If you are from outside the EU and want to live in Spain for more than 90 days, a standard tourist visa simply won’t cut it. Fortunately, getting a Spanish Student Visa by enrolling in a language academy in Madrid is one of the most straightforward ways to make your long-term stay a reality.
Here is a quick breakdown of what you need to know to get approved.
The Course Requirements
You cannot just take a casual weekly class to qualify for a visa. The Spanish government requires you to enroll in a “full-time” program at an officially accredited educational institution.
20 Hours a Week: Your Spanish course must consist of a minimum of 20 hours of class time per week.
Official School: The academy must be officially recognized (such as being accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, like Academia Contacto).
Full Enrollment: You need to be fully enrolled and paid up for the entire duration of your requested visa before you apply.
Proving Your Finances
You have to show the consulate that you can afford to live in Spain without needing to find a job.
Currently, the baseline requirement is about €1100 for every month you plan to stay. For example, if you are coming for a 6-month course, you will need to show at least €6,600 in your bank account. You will need to provide official, stamped bank statements from the last few months—simple online screenshots are usually rejected.
The Paperwork & Insurance
Beyond your school acceptance letters and financial proof, you will need a few more essential documents:
Health Insurance: Standard travel insurance is not allowed. You must buy comprehensive, private health insurance from a company authorized in Spain, with no copays or deductibles.
Proof of Accommodation
A rental agreement or a letter from the school for a shared flat or from a host family proving you have a place to sleep when you arrive. You will need to book it for at least 4 weeks
For Stays Over 6 Months: If you are staying longer than 180 days, you will also need a clean criminal background check from the last five years (officially translated) and a signed medical certificate from a doctor.
Your Next Steps With Us
We know the visa bureaucracy sounds intense, but that is exactly why we are here to help. At our school in the heart of Madrid, we’ve guided countless students through this exact process.
Our Intensive 20 course is fully accredited and perfectly hits the 20-hour weekly requirement for your visa application. Once you enroll, our team quickly prepares all the official acceptance letters and payment certificates you need for your consulate appointment. We can even arrange your initial accommodation through our host families or shared apartments to satisfy your proof of lodging requirement.
Contact Us for more information, and let’s get your Madrid journey started!
