A document that allows a foreigner to stay in Spain for educational purposes at one of the accredited institutions is called a student visa. It is used by students to study at universities and institutes in this country.
Advantages of a Spanish Student Visa for Russians
- Does not require property ownership or a high income.
- After 12 months of study, you can extend the visa without leaving Spain.
- The right to work, but only for university students, for no more than 30 hours per week, without affecting stud
What Is a Spanish Student Visa?
A student visa is used by anyone who decides to study in Spain. To obtain it, you need to provide a document confirming enrollment in a university or accredited language courses. There are two types of visas: up to 90 days—for studying Spanish in short-term courses or attending scientific and educational events such as conferences, exhibitions, symposiums, and seminars; and more than 180 days—for those planning to study at Spanish universities or in long-term Spanish language courses.
Advantages of Applying for a Student Visa in Russia
You can apply for a student visa to Spain without leaving Russia. It’s enough to visit the Spanish consulates in Moscow or Saint Petersburg.
Application Process:
- Obtain documents confirming enrollment.
- Gather the necessary documents.
- Register at the consulate for submission.
- Submit the documents.
- Wait for the result—about 30 days.
- Receive the student visa and travel to Spain.
Required Documents for the Consulate:
- Enrollment confirmation.
- A police clearance certificate with an apostille.
- A certificate of no criminal record.
- A medical certificate.
- Insurance policy.
- Application form and 2 photos (3.5×4.5 cm).
- Russian passport.
- International passport.
- Documents confirming housing arrangements or a commitment to find housing.
Advantages of Applying in Russia:
- The ability to submit documents in your native language.
- No need to travel abroad before getting the visa.
- Consultations and assistance on-site.
Documents can only be submitted in person at the consulate. The application fee is 80 euros. In case of refusal, the fee is non-refundable.
Advantages of Applying for a Student Visa in Spain
Preparation should start while still in Russia. You will need to obtain a Schengen visa, allowing you to stay in Spain for at least 31 days.
Further Steps:
- Travel to Spain with a Schengen visa.
- Scan your international passport (an entry stamp into Spain is required, even if the route is from the Schengen zone).
- Obtain an enrollment confirmation.
- Open a bank account and deposit the required amount.
- Get health insurance.
- Obtain a medical certificate confirming the absence of dangerous diseases.
- Submit documents for a student residence permit.
- Once approved, visit the police to leave fingerprints and receive the student card.
Required Documents:
- Enrollment confirmation.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Medical certificate.
- Health insurance.
- International passport.
- Application form and photos (3.5×4.5 cm) for the visa or student card.
Advantages of Applying in Spain:
- Fewer rejections compared to applying in Russia.
- Application submission is independent of age and Spanish language proficiency.
- The possibility of legally staying in Spain during the application review process.
Comparison of Applying for a Student Visa in Russia and Spain
In Russia, there are more document requirements for a Spanish student visa application, and the list is longer.
Common Requirements for Both Countries:
- Enrollment confirmation.
- Medical certificate and insurance policy.
- Proof that the student has accommodation.
- International passport.
- Proof that the student has sufficient funds to live in Spain during the study period.
When applying in Spain, the inconvenience is that medical certificates must be obtained locally; Russian ones won’t be accepted. Another inconvenience is that in Spain, the application can take several months to process, while in Russia, the consulate usually takes about a month. However, there are advantages—the approval rate for applications submitted in Spain is higher.
Process of Applying for a Student Visa in Russia
While in Russia, you can apply for a student visa.
Steps:
Step 1: Document Preparation:
The full list of required documents is provided above. The application and document package must be submitted by the person seeking the visa.
Step 2: Appointment Booking at the Consulate:
To visit the Spanish consulate in Moscow, you need to send an email to [email protected]—include your name, contacts, international passport number, and proof of payment for studies. Then, be patient and wait for a response that will provide access to the appointment calendar.
Step 3: Submitting the Application:
During the application submission, there might be an interview, which usually lasts no more than 20 minutes. You’ll be asked a few simple questions, and it’s essential to answer clearly and confidently, ensuring your responses match the information in your application form.
Step 4: Waiting for the Decision:
The application review process takes about a month. You can track its status using the receipt code on the website: https://sutramiteconsular.maec.es/Home.aspx.
Step 5: Receiving the Visa:
The long-term student visa is issued by the Spanish consulate. After receiving it, you need to prepare for travel, enter Spain, and schedule an appointment for fingerprinting with the police to obtain the residence permit (RVP).
Process of Applying for a Student Residence Permit (RVP) in Spain
How to obtain a residence permit while in Spain.
Steps:
Step 1: Document Preparation:
The necessary documents for submission are listed above. Before arriving in Spain, make sure to obtain a police clearance certificate and its apostille.
Step 2: Arrival:
At the border, either get a stamp indicating legal entry into Spain or request an entry declaration (if arriving from another Schengen country). After arrival, obtain the enrollment confirmation, handle medical paperwork, open a bank account (e.g., with Nickel), and start searching for accommodation for registration.
Step 3: Submitting the Application:
You can submit the application and documents either in person or online through the Immigration Service portal. For a personal visit, a prior appointment is required.
Step 4: Waiting for the Decision:
Officials review the documents for about a month, but the process can take longer.
Step 5: Receiving the RVP:
Once the RVP is approved, you need to visit the police station for fingerprinting and then receive your student card. This completes the student residence permit process.
Common problems and solutions
Document processing can be challenging, and unforeseen issues may arise.
Most Common Problems:
- Sometimes, visas are denied due to errors in the application form. To avoid this, it’s better to consult with lawyers or a company that assists with moving to Spain. They have experienced staff who can help you do everything correctly.
- Booking an appointment requires advance planning. Experienced lawyers can help with scheduling and prepare you for the interview.
- If a visa is denied, the consulate will indicate the reason for refusal. If the issue is easy to fix, you can reapply, taking into account the negative experience. If the applicant disagrees with the decision, they can file an appeal.
A Few Simple but Important Tips:
- Prepare your documents in advance.
- Keep track of time—there should be at least 30 days remaining on your Spanish visa from the time of document submission.
- Don’t forget to get a stamp indicating you’ve crossed the Spanish border, even if entering from the Schengen zone.
Moving to Spain with a student visa isn’t difficult, but for those who are going through the process for the first time, many questions can arise. Do you want to quickly and smoothly obtain a student visa to Spain? Contact EL Relocator—we’ve helped hundreds of people move to Spain and thousands obtain Schengen visas. With us, everything will be reliable, fast, and hassle-free. You can read more about the Spanish student visa in our informative guide, created especially for you!