Spain student visa: the official document checklist
In short: the National (D) study visa, studies of more than 180 days for Spain asks for 19 documents from every applicant, and 6 more when they apply to you. This list follows the official checklist the Spain mission publishes for applicants in Pakistan, read on 16 October 2026. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Where applicants in Pakistan submit: In person, by appointment. The Embassy page says applications are made in person at the Consular Office of the Embassy of Spain in Islamabad (a parent for a minor, or an accredited representative, may apply). The Embassy's visa-centre site for Pakistan (thespainvisa.com) lists the national study visa with centres in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. The Embassy may ask for more documents or an interview.
Photo: One recent colour photo taken within the last 6 months, not used in the passport before, white background, full face, not smiling, no sunglasses or head covering unless for religious or ethnic reasons, printed on normal photographic paper and stuck on the form (visa centre page). The 2017 Embassy checklist asked for 2 photos, one glued (not stapled) on the form.
Passport: Valid for the whole planned stay, with two blank pages, issued not more than 10 years ago; original plus photocopy (Embassy page). The Pakistan checklist asks for a photocopy of all pages and recommends 1 year validity.
Documents every applicant needs (19)
National visa application form Every section completed and signed. A parent or accredited representative signs for a minor. The Embassy's Pakistan checklist adds: all questions have to be answered; otherwise the application will not be accepted. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Photograph Embassy page: one recent colour passport-size photo, light background, facing forward, no dark or reflective glasses, nothing covering the face. Visa centre page: taken within the last 6 months, not used in the passport before, white background, printed on normal photographic paper, full face, not smiling, no head covering unless worn for religious or ethnic reasons, stuck on the application form. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Passport Original plus a photocopy of the biometric data page(s). Valid for the whole planned stay, with two blank pages, issued not more than 10 years ago. The Embassy's Pakistan checklist asks for a photocopy of ALL PAGES and recommends 1 year validity. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Identity card Original and photocopy; the original is shown when submitting so the photocopy can be checked. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Proof of acceptance in an authorised centre for a full-time study programme Original and copy. The Embassy's Pakistan checklist asks for an original letter in Spanish, addressed to the Embassy of Spain, confirming receipt of the admission fees and enrolment as a full-time student, stating the amount paid for registration and the total fees for the whole course. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Letter from the Official Centre/University stating the language(s) in which the studies will be conducted(official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Complete program of your studies Subjects, credits, length (start and end dates), and the name of the certificate/grade you will get at the end. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Accommodation details Letter from the Official Centre/University or a private accommodation contract. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Certificates proving educational level: Degree Certificate Only original degree and educational certificates are accepted; they must be attested by HEC/IBCC, MoFA and the Embassy of Spain. 'Degree' means degree certificate with transcript. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Transcript (part of 'Degree Certificate with transcript') Original, attested by HEC/IBCC, MoFA and the Embassy of Spain. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Proof of financial meansWhen: Not the main proof if you hold a scholarship (see scholarship letter) Embassy page: original and copy; minimum 100% of IPREM for the student, plus 75% of IPREM for the first family member and 50% for each additional one; prepaid accommodation for the whole stay can be deducted; foreign documents legalised or apostilled and, where applicable, officially translated into Spanish. Pakistan checklist: original updated bank statement for the last 6 months, including the bank's address and phone number, duly signed by the official (statement is subject to verification). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Health insurance Original and copy of a policy from an insurer authorised to operate in Spain, covering all risks covered by Spain's public health system. (The older Pakistan checklist asked for cover of 30.000,00 EUR including repatriation; the current Embassy page uses the Spanish public-health-system rule.) (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Criminal record certificateWhen: Stays of more than 180 days, applicants of legal age Original and copy, covering the past 5 years, from each country you lived in. Legalised or apostilled and, where applicable, translated into Spanish. Pakistan checklist: Police Character Certificate issued by the National Police Bureau, Islamabad; only certificates issued within the 6 months before submission are accepted. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Medical certificateWhen: Stays of more than 180 days Original and copy confirming you do not have any disease that could seriously affect public health under the International Health Regulations 2005. Legalised or apostilled and, where applicable, translated into Spanish. Pakistan checklist: from an official Pakistani hospital. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Proof of residence in the consular district Evidence of legal residence in the consular district (or proof of in-person classes there). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Legalisation All non-Spanish public documents must be duly legalised (or apostilled). For Pakistani public documents, legalisation by the Embassy of Spain in Islamabad is requested; educational certificates must be attested by HEC/IBCC, MoFA and the Embassy of Spain. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Spanish translation A Spanish translation of all submitted documents, done by an authorised Sworn Translator (Traductor Jurado autorizado). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
One additional set of photocopies of the complete file 1 additional set of very clear photocopies of the complete file (form and documents) submitted with the originals. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Visa fee Embassy page: 80 EUR. Visa centre page: PKR 29,578.00 plus service fee PKR 5,519.00, cash only, non-refundable, subject to change. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Documents that depend on your situation (6)
Documentary evidence of good command of English (IELTS/TOEFL/Certificates of the University of Cambridge)When: If the studies are taught in English(official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Accreditation of professionWhen: If you are employed A presentation letter by the employer specifying the dates of vacation and/or leave. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
All educational certificates from Secondary Education Certificate upWhen: If you are going for Bachelor, Master or Doctorate studies All educational certificates, from Secondary Education Certificate up to Higher Education Certificate, attested (HEC/IBCC, MoFA and the Embassy of Spain). (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Documentary evidence of the scholarshipWhen: If you hold a scholarship Amount of the scholarship and details of the expenses covered. Additional documents proving economic means may be requested. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Authorisation of the legal representativesWhen: Applicant is a minor Original and copy of a notarised authorisation for the minor's move to Spain, naming the person responsible in Spain; plus copies of a parent's ID or passport and proof of kinship (originals shown). Legalised or apostilled and, where applicable, translated into Spanish. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
Residence authorisation for investigators issued by UGE-CEWhen: PhD students, from August 2026 Submitted with the visa application. (official source, checked 16 October 2026)
How to prepare each document
Visa application form
Fill it online exactly as your passport (FF Assistant can fill it); print and sign the confirmation where asked.
