Spain continues to be a top destination for international students looking to pursue academic, professional, or language studies. But what happens if you’re already in Spain as a tourist and want to switch your status to that of a student?
In light of the updated Immigration Regulations coming into force on May 20, 2025, here’s what you need to know about applying for a student visa while in Spain.
Yes, under certain conditions, non-EU nationals may apply for a student visa from within Spain — even if they entered as tourists. However, it’s crucial to meet specific timing and eligibility requirements to avoid issues with your application.
Two essential timelines now apply when requesting a student residence permit from within Spain:
Your Tourist Stay:
You must submit your application while you still have at least 60 days of legal stay remaining. For example, if you entered with a 90-day tourist allowance, you should apply within the first 30 days of your arrival.
Start of Your Studies:
Your application must be submitted at least two months before your course begins. If you don’t meet this condition, your application could be rejected outright — and unfortunately, these types of errors usually can’t be corrected through appeals.
Proper planning is essential. Failing to apply within both of these timeframes may lead to denial of your student visa application.
To qualify for a student residence permit, your studies must fall under approved categories such as:
University degrees (undergraduate, master’s, or doctoral programs)
Advanced or specialized healthcare training
Technical certifications or professional habilitation
Authorized programs that lead to professional qualifications
Please note that only certain types of training can be applied for from within Spain — especially if you are doing so as a tourist. Make sure the program you’re considering is eligible before submitting your application.
To apply successfully, you must meet the following criteria:
Admission to an accredited institution, either public or private
Financial means to support yourself during your stay, equivalent to 100% of Spain’s IPREM (€600/month in 2025)
Health insurance (public or private) that is valid in Spain and covers all risks commonly insured for nationals
If your studies will last more than six months, you’ll also need to:
Provide a medical certificate stating you’re free of diseases with public health implications
Submit a police clearance certificate from your home country if you’re over 18
Your application must be submitted to the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in the province where you intend to study. You can apply:
In person
Through a legal representative. Write to us at info@sternaabogados.com.
Electronically via the Mercurio platform
Once submitted, the authorities will review your application and issue a resolution. If approved, you’ll need to request your physical residency card (TIE) at the local police station. If denied, you may appeal — but again, appeals cannot fix issues related to timing or eligibility.
During the 2021/2022 academic year, Spain’s universities — both public and private — hosted a total of 224,080 foreign students. Of these, 53,858 were enrolled through international mobility programs, representing both male and female students from abroad.
Source: Studying-in-Spain.com
Applying for a student visa from within Spain as a tourist is possible, but only if you’re well-prepared and meet all the regulatory requirements. With the new rules now in effect, it’s more important than ever to have a clear understanding of the process and timeline.
If you need help for your student visa application, write to us at info@sternaabogados.com.
Our experienced legal team can guide you through every step and ensure your application is submitted correctly and on time.