If you’re a non-EU citizen currently in Spain on a tourist visa and are considering studying, you may wonder how to transition to a student visa. This guide will walk you through the process of switching your tourist visa to a student visa before the deadline in May 2025. Additionally, we’ll cover job-seeking visas after studying, how to gain Spanish citizenship, and potential residency options after completing your studies.
Can You Modify Your Tourist Visa to a Student Visa?
Yes, as of now, you can modify your tourist visa to a student visa while in Spain, but there are important conditions:
- Apply Within 60 Days of Arrival
If you’re already in Spain on a tourist visa, you must apply for the student visa modification within 60 days of arrival. - Before May 20, 2025
Before May 20, 2025, you can transition from a tourist visa to a student visa. After this date, Spain will no longer allow you to change your status from a tourist visa to a student visa while in the country. You’ll need to apply for your student visa from your home country or another country where you are legally residing.
Steps to Apply for a Student Visa in Spain (While in Spain)
If you’re eligible to apply for a student visa while in Spain, follow these steps:
- Enroll in a Full-Time Program
Ensure you are enrolled in a full-time study program at a Spanish institution that offers at least 20 hours of study per week. This could be:- University degree programs (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD).
- Intensive Spanish language programs (minimum 20 hours per week).
- Vocational courses or specialized diplomas.
- Prepare the Required Documents
Gather all necessary documentation, including:- Acceptance letter from your Spanish educational institution.
- Proof of financial means (usually €600 per month, based on Spain’s IPREM).
- Proof of accommodation in Spain.
- Health insurance valid in Spain.
- Criminal background check from your home country (apostilled, if necessary).
- Passport, valid for at least 6 months.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Submit Your Application
You can submit your application to the Foreigners’ Office (Oficina de Extranjería). Ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays. - Wait for Approval
The processing time for a student visa can range from 1 to 2 months depending on your location and application complexity. It’s always advisable to apply early.
Important Considerations Before May 20, 2025
- Apostille for Long-Term Studies:
If your program lasts longer than six months, documents like your criminal background check may need to be apostilled (authenticated) for use in Spain. - Deadline:
Don’t forget to submit your application before May 20, 2025. After this date, you’ll have to apply for a student visa from outside Spain.
Can You Apply for a Student Visa Yourself (DIY) or Hire an Immigration Lawyer?
You have the option to apply for your student visa yourself, or you can hire an immigration lawyer to handle the process on your behalf.
DIY Approach:
If you feel confident navigating the application process, you can choose the DIY route. This involves gathering all required documents, submitting your application to the Foreigners’ Office, and tracking your application’s progress.
Hiring an Immigration Lawyer:
Alternatively, you can hire an immigration lawyer to handle the visa process for you. An immigration lawyer will guide you through the paperwork, ensure everything is in order, and represent your interests with the Spanish authorities. This might be a more convenient option if you’re not familiar with the Spanish bureaucracy or if you want to minimize the risk of delays.
Whether you choose to apply on your own or hire a professional, ensure that all your documentation is complete and accurate to avoid any issues with your visa application.
Pathways to Spanish Citizenship for Filipinos
If you’re a Filipino citizen, Spain has a special provision that allows you to apply for Spanish citizenship after just two years of legal residency in Spain, thanks to its historical ties with the Philippines and other former Spanish colonies.
Requirements for Filipino Nationals to Apply for Spanish Citizenship:
- Two Years of Legal Residency
You must have lived in Spain for two years legally. This is much shorter than the ten years required for other foreign nationals. - Additional Requirements:
- Demonstrate good civic behavior.
- Pass the DELE A2 Spanish language test.
- Pass the CCSE cultural exam, which covers Spanish history, culture, and laws.
- Dual Citizenship
As a citizen of a former Spanish colony, you are allowed to hold dual citizenship, meaning you can retain your Filipino nationality while becoming a Spanish citizen.
Residency After Studies in Spain: Options for Staying Long-Term
While a student visa is a great option for your academic journey, it doesn’t automatically lead to permanent residency or citizenship. After finishing your studies, you can transition to different types of visas or residency permits to stay in Spain long-term.
Options for Residency After Studying:
- Work Visa (Post-Graduation)
After completing your studies, you can apply for a work visa if you secure a job related to your field of study. This allows you to work and live in Spain.
Processing Time: Typically 1 to 3 months. - Entrepreneur Visa
If you want to start a business in Spain, you can apply for an entrepreneur visa. This visa is designed for people looking to invest and create businesses in Spain.
Processing Time: Usually 2 to 4 months. - Non-Lucrative Visa
If you don’t plan to work but want to stay in Spain, you can apply for a non-lucrative visa, which lets you live in Spain without employment, as long as you can demonstrate sufficient financial means.
Processing Time: Typically 2 to 3 months. - Digital Nomad Visa
Spain’s new Digital Nomad Visa is available for remote workers. If you are working for a non-Spanish company, this visa allows you to live and work in Spain legally.
Processing Time: Expect around 1 to 2 months for processing. - Permanent Residency
After living in Spain for five years with a valid residency permit (work, entrepreneur, non-lucrative visa, etc.), you can apply for permanent residency.
Processing Time: Usually 3 to 6 months. - Spanish Citizenship
After living in Spain for ten years (or just two years for Filipino nationals), you can apply for Spanish citizenship. You’ll need to demonstrate integration into Spanish society, including proficiency in Spanish and knowledge of Spanish culture.
Processing Time: The application process can take 1 to 2 years.
Job-Seeking Visa After Completing Your Studies
If you’ve completed your studies in Spain, you may be eligible for a Job-Seeking Visa, which allows you to stay in Spain while looking for a job.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Completed Studies:
You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree (Level 6) or higher from a recognized Spanish institution. - Application Timing:
You need to apply for the Job-Seeking Visa within 6 months of completing your studies. - Financial Means:
You must prove that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your job search. - Health Insurance:
You must show proof of valid health insurance during your job search.
The Job-Seeking Visa is usually granted for 12 months, with the possibility to extend it if you find employment during this period.
Conclusion
With a clear understanding of how to modify your tourist visa to a student visa, along with available pathways to citizenship and residency in Spain, you can take the next steps toward your future in Spain with confidence. Whether you choose to apply on your own or hire an immigration lawyer, the key is to ensure that your paperwork is complete and that you follow the required timelines.
Be sure to take action before May 20, 2025 to modify your tourist visa to a student visa. After this date, you’ll need to apply from outside Spain, so plan ahead and make the most of your time studying and living in Spain!
Linking Gap 