Sheet 1 - Authorization of long-term stay for higher education or post-compulsory secondary education. Relatives. Extension of the authorisation

* The content of this page is merely indicative. Only the provisions of the regulations in force at the time of submission of the application are applicable. 

Last Updated: November 2025

Index of contents 

  • Type of Authorization
  • Basic regulations
  • Requirements
  • Exigible documentation
  • Procedure initiated from outside Spain
  • Procedure initiated from Spain
  • Family members
  • Extension of the authorisation

TYPE OF AUTHORISATION 

It is a long-term stay authorization that enables you to stay in Spain for a period of more than ninety days for:

  1. Completion of higher studies 
  • Official University Studies or Own Degrees.
  • Higher Artistic Teachings, in face-to-face or hybrid mode.
  • Higher level vocational education, higher level plastic arts and design vocational education and higher level sports education.

In face-to-face or hybrid mode. In non-university studies, a minimum of 50% of face-to-face is required.

  1. Completion of post-compulsory secondary education studies 
  • Baccalaureate.
  • Professional artistic teachings of both music and dance.
  • Mid-level professional training.
  • Professional teachings of plastic arts and mid-grade design.
  • The middle grade sports teachings.

In face-to-face or semi-face-to-face mode (a minimum of 50% of face-to-face care is required).

BASIC REGULATIONS 

  • Directive (EU) 2016/801 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016, concerning the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purposes of research, studies, internships, volunteering, pupil exchange programmes or educational projects and au pair placement.
  • Organic Law 4/2000 of 11 January, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration (articles 25 bis and 33).
  • Royal Decree 1155/2024, of 19 November, approving the Regulations of Organic Law 4/2000, of 11 January, on the rights and freedoms of foreigners in Spain and their social integration (articles 34 to 36 and 52 to 58).

REQUIREMENTS 

  • Not to be a citizen of a State of the European Union, of the European Economic Area or of Switzerland, or a family member of citizens of these countries to which the regime of citizens of the Union applies.
  • Not to be found irregularly in Spanish territory. 
  • Not to appear as rejectable in the territorial space of the countries with which Spain has signed an agreement in this regard.

  • Certify not to suffer from any of the diseases that may have serious public health repercussions in accordance with the International Health Regulations of 2005.

    Note: The contribution of a medical certificate certifying that the foreign person does not suffer from any of the diseases that may have serious public health repercussions in accordance with the provisions of the Hospitalization Health Regulations of 2005 is not required in cases where, according to the RLOEx, he requests his authorization of long-term stay in Spain.

  • To submit the application from the office consult, be of legal age or, in the case of higher education, be at least 17 years old. 
  • In case of requesting authorization from Spain (only in the case of higher education), be of legal age and be in a regular situation.
  • Submit the application with a minimum advance of two months to the date of beginning of the studies. Unless it is proven impossible to do so due to specific registration dates or other exceptional reasons.
  • Have sufficient economic means to cover the costs of stay and return to their country and, where appropriate, those of their relatives, in accordance with the following amounts:
  • For its maintenance, monthly, 100% of the IPREM, unless it is duly accredited to have paid in advance the accommodation for the entire duration of the stay.
  • For the support of their relatives, monthly, 75% of the IPREM for the first relative and 50% of the IPREM for each of the remaining people, unless it is duly accredited to have paid in advance the accommodation for the entire duration of the stay.  
  • The amounts used to cover the cost of the studies shall not be calculated for this purpose.
  • To have a health insurance concluded with an insurance company authorized to operate in Spain, with benefits similar to those granted by the basic common portfolio of care services of the National Health System.
  • In the event that the duration of the stay exceeds six months and in the case of adults of criminal age, lack of criminal record in Spain and in the countries where he has resided for the last five years, for crimes existing in the Spanish legislation.
  • In the case of higher education: being over 17 years of age and having been admitted by a recognized institution or institution of higher education to pursue a full-time study programme leading to the attainment of a higher education degree, having paid registration or registration fees.
  • In the case of post-compulsory secondary education studies: to be over 18 years of age and to have been admitted by an institution or teaching centre authorized to carry out post-compulsory secondary education studies in an authorized centre in Spain, within the framework of a full-time programme, leading to the attainment of a recognized degree.
  • Pay the fee for the processing of the procedure.

