New rules for student visas in Spain in 2025
Do you dream of studying Spanish in Barcelona, Madrid or other Spanish cities? The new student visa regulations in Spain, which came into effect in May 2025, have significantly changed the application process. Understanding these changes is crucial for those planning an educational experience in Europe's most vibrant country. Get ready to discover everything you need to know about the new rules and how they affect your dream exchange.
What has changed in the Spanish student visa rules
The new regulations implemented in May 2025 completely transformed the process of applying for a student visa to Spain. The main change eliminates the possibility for language course students to apply for a visa directly in Spanish territory.
Key regulatory changes:
- Elimination of the local request: Language course students can no longer apply for a visa while in Spain
- Consular requirement: All requests must be made exclusively at the Spanish consulate in the country of origin
- Impact on renovations: New criteria for renewing and modifying existing visas
- Additional documentation: More stringent financial and academic proof requirements
These changes reflect the Spanish government's effort to better standardize and control migratory processes, ensuring greater legal security for both students and educational institutions.
How the new rules affect Brazilian students
For Brazilians interested in the program Study and Work in Spain, the new regulations require even more careful planning. The process now requires greater advance notice and rigorous documentary organization.
Specific impacts for students from Brazil:
- Processing time: Consular visas may take 15 to 30 business days for approval
- Consular documentation: Need to submit translated and apostilled documents in Brazil
- Financial proof: Requirement to demonstrate sufficient resources before traveling
- Compulsory health insurance: Minimum coverage of €30,000 valid throughout Spanish territory
Advance planning has become essential, especially considering that the Spanish consulate in Brazil has specific deadlines for scheduling interviews. Students must start the process at least 60 days before their scheduled travel date.
Step-by-step application process
The new student visa application process requires following specific steps to ensure hassle-free approval. Each step must be executed precisely and within the established time frames.
Mandatory documentation
Personal documents:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months
- Completed and signed request form
- Recent biometric photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm)
- Apostilled criminal record certificate
Academic documents:
- Acceptance letter from the Spanish institution
- Proof of payment of tuition
- Translated and apostilled school transcript
- Certificate of proficiency in Spanish (when required)
What is financial proof and why is it important
Financial proof is a fundamental requirement in the process of obtaining a student visa to Spain. This requirement exists to ensure that international students have sufficient resources to remain in the country during the entire period of study, without having to resort to unauthorized work or face financial difficulties.
In 2025, the minimum amount required by the Spanish government is equivalent to 100% of the IPREM (Public Indicator of Multiple Effects Income), corresponding to €600 per month of stay. To calculate exactly how much you will need to prove, simply multiply that amount by the number of months you intend to stay in Spain. For example, if your program Study and Work in Spain If it lasts 9 months, you will need to prove access to at least €5,400.
Accepted financial documents:
- Bank statements for the last 6 months in the name of the student
- Complete income tax return for the previous year
- Official bank letter confirming the availability of funds
- Proof of scholarship (when applicable)
- Parents' financial liability statement with proof of income
Financial documentation must demonstrate not only the availability of the resources, but also the legal origin of the amounts. Students under 25 years of age can provide financial proof from their parents, provided that it is accompanied by a notarized disclaimer.
Essential Tips for Visa Approval
Success in obtaining a Spanish student visa depends on meticulous preparation and attention to detail. Our experience shows that following these guidelines significantly increases the chances of approval.
Strategic documentary organization
Recommended schedule:
- 90 days earlier: Gather basic documentation and start translations
- 60 days before: Request a letter of acceptance from the Spanish school
- 45 days before: Schedule consulate interview
- 30 days before: Finalize documentation and financial proof
- 15 days before: Submit full application
Preparing for a consular interview
The consulate interview is a crucial moment in the process. Preparing properly demonstrates seriousness and commitment to studies.
Important aspects of the interview:
- Demonstrate knowledge about the course and institution chosen
- Clearly explain academic and professional objectives
- Present a detailed financial plan for staying in Spain
- Show links with Brazil that justify the return
Common mistakes that can cause negative
Knowing the main reasons for refusing a student visa helps avoid pitfalls during the application process. The experience of specialized agencies shows recurring patterns that lead to refusal.
Failures in financial documentation
Common problems:
- Insufficient values for the desired study period
- Bank statements with suspicious or very recent transactions
- Lack of proof of the origin of the resources
- Financial documents that are inconsistent with each other
Inconsistencies in the application
Other common denial reasons:
- Contradictory information between forms and documents
- Generic or poorly drafted motivation letter
- Lack of clear links with Brazil
- Irregular migratory history in other countries
Appeals in case of refusal
Even with careful preparation, some requests may be denied. Understanding the available resources allows for a second, more successful attempt.
Administrative appeal process
Applicants can appeal against the decision within 30 days, providing additional documentation or clarifications on questioned points. The appeal must be substantiated and accompanied by evidence that contradicts the reasons for the refusal.
New strategic request
In cases where the appeal is not feasible, a new request may be prepared based on the weaknesses identified in the first attempt. Waiting at least 90 days between requests demonstrates seriousness and allows time to strengthen documentation.
Be Easy
Na Be Easy, our team of experts closely monitors all changes in visa regulations for Spain, offering up-to-date guidance and full support throughout the process. We understand that the new rules may seem challenging, but our experience of more than a decade in the exchange market allows us to find the best solutions for each student profile. Contact us and discover how we can turn your dream of studying in Spain into reality, even with the new regulations!
