Dreaming of studying in Spain? Well, listen up! The new Immigration Regulations for international students in Spain, effective May 20, 2025, bring significant changes that, whether you’re already here or planning to come, concern you a lot!
Here’s the most urgent thing you need to know. Previously, if you entered Spain as a tourist, you had up to two months (one month before your 90-day stay expired) to apply for student status. But with the new rules, that’s no longer the case. Now, you have exactly one month from your arrival date. Yes, 30 days counted from when the entry stamp marked your passport and, be aware, they always ask for your flight ticket as proof. If you don’t submit your application within that timeframe, you won’t be able to complete the process from within Spain. Your only option will be to return to your country and apply for a visa from there. So, no time for delays! As soon as you land, get all your paperwork sorted.
Also, although the regulation already stated that to apply for your student stay permit from within Spain, you had to do it at least two months before the start of your course, in practice, many people treated it as a last-minute or emergency solution. That’s over too. Now you’ll need to take it much more seriously, because it’s become clear that this requirement will start to be enforced more strictly. What the authorities expect is for students to plan their stay properly: either apply for their visa from their home country, or, if they choose to do it from Spain, make sure it’s done with proper planning and not improvised.
Only certain studies allow the process from Spain
And keep in mind that not everyone can make this change from within Spain. It’s only for those coming to study for a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, or PhD. Those doing the MIR (if their medical degree is already homologated in Spain) or the CAP to become teachers are also exceptions. But if your plan involves a Spanish language course, a technical program, or something without official recognition, you’ll need to apply for your visa before coming. Your application won’t be accepted from here.
Regarding work, many believe that more hours are now permitted, but be careful!, you could already work up to 30 hours per week. It’s not a new allowance, but it’s still a very useful option if you need financial support or professional experience while studying.
The good news is that transitioning from student to worker status will be smoother. Before, this process was a bureaucratic maze that often required you to leave the country. Now, if you finish your studies and find employment (or decide to become self-employed), you can make the change directly from Spain, without needing to return home and start from scratch. Of course, you’ll have to meet the requirements, but the path is much clearer.
Key Thing About Your Study Center: Not Every Course Opens Doors to Employment
A key thing to understand is your study center. It should always have been accredited, but now they are thoroughly verifying that it’s genuinely recognized by the Spanish authorities. Many applications are being rejected because the courses aren’t official or the centers aren’t registered. It might not have been checked as closely before, but now it is. So, before paying tuition or buying tickets, make absolutely sure your institution is properly registered and accredited. And remember this crucial point: if your studies aren’t higher education and aren’t accredited by the Spanish educational authorities, they won’t lead to an associated work permit. Keep this firmly in mind!
And pay close attention to your documents! This year, they are being extremely strict with how they are presented. Everything must be perfectly translated by a certified translator, legalized or apostilled as necessary, and without any errors. A simple mistake on a document can get your application rejected immediately. This isn’t just any procedure; you’re immigrating to another continent. So, take it seriously and prepare well from the start.
In summary, if your plan is to study in Spain and handle the procedures from here, inform yourself well, start on time, and ensure everything is in order. Because now, more than ever, every detail counts, and mistakes can cost you dearly! Don’t waste time and get to it!
Yes, you can do it on your own. But if you want to avoid the stress of confusing requirements and tricky procedures, the best option is to stay organized and get support from someone with experience. Good advice can be the difference between an approval and a rejection. Got questions? Reach out—we’re here to help.
