Libbie Stevens, Spanish Visa Advisor @ Wilmer Health | 10th February 2025 | hello@wilmerhealth.com
Studying in Spain is an exciting opportunity for UK students, offering access to high-quality education, a vibrant culture, and a fantastic lifestyle. With its world-renowned universities, affordable tuition fees compared to other European destinations, and a diverse student community, Spain has become a top choice for UK students.
However, before embarking on your educational journey, you must ensure that you meet the necessary visa requirements. If your course lasts longer than 90 days, obtaining a Spanish student visa is a crucial step. The application process involves various requirements, including proof of financial stability, health insurance, and acceptance into an accredited institution. Understanding these procedures in advance can help avoid unnecessary delays and ensure a smooth transition into your studies.
In this in-depth guide, we cover everything UK students need to know about the Spanish student visa, from eligibility criteria and application steps to post-arrival procedures and working regulations.
A Spanish student visa is a type of national visa (Type D) that allows non-EU nationals, including UK citizens, to reside in Spain while pursuing their studies. This visa is essential for any course lasting longer than three months and serves as a gateway for students to immerse themselves in Spain’s world-class education system.
In addition to studying, this visa allows students to work part-time, up to 30 hours per week, provided their employment does not interfere with their academic responsibilities.
Beyond traditional university studies, the Spanish student visa extends to a variety of educational and professional development opportunities, including internships, vocational training programs, au pair placements, and voluntary work. The visa can also be granted to conversation class assistants, who work in educational institutions assisting with language learning programs.
UK students who plan to study in Spain for more than 90 days are required to obtain a Spanish student visa. Since the UK is no longer part of the EU, British nationals no longer have automatic entry and residency rights for long-term stays in Spain.
However, if the study program is less than 90 days, UK students can enter Spain without a visa under the Schengen short-stay rules. In this case, a standard visa-free entry for tourism would apply, provided the student does not engage in work or any activities beyond study.
There are different categories of student visas available to UK nationals based on the duration of their study program:
If you’re a UK student planning to study in Spain, you’ll need to apply for a Spanish student visa and meet specific document requirements. The process involves proving your identity, financial stability, health coverage, and academic enrolment. Below is a list of the essential documents you must submit as part of your application.
To obtain a Spanish student visa, you must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support your stay in Spain. This requires proving access to at least 100% of the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Múltiples). As of 2025, the minimum financial requirement is €600 per month (€7,200 per year).
You can prove your financial means using one or more of the following documents:
For a Spanish student visa, you must demonstrate sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay. As of 2025, the minimum requirement is €600 per month, which amounts to €7,200 per year if applying for a full-year course. It’s advisable to maintain a bank balance that exceeds the minimum requirement to strengthen your application.
As part of your Spanish student visa application, you must submit a Visa Medical Certificate of Good Health for Spain, issued by a qualified doctor. This certificate confirms that you meet the health requirements for entry into Spain. To ensure your medical certificate meets Spanish visa requirements and avoids rejection, it must comply with the following key criteria:
If you’re looking for a hassle-free process, we offer a fully compliant Spanish Visa Medical Certificate, issued by our FCDO-registered doctors — all from the comfort of your home. Our service includes a Spanish translation, saving you over £100 in translation fees, and we can also arrange the apostille legalisation, saving you time, money, and effort.
If you are applying for a Spanish student visa for a stay exceeding 180 days, you must submit an ACRO Police Certificate, also known as a criminal record check. This document verifies your criminal history (if any) and must cover the past five years.
To be valid for your visa application, the ACRO certificate must meet the following requirements:
As this process can take several weeks, it’s advisable to apply for your ACRO certificate well in advance to avoid delays in your visa application.
If you’d rather avoid the hassle of applying for an ACRO Police Certificate, obtaining an apostille, and arranging an official translation, our ACRO Certificate for Spanish Visa service takes care of everything for you. We handle the entire process — from application to legalisation and translation — delivering the fully certified documents directly to your doorstep, saving you time and effort.
As part of your Spanish student visa application, you must obtain private health insurance from a provider that operates in Spain. Your policy must meet the following requirements:
At Wilmer Health, we make the process simple through our exclusive partnership with ASSSA Health Insurance. Their policies are specifically designed for student visa applicants, ensuring full compliance with Spanish government requirements, including zero co-payments. You can get a Spanish Health Insurance quote now, by simply filling in our online application form.
This form must be accurately filled out and signed. You can download the form by clicking here.
A colour photograph taken against a white background.
Must be valid for at least 1 year and have two blank pages.
An official acceptance letter from a recognised Spanish university or academic institution.
The Spanish student visa fee in the UK is £68. Fees are non-refundable and must be paid by cash or debit/credit card. It’s best to confirm with the relevant Spanish consulate or visa centre before applying, as fees may change.
When applying for a Spanish student visa, you must provide proof that you live within the jurisdiction of the Spanish consulate handling your application. The UK has three Spanish consulates, covering different regions:
A proof of address may include a bank statement, utility bills, a driving license, tenancy agreement or local council registration.
