An Easy, Friendly Guide for Non-EU Applicants
Dreaming of studying in Spain? From the vibrant streets of Madrid to the sunny shores of Barcelona, Spain awaits! But before diving into paella and siestas, an important step is getting your Spanish Student Visa (Type D) approved.
This process can seem tricky for non-EU applicants—but don’t worry! The key to success is having all your documents perfectly prepared. This guide will walk you through exactly what you need, plus insider tips to make your application smooth and stress-free.
Why Focus on Documents?
Think of your documents as your VIP pass to Spain’s student life. The consulate must be 100% sure you’re a genuine student and fully prepared for your stay. Missing or incomplete paperwork is a common cause of delays or rejections — so it pays to get everything right from the start.
Essential Documents for Your Student Visa (Non-EU Applicants)
1. Visa Application Form
Download and complete the official form from your local Spanish consulate website. Please fill it out carefully and sign it!
2. Valid Passport
Your passport should be valid for at least one year after your planned stay and have two blank pages. Check the expiry date now to avoid surprises!
3. Passport Photos
Two recent photos on a white background — simple but essential.
4. Official Letter of Acceptance from a Recognised Spanish Institution (Carta de Invitación)
One of the most critical documents in your student visa application is the “Carta de Invitación” — your official invitation or acceptance letter from a recognised educational institution in Spain.
To meet visa requirements, the school must be accredited by the Spanish Ministry of Education. Your Carta de Invitación should include:
- Your full name (as shown in your passport)
- The name of the course
- Course duration and start/end dates
- Hours of study per week (typically 20+ hours/week for student visa purposes)
- Confirmation that you’ve paid or reserved your tuition
TIP: The letter should be printed on the institution’s official letterhead and signed by an authorised representative. It should also include their contact details.
5. Proof of Financial Means
Spain wants to see that you can support yourself — typically around €600–€700 per month, or at least €7,200 for a full year.
You can show this through:
- Your recent personal bank statements (last 3 months)
- A scholarship letter, if you’ve received one
- A sponsor’s letter, along with their ID/passport and financial documents showing they can support you (such as their bank statements or employment contract)
The more stable, transparent, and traceable your finances are, the better your chances.
6. Medical Certificate from an Accredited Clinic or Hospital
An accredited medical centre or clinic in your country must issue your medical certificate. When you present your papers, the medical certificate must not be more than three months old. It should certify that you don’t have diseases that could pose a public health risk, following international health regulations.
Example: In the Philippines, the clinic providing you with your medical certificate must be accredited by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Your medical certificate must be:
- Recent (usually issued within the last 3 months)
- Apostilled or legalised by the appropriate authority in your country
- Translated officially into Spanish by a sworn translator (“traductor jurado”)
7. Health Insurance Certificate
You need proof of private or public health insurance covering your entire stay in Spain with a minimum coverage of €30,000. It must also include repatriation.
8. Police Clearance Certificate or Criminal Record Check
Every country has its version of a police clearance certificate. For example:
- Philippines: NBI Clearance
- USA: FBI Background Check
- UK: ACRO Police Certificate
This certificate must be:
- Recent (usually issued within the last 3 months)
- Apostilled or legalised by the appropriate authority in your country
- Translated officially into Spanish by a sworn translator (“traductor jurado”)
9. Proof of Visa Fee Payment
The fee usually ranges between €60 and €160, depending on your country. Check your local consulate’s instructions for payment methods.
10. Motivation Letter
Write a short (1-page) letter explaining:
- Why you want to study in Spain
- How the course fits your career or life goals
- Your commitment to comply with Spain’s immigration rules
Translation and Apostille Tips
Any documents not in Spanish must be translated by a sworn translator recognised by Spanish authorities. Also, official legalisation (apostille) must be done through your country’s competent office (for example, the Department of Foreign Affairs in the Philippines or the US Secretary of State). These steps often cause delays, so start early!
Getting Ready for Your Consulate Appointment
If you are required to attend a face-to-face interview at your Spanish consulate, please do the following:
- Bring originals and copies of all documents
- Organise everything in neat folders
- Dress smartly and arrive on time
- Bring your appointment confirmation
- Do not say anything that would make the interviewer think you plan on overstaying, abusing the Spanish immigration rules, or going to Spain to look for work using the student visa as an excuse.
Being prepared and polite can only help!
Many Road2Spain Students Start with the Trinity CertTESOL
Here at EBC, we’ve seen a common trend among Road2Spain applicants: many start by enrolling in our 4-week Trinity CertTESOL course before or even while preparing their documents for the visa appointment.
Why? Because:
- It’s a globally recognised English teaching qualification that they can use as soon as they finish the 4-week course, even from their home country (many of our graduates start teaching online even before they move to Spain)
- It opens doors to English teaching job opportunities in Spain and beyond (even after your studies).
Many students take the course online from their home country, then proceed with the Spanish language programme in Spain, where they use their Trinity CertTESOL to work part-time as an English teacher when they are not in Spanish class.
It’s flexible, career-focused, and built to help you succeed. It’s also an excellent supplement for anyone doing a study abroad programme.
Final Checklist: Are You Ready?
- Passport valid for 1+ year with blank pages
- Completed and signed visa application form
- Two recent passport photos
- Official acceptance letter from your school (Carta de Invitación)
- Proof of financial means (€600+ per month or €7,200+ per year)
- Medical certificate from an accredited clinic (less than 3 months old and apostilled and translated)
- Health insurance with €30,000+ coverage
- Police clearance certificate (less than 3 months old and apostilled and translated)
- Proof of visa fee payment
- Motivation letter
Start gathering these documents early, double-check your consulate’s checklist, and keep printed and digital copies. That way, you’ll be ready for your visa appointment — and one step closer to Spain!
Your Journey Starts Now — Join the Road2Spain
Getting your student visa is just the beginning. With the Road2Spain, you’ll not only land in Spain with confidence — you’ll arrive with a qualification that opens doors.
The Trinity CertTESOL gives you practical skills, international credentials, and access to English teaching jobs in Spain and beyond. Many of our students start the course while preparing their documents, giving them a head start on their careers and living in Spain.
Want to see if it’s right for you? Join our free online English classes at Inglés Gratis and get a taste of what it’s like to be part of the EBC learning community. It’s fun, it’s interactive, and it’s the perfect preview of what’s ahead.
- Make your visa application stress-free
- Get certified with the Trinity CertTESOL
- Start building your future — from anywhere in the world
Ready to begin?
Sign up for the Road2Spain today and take the first step with the 4-week online Trinity CertTESOL course. Spain is waiting — and we’re here to help you get there.
This article is intended for educational and informational purposes. This article is NOT legal advice. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the content, EBC cannot guarantee its applicability to every situation. Please note that the decision to give you a student visa is up to the Spanish Embassy or Consulate. EBC has no control over the Spanish Embassy’s or Consulate’s decision. Readers who require guidance tailored to their needs are encouraged to seek legal advice.
