This guide explains how UK citizens apply for a Spanish long-term study visa (over 180 days) for university exchange, year-abroad, or academic placement programmes.
Since Brexit, Spanish consulates have tightened document requirements. Most refusals and delays are caused by incorrect criminal record certificates, missing apostilles, or financial sponsorship errors rather than academic eligibility.
This article reflects current practice at Spanish Consulates in the UK (London, Manchester, Edinburgh).
Popular Spain Exchange Universities for UK Students
UK universities most frequently partner with the following Spanish institutions for exchange and year-abroad programmes:
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid
- Universitat de Barcelona
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra
- Universidad de Valencia
- Universidad de Granada
- IE University
If your programme duration exceeds 180 days, a Spanish national study visa is mandatory.
Step 1: Apply Through the Correct Spanish Consulate
You must apply at the Spanish Consulate that covers your UK residential address:
- London
- Manchester
- Edinburgh
All appointments are booked via BLS International, the official external visa processing partner.
From 1 October 2023, study visa appointments in London are booked only through BLS.
Walk-in applications are not accepted.
Required Documents for a Spanish Long-Term Study Visa
1. Passport
- Original passport
- One photocopy of the photo and information page
- Passport is retained during processing
2. National Visa Application Form
- Correct form for a long-term study visa
- Available via BLS
- Printed and completed in advance
3. Passport Photo
- Taken at the BLS centre
- Additional photos may be brought as backup
4. Proof of Study (Host University Letter)
The acceptance letter must:
- Be written in Spanish
- Confirm start and end dates
- Be signed and stamped by the Spanish host university
PDF printouts are accepted.
5. Proof of Funds (Key Decision Area)
Spain requires proof of funds equivalent to 100% of IPREM:
- €600 per month of study
- Typical year abroad: approximately €6,600
Practical Monthly Living Costs
- Madrid / Barcelona: €900–1,200
- Other major cities: €700–900
- Smaller cities: €600–800
Accepted Funding Methods
Recommended options
- UK Student Finance approval letter
- Personal savings held for at least 28 days (six months of bank statements)
Parental sponsorship – not recommended
Parental sponsorship requires:
- Notarised sponsorship letter
- Birth certificate
- Apostille
- Sworn Spanish translation
- Parent’s employment confirmation and bank statements
This route adds significant cost and complexity and carries a higher rejection risk.
6. Health Insurance
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), or
- Private student health insurance (typically €300–500 per year)
7. Criminal Record Certificate – ACRO Only
Spain requires a UK ACRO Police Certificate.
- DBS certificates are not accepted
- ACRO is mandatory for Spanish study visas
Processing options:
- Standard: approximately 4 weeks
- Priority: approximately 2 working days
8. Apostille Requirement
The following documents must be apostilled:
- ACRO Police Certificate
- Certificate of Good Health
- Parental sponsorship documents (if used)
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office issues Apostilles.
Standard processing typically takes up to 15 working days, excluding courier time.
We are able to offer faster Apostille service within a few working days.
9. Certificate of Good Health
This document confirms the applicant does not suffer from serious infectious diseases.
- NHS GPs: often not recognised by FCDO for apostille purpose
- Most applicants use private providers such as ZoomDoc
- Typical cost: £80
- Issued within 1–2 working days
Requirement: apostilled and translated into Spanish.
10. Proof of UK Residence
Acceptable documents include:
- Poll card
- Council tax bill
- Utility bill
Translation Requirements
A Spanish sworn translator translates the required documents.
The Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs published the official list of sworn translators.
Appointment and Processing
- Appointment duration: approximately 20 minutes
- Visa processing time: typically 8–40 working days
- Returning passport by courier
Many UK students receive approval within two weeks with correctly prepared documents.
Common Causes of Delay or Refusal
- Submitting a DBS instead of ACRO
- Missing apostille
- Incorrect medical certificate wording
- Errors in parental sponsorship documentation
- Late appointment booking
How Ginkgo Advisory Assists UK Students
Ginkgo Advisory supports UK students applying for Spanish study visas by managing document compliance.
Services include:
- ACRO Police Certificate (standard and priority)
- FCDO apostille (standard and express)
- Correct document sequencing
- Medical certificate guidance
- Courier coordination
The focus is on preventing rejection and reducing delays caused by technical errors.
Final Notes
For UK citizens studying in Spain for more than 180 days, visa success depends primarily on document accuracy and legalisation order, not academic eligibility.
Using the correct criminal record certificate, securing apostilles on time, and avoiding unnecessary sponsorship structures are essential.
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