A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Spanish Student Visa Approved

If you’re preparing to study in Spain, securing your Spanish Student Visa (Type D) is one of the most critical steps. This visa allows you to live in Spain legally for more than 90 days while studying at an officially recognised institution.

This guide takes you through the entire process — from receiving your acceptance letter to settling in Spain — and explains how your journey fits into the Road2Spain programme. We’ll also highlight common mistakes to avoid so you don’t face unnecessary delays or rejections.

What Is the Road2Spain?

Road2Spain is a structured, two-part programme designed for people who want to move to Spain to learn the language while gaining international teaching experience.

1. It begins with the 4-week online Trinity CertTESOL course, which qualifies you as a certified English teacher.
2. Once you have completed the CertTESOL, you will proceed with your chosen study programme in Spain, which forms the basis of your Spanish Student Visa application.

This route is simple, streamlined, and supported at every stage.

While your visa application must focus entirely on your educational goals, Spanish student visa holders have the legal option — once in Spain — to apply for part-time work authorisation, allowing up to 30 hours per week. At that point, your Trinity CertTESOL can be used to apply for English teaching jobs.

You’ll also have access to EBC’s lifetime job placement programme, which graduates worldwide trust.

Apply now to begin your online Trinity CertTESOL and take your first step on the Road2Spain.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Spanish Student Visa (Type D)

Step 1: Choose an Accredited Educational Institution

Make sure the Spanish Ministry of Education officially recognises your Spanish school. You will need a “Carta de Invitación” (Letter of Invitation) that includes:

• Your full name
• Course start and end dates
• Number of hours per week (typically 20+)
• Proof of tuition payment or reservation

Step 2: Confirm Your Visa Type

You require a Type D Student Visa for courses lasting more than 90 days for the following course types.

• Official Cervantes Institute Spanish language courses
• University degree programmes
• Master’s degrees
• Vocational training
• Internships are included as part of a formal study programme

IMPORTANT: Your visa application must emphasise your study intentions. If you explore work options later, this must be done in full compliance with your visa conditions and only after you have arrived in Spain.

Step 3: Gather All Required Documents

Prepare the following:

• Completed national visa application form (signed)
• Valid passport (at least 1-year validity and two blank pages)
• Recent passport-sized photos (white background)
• Acceptance letter from your Spanish school
• Proof of financial means
  • €600–€700/month or €7,200+ for a year
  • Bank statements, scholarship proof, or a sponsor letter with ID and income evidence
• Medical certificate (issued within the last 3 months)
  • Sample wording:
    “This medical certificate states that Mr./Ms. ___ does not suffer from any disease that could have serious public health implications under the International Health Regulations of 2005.”
• Health insurance
  • Private or public policy from a Spanish insurer
  • Must cover the full length of your stay
  • Minimum coverage: €30,000
• Criminal record certificate
  • Apostilled and translated into Spanish
• A letter of motivation outlining your study plans and educational goals
• Visa fee payment receipt (varies by country, usually €60–€160)

Translation tip: Any document not originally in Spanish must be translated by a recognised Spanish legal translator (“Traductor Jurado”). Begin this early to avoid delays.

Step 4: Book Your Visa Appointment Early

Check your local Spanish consulate’s website for specific instructions. Some require online applications. Others allow online applications.

Appointments can be booked 3 to 8 weeks in advance. Plan early, as July to September can be a slow period.

Step 5: Attend the Appointment

Bring:

• Your passport
• Signed visa application form
• Original documents + one or two copies of each
• Proof of payment
• The acceptance letter from your Spanish school

Presentation matters: Arrive early, dress professionally, and be prepared to answer simple questions about your study plans.

Step 6: Wait for Your Visa to Be Approved

Processing time is usually 15 to 30 days, but it may take up to 60 days, depending on your location.

IMPORTANT: Do not book a non-refundable flight until your visa has been approved and issued.

Step 7: Arrive in Spain and Register

Once you arrive, you’ll need to:

• Apply for your Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) within 30 days
• Book a “Toma de Huellas” (fingerprinting) appointment on the SEDE website

This registers you officially as a legal resident in Spain under the conditions of your student visa.

The Trinity CertTESOL: Your First Step on the Road2Spain

Before applying for your Spanish student visa, you must complete the Trinity CertTESOL — a 4-week, internationally recognised teaching qualification delivered online. This course certifies you as an English teacher, opening opportunities to teach in Spain and worldwide.

Many of our Road2Spain students later teach English part-time while pursuing their Spanish studies in Spain. If you hold a student visa, you may be eligible to apply for part-time work authorisation, which allows up to 30 hours per week, provided all conditions are met.

You can begin your CertTESOL training from anywhere in the world. Apply today and start your journey with confidence.

Final Tips for a Smooth Visa Experience

• Apply 2–3 months before your course begins
• Follow your consulate’s instructions carefully
• Translate and apostille all required documents early
• Organise documents in a professional, clear format
• Keep both digital and printed copies of everything
• Do not suggest that you will overstay in Spain or use your student visa for working in Spain

Apply Today — Start Your Journey the Right Way

The Road2Spain programme offers a clear, guided path: begin with the online Trinity CertTESOL, apply for your Spanish student visa, and continue with your Spanish language studies in Spain.

You’ll gain an internationally accepted and recognised English teaching qualification, improve your Spanish, and open doors to meaningful work and travel experiences. Ready to start? Your Road2Spain begins now.