Student visa over 180 days (estancia por estudios)
What a student status via a certificado de profesionalidad unlocks
We are a school, not an immigration agency — so we simply lay out the rules. All three points need a final check with a lawyer before you plan the move.
Under RD 1155/2024 (in force since 20 May 2025), students on programmes that lead to an official qualification can combine studies with work — up to 30 hours per week VERIFY · lawyer. HOTR0508 is exactly such a programme.
The single-renewal cap on student status applies to language courses. Professional training is a separate category, so this cap does not apply VERIFY · lawyer. Certificate levels (nivel 2 → nivel 3) give a legal path for successive renewals.
Converting a student card into a residence permit with the right to work requires completing professional training or a university degree. HOTR0508 — an official certificado de profesionalidad — is exactly that required step VERIFY · lawyer.
When to file
Full checklist for the consulate
12 items. The fifth is our document pack from the school, delivered within 2 business days of payment. The rest is on you; we help at every step.
- 1. National visa application form (2 copies, in Spanish)
Why: The consulate's main form. Filled in Spanish and signed on two identical copies.
Where to get it: Official PDF on exteriores.gob.es (official website of the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
- 2. 2 colour photos 3.5×4.5 cm on a white background
Why: Consulate biometric standard. No glasses, no headwear (except for religious reasons).
Where to get it: Any photo studio; ask for “a photo for a Spanish visa”.
- 3. International passport + copies of every page
Why: The primary ID. Every page is copied, including blank ones, plus all previous passports.
Where to get it: You already have it.
- 4. National ID + copies of every page
Why: For citizens of countries that issue an internal ID (Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, etc.).
Where to get it: You already have it.
- 5. IEAE document packIssued by IEAE
Why: Admission letter, study contract, syllabus with hours (640 h = full-time) and proof of full payment.
Where to get it: Prepared within 2 business days of the first payment.
- 6. Medical certificate
Why: Confirms you have none of the diseases listed in the WHO International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).
Required wording (EN): “This patient does not suffer from any of the diseases that may have serious public-health consequences according to the International Health Regulations 2005.”
Wording (ES): «Este paciente no padece ninguna de las enfermedades que pueden tener repercusiones de salud pública graves de conformidad con lo dispuesto en el Reglamento Sanitario Internacional de 2005».Where to get it: GP or private clinic. Doctor's stamp, date and signature are mandatory.
- 7. Proof of accommodation in Valencia
Why: Rental contract or an invitation letter from an individual + Nota Simple del Registro de la Propiedad + copy of the inviter's ID.
Where to get it: Contract — from the landlord; Nota Simple — ordered online at Registro de la Propiedad.
- 8. Financial guarantee
Why: Applicant's bank statement for the last 3 months. Reference: 100% of IPREM per month for the applicant VERIFY · yearly, +75% for the first dependant, +50% for each additional one. Tuition and living funds are counted separately.
Where to get it: Your bank. If it's a sponsor's account (parent), add a financial-support letter and proof of relationship.
- 9. Spanish health insurance
Why: Covering the full stay, including repatriation, with no co-payments, from an insurer licensed in Spain VERIFY · lawyer.
Where to get it: Sanitas, Adeslas, DKV, Mapfre and others. Online purchase before departure is possible.
- 10. Police certificate (last 5 years)
Why: For adult applicants. From your country of citizenship + every country you lived in for more than 6 months in the last 5 years.
Where to get it: Ministry of the Interior, police, consular sections.
- 11. Motivation letter in Spanish
Why: A separate document explaining your choice. Suggested outline:
- Why hospitality — your connection to the service industry.
- Why Spain and Valencia — specifics, not generalities.
- Why IEAE and HOTR0508 — reference to the official SEPE accreditation.
- Post-course plans — realistic and legal.
Where to get it: You write it; we help with structure and Spanish proofreading.
- 12. For applicants under 18
Why: Birth certificate; notarised consent from both parents for the trip stating the school and course length; details of the responsible guardian in Spain.
Where to get it: Civil registry, notary.
| Document | Validity | Translation / apostille |
|---|---|---|
| National visa application form (2 copies, in Spanish) | — | Completed in Spanish |
| 2 colour photos 3.5×4.5 cm on a white background | No older than 6 months | — |
| International passport + copies of every page | Valid at least 1 year beyond the end of the course | — |
| National ID + copies of every page | Valid | May require translation — check with your consulate |
| IEAE document pack | Fresh (no older than 3 months at filing) | In Spanish — ready to go |
| Medical certificate | 3 months from issue | Sworn translation into Spanish |
| Proof of accommodation in Valencia | Covering the whole course | In Spanish — no translation required |
| Financial guarantee | No older than 1 month | Translated into Spanish |
| Spanish health insurance | For the full declared stay | In Spanish — ready to go |
| Police certificate (last 5 years) | 3 months from issue | Apostille + sworn translation into Spanish |
| Motivation letter in Spanish | — | In Spanish |
| For applicants under 18 | 3 months | Apostille + sworn translation |
A complete document pack for the consulate
Once your course is paid, the school issues the full set of documents required for a student-visa application. Turnaround: 2 business days VERIFY · school.
- Carta de admisiónOfficial admission letter from Instituto IEAE on school letterhead — consulates accept this as the primary proof of enrolment.
- Study contractStates the hours (640 h), dates (05.10.2026 – 21.06.2027) and full-time format, Monday to Friday.
- Course syllabusThe full list of HOTR0508 modules with hours per unit of competence (RD 1256/2009).
- Proof of paymentReceipt or bank statement showing the payer — important if a relative pays on your behalf.
5 common reasons for refusal — and how to close them
- Gaps in the bank statement
Large one-off deposits just before filing look like “window-dressed” funds. Build up the account at least 3 months in advance — ideally 6.
- Expired medical certificate
The 3-month validity runs out fast, especially if the consulate takes its time. Do the certificate as close to filing as you can.
- Incomplete passport copies
You copy EVERY page, including blank ones and all previous passports. One skipped page means a request for extra documents.
- Weak motivation letter
Generic “I love Spain” lines don't cut it. Be specific: why professional training, why bar and café, what you'll do after the diploma.
- Accommodation without a Nota Simple
The rental contract alone often isn't accepted — the consulate wants proof the landlord actually owns the property. The Nota Simple is required.
Frequently asked questions
Let's review your case in 15 minutes
Tell us your citizenship, family situation and planned move date — we'll tell you what to collect and where to start. Admissions works 5 days a week and replies within one business day.
This information is provided for reference only. Requirements set by Spanish consulates and immigration authorities can vary by country and change over time; the final decision on your case rests with the consulate or the competent authority. This material is not legal advice. Before submitting documents, verify current requirements against official sources (exteriores.gob.es, extranjeria.inclusion.gob.es, BOE) and, if needed, consult an immigration lawyer.