How to apply for a Spanish study visa from the US: a step-by-step guide

If you’re an American planning to study Spanish in Spain for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a Spanish study visa from the US. It’s not a complicated process, but you do need to follow some specific steps and plan ahead.

This guide breaks down the process based on official information from the Spanish government and the Embassy of Spain in Washington, D.C. Whether you’re planning a gap year, a career break, or just want to improve your Spanish in a real-world setting, this article will help you figure out how to make it happen.

Do Americans Need a Visa to Study in Spain?

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Yes! If you’re staying for more than 90 days, you’ll need to apply for a long-term Spanish student visa (known in Spanish as Visado de Estudios).

For short stays under 90 days, US citizens don’t need a visa, but you still need to meet basic entry requirements, like:

• Having a return ticket
• Showing proof of accommodation
• Demonstrating enough funds for your stay

But if you’re planning a longer stay to truly immerse yourself in Spanish, a visa is required.

Why Studying Spanish Is a Smart Way to Live Legally in Spain

A lot of people don’t realize this: studying Spanish at an accredited school can be your ticket to living in Spain legally—no job offer or EU passport needed.

Instead of going through the hassle of applying for a work visa or a digital nomad permit, many Americans choose the student visa route. Here’s why:

• It’s affordable
• It doesn’t require prior Spanish knowledge
• You can renew it annually
• It opens the door to other residence permits down the line

If you enroll in a full-time Spanish course (20+ hours/week), you can live in Spain legally for 6–12 months, with the possibility of extension. It’s one of the most accessible and flexible ways to build a life in Spain.

Choosing to study Spanish in Spain is not just about learning the language—it’s about living it every day.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Spanish Study Visa from the US

1. Enroll in a Full-Time Spanish Course

Your program must be at least 20 hours per week and offered by an accredited school. Once enrolled, the school will give you an official acceptance letter, which is required for your visa application.

2. Gather the Required Documents

The Spanish consulate or embassy typically asks for:

• Completed National Visa Application Form
• One recent passport-size photo
• Valid passport (with 2 blank pages and valid for your full stay)
• Enrollment letter from your Spanish language school
• Proof of financial means (approx. €600 per month)
• Private health insurance valid in Spain (€30,000+ coverage)
• Proof of accommodation (rental contract, school housing, host family, etc.)
• Criminal background check (if staying more than 180 days)
• Medical certificate confirming you’re free of serious diseases
• Proof of visa fee payment

Important: Any documents in English must be translated into Spanish and authenticated, depending on the origin.

3. Submit Your Application

You’ll need to apply through the Spanish Embassy in Washington, D.C. or the consulate that corresponds to your state of residence.

Embassy Contact Details:
📍 2375 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
📧 [email protected]
📞 +1 (202) 452-0100
🔗 Official Embassy Website

Note: Processing times can vary, so apply at least 2–3 months before your course starts.

Once You Arrive in Spain: What’s Next?

If you’re staying in Spain for more than 6 months, there are two essential steps once you land:

1. Register your address at the local town hall (empadronamiento)
2. Apply for your TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) within 30 days

Your school should guide you through both processes. At Conversa Spanish Institute, we walk every student through these steps so you’re not dealing with the paperwork alone.

Studying at Conversa Spanish Institute in Valencia

Conversa Spanish Institute is an accredited Spanish language school recognized by the Instituto Cervantes, the official organization for promoting Spanish language and culture worldwide.

So, if you’re still deciding where to study, Valencia is a fantastic choice. It’s safe, beautiful, student-friendly, and located on Spain’s Mediterranean coast. And if you want help navigating the entire visa process, we in Valencia make it easy.

Here’s why students love us:

• Visa-compliant Spanish programs (20+ hours/week)
• Small class sizes and native-speaking teachers
• Full support with documents, housing, and post-arrival steps
• Access to an online learning platform
• A vibrant, multicultural environment in the heart of Valencia

If you’re looking for a supportive and immersive place to study Spanish in Spain, Conversa offers accredited programs right in the heart of Valencia.

Tip: Conversa provides the official documentation required for your Spanish study visa from the US. Once enrolled, you’ll get a full package of support materials to include in your visa application.

Real Talk: Is This the Right Path for You?

This route makes sense if you:

• Want to stay in Spain for 6+ months
• Don’t have an EU passport or job lined up
• Prefer a structured, legal way to experience Spanish life
• Want to learn or improve your Spanish while living abroad

It’s also a great option if you’re not quite ready to commit long-term. A student visa is flexible, relatively low-risk, and can be renewed or transitioned into something more permanent later.

And yes—it works even if you’re starting from zero. Conversa has beginner courses tailored for total newbies, so don’t stress if you don’t speak a word of Spanish (yet).

The Bottom Line

Getting a Spanish study visa from the US might seem intimidating at first, but once you know the steps, it’s totally doable. With the right course, a bit of planning, and a school that supports you through the process, you can make your dream of living in Spain a reality.

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you’re considering this path and want to study in Spain without headaches, reach out to our team.