Proof of Accommodation
for Spain Student Visa
Before the consulate issues your visa, it needs to know where you'll live in Spain. Here's exactly what they accept — and what won't pass.
What the Consulate Accepts as Proof of Accommodation
There are several valid forms of accommodation proof. Choose the one that applies to your situation — not all applicants will have the same type.
Signed Rental Contract (Contrato de Arrendamiento)
A signed rental agreement between you and a Spanish landlord or agency. This is the strongest form of evidence. The contract must show your name, the full address, the rental start date, and ideally the duration.
- Must be signed by both landlord and tenant
- Must show the full Spanish address
- Duration should cover at least the course period
- In Spanish — no translation needed
Student Residence Hall Booking
A confirmed booking or reservation letter from a Spanish student residence (residencia universitaria) or school-arranged accommodation. Must confirm your name, the address, and the dates of your stay.
- Official confirmation on letterhead
- Must state full address
- Dates must overlap with course period
- If in English, sworn translation may be needed
Host Invitation Letter (Carta de Invitación)
If you are staying with a Spanish resident (family member, friend, or host family), they can issue a formal carta de invitación — an invitation letter confirming they will house you. This is a legal declaration signed by the host and in some cases registered at the local foreigners' office (comisaría).
- Must be in Spanish
- Must include host's ID or NIE number
- Must state duration of stay
- Some consulates require a notarised version
School-Provided or Homestay Accommodation
Some language schools arrange homestay accommodation or have partnerships with residence halls. If your school provides accommodation as part of the programme, they can issue a confirmation letter as part of your enrolment documents. Request this alongside your enrolment letter.
- Must show the address where you will live
- Issued on school letterhead
- Should confirm the accommodation period
- Combined with enrolment letter is ideal
Short-Term Booking (Airbnb / Hotel)
Hotel or Airbnb bookings alone are generally not accepted for long-stay student visas because they don't demonstrate stable accommodation for the full study period. A very short initial period booking (e.g. first two weeks) may be used alongside a rental contract in progress, but consult your consulate before relying on this.
No Accommodation / "Will Find When Arrive"
The consulate will not accept a declaration that you intend to find accommodation after arrival. You must have confirmed, documented accommodation in place at the time of your visa application. Not having this document is grounds for outright rejection.
What Your Accommodation Document Must Show
Regardless of the type of accommodation, the document submitted must contain the following information.
Your Full Legal Name
Must match your passport name exactly. If the document is in a landlord's name or only references "the tenant", ask for a version that names you specifically.
Full Address in Spain
Street name, building number, floor and door (piso/puerta), city, and postal code. The address must be a real residential address in Spain, and must match the address you put on your EX-00 form.
Dates of Occupation
The start date of your accommodation should align with (or precede) your course start date. The end date or duration should ideally cover your full study period.
Signature of Landlord, School, or Host
The document must be signed by the party providing accommodation. Unsigned documents are not accepted. Rental contracts must be signed by both parties.