Student visa
For British people taking a full-time course in Spain, from a degree to a long Spanish language course, with the right to work up to 30 hours a week.
- Money needed
- €600 a month
- 100% of IPREM
- Work allowed
- 30 hrs/week
- Alongside your studies
- Visa fee (UK)
- £345
- Consulate fee list, 2025
- Lasts
- Your course
- Renewable while you study
Updated 24 Oct 2026 · Figures checked 12 Oct 2026
In short
If you're accepted on a full-time course in Spain, a student visa lets you live there for the length of the course. You need to show 100% of IPREM (€600 a month) to live on, plus health insurance. Students can work up to 30 hours a week alongside their studies, and graduates can move on to a job-search permit or a work permit afterwards.
Is this route for you?
Who it suits
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students at Spanish universities
- People on a full-time Spanish language course or other recognised training
- Younger people who want a year in Spain with part-time work
Who it doesn't suit
- People using a cheap language course as a back door to residence: consulates check the course is genuine and full-time
- Anyone who needs to work full-time
- Retirees: the non-lucrative visa fits better
What you need
- Acceptance on a full-time course at an authorised school, university or training centre
- Enough money: 100% of IPREM a month (€600), plus more for family members
- Health insurance from an insurer authorised in Spain
- For courses over six months: ACRO police certificate and medical certificate
- Valid passport
Money: income and costs
- Living costs: €600 a month (100% of IPREM), shown with savings, a grant or a sponsor's support, with more for each family member who comes with you
- Visa fee: £345 for British nationals (London consulate fee list, 2025)
- Course fees, health insurance, apostilles and translations
- TIE card fee: €16.08
Documents
- Letter of acceptance with the course dates and hours
- Proof of funds
- Health insurance
- ACRO police certificate and medical certificate (courses over six months), apostilled and translated
- Passport and visa application form
How to apply, step by step
Get your place
Enrol on a full-time course and get the acceptance letter showing dates and hours.
Apply at the consulate
Apply in the UK before you travel, through the consulate's appointment centre.
Travel and get your TIE
For courses over six months, book the fingerprint appointment within a month of arriving.
After you arrive, and renewing
- You can work up to 30 hours a week as long as it fits around your course.
- Renew each year while you keep studying and passing.
- After graduating, you can apply for a job-search permit or switch to a work permit.
Tax
If you work in Spain you pay Spanish tax and social security on those earnings.
Common mistakes
- A course that isn't full-time or isn't at an authorised centre
- Working more than 30 hours a week, which ends the work authorisation
When to get professional advice
- You want to switch to a work or other residence permit after your course
- Family members are coming with you
Questions people ask
Can I work on a Spanish student visa?
Yes, up to 30 hours a week as long as it's compatible with your studies. For higher education students the work authorisation comes with the student permit.
Can I study Spanish in Spain on a student visa?
Yes, if the course is full-time at an authorised school. Consulates check the hours and that the centre is recognised.
Official sources
We check every figure on this page against these pages. Rules and amounts change, so check them again just before you apply.