Document checklist
Namibia → Spain: Long-term stay authorisation for studies (study visa)
What you need before you submit, checked against official requirements, not guesswork.
Not yet checked. This page was drafted from the sources listed below but hasn't passed verification yet. Double-check anything critical directly with the official source before you rely on it.
Required documents
12 itemsIdentity
National visa application form
RequiredThe national visa application form, filled in and signed. You hand it in yourself at the Spanish consulate for the area where you live. If you are under 18, your parents or guardian sign it and apply for you.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consulate General of Spain in Miami: study visa
Passport valid for at least one year
RequiredA passport that Spain accepts, valid for at least one year, plus a copy of the page with your photo and personal details. You show the original and hand in copies.
Recent colour photo
RequiredA recent passport-style colour photo with a light background. The exact size depends on the consulate, so check its checklist.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consulate General of Spain in Miami: study visa
Financial
Proof of enough money for your stay and return
RequiredProof that you have enough money each month to live in Spain and to travel home. The amount is 100% of IPREM (a Spanish reference figure set every year) for each month. Add 75% of IPREM for the first family member who comes with you and 50% for each other family member. It can be less if you have already paid for your housing for the whole stay. Money for your course fees does not count toward this amount. Check the current IPREM value with your consulate.
Purpose of travel
Admission letter and proof you paid enrolment fees
RequiredProof that a recognised school, college or university in Spain has admitted you to a full-time course that leads to a degree or certificate, and that you have paid the registration or enrolment fees. For higher education you must be at least 17.
Insurance
Health insurance
RequiredA public or private health insurance policy with a company allowed to work in Spain, giving cover similar to Spain's national health system. The Miami consulate asks that it cover your whole stay, starting one month before your studies and ending 15 days after.
Other
Criminal record certificate (stays over 6 months)
RequiredIf your stay will be longer than six months and you are an adult, a criminal record certificate from your home country or from each country where you lived in the last five years.
Medical certificate
RequiredA doctor's certificate saying you don't have any of the diseases that could cause serious public health problems under the International Health Regulations of 2005. Consulates may ask that it be recent (for example, no older than 3 months).
Parents' permission (applicants under 18)
RequiredIf you are under 18, your parents or guardians must give permission for your stay to study in Spain, and show they have the right to act for you.
Proof of family relationship
RequiredFamily members who come with you apply with their own passport, form and photo, plus certificates proving the relationship, such as a marriage or birth certificate. The Miami consulate asks that these be issued within the last 6 months.
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consulate General of Spain in Miami: study visa
Proof you paid the fee
RequiredProof that you paid the processing fee. For a visa, you pay it when you apply.
Sworn translations and legalised documents
RequiredDocuments from other countries must be translated into Spanish (or the local co-official language) by a sworn translator. Foreign public documents must also be legalised by the Spanish consulate, unless they carry a Hague Apostille or are exempt under an international agreement.
Why applications on this route get refused
Applying too close to the start of your course
You are expected to apply at least two months before your studies start, unless you can show this wasn't possible (for example, because of the school's enrolment dates).
How to avoid it: Book your consulate appointment early and apply at least two months before your course begins.
No answer within one month
The consulate has one month to give its decision. If there is no answer by then, the rules say the application may be treated as refused.
How to avoid it: Apply with a complete file, keep your contact details up to date, and follow up with the consulate if you hear nothing.
Not enough money shown
Your documents must show 100% of IPREM for each month, plus extra for family members. Money meant for course fees is not counted.
How to avoid it: Check the current IPREM value, count only living money (not tuition), and add the family amounts if anyone comes with you.
Foreign documents not translated or legalised
Certificates such as your criminal record or relationship documents are not accepted as they should be unless they are translated by a sworn translator and legalised or apostilled.
How to avoid it: Get the Apostille (or legalisation) first, then have the document translated by a sworn translator.
Visa not collected in time
Once the visa is granted, you have two months from the notice to collect it. If you don't, it is treated as if you gave it up and the file is closed.
How to avoid it: Collect your visa as soon as you are told it is ready.
Sources
- Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Sheet 1: Long-term stay authorisation for studies · checked 14 Sept 2026
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consulate General of Spain in Miami: study visa · checked 14 Sept 2026
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Consulate General of Spain in Casablanca: study visa requirements · checked 14 Sept 2026
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