Study Stay

1. What is the Long-Stay Permit for Studies?

Under the Immigration Regulations, this status enables foreign nationals to remain in Spain for a period exceeding 90 calendar days for educational or volunteering purposes. One of the most relevant innovations for academic flexibility is the explicit recognition of the hybrid modality, allowing studies that are not 100% in-person, provided that at least 50% of the training takes place physically at the institution.

The permitted categories are:

• Higher Education: Full-time programmes at recognised institutions (degrees, master's degrees, doctorates or university-specific qualifications).
• Post-Compulsory Secondary Education: Baccalaureate or intermediate vocational training cycles.
• Student Mobility: Exchange programmes in compulsory or post-compulsory secondary education at official centres.
• Volunteering Services: Participation in programmes of general interest with non-profit organisations, where activities are unpaid (except expense reimbursements).
• Training Activities: Includes language assistants, Spanish language courses (at centres accredited by the Instituto Cervantes), preparation for MIR/EIR examinations and training for technical aptitude certifications.

2. Essential Requirements for the Applicant

Financial solvency and the suitability of the institution are the pillars of the application. At Juan Vega, we urge students to verify that their institution is registered in the new Register of Higher Education Institutions and Centres, as this is a prerequisite for accessing fast-track processing benefits.

Monthly Financial Resources (IPREM Reference):

Strategic note: If the student proves that accommodation has been paid in advance for the entire duration of the stay, the required monthly amount may be adjusted, significantly reducing the liquidity required in the bank account.

Other critical requirements:

1. Official admission: Enrolment or letter of acceptance at a recognised and registered centre.
2. Health insurance: Private insurance with coverage equivalent to the National Health System. Important: if the student works, registration with Social Security replaces this requirement.
3. Absence of criminal record: For stays exceeding 6 months, in countries of residence during the last 5 years.
4. Medical certificate: In accordance with the International Health Regulations of 2005.

3. Working while Studying: Automatic Facilitations

To promote talent retention and employability, prior work authorisations are eliminated for the highest academic sector.

• Automatic Authorisation: Higher Education students are authorised by law to work (employed or self-employed) without additional procedures before the Immigration Office. Registration with Social Security is sufficient.
• Working Hours Limit: Work must be compatible with studies and may not exceed 30 hours per week.
• Internships: Curricular internships (included in the study plan) are not considered employment activity and do not consume the hours limit or require authorisation.
• Insurance Exception: For those who work, registration with Social Security covers the health insurance requirement, eliminating the need for additional private insurance.

4. Family Members and European Mobility

The right to family unity and the international projection of the student are strengthened.

• Accompanying family members: The holder may be accompanied by their spouse or stable partner. We define a stable partner as one with a proven lasting bond (minimum 1 year of cohabitation or children in common). Minor or dependent children are also eligible.
• EU Mobility: Higher education students on European programmes (for example, Erasmus) may remain in other Member States for up to 360 days with their Spanish authorisation, subject to prior notification to the authorities.

5. Duration and Renewal of the Stay

Managing deadlines is vital to avoid subsequent irregular status.

• Initial Validity: For higher education, the authorisation covers the full official duration of the degree or master's. For other activities, the initial limit is 1 year.
• Renewal Deadlines: Must be applied for during the 60 days prior to expiry. It may be applied for up to 90 days afterwards, but delay may result in an administrative penalty. Timely submission automatically extends the validity of the previous stay until the application is resolved.

This reform not only facilitates the arrival of students, but creates a real bridge to the Spanish labour market, simplifying the student's life from day one.