How to get a student visa for Spain in 2025

Obtaining a student visa for Spain in 2025 represents an extraordinary opportunity for academic and personal development. With its rich cultural heritage, excellent educational institutions and enviable quality of life, Spain remains one of the most sought after destinations for Brazilian students. This detailed guide presents all the information you need to successfully navigate the Spanish student visa process, from updated requirements to practical tips to increase your chances of approval.

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Spanish student visa for 2025

The Spanish student visa (Visado de Estudiante) is the essential document for those who wish Study and Work in Spain for more than 90 days for educational purposes. This visa allows access to various programs, including university courses, master's degrees, doctorates, technical training, and language learning.

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Complete documentation required in 2025

Meticulous documentation preparation is critical to avoid delays or refusals in the visa process. According to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, all documents must be in Spanish or accompanied by an official translation.

Here is the detailed list of required documents:

• National Visa Application Form: Completely completed in legible handwriting and signed by the applicant (or by a parent, in the case of minors). The updated form for 2025 can be downloaded directly from the Spanish consulate's website.
• Recent photograph: A 3x4cm color photo with a white background, without dark glasses or accessories that make facial identification difficult. Technical specifications include dimensions of 26-35mm (width) by 32-45mm (height).
• Valid passport: Original and copy of the pages with biometric data. The passport must be valid longer than the entire planned period of stay, plus an additional 90 days. At least two consecutive blank pages are required. Passports issued more than 10 years ago are not accepted, even if they are still within their official validity.
• Proof of admission: Official letter from the Spanish institution confirming acceptance to a full-time program, specifying exact start and end dates (day/month/year), weekly workload (minimum of 20 hours for language courses), total course price and indication that the teaching will be in person. The letter must contain the institution code in the Register of Universities, Centers and Degrees (RUCT) for formal institutions or license number for language schools.
• Financial proof: Documents that demonstrate financial capacity to cover expenses during the entire stay. For 2025, the minimum amount required is equivalent to 100% of the IPREM (Public Indicator of Multiple Effects Income), which is €600 per month or €7,200 for one year. This proof can be done through:
  • Bank statements for the last 3 months with detailed transactions
  • Sponsorship letter from parents with supporting documentation of kinship
  • Proof of scholarship specifying the amount awarded
  • Proof of student funding
• Health insurance: Medical insurance policy with an insurance company authorized to operate in Spain, covering the entire period of stay. Minimum coverage must include all services covered by the Spanish public health system, including hospitalizations, without financial limitations, co-payments or grace periods. The amount of coverage must be at least €30,000.
• Criminal record certificate: For stays longer than 180 days, it is necessary to present a document issued by the country of residence in the last 5 years, duly apostilled (The Hague Apostille) and officially translated. This document is valid for 90 days from the date of issue.
• Medical certificate: For stays longer than 180 days, a recent medical certificate (less than 3 months) confirming that the applicant has no diseases with a potential impact on public health, according to international health regulations of 2005. The certificate must be issued by a registered physician, with an official seal, and must follow a specific model provided by the consulate.
• Proof of residence: Document that proves residence in the consular jurisdiction where you are applying for a visa, such as a public service bill, rental agreement, or declaration of residence issued by a local authority.
• Accommodation in Spain: Although not strictly mandatory for the initial application, documents that prove where you will be staying in the first few days in Spain significantly strengthen your request. This could be a hotel reservation for the first few weeks, a preliminary rental agreement, or an invitation letter from a friend/family member resident in Spain (with proof of identity and residence of the host).

For underage applicants, additional documentation includes authorization from both parents for international travel (notarized), birth certificate, and identification of the guardian who will accompany the minor to Spain.

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Detailed financial requirements

Adequate financial proof is a critical element in approving a Spanish student visa. The authorities need to ensure that you will have sufficient means to support yourself without resorting to unauthorized work or becoming a burden for the Spanish social assistance system.

For 2025, the required reference amount is based on the IPREM (Public Indicator for Multiple Effects Income), currently set at €600 per month. Applicants must demonstrate access to:

• For the main student: 100% of the IPREM monthly (€600) for each month of stay, or €7,200 for a full year
• For the first accompanying family member: additional 75% of the IPREM (€450 monthly)
• For each additional family member: additional 50% of the IPREM (€300 monthly)

For example, a student with a spouse and a child would need to demonstrate availability of €1,350 monthly (€600 + €450 + €300) or €16,200 for a full year.

This amount can be reduced by up to 30% if you prove that you have already paid for accommodation in advance for the entire period of your stay.

