Visa requirements for students in Spain in 2025

To dream of an academic experience in Spain in 2025 it is essential to understand the visa requirements to ensure that your journey begins without obstacles. Let's explore everything you need to know to make your Spanish dream a reality.

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The Spanish visa application process in 2025

A student visa for Spain (study visa) is mandatory for those who wish to study in the country for more than 90 days. In 2025, the process requires the presentation of physical documents and personal attendance to collect biometric data. The Spanish consulates in Brazil are responsible for issuing this essential document.

The average visa processing time is approximately 30 days, but during periods of high demand (especially between May and August), this deadline may extend to 45-60 days. Therefore, it is highly recommended to start your request at least 120 days in advance of your intended travel date. The program Study and Work in Spain from Be Easy offers comprehensive guidance to ensure that you start this process at the ideal time.

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Essential documentation for a student visa

Proper documentation preparation is critical to the success of your request. Check out the updated list of documents required for 2025:

• Acceptance Letter: Official document issued by an educational institution recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education (with DIE code), specifying the full name of the course, weekly workload (minimum of 20 hours), exact start and end dates, total amount and evaluation system.
• Request Form: The VisESP-2025 form must be completed online and signed. As of March 2025, manually filled out forms are no longer accepted.
• Valid passport: Valid for more than 6 months after the expected end of the course and at least two blank pages. Attention: since January 2025, passports issued more than 10 years ago are not accepted, even if they are still valid.
• Photographs: 2 recent photos in 3.5 x 4.5 cm format with a white background, without glasses or props that hinder facial recognition.
• Criminal Record Certificate: For stays longer than 180 days, the document must be issued by the Federal Police within the last 90 days, with the Hague Apostille and certified translation into Spanish (no longer accepted in English since 2025).

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Complementary documents for the Spanish visa

In addition to the basic documentation, there are other important items that complete the student visa application process for Spain:

• Medical Certificate: For stays longer than 180 days, you will need to present a medical certificate confirming the absence of diseases that pose a risk to public health, in accordance with the International Health Regulations. This document must have been issued within the last 90 days by a doctor registered with the CRM, with the Hague Apostille and certified translation.
• International Health Insurance: It is mandatory to take out insurance with a minimum coverage of €30,000 for the entire period of stay. Insurance must explicitly include medical repatriation and hospital care without deductibles. Important: policies issued by Brazilian insurance companies must be represented in Spain to be accepted.
• Consular fee: The amount updated in January 2025 is €90 for adults and €45 for children under 12. Payment can be made only in cash or via the consulate's online payment system.

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Financial proof for the student visa

One of the most important aspects of applying for a visa is to demonstrate that you have sufficient financial resources to remain in Spain during your study period. Requirements for 2025 include:

1. Minimum required amount: For 2025, the minimum monthly amount is €800, totaling €9,600 for a 12-month course. This amount must cover expenses such as housing, food, and transportation.
2. Accepted forms of proof: Bank statements from the last 3 months, sponsorship letter accompanied by financial documents from the sponsor, proof of scholarship, or student funding approval letter.
3. Specific requirements for financial documents: Statements must be on bank letterhead, with official stamp or verifiable digital signature. As of January 2025, statements must show a history of at least 90 days with the minimum required amount consistently available.
4. Sponsorship statement: If a family member or third party is funding your studies, it will be necessary to submit a notarized sponsorship declaration, accompanied by documents that prove the family relationship and the financial capacity of the sponsor.

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Consular Scheduling and Interview Process

Scheduling for submission of documents and collection of biometric data is a crucial step in the process. In 2025, the system was updated to make this process more efficient:

• Online scheduling system: The marking is done exclusively through the digital platform of the Spanish consulate. Schedules are released monthly, generally on the first business day of each month.
• Documentation during the interview: All original documents must be submitted along with a simple copy. Copies will be retained by the consulate.
• Consular interview: During the service, the consular officer may ask questions about your study plans, knowledge about the institution, and motivation to study in Spain.
• Biometric collection: Includes digital photograph and fingerprints, which will be incorporated into your visa and registered in the Schengen system.
• Monitoring the process: After the interview, you will receive a protocol number to track the status of your online application.

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Deadlines and special considerations

Proper planning is essential to ensure that the entire process goes smoothly. Consider these deadlines and special situations:

• Deadline for starting the course: The visa is normally valid from 15 days before the start of the course. Planning the trip for this period avoids complications with immigration.
• Minors: Students under 18 years of age must present a travel authorization signed by both parents or legal guardians, with notarized recognition and The Hague Apostille.
• Students of online courses with an in-person component: Starting in 2025, hybrid courses with at least 60% of face-to-face workload are eligible for a student visa application.
• Visa extension: To extend your stay beyond the initially approved period, it will be necessary to request an extension with the Oficina de Extranjería in Spain, at least 30 days before the original visa expires.
• Change of educational institution: If you need to change institutions upon arrival, you must notify the Spanish authorities within 15 days and submit new documentation.

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Work permit for international students

One of the great advantages of studying in Spain is the possibility of working during the study period, allowing you to gain international experience and supplement your income:

• Right to work: Long-term visa students are automatically allowed to work up to 30 hours a week during the course and up to 40 hours during school holidays.
• Required Documentation: To work legally, you will need to obtain the NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) and apply for the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) after arriving in Spain.
• Average compensation: The average salary for students in 2025 is approximately 10 euros per hour, varying by city and sector.
• Sectors with the highest demand: Tourism, hospitality, technology, and customer service (especially for Portuguese speakers) are areas with good employability for international students.
• Paid internships: Many universities and language schools have partnerships with local companies that offer paid internships for international students, an excellent gateway to the Spanish labor market.

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Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Knowing the most common obstacles can help you avoid them during your visa application process:

• Incomplete documentation: It is the main cause of rejection. Use our checklist to ensure that all documents are correct and complete before the interview.
• Financial inconsistency: Suspicious bank transactions or recent large deposits may raise questions. Keep your financial history stable for at least 3 months before applying.
• Handout and certified translation: Many candidates forget these requirements. Remember that all official Brazilian documents require the Hague Apostille and a certified translation into Spanish.
• Inadequate insurance: Check that your insurance meets all the specific requirements required by Spain, including coverage for repatriation.
• Weak motivation letter: Investing time in a well-written letter that demonstrates your genuine interest and concrete plans for the period of study can make all the difference.

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Be Easy

A Be Easy is your ideal partner on the journey to study in Spain, offering specialized advice on all visa requirements, including pre-approved document templates and personalized guidance. Our team has extensive experience in the Spanish visa process and follows up on all 2025 updates, ensuring that your application is submitted as efficiently as possible. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step towards your academic experience in Spain!

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