawing money at non-bank tellers (independent ATMs) that often charge additional fees
• Plan transfers in advance, considering holidays and weekends

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Health insurance for international students

Health insurance is not only a mandatory requirement for obtaining a student visa, but an essential protection during your stay in Spain. As of January 2025, immigration authorities established stricter criteria for accepting insurance, requiring specific coverage and detailed documentation.

Minimum coverage requirements (2025)

1. Mandatory Specifications

• Minimum coverage of €30,000 for medical and hospital expenses
• Validity for the entire visa period (not just during the course)
• Coverage for the entire Spanish territory, without regional restrictions
• Sanitary and mortal remains repatriation in the event of death
• Emergency medical care without grace periods
• Direct service without the need for a subsequent refund
• Unilateral non-cancellation guarantee by the insurance company

2. Recommended additional coverages

• Emergency dental care (generally limited to €300-500)
• Medical transport within the country in case of emergency
• Extended stay due to convalescence
• Displacement of a family member in case of prolonged hospitalization
• Personal civil liability (minimum €60,000)
• Legal assistance

3. Hiring process

• Most insurance companies allow online contracting before arriving in Spain
• Required documents: passport, proof of enrollment, address in Spain (may be provisional)
• Payment generally annual, with the possibility of paying in installments in 2-4 times
• Visa cover letter issued immediately after hiring

4. Use of insurance

• Predominant system: accredited networks with direct service (without disbursement)
• 24-hour assistance line (check availability in English or Portuguese)
• Typical emergency procedure: contact the insurance company before seeking assistance
• Digital card available in apps

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The Spanish health system

The Spanish health system (Sistema Nacional de Salud) is recognized by the World Health Organization as one of the best in the world, ranked 7th in efficiency. International students do not have automatic access to the public system, except in life-threatening emergencies.

1. System structure

• Primary care: Health centers (Health Centers) for general inquiries
• Specialized attention: Hospitals and specialty centers
• Emergencies: Emergency services in public hospitals and the number 112

2. Pharmacies and medicines

• Identified by the green cross symbol
• Extended hours and 24-hour on-call system (on-call pharmacies)
• Many drugs that are sold without a prescription in Brazil require a prescription in Spain
• Government-regulated prices, with little variation between establishments

3. Mental health

• Limited coverage under most student insurance (check in detail)
• Universities generally offer free or low-cost services through psychology departments
• Organizations such as Psychologists Without Borders offer affordable care

4. Specific aspects for Brazilian students

• Vaccines: Check the need for an update before traveling (especially Hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, and Covid-19)
• Continuous medications: Bring a translated and legalized prescription for regularly used medications
• Allergies and pre-existing conditions: Bring a medical report translated into Spanish

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Emergencies and special situations

• Emergency number: 112 (equivalent to Brazilian 190/192, valid throughout the European Union)
• Consular emergency: +34 91 359 2992 (Brazilian Consulate in Madrid)
• Keywords in emergencies: “Emergency” (emergency), “I need an ambulance” (I need an ambulance), “Medical insurance” (health insurance)

In life-threatening emergencies, public hospitals are required to provide care regardless of the insurance situation, but subsequent costs may be charged if there is no adequate coverage. Always keep your insurance card and passport accessible.

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Student accommodation options

The choice of accommodation has a significant impact on both your budget and the quality of the exchange experience. The Spanish real estate market has particular characteristics that vary significantly between the main university cities, with average increases of 8.5% in rental values in 2024-2025 in metropolitan areas.

Accommodation modalities

1. Student Residences (University Residences)

2. Shared Apartments (Shared Flats)

Recommended neighborhoods for students

• Madrid: Moncloa, Argüelles, Ciudad Universitaria (proximity to universities), Malasaña and Lavapiés (cultural life)
• Barcelona: Gràcia, Eixample, El Raval (close to the center), Sant Andreu (cheaper)
• Valencia: Benimaclet, Blasco Ibáñez (university areas), Russafa (cultural)
• Sevilla: Triana, Alameda, Nervión (well located and safe)

Top search platforms (with analysis)

• Idealista: Higher volume of offers, interface in Portuguese, low booking fees
• Spotahome: Property verification, contracts in English, but higher fees
• Uniplaces: Specialized in student accommodation, 24-hour insurance to check the property
• Badi: Matching system with potential roommates, ideal for those looking for compatible companions
• HousingAnywhere: Financial protection against fraud, popular with Erasmus students

