Everything non-EU students need to understand the Spanish student visa — who needs it, enrolment and funds, documents, the process, working while studying and family — with the health-insurance step explained. EU students follow a different route. We help with the Sanitas cover only.
What it is
Non-EU students staying in Spain for more than 90 days generally need a student visa, with proof of enrolment on a recognised course, sufficient funds, and health insurance. EU/EEA/Swiss students follow a different route and do not need this visa. This guide explains the route; we help with the Sanitas cover.
The Spanish student visa (visado de estudios) lets non-EU nationals come to Spain to study, do research, or undertake training for more than 90 days. It is tied to acceptance on a recognised course or programme and lasts for the duration of the studies, with renewals for longer courses.
This is the route guide. For the cover students need, see our commercial pages, student visa health insurance and student health insurance Spain. We help with the insurance only.
Who needs it
Requirements
See the root student visa requirements and broader Spain visa requirements.
Documents
Process
You usually need proof of enrolment to apply.
Including legalised certificates for longer stays.
A student or private policy for the study period.
In your country of residence.
Apply for the TIE for stays over six months.
See the full application process.
Working
Student-visa holders may be able to work limited hours alongside their studies, subject to the current rules and not interfering with the course. This is an immigration matter — confirm the current conditions; we cover the insurance side only.
Family
In some cases family members can accompany a student, with their own funds and cover. Each person needs health insurance. Confirm eligibility for your programme. If your family will join you in Spain, see our guide to family reunification.
Timeline
Secure your place; you usually need proof of enrolment to apply.
Funds, certificates and a compliant policy.
In your country of residence.
Enter Spain to begin your course.
Apply for the TIE card for stays over six months.
Renew for longer or continuing courses.
Duration
Stays of up to 90 days are usually a short-stay / Schengen matter and may not need a national student visa. Stays over 90 days generally require the student visa covered here. Always confirm based on your nationality and course length.
TIE
For courses up to six months, the student visa itself often covers the stay. For courses over six months, you generally apply for a TIE (student residence card) after arrival, with fingerprints. This affects your timeline and the cover period you need.
Course types
Degree and master’s students on longer programmes, often needing a TIE and longer cover.
On recognised intensive courses; durations vary, and the dedicated student policy often suits.
On a semester or year abroad; cover should match the exact dates.
Over 35
The dedicated Sanitas International Students product is aimed at students within a defined age range (commonly up to the mid-30s) on recognised courses. Older students, or longer / complex stays, may not fit it and may need a standard private plan instead. We assess which is suitable for your age and course.
Extensions
If your course is extended or you progress to another programme, you generally renew your student status — and your cover must continue without a gap. Plan renewals ahead so your certificate stays valid.
Dependants
In some cases a student can be accompanied by family members, who need their own funds and health cover. Each person must be covered. Confirm eligibility for your programme.
Enrolment proof
The dedicated student policy usually requires proof of studies — an enrolment or acceptance letter from a recognised institution. Without it, a standard private plan may be used instead. Tell us your course details and we will advise which option fits. See student visa health insurance.
Study types
The student route covers a range of recognised programmes:
The course must be recognised and is usually full-time for longer stays. Confirm your programme qualifies before applying.
Compare
| Non-EU students | EU/EEA/Swiss students | |
|---|---|---|
| Student visa | Required (90+ days) | Not required |
| Healthcare | Student / private insurance | EHIC + private as needed |
| Registration | TIE for 6+ months | EU registration / green certificate |
Irish and other EU students follow the EU route — see EU residency health insurance.
Mistakes
Avoid
After arrival
Once you arrive to study, the in-Spain steps include:
We help with the health-cover side only.
Examples
Requirements
Beyond enrolment and insurance, you generally need to show sufficient funds for your stay (often tied to the IPREM index per month), suitable accommodation, and — for longer stays — criminal-record and medical certificates. Figures are updated, so confirm current amounts. See broader Spain visa requirements and the root student visa requirements.
Health insurance
Students generally need health insurance for the study period — either a dedicated student policy or comprehensive private cover. Dedicated student policies often suit younger students on recognised courses for limited-duration stays; older students, longer stays, dependants or complex cases may need a standard private plan instead. Proof of enrolment is usually required to take out the dedicated student product.
See student visa health insurance and student health insurance Spain, or get a quote.
How we help
We help students arrange suitable Sanitas cover for the student visa, with the right certificate, in plain English. We do not process the visa or give immigration advice. Get a quote or read the student health insurance page.
Important information
Tell us your course, dates and age and we will arrange suitable Sanitas cover with the right certificate. We help with the health-insurance part of your application. Acceptance and exact policy terms depend on the insurer’s rules; visa decisions rest with the Spanish authorities.
English-speaking Sanitas specialists can help with the health-insurance part of your visa or residency application.
FAQs
Common questions about this Spanish visa route and the health-insurance requirement. Always confirm current rules with the official authorities or a qualified immigration specialist.