Good to know · Education
Student stay in Spain (working while studying and after)
A long-term stay for studies is the authorization for non-EU nationals to take full-time courses (including university and Spanish-language courses) in Spain; study-stay holders may work up to 30 hours per week under conditions, and graduates of university-level studies can apply for a 24-month job-search or business-project permit.
- Why it matters
- Americans heading to universities, language courses or exchange programs in Spain need to know when a visa is required, what the funds and insurance rules are, and what happens when studies end.
- When
- You have been admitted to (or are looking at) a Spanish course or degree lasting more than 90 days.
- How long it takes
- Apply 6 to 2 months before start; at least 5 weeks to collect; TIE within 30 days of entry for stays over 180 days; extension windows 2 months before to 3 months after expiry.
- Official page
- Study Visa
- Last checked
- 7 Oct 2026
In the guide: the 6 steps, what to bring (6 items), and tips and what to watch for, with every official source.
Do these first
- Understand the visa pathways for Americans moving to Spain
- Apostille and sworn-translate US documents for use in Spain
- Private health insurance: when it is required
- Pay government immigration fees (Modelo 790 tasas)
- Learn Spanish and get official Spanish-language certificates
- Get foreign diplomas and degrees recognized in Spain