EXIGIBLE DOCUMENTATION 

Note: in general, copies of the documents must be provided and the originals must be displayed at the time of submitting the application. 

  • Passport or travel title in force, recognized as valid in Spain, with a minimum validity of one year.
  • Documentation certifying compliance with all of the above requirements: 

  • Medical certificate certifying that none of the diseases with an impact on public health is present in accordance with the International Health Regulations 2005.

    Note: The contribution of a medical certificate certifying that the foreign person does not suffer from any of the diseases that may have serious public health repercussions in accordance with the provisions of the Hospitalization Health Regulations of 2005 is not required in cases where, according to the RLOEx, he requests his authorization of long-term stay in Spain.

  • Documentation proving to have the necessary economic means for the period requested and for the return to the country of origin.  
  • Documentation accrediting the availability of health insurance. 
  • Documentation certifying that he/she is admitted to an institution or institution of higher education or post-compulsory education, and that he/she has paid the registration or registration fees. 
  • If the length of stay exceeds six months and the foreign person is of a criminal age, a criminal record certificate issued by the authorities of the country of origin or the country in which he or she has resided for the last five years.
  • If the foreign person is 17 years old and is in charge of a third party who does not have his or her parental authority or guardianship, he or she must have the authorization of both parents or of the person who holds the parental authority or guardianship exclusively for the stay for studies in Spain.
  • Proof of having paid the fee for the processing of the procedure.

Important note: when documents are provided from other countries they must be translated into Spanish or co-official language of the territory where the application is submitted by a sworn translator.

List of sworn translators.   

On the other hand, any foreign public document must be previously legalized by the Consular Office of Spain with jurisdiction in the country in which the document has been issued or, where appropriate, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, except in the case where the document has been apostilled by the competent authority of the issuing country in accordance with the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 and unless the document is exempt from legalization under the International Convention.  

Information on translation and legalization of documents. 

PROCEDURE INITIATED FROM OUTSIDE SPAIN 

  • Subject legitimated to submit the student visa application: the student, personally or through a representative. If you are a minor, your parents, guardians or duly accredited representative, personally.  

Information sheet on legitimated subjects 

  • Application deadline: at least two months before the start of the studies.
  • Place of presentation:  
  • In person, in the Spanish Diplomatic Mission or Consular Office in whose demarcation the foreign person resides.  
  • Documentation section above. 
  • Corresponding fee for the issuance of visa: to be paid at the time of applying for the visa.
  • Period of resolution and issuance of the visa: the maximum period for notifying the resolution is one month from the day following the date of submission of the application to the competent Consular Office for processing. Once this period has elapsed without the Administration having given an express response, it may be understood that the request has been rejected by administrative silence. (When it has not been possible to notify the resolution it will be announced in the Single Edictal Board (TEU). If you have opted for electronic notification or are legally obliged to use that medium, the resolution will be notified by publication in the electronic headquarters. If the resolution is not accessed within ten calendar days of its publication, it will be given as notified). 
  • The visa granted must be collected within two months of notification. If the collection is not carried out within the aforementioned period, it will be understood that the interested party has waived the visa granted and the procedure will be filed.
  • In the event that the stay for studies has a duration greater than six months, the foreign person in the period of one month from entry into Spain must request, personally, the alien identity card at the competent Police Station or police services of his place of residence.

The documentation to be provided in the application for the alien identity card can be consulted at the following link:

https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/procedimientos/index/categoria/34 

PROCEDURE INITIATED FROM SPAIN 

  • In higher studies, the foreign person of legal age who is in a regular situation in Spain, personally, through a representative, or through the authorized electronic means, at least two months before the expiration date of his legal situation. Institutions or centres of higher education, by electronic means, which are registered in the Register of Institutions and Centres of Higher Education.
  • In post-compulsory secondary education, the foreign person who is in a situation of residence and has at least two months of residence, personally, through a representative, or through the authorized electronic means, at least two months before the date of expiration of his legal status.
  • The application must be submitted at least two months before the start of the studies, unless it is proven impossible to do so due to specific registration dates or for other exceptional reasons.