That’s quite a list of documents to gather for your Spanish student visa application. Fortunately, the Spanish authorities have published an official checklist, which you can access here.
If you are under 18, you must provide additional documents for your Spanish student visa application to confirm parental consent, guardianship, and accommodation arrangements. These documents ensure the Spanish authorities recognise your legal status as a minor and that your stay in Spain is properly supervised.
A notarised letter signed by both parents or legal guardians granting permission for you to study in Spain is required. The letter must state:
The document must be apostilled (legalised for international use) and officially translated into Spanish.
A certified copy of the your full birth certificate, showing the names of both parents. The document must be apostilled and translated.
If you will be under the care of a guardian in Spain, additional documents are required:
If the minor is not staying with their parents or legal guardians, proof of their accommodation arrangements must be provided, such as:
These extra documents are essential for visa approval and ensure that under-18 applicants have appropriate guardianship and living arrangements while studying in Spain.
If you are applying for a Spanish student visa from the UK, certain documents must be legalised with an Apostille and the translated by a sworn Spanish translator to be accepted by Spanish authorities. They include the following:
Properly legalising and translating your documents is a crucial step in your Spanish student visa application. Missing an apostille or failing to provide a sworn translation can lead to delays or even rejection of your visa. Since processing times for both apostilles and translations can take several weeks, it’s best to start early and ensure everything is completed before your visa appointment.
Applying for a Spanish student visa involves several expenses beyond just the application fee. UK students must budget for medical certificates, ACRO police checks, apostille legalisation, sworn translations, and private health insurance. Costs can vary depending on service providers and whether fast-track processing is required. To help you plan, we’ve broken down the estimated costs of each requirement, from the visa application itself to additional expenses like travel to the consulate. Below is a detailed cost breakdown to ensure you’re fully prepared for your application:
| Category | Details | Estimated Cost (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | £68 for UK nationals (subject to change). £14.55 BLS service charge. |
£82.55 |
| ACRO Police Certificate | New ACRO Certificate (£55 - £95). Apostille (£50 - £100). Translation (£50 - £100). |
£155 - £295 |
| Medical Certificate | Visa Medical Certificate (£59 - £150). Apostille (£50 - £100). Translation (£50 - £100). |
£149 - £350 |
| Birth Certificate (if under 18) | New UK Birth Certificate (£12 - £40). Apostille (£50 - £100). Translation (£50 - £100). |
£112 - £240 |
| Parental Authorisation (if under 18) | Notarised Consent (£40 - £80). Apostille (£50 - £100). Translation (£50 - £100). |
£120 - £230 |
| Proof of Financial Means | Must demonstrate €600 per month (approximately £6,200 per year). Bank statements, notarised sponsorship letter, or financial guarantees. |
Varies |
| Health Insurance | Private health insurance covering all medical expenses. Typically ranges from £300 - £600 per year. |
£300 - £600 |
| Travel Expenses | Travel to London, Manchester, or Edinburgh for biometrics. Potential accommodation costs may apply. |
£50 - £200 |
| Total Estimated Cost | £968 - £2,297 | |
Yes, if you hold a long-term Spanish student visa, you are allowed to work part-time, up to 30 hours per week, as long as your job does not interfere with your studies. However, there are specific rules and restrictions to keep in mind:
While part-time work is the standard, some student visa holders can work full-time during holidays or academic breaks. However, this depends on whether your work permit allows full-time employment outside of term time. Always check with your employer and immigration authorities before accepting a full-time role.
UK students must submit their Spanish student visa application to the Spanish Consulate covering their place of residence. The UK has three Spanish consulates, each responsible for different regions:
Visa applications are processed by appointment only, and you must apply at the consulate that serves your home address.
The processing time for a Spanish student visa can vary depending on the consulate and the time of year. On average, the standard processing time is between 1 to 3 months. However, in some cases, applications may be processed within 15 working days, though this is not guaranteed.
Delays are common, especially during peak periods, such as the summer months when many students apply at the same time. Additionally, if further documentation or background checks are required, the process may take longer.
To avoid complications, it is strongly recommended to apply at least 2–3 months before your intended departure. This allows enough time for processing and any unexpected delays that may arise.
If you are a UK student applying for a Spanish student visa, you cannot enter Spain before the visa’s official start date. Your visa has a fixed validity period, and Spanish border control may deny entry if you arrive too early.
If you plan to arrive in Spain before your student visa starts, confirm with the Spanish consulate in the UK whether you will need to exit and re-enter Spain to activate your visa. To avoid complications, it’s best to plan your travel around your official visa dates.
Applying for a Spanish student visa can feel overwhelming, but with proper preparation, the process becomes much smoother.
At Wilmer Health, we’re committed to making your Spanish visa application as stress-free as possible by providing all the essential documents you need. Our services include:
With our expert assistance, you can navigate the application process with confidence, ensuring all your documents meet the Spanish consulate’s requirements.
Same-day medical certificates and doctor’s letters, all from the comfort of your home — quick, easy, and hassle-free.
hello@wilmerhealth.com
All certificate requests submitted before 9pm (BST) are issued the same day.
