International students moving to Spain with a student visa in Madrid
Visa support for the UK · USA · Canada · Australia

Move to Spain with a student visa — and actually live here

Get your student visa for Spain with full legal support: study Spanish in Madrid, live in Spain legally for a year, and work up to 30 hours a week. We handle the paperwork, appointments and red tape — you enjoy the move.

  • 📅 Stay 1 year+
  • 💼 Work up to 30h/week
  • 🗣️ Spanish classes included
  • 🛡️ Full legal support
4.9★ Trustpilot 4.9★ Google Reviews 2,000+ students moved 15+ years in Madrid
Is this for you?

Who needs a student visa for Spain?

If you're a non-EU citizen planning to stay in Spain for more than 90 days, you need a student visa. It's the easiest legal route to live in Madrid for a year — and our programme is built for people coming from the UK, USA, Canada and Australia.

  • Gap-year & sabbatical travellers who want a full year living abroad, not just a holiday.
  • Remote workers who want a legal base in Madrid while keeping their job back home.
  • Spanish learners ready to go from zero to fluent through real immersion.
  • Career-changers who want structure, support and the freedom to explore Europe.
International student living in Madrid on a Spanish student visa Non-EU? You're in the right place.
Type D Long-stay study visa
90+ days Required for stays over 3 months
€600/mo Funds to show (100% IPREM)
30 h/week You can work while you study
1 year+ Renewable, with a path to residency
The basics, explained

What is a student visa in Spain?

A student visa for Spain — officially the estancia por estudios (Type D long-stay) — lets non-EU citizens live in Spain legally while enrolled in a recognised programme, such as a Spanish course or our accredited TEFL course in Madrid. It's regulated by Spain's Ministry of Inclusion, and it's the simplest legal way to stay longer than 90 days.

New since May 2025

Your student visa in Spain now lets you work

Under Spain's new immigration regulation (RD 1155/2024, in force since 20 May 2025), higher-education students can work up to 30 hours a week — no separate work permit needed. It's a major change that makes living in Madrid far more affordable.

Work while you study

Take a part-time job, freelance or do an internship alongside your course — all compatible with your visa from day one.

Stay after you finish

When your studies end you can switch to a residence-and-work permit — a real, legal route toward living in Spain long term.

What you'll need

Student visa Spain requirements

The exact documents vary slightly by consulate, but every student visa for Spain application is built around the same checklist. Here's what you'll prepare — and exactly how much money you need to show.

  • Acceptance letter from a recognised centre (your enrolment with us counts).
  • Proof of funds — 100% of the IPREM (€600/month) for your stay.
  • Private or public health insurance with full cover in Spain, no copays.
  • Criminal record certificate (stays over 6 months), apostilled and translated.
  • Medical certificate confirming no contagious diseases (stays over 6 months).
  • Valid passport covering your full stay, plus passport photos.
  • Proof of accommodation in Spain (rental, residence or invitation).
  • Visa fee paid — apply at your consulate ~2 months before you travel.
Pick the right route

Student visa vs tourist visa vs digital nomad visa

If your plan is to actually live in Spain — study, work part-time and stay a full year — the student visa wins on every count.

Feature Student visa Best to live here Tourist visa Digital nomad visa
How long you can stay Up to 1 year+ · renewable 90 days max 1–3 years
Can you work? Yes — up to 30h/week No Yes — remote, foreign employer
Legal residency Yes No Yes
Path to staying long-term Yes — switch to work permit No Yes — renewable up to 5 yrs
Funds to show €600/month ~€2,849/month
Best for Living, studying & working part-time Short visits Remote workers with foreign income
Not sure which visa fits your plan? Let's talk — free advice
Everything's included

The Spanish + Visa Support Program

Live, learn and experience Spain like a local — for a full year.

One package that covers the legal side and the living side: your student visa, all the paperwork, immersive Spanish classes and a real community in Madrid. We handle the red tape — you focus on your year in Spain.

  • Visa application supportOfficial enrolment letter + step-by-step help to submit from your home country.
  • TIE card & PadrónWe guide you through both legal registrations once you arrive in Spain.
  • Bank account & financesHelp opening a Spanish account and formatting your proof of funds correctly.
  • SIM card & NIEGet a local number fast and sort your NIE for banking and rentals.
  • Appointments & paperworkWe book your cita previa and review every document to avoid rejections.
  • 1:1 pre-arrival callA private call to walk through your timeline and answer every question.
  • Spanish & immersionReal Spanish classes plus cultural trips to learn the language for life.
  • Community & alumniWelcome lunches, events, graduation and the TEFL Madrid network.
Step by step

From your sofa to living in Madrid

A clear, guided path — we're with you before, during and after the move.

