It authorises you to stay in Spain to take higher education or post-compulsory secondary studies, training, research, student exchanges or work placements, when the duration exceeds 90 days.
Under the Regulation approved by RD 1155/2024, the authorisation to work is built into the higher education student stay itself: there is no need to apply for a separate work permit.
- Foreign nationals admitted to a recognised educational institution in Spain for a full-time programme.
- Those already in Spain legally can apply for it or extend it without leaving the country.
- Admission or enrolment at an authorised educational institution, on a full-time programme. Blended learning is accepted provided at least 50% is face to face.
- Sufficient financial means for the stay and the return trip (usual reference: 100% of the monthly IPREM, around €7,200 a year, adjusted to the duration).
- Public or private health insurance with cover in Spain.
- No criminal record where the stay exceeds six months.
- Medical certificate where the stay exceeds six months.
- If the student is a minor, authorisation from the parents or guardians.
Official form EX-00, completed and signedIn duplicate (original and copy) if you file it on paper. Always download it from the Ministry website so you use the current version.Official link Full passport, validA copy of every written page (including blank ones if the office asks for them) plus the original for checking. Many procedures require at least 4 months of validity. Proof of payment of fee form 790 code 052It is generated and filled in on the official fee website, paid at a bank or online, and submitted as the stamped copy.Official link Admission or enrolment letter from the institutionIt must state the programme, the dates, the number of hours and the format. Evidence of financial meansBank certificates, a grant stating the amount and duration, or documents from whoever covers your expenses together with proof of the family tie. Health insurance with cover in SpainPublic or private, with no co-payments or waiting periods, valid for the whole period applied for. Criminal record certificateFrom the countries where you have lived in the last 5 years, issued by the authorities of that country, legalised or apostilled and translated into Spanish. Medical certificate if applicable Only if the stay applied for exceeds six months.Documents on accommodation if applicable Rental contract, university hall of residence or invitation letter, if required.
Application for a long-stay authorisation (studies) and extensions
Always download the form from the Ministry website: the templates are updated and offices reject outdated versions.
| Form | What it covers | Who pays | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| 790 código 052 | Student stay authorisation and extensions | The applicant | Generate fee form |
| Tasa consular de visado | Student visa (if applying from abroad) | The applicant | Generate fee form |
Amounts are updated periodically: the one shown when you generate form 790 is the one in force.
Spanish consulate (from abroad)
Student visa application with a consular appointment.
Immigration Office or UGE (from Spain)
Application or extension, preferably filed online.
- File the application or the extension at least two months before your legal status expires.
- Duration: that of the course or programme; it is extended annually if you prove satisfactory progress.
- TIE: 1 month from entry into Spain if the stay exceeds six months.
Work must be compatible with your studies: the general limit is 30 hours a week and studying must remain your main activity.
Time spent as a student counts only partially towards long-term residence: find out how before making five-year plans.