Information sheet on legitimated subjects. 

  • Place of presentation:  
  • In person, at the Immigration Office of the province where you are going to start your studies.

Address information, telephone numbers and hours of service to the public. 

  • The documentation of the previous section will be provided. 
  • Time limit for the resolution of the application: the maximum time limit for notifying the decision is two months from the day following the date of submission of the application to the competent Aliens Office for processing. Once this period has elapsed without the Administration having given an express response, it may be understood that the request has been dismissed by administrative silence.
  • The duration of the long-term stay for higher studies shall be equal to the total duration of the studies.  
  • The length of the long-term stay for studies of post-compulsory secondary education shall be equal to the duration of these studies, with the maximum limit of one year.
  • The validity of the authorization will extend one month before and fifteen days beyond the completion of the studies.
  • In cases where the authorization is granted for more than one year, it will be a requirement for the maintenance of the validity of the authorization that the foreign person or, where appropriate, the institution or centre contributes annually, at the beginning of each course, the rights of registration, registration or equivalent document that proves that it continues to study the studies that gave rise to the authorization.
  • In the event that the stay lasts more than six months, the foreign person must personally request the identity card of a foreigner within one month of entry into Spain, at the competent Police Station or police services of his place of residence.

The documentation to be provided in the application for the alien identity card can be consulted at the following link:

https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/procedimientos/index/categoria/34 

FAMILY 

  • In the case of higher education studies, the students’ relatives may apply for the corresponding visas simultaneously with the student or at a later time, or request long-term stay authorizations, provided that the student has ninety calendar days left in his authorization.
  • The term family refers to: 
  • The spouse, registered partner or stable partner duly tested. 
  • Minor children of the student or his or her registered or stable spouse or partner, not married or who have not constituted their own family unit.
  • The older children of the student or his or her registered or stable spouse or partner, who are not married or who have not established their own family unit, have specific and personalized support needs due to their disability or illness.
  • Person who supports the holder of the authorization of long stay for studies when he has a disability or a disease that requires this type of support.
  • The following requirements will have to be accredited for the granting of a visa or residence permit to family members: 
  • That the student is the holder of a long-term stay authorization for higher studies.
  • That the student’s family member is not found irregularly in the national territory.
  • The family or kinship bond must be established.
  • That the family unit of coexistence has sufficient economic means.
  • Let the family member have health insurance. 
  • In the event that the relative is over the age of criminal and the stay exceeds six months, he/she lacks a criminal record in Spain and in the countries where he/she has resided for the last five years to the filing of the application.
  • That the family member does not pose a threat to public order, public safety or public health.
  • Family members who are holders of the visa or residence permit may stay in Spanish territory for the same period and with the same situation as the student.
  • The student’s family members will not be authorized to work during its term.

EXTENSION OF THE AUTHORISATION 

During the two months preceding or three months following the expiration date of the validity of the authorization, the person who holds the authorization may request an extension when he accredits the continuation of the studies. 

The extension must be requested by electronic means, by the foreign person or through a representative, in an official form, and will be addressed to the Office of Foreigners of the province where it obtained the initial authorization, accompanying the following documentation: 

  • Passport or travel title in force, recognized as valid in Spain, with a minimum validity of one year.
  • Documentation proving to have the necessary economic means for the period requested and for the return to the country of origin. Any means of proof may be used, such as own or family resources, grants, grants and scholarships, among others.
  • Documentation accrediting the availability of health insurance. 
  • Documentation certifying that he/she is admitted to an institution or institution of higher education or post-compulsory education, and that he/she has paid the registration or registration fees. 
  • Proof of payment of the fee 

One month after the decision has not been notified, the decision shall be deemed to have been rejected by administrative silence. 

The validity of the extension will coincide with the duration of the course for which you are enrolled, with the limit of one year. 

Up to two extensions will be allowed by authorization in the case of higher education as well as in the case of post-compulsory secondary education. 

  • Within one month of notification, the foreign person must personally request the identity card of a foreigner at the competent police station or police services in his/her place of residence.

The documentation to be provided in the application for the alien identity card can be consulted at the following link:

https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/procedimientos/index/categoria/34