BLC Spain | Undergraduate and Postgraduate Business courses in Spain

Student Visa in Spain: Your Visa Guide with the Business and Language College

Full support for your visa application

Starting your academic journey abroad is an exciting adventure, and at the Business and Language College Spain (BLC Spain), we’re here to help you every step of the way. One of the first and most important steps? Securing your student visa for Spain.

Whether you’re enrolling in our undergraduate or postgraduate programs, we offer full support to make the student visa process as simple and stress-free as possible.

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Student visa to live and study in Spain

Studying at BLC Spain: Full Support for Your Student Visa

When you choose to study at BLC Spain, you gain more than just a world-class education — you gain a support system committed to your success. Move to Spain with a safety net!

A key part of your student visa application is the official Letter of Invitation. BLC Spain provides every international student with this essential document, confirming your enrollment and detailing the length and structure of your academic program. This letter is a fundamental requirement for your visa application and gives Spanish immigration authorities everything they need to process your request.

Pro Tip: As soon as you enroll, we start preparing your Letter of Invitation to keep your visa process moving smoothly.

Why Choose BLC Spain for Your Move to Spain?

Moving to a new country is exciting, but it also comes with challenges. BLC Spain is here to make your transition to life in Spain as easy as possible.

We offer:

  • Visa Application Guidance: We walk you through every stage of the application, so you know exactly what documents and steps are needed.

  • Official Letter of Invitation: Sent to you as soon as your enrollment is confirmed.

  • Pre-Arrival Support: Help with accommodation advice, paperwork preparation, and travel planning.

  • Post-Arrival Assistance: Support with your registration process and integration into life in Spain.

  • Ongoing Customer Service: Our friendly, professional team is always available to answer your questions and offer advice.

Explore more about how we support our students here.

Key information about student visas in Spain

Who Needs a Visa to Study in Spain?

Knowing whether you need a student visa is essential before you begin your journey.

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: If you’re from outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you’ll need a student visa if you plan to study for more than 90 days.

  • EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: You do not need a visa to study in Spain. However, if you stay longer than three months, you must register with the local Spanish authorities.

Tip: Even if you’re exempt from a visa, there are still administrative steps to complete once you arrive!

How Long Do Visa Applications Take?

Visa processing times can vary depending on your local Spanish consulate or embassy. Generally:

  • Apply at least 2-3 months before your intended start date.

  • Processing times can range from 15 days to 2-3 months.

We strongly recommend starting the visa application process as soon as you receive your Letter of Invitation. Waiting too long could delay your arrival and the start of your studies.

Can I apply for my visa from within Spain?

Yes! Thanks to recent changes in Spanish immigration law, international students can now apply for their first-year visa from inside Spain.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • You must apply within the first 30 days of arriving in Spain.

  • You must enter Spain legally (e.g., on a tourist visa or visa-exempt status).

  • BLC Spain’s Student Support Team can guide you through the in-country application process.

This flexible option gives you more freedom to begin your Spanish adventure and complete your paperwork once you arrive.

Working with a Student Visa in Spain

Many international students ask if they can work while studying in Spain — and the answer is yes, with some conditions!

  • Students can work up to 30 hours per week under their student visa.

  • The job must be compatible with your study schedule and ideally related to your field of study.

  • We recommend that our students start to make contacts as soon as they begin their studies with us. We can sign agreements with businesses so you can get work placements and gain the necessary experience to start to build your CV while you study.

Part-time work and work placements are a great opportunity to gain international experience, improve your Spanish skills, and build a professional network in Spain.

Converting Your Student Visa to a Work Permit After Graduation

If you’re thinking about staying in Spain after your studies, there’s good news! Spanish law offers pathways to transition from a student visa to a work permit.

Here’s how it works:

  • You can apply for a Modificación de Estancia por Estudios a Residencia y Trabajo (Change from Student Stay to Residency and Work).

  • You must have completed your studies and secured a job offer related to your field.

  • Your employer will need to sponsor your application, and the job must meet Spain’s salary and contract requirements.

Tip: Building strong professional connections during your studies increases your chances of securing a job offer and transitioning smoothly to a work visa.

BLC Spain encourages and supports students to network, intern, and attend career events throughout their program to maximize post-graduation opportunities.

Useful Visa Links

*Each consulate globally has a different jurisdiction. If you’re unsure about where you’d apply for your visa, please contact us.

Apply for our programs in Madrid today

Key Steps to Obtain Your Visa for Spain

Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to do:

  1. Apply and Enroll at BLC Spain.

  2. Receive Your Letter of Invitation from our admissions team.

  3. Prepare Your Documents: This usually includes a valid passport, proof of financial means, health insurance, medical certificate, and your Letter of Invitation.

  4. Apply at the Spanish Consulate or embassy in your home country — or in Spain (ask us how this works!).

  5. Attend Your Visa Appointment: Bring all required documents, including copies.

  6. Wait for Processing: You’ll receive notification when your visa is ready.

Helpful Resource: Check out our About Madrid page to start planning your life in Spain while you wait for your visa!

FAQs About Student Visas for Spain

You’ll typically need a “Student Visa (Type D)” if your course lasts longer than 90 days.

Start the process early and stay in close contact with your consulate. BLC Spain can assist you with additional documentation if needed.

Yes! Students can work part-time up to 30 hours per week with proper authorization.

Yes, close family members (spouses, children) can often apply for a dependent visa, but requirements vary.

Yes, by applying to modify your student visa to a work permit with a qualifying job offer.

About Madrid

Madrid is the perfect mix of modern and traditional. It boasts a dynamic business landscape, rich cultural heritage, and provides diverse networking opportunities in one of the most vibrand capital cities in Europe.

Meet our Team

We're here to help you settle into your new life in Madrid. From visa paperwork to simply finding your way around the city, our community and safety net support team will be with you every step of the way.
Madrid Plaza Mayor

About Spanish Immersion

All our undergraduate and postgraduate courses include Spanish Immersion classes that are suitable for any level of Spanish. Accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, the courses feature a well-rounded curriculum of language and culture.

About Madrid

Madrid is the perfect mix of modern and traditional. It boasts a dynamic business landscape, rich cultural heritage, and provides diverse networking opportunities in one of the most vibrand capital cities in Europe.

Meet our Team

We're here to help you settle into your new life in Madrid. From visa paperwork to simply finding your way around the city, our community and safety net support team will be with you every step of the way.
Madrid Plaza Mayor

About Spanish Immersion

All our undergraduate and postgraduate courses include Spanish Immersion classes that are suitable for any level of Spanish. Accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, the courses feature a well-rounded curriculum of language and culture.
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