Where you file changes everything
Under RD 1155/2024, a study stay for higher education can be filed from inside Spain by someone in a regular situation — on two conditions that rule out a fair number of people: being of legal age, and filing at least two months in advance. For other study routes, filing in-country is only open to someone who already holds a residence authorisation. Outside those cases the procedure runs through the consulate, before you travel.
How much you have to show
The rule is 100% of the monthly IPREM for each month of study. With the 2026 IPREM at €600/month, the arithmetic is direct:
On top of that, you must evidence the cost of the return journey.
Documents typically required
- Valid passport;
- Admission letter from an authorised institution, for an in-person, full-time course;
- Evidence of financial means (the arithmetic above);
- Health cover valid in Spain, without material waiting periods;
- Proof of accommodation;
- Where required: criminal record certificate and medical certificate.
The definitive list is always the one published by the consulate with jurisdiction over where you live. It varies more than people expect.
Timing: two months on each side
File at least two months before studies begin, and expect up to two months for a decision. The detail that catches people out is that administrative silence is negative: if the period lapses without an answer, that reads as a refusal, not an approval.
If this is not your route
Working remotely instead of studying? See the digital nomad visa. Living off passive income? See the non-lucrative visa. Compare everything on the visa comparison page.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need for a Spain student visa?
100% of the monthly IPREM for each month of study. With the 2026 IPREM at €600/month, a 12-month course means €7,200. You must also evidence the cost of the return journey.
Can I file the application from inside Spain?
It depends on the course. For higher education, RD 1155/2024 allows the application to be filed from inside Spain by someone in a regular situation, on two conditions: being of legal age and filing at least two months in advance. For other study routes, filing in-country is only open to someone who already holds a residence authorisation; outside those cases the procedure runs through the consulate.
How far in advance should I apply?
At least two months before your studies begin, unless you can justify a shorter window with concrete enrolment dates or an exceptional reason.
How long does a decision take?
The maximum period to decide and notify is two months. Note the trap: administrative silence here is negative. If the deadline passes with no answer, the legal reading is refusal, not tacit approval.
Can my partner or child come with me?
Yes. The first accompanying family member adds 75% of the IPREM, around €450 per month, to the financial means you must evidence.
Can the course be online?
No. The admission letter must come from an authorised institution, for a course that is in person and full time.
- RD 1155/2024 — Reglamento de Extranjería (BOE, consolidated text) in force since 20 May 2025
- RD 1155/2024, art. 54 — where the estancia por estudios application is filed (BOE)
- Ministerio de Inclusión — official estancia por estudios factsheet
- Ley 31/2022, DA 90ª — IPREM of €600/month, in force in 2026 by budget rollover (BOE)