Accepted forms of financial proof include:

Own resources

• Bank statements for the last three months, demonstrating consistent transaction history
• Proof of income such as payroll (if you are a salaried employee) or income tax return (if you are self-employed)
• Documentation of investments that are liquid or easily convertible into cash

Family Resources

• Affidavit from the family member (normally father or mother) committing to finance the stay
• Documentation proving kinship (apostilled birth certificate)
• Bank statements and income receipts of the reporting family member
• Regular international transfer documentation, if applicable

fellowships

• Official document from the granting institution specifying the total amount of the scholarship
• Payment schedule, if applicable
• Scholarship terms and conditions

A common mistake that delays many requests is to submit only the final account balance, with no history of transactions. Consulates require transparency about the origin of funds, so it's essential to demonstrate financial stability over time, not just a recent single deposit.

Adequate financial planning must also consider the real costs of living in the different Spanish cities. In large centers such as Madrid and Barcelona, the average monthly cost for students includes:

• Accommodation: €400-700 (shared room) or €700-1,100 (individual studio)
• Food: €200-300
• Transportation: €40-60 (with student discount)
• Utilities and internet: €80-150
• Study material and miscellaneous expenses: €100-200

In medium-sized cities such as Valencia, Sevilla or Malaga, the costs can be 20-30% lower, especially in relation to housing.

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Step-by-step application process

The Spanish student visa application process follows a well-defined schedule that requires careful planning. For those who intend to start studies in September/October 2025 (typical start of the Spanish academic year), the ideal process would start like this:

6-8 months ago (March-April 2025)

• Search and choose program and institution
• Initiate contact with Spanish institutions
• Start gathering basic personal documentation

4-5 months ago (May-June 2025)

• Request formal admission to desired institutions
• Organize financial documentation
• Start the process of obtaining certificates (criminal record, medical)

3 months ago (July 2025)

• Receive a letter of acceptance from the Spanish institution
• Get international health insurance
• Request certified translations of documents
• Schedule an interview at the Spanish consulate

2 months ago (August 2025)

• Consular interview and submission of complete documentation
• Payment of consular fees (€80 for Brazilians in 2025)
• Wait for processing (20-30 business days)

1 month earlier (beginning of September 2025)

• Withdraw the approved visa
• Finalize travel and accommodation arrangements
• Make initial financial transfers

The official application process follows these steps:

1. Online scheduling: Schedule your interview through the Spanish consulate's scheduling system. Schedules open 4-6 weeks in advance and fill up quickly during high demand seasons (May-July). It is recommended to check the site several times a day when looking for an appointment.
2. Submission of documents: On the day of the interview, you must submit all original documentation accompanied by a complete copy. The documents must be organized in the order specified by the consulate, usually with separators or an index. Documents submitted later are not accepted, unless specifically requested by the consular officer.
3. Consular interview: The interview lasts approximately 15-20 minutes and includes questions about your educational objectives, choice of institution, career plans, and intention to return after your studies. It is essential to demonstrate knowledge about the chosen program and clarity regarding the reasons for the choice. Please dress formally and arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time.
4. Payment of fees: The consular fee must be paid at the time of the interview, generally in kind and in the exact amount (no change is provided). For 2025, the fee for Brazilian citizens is €80, but there may be additional costs for special services.
5. Follow-up on the request: Upon submission, you will receive a tracking code to verify online status. Avoid unnecessary contact with the consulate during processing, unless specifically requested.
6. Withdrawal of the visa: Once approved, the visa must be withdrawn in person within 60 days. Carefully check all the details on the granted visa (dates, name, type of visa) before leaving the consulate.
7. Post-arrival procedures: For stays longer than 180 days, you must request a Foreigner's Identity Card (TIE) within 30 days of arriving in Spain. This process is carried out at the Foreign Office (Oficina de Extranjería) of the province where you will be residing.

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Strategies to strengthen your request

A successful Spanish student visa goes beyond simply gathering basic documentation. To maximize your chances of approval, consider these effective strategies that demonstrate your seriousness as a student and reduce potential concerns from consular authorities:

Convincing motivation letter

A well-designed motivation letter can be decisive in the analysis of your profile. This document should highlight:

• Logical connection between your previous education and your desired course in Spain
• Specific reasons for choosing that particular institution and program
• Concrete examples of how the educational experience in Spain will contribute to your professional goals
• Clear plans for the return and application of the knowledge acquired

Avoid generic phrases or clichés. Be specific, authentic, and demonstrate knowledge about the institution and the Spanish educational system. Limit the letter to one page, but include substantive and personalized information.