Important legal aspects

• Minimum contracts generally of 6 months (in some cities, possible contracts of 4 months)
• Security deposit: 1-2 months of rent (legally cannot exceed 2 months)
• Generally required documentation: passport/NIE, proof of income, or guarantor
• Problem clauses to avoid: excessive penalties for early departure, liability for structural repairs

3. Spanish family accommodation (Alojamiento en familia)

Specific advantages:

• Intensive language immersion (30-40% faster progress in the language)
• Helps with cultural adaptation and understanding local customs
• Support for practical everyday issues (local recommendations, emergency assistance)
• Possibility to experience family traditions and typical festivities

Selection process

• Detailed questionnaire on preferences, dietary restrictions and behavioral profile
• Prior video-calling with the family is recommended to assess compatibility
• Minimum period usually 4 weeks, with a discount for longer stays

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Practical tips for finding and securing accommodation

1. Recommended schedule

• 6 months ago: Initial search for neighborhoods and available options
• 4-5 months before: Reservation in student residences (high demand)
• 3-4 months before: Contact homestay agencies or search on online platforms
• 1-2 months before: Conclusion of contracts and payment of reservations

2. Warning signs to avoid fraud

• Prices significantly below the market average
• Request for transfers via Western Union or cryptocurrency
• Inability to check the property in person or by video call
• Landlords who claim to be out of the country and are unable to show the apartment
• Pressure for quick decision alleging “high demand”

3. Essential checks before closing a contract

• Confirm proximity to public transport (subway/bus stations)
• Check distance and time to the educational institution (ideal: maximum 30-40 minutes)
• Consult neighborhood reviews for safety and services
• Examine property conditions: soundproofing, heating, air conditioning
• Confirm inclusion/exclusion of services (internet, water, electricity)

4. Temporary accommodation for the first few days

• Budget hostels: €15-30/night (HelloBCN in Barcelona, Cats Hostel in Madrid)
• Airbnb for short periods: €35-70/night depending on the city
• Budget hotels like Ibis Budget: €50-80/night

5. Specific resources for Brazilians

• Facebook groups: “Brazilians in Madrid/Barcelona/Valencia” (targeted offers)
• Brazilian consulates maintain verified accommodation lists
• Brazilian student associations at universities often share vacancies

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Practical tips for a successful adaptation

The experience of studying in Spain goes beyond academic and bureaucratic aspects. To maximize your cultural immersion and make the most of this opportunity, consider these practical recommendations that many students discover only after weeks in the country:

1. Communications and technology

• Get a Spanish chip immediately upon arrival (economic operators: Digi, Simyo, Lowi)
• Configure essential apps: Google Maps with offline download of cities, Moovit for public transport, WhatsApp for local communication
• Electrical system: type C/F sockets (two round pins), voltage 230V/50Hz
• Specific apps: TusCitas (scheduling public services), ElTiempo (weather forecast), Glovo/Just Eat (delivery)

2. Urban and interurban transport

• Discounted transportation cards for students available in all major cities
• BlaBlaCar is very popular for trips between cities (€10-30 for medium trips)
• High-speed trains (AVE) offer significant discounts with Tarjeta Joven (€50/year)
• Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Vueling allow you to explore Europe for prices starting at €20 (one way)

3. Legal and administrative aspects

• Residence registration (Empadronamiento) is mandatory after 30 days and essential for various services
• TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) must be requested within the first 30 days
• NIE number is essential to open a bank account, sign contracts and work legally
• Always keep digital copies of all your important documents in a secure cloud

4. Health and well-being

• High sun exposure, even in colder periods — sunscreen is essential
• Significant climate variation between regions and seasons — prepare accordingly
• On-call pharmacy system (on-call pharmacies) for emergencies outside business hours
• Salud Responde app for non-emergency medical appointments

5. Social and cultural integration

• Explore university extracurricular activities, generally free or with minimal cost
• National museums usually have free admission at specific times (generally late hours of the day)
• Student associations such as ESN (Erasmus Student Network) organize regular events for integration

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Be Easy

A Be Easy specializes in turning your dream of an exchange in Spain into reality, offering personalized support at every stage of the process. Our team of specialized advisors has direct experience in the Spanish market, ensuring accurate guidance on documentation, educational institutions, and cultural adaptation. We offer full support from choosing the ideal program to its complete installation in the country, including reception services, local guidance, and ongoing support. Contact us today for a free consultation and discover how our exclusive Study and Work in Spain program can be adapted to your profile and objectives.

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