Spain Pre-Departure Guide
Your complete checklist and guide for all essential preparations before traveling to Spain for your studies.
Upcoming Deadlines
Quick Access
An example pre-departure plan
Getting Ready for Spain
What students from India and Pakistan do before they fly to Spain for 2026-27.
Start Early
Key Preparation Areas
- Visa and papers: Long-stay student visa (visado de estudios) and the papers it needs.
- Housing: A home, and proof of where you will live.
- Health insurance: Covers everything the public health system covers.
- Money: At least EUR 600 a month in 2026.
Preparation Timeline
Before you apply
Get your admission letter and pay your enrolment fee.
At least 2 months before your course (India)
Give in your papers. Spain must answer within 1 month.
Within 1 month of arrival
Ask for your TIE (foreigner ID card) if you stay more than 6 months.
Ask Your University
Your university's international office tells you how to finish enrolment.
Ask it for its own arrival guide.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Tick these off before you fly.
Documentation
Passport
Valid for your whole stay, with 2 blank pages.
Admission letter
With the start date, end date and total cost.
Police certificate
Age 18 and over, stays over 180 days.
Medical certificate
Stays over 180 days.
Accommodation
Proof of housing
If you have paid for your housing for the whole stay in advance, you can show less money.
Finances
Money proof
At least EUR 600 a month in 2026.
Fee receipt
Proof you paid the enrolment or tuition fees.
Travel
Visa
Check your name, dates and visa type on the sticker.
Pre-Arrival Prep
Health insurance
From an insurance company allowed to work in Spain.
India and Pakistan Differ
Pre-Departure Guides
Open each guide for the full steps.
Staying Safe and in Touch
Save this number before you land.
Important Contacts & Resources
Emergency Contacts in Spain
112 is the European emergency number. It is free to call anywhere in the EU.
Before You Fly
Save 112, the emergency number.
Key Tips Before You Fly
Get your admission letter with the start date, end date and total cost.
Pay your enrolment fee and keep the receipt.
India: give in your visa papers at least 2 months before your course starts.
Get your police and medical certificates no more than 6 months before you apply.
Book your TIE appointment as early as you can. You must ask for your TIE within 1 month of entering Spain.
Get Expert Help
Frequently Asked Questions
Have More Questions?
Have more questions? Talk to us.
Complete Guide to Spain
Explore all aspects of studying in Spain with our comprehensive guides
Pre-Departure - Detailed Guides
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Get personalized guidance for studying in Spain with our expert consultants
Get Free ConsultationReady to Start Your Journey to Spain?
We help you plan your visa, money proof and insurance for 2026-27.
Get Expert Help