Spain Student Visa
for Indians 🇮🇳
Everything Indians need to know about applying for a Spain student visa in 2026 — which consulate, which criminal record authority, how the apostille works, and how long it all takes.
Spain Student Visa for Indians — At a Glance
Indian applicants apply at the Spanish consulate responsible for their region. The MEA apostille service is generally efficient. Note that documents in regional Indian languages may need English translations as an intermediate step before sworn Spanish translation.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Consulate(s) | New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata |
| Criminal Record | Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the police authority in the district where you currently reside or have resided — apply through your local police station or Passport Seva Kendra |
| Apostille Authority | Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) — apostille service available at MEA counters; processing typically 2–5 working days in Delhi |
| Consulate Processing Time | 4–8 weeks (processing times at Indian Spanish consulates can vary seasonally) |
| Consulate Visa Fee | approximately INR 6,000–8,000 |
| Recommended Lead Time | 10–14 weeks before intended travel |
| Work Rights | Up to 30 hours per week — automatic, no separate permit |
| Visa Type | National Long-Stay Visa Type D (estancia por estudios) |
How Indians Apply for a Spain Student Visa
The process for Indians follows the standard Spain student visa steps — with country-specific documents for the criminal record and apostille.
Enrol in an Eligible Course in Spain
Select an accredited Spanish institution offering a course of 20+ hours per week for 90+ days. Obtain your official enrolment letter in Spanish, confirming your course dates, weekly hours, and cost.
Request Your Criminal Record Certificate
Apply for your national criminal record certificate from Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from the police authority in the district where you currently reside or have resided — apply through your local police station or Passport Seva Kendra. Start this the same week you enrol — it is the longest lead-time document in the process.
Get the Apostille
Once your certificate arrives, send it immediately to Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) — apostille service available at MEA counters; processing typically 2–5 working days in Delhi for apostillisation. Allow the full stated processing time before planning your appointment.
Commission a Sworn Spanish Translation
Once apostilled, your criminal record certificate must be sworn-translated into Spanish by a certified translator. Most translators turn this around in 3–7 working days.
Gather All Other Documents
In parallel: obtain Spain student visa-compliant health insurance, a medical certificate, bank statements (3–6 months), proof of accommodation in Spain, and complete the EX-00 form in Spanish.
Book and Attend Your Consulate Appointment
Book your appointment at the Spanish consulate in New Delhi. Attend with originals and copies of all documents. Pay the visa fee (approximately INR 6,000–8,000). Your passport will be retained for processing.
Collect Your Visa and Travel to Spain
Once notified (typically 4–8 weeks (processing times at Indian Spanish consulates can vary seasonally) after appointment), collect your passport with the visa sticker. Check all details. Book your flights. Within 30 days of arriving in Spain, complete empadronamiento and your TIE card appointment.