Spain Student Visa Cost: What to Budget for 2026
Your complete breakdown of government fees, document costs, health insurance, and professional service pricing. Understand exactly what your visa will cost — whether you handle it yourself or use expert help.
Total Cost Overview: What Will Your Visa Cost?
The final cost depends on your nationality, how many documents need processing, and whether you use professional help. Here is a realistic breakdown.
| Category | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Consulate visa application fee | €80–€200 |
| Criminal record certificate (varies by country) | €0–€50 |
| Apostille fees (3–5 documents @ £15–50 each) | £45–£250 (~€53–€295) |
| Sworn translations (2–4 documents @ €30–80 each) | €60–€320 |
| Medical certificate (passport photo required) | €25–€80 |
| Health insurance (minimum 4–12 months) | €240–€1,800 |
| DIY Subtotal | €450–€2,700+ |
| My Spanish Visa Service (full package) | €799 (3 payments) |
| With Professional Help (estimate) | €1,250–€3,500+ |
Budget estimate: Most students can expect to spend €400–€800 handling everything themselves (excluding long-term insurance). With My Spanish Visa's service plus insurance, total cost is typically €1,200–€1,600. Insurance is the largest variable — it depends on duration of your studies and the provider you choose.
Government & Consulate Fees
The Spanish consulate visa fee is the same for all visa types and is set by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration.
Consulate visa application fee
The exact amount varies by nationality and the consulate's jurisdiction (UK applicants typically pay around £65–75 GBP, US applicants around $80–120 USD, converted to EUR). This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is rejected. Payment is made at the time of your consulate appointment. The fee covers the cost of processing your application and issuing the visa.
The consulate fee is always non-refundable
This is true regardless of whether your visa is approved or rejected. This makes accurate document preparation critical — an error could result in rejection and loss of the fee. This is one reason why many applicants choose to use a professional service to minimize the risk of costly mistakes.
Document Costs: Apostilles, Translations & Certificates
Multiple supporting documents must be officially processed. Here is the cost breakdown by document type. For a complete list of required documents, see our documents checklist and guide.
Criminal record certificate
Most countries issue these free or for a small fee. UK applicants typically pay £0–26 GBP through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). US costs vary by state (€15–45). This certificate must be apostilled before submission to the consulate.
Apostille fees
UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) charges typically £15–50 per document for apostille certification (processing takes 10–14 business days). US costs vary significantly by state ($5–50 per document). Most student visa applications require 3–5 apostilled documents (birth certificate, criminal record, degree transcript, etc.). Expect total apostille costs of £45–£250 (approximately €53–€295).
Sworn translations (jurado)
Official Spanish court-certified translations (traducciones juradas) are required for any document not originally in Spanish. In Spain, these typically cost €30–€80 per document depending on length and the translator. Student visa applications usually need 2–4 translations (birth certificate, degree, transcripts). Total translation cost: €60–€320. My Spanish Visa can coordinate these on your behalf.
Medical certificate (Certificado Médico)
A basic medical certificate confirming your fitness to study is often required. Cost varies by clinic (some universities may offer this free to enrolled students). In Spain, expect €25–€80. This is typically a simple check without extensive testing — most Spanish medical clinics can issue this within 24 hours.
Plan ahead for apostilles: UK apostille processing takes 10–14 business days. US processing varies by state (typically 5–10 days). If you are applying from outside your home country, allow 3–4 weeks for documents to arrive at an apostille office. Order early to avoid delays.
Student Health Insurance for Your Spain Visa
All student visa holders must hold compliant health insurance. Costs typically range from €60–€150 per month depending on age, provider, and coverage level. For full details on policy requirements and visa compliance rules, see our health insurance requirements guide.
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Get a Student Quote →Spanish Health Insurance
Health and visa insurance specialists for English-speaking foreigners moving to Spain. Their team understand exactly what Spanish consulates require and can match you to the right policy — whether you need cover for a new application, a renewal, or a full family plan.