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Spain

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At a glance

Living index rating
Moderate
Monthly rent
€300 – €500 shared outside big cities; Madrid and Barcelona €450 – €800
Monthly food
€200 – €300
Other monthly expenses
€150 – €250 (utilities, transport, phone, personal)
Visa processing time
About 1 – 2 months
Family allowed for students
Yes

Visa requirements

  • Student visa (estancia por estudios) from a Spanish consulate, then a TIE residence card after arrival for courses over 6 months
  • Admission to a full-time course at an authorised institution
  • Proof of funds: 100% of IPREM, i.e. €600 a month (€7,200 a year), plus tuition
  • Private health insurance with full cover in Spain and no co-payments
  • Criminal record certificate and medical certificate for courses over 6 months
  • Work up to 30 hours a week if it's compatible with your studies (since May 2025)

Work permit after studies

  • Residence permit to look for a job or start a business: up to 24 months, non-renewable, after a bachelor's, master's or doctorate in Spain (since the May 2025 regulation)
  • Apply within 60 days before or 90 days after your student status ends
  • Once you find a job, convert it into a work and residence permit; graduates can also move directly to a highly qualified or EU Blue Card permit

Citizenship route

  • Long-term residence after 5 years of legal residence; time as a student counts only partly
  • Citizenship normally after 10 years of legal residence
  • Only 2 years for nationals of Ibero-American countries, Andorra, the Philippines, Equatorial Guinea and Portugal
  • Spanish language (DELE A2) and CCSE culture test

Family details

  • Higher education students can bring their spouse/partner and children
  • You must show extra funds: 75% of IPREM for the first family member and 50% for each additional one
  • Under the 2025 regulation, family members of students can be authorised to work

Universities in Spain

Top-ranked

All other universities and colleges (87), A–Z

This guide is for general information. Visa and immigration rules change often, so always check the official government website before you apply. Last updated 6 October 2026.