Demonstrable links with the country of origin

The authorities are looking for guarantees that you will return to Brazil after completing your studies. Documents that prove strong ties with your home country significantly increase your chances:

• Current employment contract with temporary license letter
• Properties in your name or those of immediate family members
• Family businesses where you have a stake
• Documented family commitments
• Future enrollment in Brazilian institutions

Solid academic qualification

Your previous academic trajectory is an important indicator of the seriousness of your educational intentions:

• School/academic record with grades above average
• Certificates of relevant complementary courses
• Academic awards or recognition
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or employers

Language proficiency

Although not mandatory in all cases, proving prior knowledge of Spanish significantly strengthens your application:

• DELE Certificate (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language)
• SIELE Certificate (International Spanish Language Assessment Service)
• Proof of previous Spanish courses
• For programs taught in English, certified such as TOEFL or IELTS

Detailed financial plan

Go beyond the minimum required by presenting a detailed financial plan for your entire stay:

• Monthly budget specifying all expense categories
• Proof of financial resources 20-30% above the minimum required
• Contingency plan for emergencies or unforeseen expenses
• Clear documentation of the origin of the resources (salaries, investments, etc.)

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Specificities by type of educational program

The requirements and processes may vary slightly depending on the type of educational program you intend to carry out in Spain. Understanding these peculiarities helps you prepare a more targeted request:

Undergraduate and graduate university courses

For formal programs at Spanish universities (degree, master or doctorate), you will need:

• Prior approval of previous diplomas by the Spanish Ministry of Education or proof of initiation of this process
• Detailed academic documentation including history with workload
• For competitive programs, proof of a sufficient cutoff score
• For doctorate, preliminary research project and possible letter of acceptance from an advisor

Spanish language courses

For Spanish language study programs:

• Minimum of 20 hours of class per week to qualify for a student visa
• Enrollment at a school accredited by the Instituto Cervantes
• Minimum duration of 90 days to obtain a specific visa
• Basic level Spanish test may be requested for advanced courses

Language programs often offer flexible starting options (monthly or bimonthly) and can be an excellent gateway before starting formal studies.

Technical and professional programs

For professional training (Professional Training) or technical courses:

• Verification that the program is registered in the national catalog of professional qualifications
• Possible need for validation of related previous studies
• For regulated areas (health, education), additional documentation may be required
• Professional internship (internship) generally included in the program

These programs have an excellent reputation in the Spanish labor market and often include a significant practical component.

Exchange programs and academic mobility

For students participating in organized exchange programs:

• Documentation from the institution of origin proving current relationship
• Formal agreement between the Brazilian and the Spanish institution
• Study plan approved by both institutions
• Possible exemption from certain documentary requirements, depending on specific agreements

I work while studying

With a Spanish student visa, you can legally work up to 30 hours a week, as long as it's compatible with your studies. For 2025, the Spanish minimum wage is €8.87 per hour, resulting in potential earnings of approximately €940 per month working the maximum allowed.

The sectors that most employ international students include:

• Hospitality and tourism (especially in tourist cities)
• Customer service and international call centers
• Education (private lessons in Portuguese or English)
• Retail and Food Services
• Technology and startups (for students with specific skills)

To work legally, you will need to obtain the NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) and register with Spanish social security. Course-related internships (internships) are highly valued and can be remunerated or count as academic credits.

Cultural adaptation and everyday life

Adapting to Spanish life involves understanding some distinct cultural aspects:

• Schedules: The typical Spanish day starts later and ends later than the Brazilian one. Lunch between 14:00 and 16:00 and dinner after 21:00 are common.
• Siesta: Although less prevalent in large cities, many businesses close between 14:00 and 17:00, especially in smaller cities.
• Communication: Spaniards tend to be direct in communication and expressive in social interactions, with a voice volume generally louder than Brazilians are used to.
• Regionalism: Spain has strong regional identities, with co-official languages such as Catalan, Basque, and Galician in certain regions.
• Bureaucracy: Administrative processes can be complex and time-consuming. Patience and complete documentation are essential for dealing with public institutions.
• Public transport: Spanish cities have excellent public transport systems. The monthly transport pass costs between €30-€60 and offers discounts for students.
• Cheers: With your student health insurance, you will have access to the Spanish healthcare system, consistently ranked among the best in the world.

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Be Easy

Na Be Easy, we transform your dream of studying in Spain into reality through specialized and personalized support at each stage of the process. Our team of consultants with direct experience in the Spanish education system guarantees precise guidance, from choosing the ideal program to obtaining a visa and adjusting to the country. We offer complete assistance with documentation, preparation for a consular interview, and ongoing support throughout your international journey. Contact us today for a consultation and discover how we can facilitate your study experience in Spain in 2025!

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