Spain’s Student Visa Rules

At SGM Abogados, we believe in keeping you fully informed on legal changes that impact your life in Spain. As of May 20, 2025, Spain enacted significant modifications to its student visa regime. Here’s a clear breakdown of what non‑EU students and their families must know:

1. 🎓 Applications must now be submitted from the country of origin

You can no longer arrive as a tourist and apply for a student visa from within Spain. All applications must be submitted through a Spanish consulate in your home country.

2. 🧑‍🎓 Applicants must be over 18

The new rules specify that only individuals 18 years or older are eligible for a student visa; there is no upper age limit.

3. 📚 Course type affects duration and renewal options

• Language or non-higher education courses: Maximum of two years, with only a single renewal permitted.

• Higher education (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD): Qualify for potentially full-duration visas and may renew multiple times accordingly.

4. 📈 Language course renewals now require proficiency

To renew a visa for language studies, you must pass a recognized Spanish language exam (e.g., DELE, SIELE) or show you’re registered for one.

5. 💼 Work rights tightened

• Higher education students: May continue to work up to 30 hours per week.

• Language or vocational students: No automatic work rights; special authorisation is now required.

6. 🔁 Switching from study to work visas

Only those graduating from higher education programs can easily transition to work residency. Vocational or language program graduates cannot automatically convert their student visas into work permits.

7. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Restrictions on bringing family members

• Higher education students: May bring dependents (spouse, children).

• Language/vocational students: No dependents allowed.

🔍 Implications & Next Steps

• Applicants must apply early from abroad, not after arrival.

• Think carefully about the type of course you choose—it dictates visa length, renewal capacity, work rights, and family eligibility.

• For language course renewals, plan ahead to meet DELE or SIELE requirements.

• If your goal includes temporary work or bringing family, consider enrolling in a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD program.

Why Choose SGM Abogados?

These regulatory shifts are part of Spain’s broader Immigration Law revision, effective May 20, 2025. At SGM Abogados, we can help with expert guidance on the Student Visa.

• Maximizing work permissions and family inclusion,

• Seamless transitions to work or residence visas after studies.

📞 Planning a move to Spain to study? Bring your family with you? Want to work after your studies? Our offices in Benijófar and San Javier are ready to assist.

Contact SGM Abogados today to ensure your study and residency plans align with the new 2025 rules.