If you’re planning to study in Spain—whether in Barcelona or another city—you need to be aware of the upcoming changes in student visa regulations. At Freeda Language Space, we want to ensure you have all the necessary information to process your visa smoothly.
This guide highlights the key updates in student visa applications, renewals, and modifications, with a special focus on requirements for Spanish language students.
Applying for a Student Visa for the First Time
Where Can You Apply for a Student Visa?
Until May 20, 2025, students enrolling in language courses or professional training programs still have two options:
- Applying at the Spanish Consulate in their home country or country of permanent residence.
- Applying directly from Spain, provided they are legally in the country and have more than 30 days remaining on their current visa
This second option has been particularly beneficial for students over 35 years old, who often face challenges obtaining a visa from their home country.
What Changes with the New Reform?
- As of May 20, 2025, language course students will no longer be able to apply for a student visa based on a language course from Spain.
- All students must process their visa at the Spanish Consulate in their home country or country of residence.
Freeda’s Tip:
If you’re considering studying Spanish in Barcelona and want to take advantage of the current option to apply from Spain, we recommend arriving before the end of April or early May 2025 on a tourist visa and submitting your student visa application while in Spain.
Renewing Your Student Visa
If you are already studying in Spain and wish to continue your education, renewing your student visa is essential.
Current Renewal Process
- Student visas based on language courses can be renewed multiple times.
- Certificate of course completion from your school (certificado de aprovechamiento) is sufficient for renewal.
What’s Changing?
- Starting May 20, 2025, student visa renewal based on language courses will be limited to one renewal only.
- In addition to a course completion certificate, you will also need one of the following:
- DELE (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) certificate
- Proof of DELE exam registration
- SIELE certificate, an official digital Spanish language proficiency test
Freeda Language Space is an official testing center for DELE and SIELE, meaning you can take these exams directly with us.
More information about the DELE exam
When Should You Register for the Exam?
Your DELE or SIELE exam date can be even after your visa has expired, as long as you present proof of registration when you submit your documents for the visa renewal.
But sign up for the exam 3-4 months in advance! Because the number of applicants who can sit the exam at a particular session is limited!
Modifying Your Student Visa
What Are Your Options After Studying in Spain now?
If you wish to stay in Spain after completing your language studies, you can:
- Renew your visa by enrolling in a professional training program, bachelor’s degree, or master’s degree.
- Apply for a digital nomad visaor a startup visa.
- Modify your visa to a work residency permit.
What Changes Under the New Reform?
- Language course students will no longerbe able to directly switch to a work residency permit.
- To apply for a work residency permit, you must first complete a professional training program, undergraduate degree, or master’s degreein Spain.
If you plan to continue your studies in Spain after learning Spanish at Freeda, we provide guidance on universities and professional training centers in Barcelona.
Renewing Your Visa with Professional Training program
If you plan to continue studying in Spain through a professional training program, new visa renewal conditions will apply from May 20, 2025:
- You must provide a recognized diploma or school certificate. (un diploma o título escolar homologado)
- You can apply for visa renewal two months before your current visa expires and up to 90 days after it expires. Upon completing your professional training course, you can modify your visa to a work residency permit.
What If My Visa Expires After May 20, 2025?
- If this is your first student visa, you can renew it one more time with a language course.
- If you have already renewed your visa one or more times andyour current visa expires before the 5th of July 2025, you can still renew it with a language course one more time, but you need to submit your application before May 20, 2025 (preferably before May 5th).
- If you have already renewed your visa one or more times andyour current visa expires after the 5th of July 2025, you can enroll in a university or professional training program (applications should be submitted two months before your residence permit (TIE) expires and before the course starts).
- If you have already renewed your visa one or more times andyour current visa expires after the 5th of July 2025, you can also submit an initial application before May 20, 2025. This will cancel any previous renewals. Beware that you will need to submit a no-criminal record certificate. This process is similar to applying for a student visa for the first time.
Need Help with Your Visa Application?
At Freeda Language Space, we provide expert guidance throughout your visa and enrollment process to make your stay in Spain stress-free.
For personalized assistance, you can book a consultation with our immigration advisor, Olga: [email protected] (Consultation fee: €80 and for Freeda students: €50).
Don’t wait until the last minute! If you’re planning to study in Spain in 2025, start your visa application process now and secure your spot in our Spanish courses in Barcelona.
