Students from outside the EU
If you are a student from outside the European Union (EU), the EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or Switzerland, in order to stay in Spain legally for more than 90 days, you need to obtain a student residence authorisation, which authorises you to remain for the duration of your course and if you wish, you will also be able to travel within the EU and the countries that have signed agreements with Spain or the EU for the free movement of people.
Procedure for obtaining your student residence authorisation:
BEFORE YOU ARIVE: Student visa
Before arriving in Spain you must obtain the student residence visa from the Spanish consulate in your country of origin or legal residence. You can find your consulate on the website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
DURING THE FIRST MONTH AFTER ARRIVAL IN THE COUNTRY: TIE (Identity Card for Foreigners)
If you have been authorised to stay in the country for longer than six months, you must apply for your Identity Card for Foreigners, within one month of arriving in the country.
You must make your application in person at the police station.
Further information:
- http://www.mir.es/extranjeria-28/regimen-general-189/estancia-201#Estancia
- http://extranjeros.mtin.es/es/InformacionInteres/InformacionProcedimientos/Ciudadanosnocomunitarios/estudiantes.html
TWO MONTHS BEFORE YOUR CARD EXPIRES: Renewal
The card is valid for one year and can be renewed if you decide to carry on with your studies. You must renew your card in the two months before it expires.
Further information:
IF YOU HAVE TO TRAVEL AND YOUR CARD HAS EXPIRED: Return permit
If you have to leave Spain and your card is being renewed, you can apply for a permit that allows you to re-enter the country, providing that your card has already expired. This permit allows you to leave and re-enter the country within 90 days.
You must apply for this permit in person at the police station, by appointment
IF YOU WANT TO WORK DURING YOUR COURSE: Work permit
If during your stay you have to undertake an internship in a public or private institution that is part of the syllabus for which your residence permit was granted, and which is included in the collaboration agreements between these institutions and the URV, you do not need to apply for any work permit.
In any other circumstances, if you want to study and work (for yourself or for another institution), you will need a work permit:
More information on the documents required and the application procedure is available at:
EU students
If you are from a European Union member state, you are entitled to free movement and residence in Spain. However, all EU citizens residing in Spain for a period exceeding three months must apply for registration in the Central Registry of Foreigners. This registration leads to a certificate of registration being issued and includes an identification number for foreigners (NIE).
You must apply for this document in person at the police station in the town where you are living.
For further information, visit the website of the Spanish Ministry of the Interior or get in touch with the URV's International Center.