If the purpose of the foreign national's stay in Spain is to study, to carry out either scientific or medical investigations or training-related activities that are not professionally remunerated, it is appropriate to obtain a student visa at the Spanish Consulate in the country of origin or country of legal residence abroad. However, in specific cases, the application can be submitted directly in Spain.

The student visa applicant must provide proof of enrollment in official studies or investigation centers, both private and public, with an approved attendance schedule and studies/training or investigation plan. The foreign national qualifying as a student must show proof of having sufficient funds to support themselves during the studies or investigation activities (scholarships or personal funds).

Certain categories of students are authorized to work part time. Those student categories that are not authorized to work may apply for a student work authorization to work on a part-time basis. In any case, the ability to work will depend on the validity of the student card.

The student visa can be modified into a residence and work authorization, provided that the student has successfully finished their studies and an employer enters into an employment agreement with the student. Family members of students who meet the above requirements to convert their student cards into work and residence permits may also convert their family members' visas into non-lucrative residence permits.

In addition to the student visa, a residence permit for training is available for foreign citizens who have graduated in the two years prior to submitting the application or who are enrolled in studies that lead to a university degree in Spain or abroad. This residence permit may allow these citizens to participate in a non-employment training program under a company-university agreement or to work under a training employment contract exempt from a labor market test.

In addition, a residence permit for job-searching purposes is available for holders of student cards who have obtained a university degree and submitted the application within the 60-day period before the expiration of the student card or within the 90-day period following said expiration. The permit allows the student to remain in Spain for a maximum period of 12 months to search for a job appropriate to the level of studies completed. Once the student cardholder has found a job, the appropriate work permit must be applied for.