Student stay in Spain: requirements and how much you can work

The long-term stay for studies (estancia por estudios) lets you live in Spain while taking recognised training of more than ninety days, and work up to thirty hours a week. For higher education, the permit lasts as long as the degree and the right to work is automatic.

It is governed by articles 52 to 59 of the Immigration Regulation (Royal Decree 1155/2024). Legally it is a "stay", not "residence", which has consequences explained below.

Which studies qualify

Article 52 accepts, among others:

• Full-time higher education at a recognised institution: bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, higher arts education, higher vocational training and universities' own degrees. Preparatory courses and compulsory placements are included.
• Post-compulsory secondary education at an authorised centre: bachillerato and intermediate vocational training, with at least half the programme in person.
• Pupil mobility programmes at secondary level.
• Volunteering in programmes run by registered organisations.
• Specific training activities: language assistants; Spanish or co-official language courses — only at official language schools or centres accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, and in person —; certain vocational training leading to certificates; and preparation for specialist health training.

Any course at a non-accredited private academy does not give access to this permit.

Requirements

• Admission by the centre and, where required, tuition paid.
• Financial means for your stay and return, and health insurance. Amounts are tied to the IPREM index; check the current figure on the procedure page.
• Not being a threat to public order, security or health: the Administration checks Spanish criminal records and obtains a police report.
• Processing fee.
• If you are a minor, authorisation from your parents or guardians.

How to apply

From your country. Apply for the study visa at the Spanish consulate at least two months before the course starts.

From Spain. Possible in two cases: if you already hold a residence permit, or if you are lawfully in Spain — for example on an unexhausted tourist stay — and will take higher education. In the second case you must be an adult and file:

• at least two months before the studies start, and
• at least two months before your lawful status expires.

The application extends your status until the decision. The office has two months to decide; no answer means refusal. Universities and higher education centres on the relevant register can also file electronically on your behalf, with a shorter decision period.

How long it lasts

• Higher education: the permit matches the official length of the studies. Each year, at the start of the course, you must show you are still enrolled.
• Other cases: the length of the activity, up to one year, extendable.

Validity runs fifteen days beyond the end of the studies. Extensions must be filed electronically.

If the permit exceeds six months, you must apply for the card (TIE) at the Police within one month.

Working on a student stay

• General limit: thirty hours a week, in an activity compatible with your studies. Exceeding it is grounds for the permit to lapse.
• Higher education: the permit itself allows employed and self-employed work, with no further formality.
• Other studies: a specific work authorisation is needed, requested by the employer or by you.
• Curricular placements: no authorisation is needed if they are part of the syllabus and are not employment.

Your family

For higher education, your relatives can apply for their own stay to accompany you while yours is valid, provided at least ninety days remain.

What the stay is not

• It does not count as residence for second-chance arraigo.
• For EU long-term residence it counts only at 50%.
• When you finish you are not left without options: with the qualification you can move to residence and work without leaving Spain. See from student to residence and work.

Common mistakes

• Enrolling at an unrecognised centre and finding out when applying for the visa.
• Entering as a tourist and applying for non-higher studies: from Spain, on a short stay, only higher education is accepted.
• Filing late: the double two-month deadline is strict.
• Working more than thirty hours.
• Not renewing enrolment each year.

Frequently asked questions

Can I change studies during the stay?

The permit is tied to the studies for which it was granted. A change of centre or qualification must be reported and may require a new application.

Does a Spanish language course qualify?

Yes, if it is in person and taught at an official language school or a centre accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, and Spanish is not your mother tongue.

Can I work full time during holidays?

The Regulation sets the thirty-hour weekly limit generally, with no exception for non-teaching periods, apart from intensive vocational training.

Does this time count towards nationality?

Nationality by residence requires legal residence. A student stay is a different status, so do not rely on that time without having it checked.

What if I fail?

You must keep meeting the requirements for the permit and remain enrolled. Academic progress is assessed at extension.

Your next step

Use the free test to check whether you can apply from Spain or need a visa. To find out whether your centre and course qualify, ask Resi with the exact name of the studies.