Do I need a student visa?
It depends on your nationality and the length of your studies.
For study programs lasting 90 days or less, a Spanish student visa is generally not required, although some nationalities may still need a short-stay Schengen visa.
For studies lasting more than 90 days, non-EU students generally need either a student visa obtained before travelling to Spain, or a study-stay authorization submitted from within Spain, when the student meets the applicable eligibility and filing requirements.
U.S. citizens may enter Spain visa-free for short stays, but this does not automatically authorize them to remain in Spain for a full academic program.
Do I need a TIE?
You generally need a TIE — Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero — if your visa or study authorization allows you to remain in Spain for more than six months.
The TIE must normally be requested personally within one month of entering Spain or within one month of the authoriz
ation becoming effective.
Students whose authorized stay is six months or less generally do not receive a TIE.
What is the difference between a NIE and a TIE?
The NIE — Número de Identidad de Extranjero — is your personal foreigner identification number in Spain. It is a unique number used in administrative, legal and financial procedures.
The TIE is the physical identity card that documents your authorized immigration status in Spain. Your NIE normally appears on your TIE.
Having an NIE by itself does not prove that you have permission to live in Spain.
When should I begin the TIE process?
Begin preparing the process as soon as you arrive in Spain.
Students who are required to obtain a TIE must normally apply within one month of entering Spain or within one month of receiving an in-country study authorization.
Appointments can be limited, so you should not wait until the end of the one-month period to begin looking for an appointment.
Can MIGROW guarantee an appointment or approval?
No.
Appointments are released and managed by the Spanish public authorities. Visa, study-authorization, renewal and TIE decisions are also made exclusively by the competent Spanish authorities.
MIGROW cannot guarantee appointment availability or a successful decision. We can, however, help you prepare your documents correctly, identify the appropriate procedure, submit applications when applicable and reduce the risk of avoidable errors or delays.
Can MIGROW help if my visa or residence card expires soon?
Yes. Contact MIGROW immediately and provide:
- A copy of your passport
- Your current visa or TIE
- Your program and enrollment documents
- The expiration date of your current authorization
- Details of any planned international travel
A study-authorization extension may generally be submitted during the two months before expiration or during the three months following expiration. However, waiting until after expiration can create practical and travel-related complications, so early preparation is strongly recommended.
Can I travel while my renewal is pending?
Possibly, but your documents must be reviewed before you travel.
When your passport and immigration authorization remain valid, you may generally leave and re-enter Spain while they are still in force.
When your TIE or authorization has expired and your renewal is pending, you may need an autorización de regreso, or return authorization, before leaving Spain.
A return authorization is subject to eligibility and approval. It is only valid for re-entry through an authorized Spanish border crossing, which can create problems when returning through another Schengen country. Do not book travel without first reviewing your immigration status.
Can my family accompany me?
Family members of students undertaking qualifying higher-education studies may be eligible to accompany or join the student. Eligible relatives may include:
- A spouse
- A registered or qualifying stable partner
- Minor children
- Certain adult children who require specific support because of disability or illness
The family relationship, sufficient financial resources and insurance coverage must be demonstrated. Family members holding this type of student-family authorization are generally not authorized to work.
MIGROW can review your family situation and explain which procedure applies.
What happens if my TIE is lost or stolen?
You should act immediately. When a TIE is lost or stolen, you will normally need to:
- Report the loss or theft to the police.
- Request an appointment for a duplicate TIE.
- Present your valid passport, police report, photograph and proof of payment of the applicable government fee.
- Provide updated registration documentation when your address has changed.
The replacement card normally keeps the same expiration date as the card it replaces.
MIGROW can help you prepare the duplicate-card application and appointment documents.
Are MIGROW’s services included in SLU Madrid tuition?
No. MIGROW’s professional services are separate from SLU Madrid tuition, enrollment fees and other university charges.
Students contract directly with MIGROW and receive information about the applicable professional fee before the service begins.
Government fees, insurance, sworn translations, apostilles, notarization and other third-party expenses are not included unless expressly stated in the quotation.
Is MIGROW part of Saint Louis University?
No. MIGROW is an independent immigration and international student-mobility consultancy collaborating with SLU Madrid to provide students with access to visa, TIE and residency support.
MIGROW is not part of Saint Louis University and does not make decisions on behalf of the university or the Spanish immigration authorities.
Before beginning any procedure, MIGROW will confirm the scope of the service and provide a written quotation. Government fees, insurance premiums, translations, apostilles, notarization and other external expenses are normally charged separately.
What health insurance should I buy?
For a Spanish student visa or study authorization, you should normally obtain public or private health insurance from an insurance company authorized to operate in Spain. The policy should generally:
- Be valid throughout the required period of stay
- Provide coverage comparable to the Spanish public healthcare system
- Cover medical and hospital treatment
- Have no copayments or deductibles
- Have no waiting periods
- Avoid reimbursement-only arrangements
- Not be limited to emergency travel assistance
Standard travel insurance is generally not sufficient for a long-term Spanish student visa or study authorization. Requirements may differ slightly between Spanish consulates, so the policy must be checked against the instructions of the authority handling your application.
Can MIGROW help me with health insurance?
Yes. MIGROW can:
- Explain the insurance requirements applicable to your procedure
- Review a policy before you purchase or submit it
- Check the coverage period and policy conditions
- Identify possible problems such as copayments, deductibles, waiting periods or insufficient coverage
- Guide you toward insurance options commonly used for Spanish student immigration procedures
Students should contact MIGROW before purchasing a policy, particularly when the policy was issued outside Spain or is described as travel, international or reimbursement-based insurance.
Still Have Questions?
Contact MIGROW — our team is available to help in English.
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Contact MIGROW Email: estudios@migrow.com WhatsApp: +34 603 711 351 Call: 695 969 002 |