A path through the guides
Non-EU student
The procedures this situation usually goes through, in order. Each step says why it comes where it does, and links to its guide and official sources.
Who this is for
- Citizenship
- Non-EU citizens
- Where you are
- Still outside Spain · In Spain on a visa
- Why you are coming
- Study
Where it leaves you
The steps
Stay in Spain for qualifying studies
Get or maintain a long-duration study stay for qualifying education in Spain, with the work rights and financial rules that apply to your study category.
- When
- before studies begin or before current study status expires
- How long it takes
- authorization duration depends on the qualifying study program and route
- Legal deadline
- route-dependent
- Cost
- current government fee where applicable
Official sources
Register your address in Barcelona
Register the Barcelona address where you usually live so the city records your residence and you can prove it for later local procedures.
- When
- week 1
- How long it takes
- about 7 calendar days online when documents are correct
- Cost
- free
Official sources
Get your TIE card
Get the physical foreigner identity card that documents an already granted qualifying residence or stay status.
- When
- immediately after the qualifying authorization becomes effective
- How long it takes
- card-production timing varies; recent Barcelona reports often indicate about one month
- Legal deadline
- usually 1 month, from the event stated for the underlying authorization
- Cost
- current card fee
Official sources
Stay after graduation to look for work or start a business
Remain in Spain for up to 24 months after qualifying higher education to look for suitable work or prepare a business project, without work rights from this permit itself.
- When
- at completion of qualifying higher education
- How long it takes
- 24 months, non-renewable
- Legal deadline
- 60 days before to 90 days after qualifying study authorization expiry
- Cost
- current government fee
Official sources
Modify your immigration authorization
Move from one immigration status to another only where the current rules provide a specific modification path for your exact starting and target authorization.
- When
- before current status expires or when the specific modification route opens
- How long it takes
- route-specific; no universal modification timeline
- Legal deadline
- route-specific
- Cost
- route-specific government fee
Official sources
Get started with your journey
Talk your situation through with a NEXO Expert, or write to us.
Information, not legal advice.