Parastoo Legal Group
Student Visa in Spain for Middle Eastern Nationals: Everything You Need to Know
How to apply for a Spanish student visa, what documents you need, and how to transition to a work permit after graduation.
Spain is home to some of Europe's most prestigious universities, and its quality of life, climate, and cost of living make it an increasingly popular destination for Middle Eastern students. The Spanish Student Visa (Visado de Estudios) allows non-EU nationals to live in Spain for the duration of their studies. Parastoo Legal Group assists students from the UAE, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan with the full application process.
Types of Student Visa
For studies lasting more than 90 days: the Visado de Estudios (long-stay student visa), which must be obtained before arriving in Spain. For studies up to 90 days, a standard Schengen visa may suffice. The long-stay student visa is then converted into a Student Residence Authorisation (Autorización de Residencia por Estudios) once in Spain.
Requirements
Required documents: acceptance letter from a recognised Spanish educational institution, proof of sufficient funds (approximately €600/month for the duration of studies), private health insurance covering Spain, criminal background certificate (apostilled and translated), and proof of paid tuition. All documents must be officially translated into Spanish.
Working on a Student Visa
Student visa holders in Spain are permitted to work part-time — up to 30 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays — provided they obtain a work authorisation alongside their student status. We advise students on the conditions and handle the authorisation process.
Transitioning to a Work or Residency Permit
After completing their studies, students can transition to a work permit (if they have a job offer) or to a Digital Nomad Visa (if they work remotely). Spain also has a post-study job-search visa that allows graduates to remain in Spain for up to 12 months while looking for employment. We advise on all transition pathways.
Universities in Spain Popular with Middle Eastern Students
Popular choices include Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Universidad Pompeu Fabra (Barcelona), IE University (Madrid/Segovia), and IESE Business School. We can advise on admission processes and help coordinate the visa application once you have been accepted.