9 de July, 2025
If your goal is to study or spend a season in Spain without establishing permanent residence, the permiso de estancia in Spain is the right option. Unlike Spanish residence, this stay authorization allows you to legally remain in the country for a limited period, whether for courses, training programs, or other specific activities. Although it is a legal way to live in Spain, it does not grant the same rights as a regular residence permit, such as access to public aid or the possibility of applying for Spanish citizenship in the short term. Even so, it can be the first step for those who hope to live in Spain in the future or even obtaining arraigo in Spain.
In this guide, we explain in detail what the permiso de estancia in Spain is, who can apply, the requirements, differences compared to residence, costs, and the main advantages and limitations.
The permiso de estancia in Spain is a temporary stay authorization that allows you to remain in the country for a limited period. It applies to those who do not intend to establish permanent residence but want to spend a specific period in Spanish territory — as the name suggests, a “stay.”
In practice, when a foreigner applies for a student visa in Spain, they do not obtain formal residence but rather a permiso de estancia. This happens because, although there is a European directive allowing students to have resident status (which would grant them more rights and facilities), Spain decided not to automatically grant this status.
The term estancia is commonly used by the Spanish government both for stays of up to 90 days and those longer than that period, provided they are temporary stays without the intention of settling permanently.
The short-term estancia lasts up to 90 days and is equivalent to the tourist/Schengen visa, which is waived for citizens of various countries that have agreements with Spain, such as Brazil. As stated on the official website of the Ministerio del Interior:
“The foreigner is exempt from a visa when, while in Spain, they are not subject to the visa requirement for stays of ninety calendar days in any period of one hundred and eighty calendar days, calculated according to Regulation (EU) 2016/399 of the European Parliament and of the Council, of March 9, 2016, which establishes a Union Code on the rules governing the movement of persons across borders, and who is not the holder of a visa or residence or long-term stay authorization.”
It is possible to extend the short-term estancia, but only in exceptional situations.
If the intention is to stay for more than three months, it is necessary to apply for a specific visa and begin the process to obtain Spanish residence. Depending on the purpose, this residence may take the form of a temporary estancia, as is the case with the student visa in Spain. As with other types of visas, students must prove sufficient financial means, have accommodation, valid health insurance in Spanish territory, and present enrollment at a recognized educational institution.
For those who wish to settle permanently in the country, there is also the possibility of applying for arraigo in Spain, a special regularization process aimed at foreigners who have lived in the country for a certain time and already have consolidated social, work, or family ties.
Although the long-term estancia is also a temporary authorization, it allows you to stay in Spain for periods longer than three months, usually linked to the duration of a course or specific activity.
The estancia authorization in Spain allows you to carry out the following activities:
To obtain the permiso de estancia in Spain, you must meet these requirements:
The permiso de estancia in Spain does not automatically convert into Spanish residence. However, it offers legal pathways to residence:
The estancia period does not count for Spanish citizenship application. The time only starts counting after obtaining a residence permit:
The cost of the stay authorization in Spain can vary depending on the type of activity (studies, research, volunteering, etc.) and also on the province where the process is carried out. In general, the administrative fee (tasa) for the application usually ranges between €10 and €80, according to the official immigration fee table (forms 790, codes 052 or 062, depending on the case).
In addition, it is important to consider other indirect costs, such as:
The permiso de estancia in Spain represents an excellent opportunity for those who wish to study or train in the country. This authorization offers a balance between flexibility and legal security. And, although it does not automatically guarantee Spanish residence, it often constitutes the first step for those who intend to settle permanently in the country. With proper planning and compliance with requirements, it can be the gateway to a new life in Spain.
If you intend to live in Spain, whether with a student visa, another type of visa for Spain, or even if you have Spanish ancestry and want to apply for your Spanish citizenship, Atlantic Bridge is ready to support you at every stage. We offer comprehensive support, from obtaining nationality and different types of visas to regularizing documents such as residence permits, NIE, and other essential services.
Contact us through the form and request a personalized quote. The first consultation is free.
Author:
Silvia Resende
