Applying for a visa to Spain: student and work visas
Planning to go to Spain to study or work? Not sure where to start? We are here to help you navigate the complexities of Spanish law.
The first step is to apply for a visa to Spain. To do this, you will need to collect the necessary documents (the full list is available on our website in the “Visas to Spain” section) and contact the consular section of the Spanish embassy or the visa center.
It is important to remember that all documents must be translated into Spanish, notarized and legalized at the consular section.
If you are planning to study in Spain, you should know that choosing an educational institution is the first step towards obtaining an education. In addition, to obtain a student visa, you must provide additional documents, including:
- An invitation from an educational institution in accordance with the recommendations of the visa center.
- A document confirming your registration for the chosen course.
- The type of accommodation you have chosen.
- Financial document proving payment for tuition.
It is also important to note that it is necessary to have sufficient knowledge of Spanish.
If you are ready to overcome all the difficulties on the way to achieving your goal, you should know what types of student visas are available in Spain.
What types of student visas are there in Spain?
- If you are over 18 years old and plan to study in Spain for up to 30 days, you may be granted a tourist visa with the right to study.
- For studies up to 90 days, you need a short-term student visa.
- If your studies last up to 180 days, you can get a multiple entry visa with the right to enter and exit the country.
- For long-term study, a category D student visa is available, which allows border crossings and is extended for the entire period of study. During this period, you can also apply for an initial residence permit.
It becomes obvious that the process of obtaining a visa to Spain is associated with a large number of documents that are required at the consulate. The number of documents will depend on the length of the studies. It is also important to consider that obtaining the initial residence permit can take a long time. Therefore, it is important to determine how much time you have and relate it to your study schedule.
A work visa category D VISADO DE TRABAJO Y RESIDENCIA in Spain requires a written invitation from an employer or a contract of employment. The inviting party is obliged to pay contributions to Seguridad Social, the state social security system.
Spanish law sets a limit on the initial contract period of 3 months. If the employee successfully performs his duties and works responsibly, he can extend the contract without any problems.
To apply for a visa to Spain, you must contact the embassy with an invitation and the necessary documents. A work visa gives the right to come to Spain and receive a work permit for a year with the possibility of extending it, provided that you work in the specialty and place specified in the contract, without violations.
Possession of such a visa allows you to have all the rights of a working EU citizen, as well as social protection, medical care and freedom of movement within the Schengen countries.
Additionally, you can find information about the documents required to obtain a visa, about studying and education in Spain, and about working in the country.