Photographs
Use the size and background the official checklist states (most ask a white or light background, face straight, no glasses).
Recent: usually taken in the last 6 months.
Same photo on the form and on paper.
Passport
Valid for the whole stay plus the margin the country asks (often 6 months beyond).
At least two blank visa pages.
Scan the photo page in colour, flat, all four corners visible.
If you renewed it, keep the old passport too.
Official verification: Only the issuing authority can confirm a passport; we never call it genuine.
National identity card (front and back)
Scan both sides in colour.
A side not in English needs a certified translation if the country asks.
Official verification: Only the national registry that issued it can confirm it.
Admission document
The document the visa asks for (CAS, I-20, CoE, LoA, admission letter).
Every detail must match your passport.
Official verification: The university can confirm it; ask its admissions office by e-mail.
Medium of instruction (English proficiency) letter
A letter from your university saying your degree was taught in English, if the university or embassy accepts it instead of a test.
Official verification: The university.
English (or other language) test result
The test and score the university and visa accept (for the UK a UKVI SELT where asked).
Valid on the date you apply.
Official verification: The test provider's online result check.
Accommodation
Housing contract, university hall confirmation or a host's letter, if the checklist asks.
Official verification: The landlord or university.
Experience letters
From each employer: your role, dates and duties, on letterhead, signed and stamped.
Official verification: The employer.
Degree certificates
Every degree the checklist asks for.
Attested or apostilled as the country requires, then copied as asked.
Official verification: The body that attests degrees in your country, and the foreign ministry, keep records; we never call a stamp genuine.
Transcripts (mark sheets)
All semesters or years, with the grading scale.
Attested like the degree.
Official verification: The university's examinations office, or the body that attests it.
School certificates (Matric, Intermediate, O/A level)
Attested as the country requires.
Official verification: The board that issued it, and the body that attests it.
Bank statement
The period and balance the country asks, never dropping below the amount.
Printed after the holding period, recent on the day you apply.
Signed and stamped by the bank, or e-mailed by the bank where the mission asks.
Official verification: Only the bank can confirm a statement; we never call it genuine.
Scholarship letter
The award letter with the amount and what it covers.
Official verification: The awarding body.
Health insurance
Cover for the whole stay from the day you enter, with the minimum the country states.
Official verification: The insurer.
Police certificate
From every country you lived in for the period asked; recent on the day you apply.
Official verification: The issuing police.
Medical or TB test
Only at the clinics the country approves; still valid on the day you apply.
Official verification: The approved clinic.
Proof of residence
If you apply from a country that is not your own, your residence permit there.
Official verification: The issuing authority.
Parents' consent (under 18)
Signed by both parents, with copies of their IDs, as the checklist asks.
Official verification: The notary.
Pre-clearance (ATAS, CAQ, PAL and similar)
Apply as soon as the offer asks; some take weeks.
Official verification: The issuing authority.
Attestation or apostille
The stamps the destination asks, in order (education body, then foreign ministry, then embassy where it asks).
Official verification: The bodies that stamped it keep records; we never call a stamp genuine.
Certified translation
Any paper not in English (or the country's language), translated by a qualified translator who signs and dates it.
Keep the original and the translation together.
Official verification: The translator's registration.
Additional documents
Anything else the checklist lists for your case; follow the checklist's own words.
Visa fee receipt
Pay only on the official site; keep the receipt.
Official verification: The official payment record.
These preparation points are practical guidance; the official checklist decides what is asked.
ForiForeign prepares and guides; you file your own application and the Spain authorities decide. Checklists change: open the official source before you submit.
ForiForeign.com · admin@foriforeign.com · WhatsApp +92 310 5048760 · Information drawn from official sources shown on each rule; not legal advice.