Your ultimate Spanish student visa checklist

Looking to teach English in Spain? You’ll need to study and gain an all-important TEFL qualification. But first, to make the move to Spain, you’ll need to secure a Spanish student visa. 

We’ve got your back. Here’s our Spanish student visa checklist, giving you an insight into all the documents to gather before you start the process.

And don’t forget… we offer a dedicated Student Visa Programme, so we’ll help you every step of the way.

What documents do I need for a Spanish student visa?

In order to be eligible for a student visa in Spain, you’ll need to supply the following:

• Passport

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your projected stay in Spain. For example, if you’re signing up for a 12 month TEFL course, you ideally need a passport that will be valid for at least 18 months. If in doubt, contact us at TEFL Iberia.

You’ll also need a photocopy of your passport details page. That’s the page with your photo and passport number.

• Two passport photos

These should be in line with all passport standard requirements. So, they should be standard passport size, taken in colour against a light background, with nothing concealing your face. Here are the passport photo guidelines for the US, and the passport photo guidelines for the UK. 

• Application form

Download the Spanish visa application form here. Take your time to fill it out and make sure to include all details – most rejections are due to omissions or mistakes. Here’s an example copy of the application form with guidance notes.

• Proof of course acceptance

You’ll need an original and a copy of your course acceptance letter proving enrollment with a place of study in Spain. At TEFL Iberia, we provide this once you’re accepted onto one of our courses.

• Criminal record check certificate

Spanish student visas require a criminal background check. This applies across every country you’ve lived in over the past five years. Criminal record check certificates need to be dated within 90 days of your arrival in Spain. They also need to come with an official translation in Spanish – here’s the official list of sworn translators and our recommended sworn translator. You can also contact translator Susana Garcia directly at info@traductorjurado.org. Susana offers a 10% discount for TEFL Iberia students.

The criminal check process varies from country to country

• How to apply for an ACRO check in the UK.
• How to apply for an FBI criminal background check in the US.
• How to apply for a National Police check in Australia.
• How to apply for an RCMP check in Canada.
• Proof of course payment

Your course provider will send you proof of payment once you have paid for your course. You’ll need this when you attend your visa appointment.

• Medical certificate

This is a letter from a health practitioner signifying that you’re in good health. Known as the 'certificado médico', it should be dated within 90 days of your arrival in Spain and  accompanied by a sworn translation into Spanish. 

At TEFL Iberia, we can provide detailed advice on getting a medical certificate. We can even give you a template in Spanish and English for your doctor to sign. Contact us to find out more.

• Health insurance

You need to purchase health insurance from an insurance provider authorised to operate in Spain. The policy must cover all risks insured by Spain's public health system and cover the duration of your stay. You’ll need an original and a copy of the health insurance certificate.

We recommend using Atlantida Health Insurance. Contact Lluis Lopez directly at llopez@atlantida.net for an exclusive health insurance discount for TEFL Iberia students.

• Proof of financial means 

To be eligible for a Spanish student visa, you’ll need to show that you have enough money to cover costs during your course. Living costs are calculated using the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples). 

The IPREM for 2025 amounts to €600 per month or €25 per day. To demonstrate that you can afford this level of living costs you’ll need to provide six months worth of printed bank statements. This includes a sworn translation into Spanish. Again, find our recommended sworn translator here, or contact Susana Garcia directly at info@traductorjurado.org  for a 10% discount for TEFL Iberia students.

• Proof of address in your home country 

This is to prove your legal residence and to make sure you are currently living within the jurisdiction of the consulate in which you’ve applied. 

• Immigration status (US only)

Those who are currently living in the US but are not US citizens will need to provide a Green Card or a valid US student visa, together with photocopies.

Spanish student visa FAQs

How much does a Spanish student visa cost?

The fee for a Spanish student visa is currently €60 for most nationalities. However, the fee is $160 for US citizens (around €142€). 

The application fee is non-refundable, so it’s important to ensure you’ve got all the right documents and that your application is filled in correctly. At TEFL Iberia, our Spanish student visa service helps you with every step of the process to make sure you’ve got the best possible chance of having your application accepted.

How long does it take to process a Spanish student visa?

It generally takes between two and three months to process a student visa application in Spain. We recommend starting the process at least three months before you’re due to start your course. Making and waiting for your appointment at the consulate while gathering your documents usually takes a month to two months. 

Once you’ve made the application, it generally takes a month for the consulate to approve your visa.  

How long can I stay in Spain on a student visa?

The long-term Spanish student visa allows you to live, study and work in Spain for up to 12 months.

Can I renew it when it runs out?

Yes, but under new rules that come into force in 2025, you’ll only be able to renew your student visa once.

Read our guide on Spanish student visa rule changes in 2025 for more information.

At TEFL Iberia, we provide expert advice and peronsalised guidance throughout the entire visa and enrollment process. 

Contact us today!