  1. 1

    Consultation & enrolment

    Pick your start date and get your official acceptance letter for the visa.

  2. 2

    Document prep

    We build your full visa file so you apply at your consulate with confidence.

  3. 3

    Land in Madrid

    Arrive to a warm welcome, a SIM card and a 1:1 orientation on day one.

  4. 4

    TIE, Padrón & NIE

    We book your appointments and handle the legal registrations for you.

  5. 5

    Live your year

    Spanish classes, work up to 30h/week, trips and a real community around you.

Why us, why here

Why move to Spain with us

We're an officially recognised institution whose acceptance letters are valid for student visa applications — and we've helped students move to Spain for over 15 years.

  • Visa-valid acceptance letters from a recognised centre — no guesswork.
  • 15+ years guiding people through the move to Spain.
  • 2,000+ students relocated from the UK, USA, Canada & Australia.
  • Full legal support before and after you arrive — real people, not chatbots.
  • Immersive Spanish classes so you actually learn the language.
  • A real community and alumni network waiting for you in Madrid.
Student enjoying life in Madrid after moving to Spain on a student visa
Why Madrid?
  • 🌆 Vibrant & international
  • 💶 Affordable to live
  • 🚇 Easy public transport
  • ✈️ Gateway to Europe
Real student experience

Trusted by students worldwide

🇬🇧 🇺🇸 🇨🇦 🇦🇺  Loved by students from the UK, USA, Canada & Australia

98%Visa approval rate
85KMoved to Spain
11KVisas secured
92KStudents assisted
★★★★★
"TEFL Madrid helped me every step of the way. I'm from Australia and was nervous about the process — their team made it simple. Now I'm in Spain!"
Emily R. from Melbourne Emily R. · Melbourne 🇦🇺
★★★★★
"Coming from the UK, I had no idea where to start. This team made the whole move easy, fast and clear."
Daniel from London Daniel · London 🇬🇧
★★★★★
"I applied from the US and had my visa approved in 5 weeks. ¡Gracias, TEFL Madrid!"
Olivia from Chicago Olivia · Chicago 🇺🇸
Your questions, answered

FAQs — student visa for Spain

Living in Spain on a student visa — view of a Spanish landmark
Can I apply for a Spanish student visa from the UK, US, Canada or Australia?

Yes. As a non-EU citizen you apply at the Spanish consulate covering your region, usually around 2 months before your course starts. We prepare your full visa file so you apply with confidence.

How long does it take to get a student visa?

Most consulates resolve student visas within 1–4 weeks, though timelines vary by location and season. We recommend starting at least 2 months ahead to be safe.

Can I work while on a student visa in Spain?

Yes. Under Spain's 2025 immigration reform, higher-education students can work up to 30 hours a week — no separate work permit needed.

Is a TEFL course valid for getting a student visa?

Yes. An accredited course at a recognised centre counts as full-time study, so our official acceptance letter supports your student visa application.

Can I bring my spouse or family members?

Yes. Your spouse or partner and children can join you. You'll need to show extra funds: +75% of the IPREM for the first relative and +50% for each additional one.

What happens if my visa is denied?

You can appeal or reapply correcting the issue. Because we review your full file before submission, rejections are rare — our visa approval rate is 98%.

Can I renew or extend my student visa?

Yes, it's renewable. You can apply to renew from 60 days before it expires and up to 90 days after, as long as you remain enrolled.

Do I need to translate or legalize documents?

Generally yes. Foreign documents usually need a Hague apostille and a sworn (jurada) translation into Spanish. We tell you exactly what's needed.

How much money do I need to show?

100% of the IPREM — €600 per month (€7,200 for a year). The amount is prorated for shorter stays and increases if family members come with you.

Can I stay in Spain after my studies?

Yes. When your studies end you can switch to a residence-and-work permit — a legal route to living in Spain long term and, eventually, citizenship.

Do I need health insurance?

Yes. You need valid private or public health insurance with full cover in Spain and no copays for the duration of your stay.

When should I apply?

As early as possible — ideally 2+ months before your start date. Places per intake are limited, so the sooner you enrol, the smoother the process.

Move to Spain with a student visa — start your year in Madrid
Free consultation · no obligation

Your year in Spain starts here

Get your student visa for Spain with full legal support — study Spanish, live in Madrid and work up to 30h a week. We handle the paperwork; you live the adventure.

1 Enrol today 2 We secure your visa 3 Move to Madrid

🇬🇧🇺🇸🇨🇦🇦🇺  4.9★ · 2,000+ students moved · 15+ years in Madrid · Mon–Sun 8:00–22:00