Spain Visa Insurance Requirements
The insurance requirements for international student visas for Spain
Depending on where you are from, you may or may not need a visa and health insurance in order to enter Spain. Applying for a visa can be a somewhat lengthy and difficult undertaking, so make sure to begin the process as soon as possible. From there, you can figure out what type of visa and health insurance you may need.
Non-EU Citizen
Student in Spain Less than 3 Months- If you're a non-EU citizen planning to study for less than three months, you'll most likely need to apply for a Schengen visa. US citizens don't need a visa to enter.
- If you're a citizen who is not a part of the European Union, and you plan to study in Spain for longer than three months, you'll need to obtain a student visa.
- If you plan to stay in Spain for longer than six months, you'll need to acquire a student residence permit in addition to a student visa.
Spanish Visa Process
Make sure to check Spain’s official government website to find the steps you must take in order to apply for a student visa based on your country of origin and visa type. The application processing time, not to mention the process of obtaining required documents, might take months, so make sure to begin with ample time before your program begins. One of the requirements for the visa application will be health insurance, so it’s crucial to know your situation and what kind of insurance you might need. For a step-by-step look at the Spanish visa application process, check out our Preparing for your Spanish Visa blog.
If you are studying in Spain for more than 6 months, the process does not end once you acquire your student visa. Upon arriving, you will need to apply for a student residence permit called a TIE (tarjeta identidad de extranjero) that will allow you to stay in Spain for a maximum of one year before it expires. You can renew the card annually until completion of your studies. The initial process of obtaining a TIE can take several months, so be sure to apply for one immediately if your studies exceed 6 months. Make an appointment with the Comisaría de la Policia Nacional as soon as possible, as it can be difficult to find an open appointment slot. If there are no available appointments, don’t fret. More slots tend to open up at the beginning of the week, so be sure to check the website first thing in the morning. You have 30 days after entering the country to begin applying for your residence permit.
Students cannot apply for a student visa after entering Spain with a tourist visa. You must begin and complete the application from your home country and follow the proper procedures in order to study in Spain for longer than three months.
Can I work in Spain?
International students can work up to 20 hours a week as long as the work schedule does not interfere with class or research. A work permit with the foreign nationals office is required before you begin work in Spain.
Health Insurance Requirements
According to the regulations of Spain insurance for international students, the student must show proof of health insurance coverage as part of the visa application. The minimum coverage must be € 30.000. For more information, read our Health Insurance in Spain article.
EU Citizens
For EU Citizens, the steps to secure your health insurance and visa are as follows:
Step 1: Apply for a Foreign National Identity Number
If you are from a country in the European Union, you do not have to obtain a visa but should apply for a NIE (número de identidad de extranjero) upon your arrival. This document will help you:
- Open a bank account.
- Use health services.
- Provide work authorization in Spain.
Step 2: Secure a health insurance plan, if necessary
Students from the EU are also authorized to work in Spain. Though a visa is not required, according to the insurance requirements for Spain, you may need to provide a medical insurance policy and certificate indicating that you do not suffer from an illness requiring quarantine in accordance with international health regulations, a criminal record certificate issued by authorities of your home country, and other legal documents.
Step 3: Complete the necessary paperwork
International students should gather all necessary paperwork and fill out the required documents and applications as far in advance as possible. Spain visa insurance requirements can be confusing and the process equally frustrating. Know that there are many resources both in your home country and in Spain that can help you obtain the correct visa and the proper health insurance plan. Spain insurance for international students protects students from economic hardship and allows them to learn in a safe and healthy environment.Best Insurance Plans for Spain
We have a range of insurance plans, however for students studying in Spain the best insurance options are:
