Studying in Spain

Your Visa Guide with LAE Madrid

Embarking on a journey to learn Spanish in Spain is an exciting adventure, and at LAE Madrid, we're here to ensure that your path to mastering the language is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.

Understanding the visa process is crucial for international students planning to study in Spain. Here’s everything you need to know about obtaining a student visa, including how we at LAE Madrid support you every step of the way.

Who needs a Visa to study in Spain?
Non-EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: If you're from outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, you will likely need a student visa to study in Spain for any period longer than 90 days. EU/EEA/Swiss Citizens: Citizens from these regions do not require a visa to study in Spain. However, they must register with the local Spanish authorities if their stay exceeds three months. Some students need visas to come to Spain for periods less than 3 months. We can also provide invitation letters for students in this situation, even if they wish to study for just a few weeks. Our courses are flexible and start any Monday of the year!
How long do visa applications take?
The time frame for visa processing can vary significantly depending on the Spanish consulate or embassy where you apply. Generally, it's advisable to apply at least two-three months before your intended travel date. However, the process can take anywhere from 15 days to 2-3 months. We recommend starting the application process as early as possible to ensure you have your visa in time for your studies.

LAE Madrid's Letter of Invitation

For our students, one of the key steps in the visa application process is obtaining a letter of invitation. At LAE Madrid, we provide this essential document for all our international students. This official letter confirms your enrollment in our Spanish language courses and supports your student visa application, stating the duration and nature of your studies. You’ll need to study for a minimum of 20 hours per week in order to qualify for a student visa.

Breaks during your studies

Our invitation letters (for courses of longer than one month) include a break so you can rest, travel or simply enjoy everything Madrid has to offer!

Moving to Spain with a safety net

Choosing LAE Madrid for your Spanish studies means you’re not just moving to Spain; you're doing so with a safety net. Our comprehensive support system is designed to make all legal paperwork easy and stress-free, allowing you to focus on what truly matters - learning Spanish and experiencing the rich culture of Spain.
Spanish students at LAE Madrid

Our 360º Support Promise

At LAE Madrid, we understand that moving to a new country can be daunting, especially when it involves navigating legal paperwork and visa applications. That's why we offer 360 support to all our students. From the moment you decide to study with us, we’re here to guide you through every aspect of the process:
Spanish students at LAE Madrid

Our 360 Support Promise

At LAE Madrid, we understand that moving to a new country can be daunting, especially when it involves navigating legal paperwork and visa applications. That's why we offer 360 support to all our students. From the moment you decide to study with us, we’re here to guide you through every aspect of the process:
1

Visa Application Assistance

Our experienced team provides detailed guidance on the visa application process, including how to fill out forms correctly and the documentation you'll need.
2

Letter of Invitation

Our experienced team provides detailed guidance on the visa application process, including how to fill out forms correctly and the documentation you'll need.
3

Accommodation and Integration

Beyond the visa, we can advise on accommodation here in Madrid, all paperwork before you come and all the necessary registration appointments after you arrive, ensuring a seamless transition.
4

Customer Service Excellence

LAE Madrid prides itself on offering customer service that is second to none. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always available to answer any questions and solve any issues that may arise, making your move to Spain as easy and comfortable as possible.

Stay in Spain for longer!

Renew your visa with LAE Madrid’s immersion course

Our courses are valid to renew your NIE/TIE (foreigner identity number) and extend your stay in Spain. Even if you’re not a student with LAE Madrid, you can apply for a renewal from Spain and take our course!

Apply from within Spain

Due to a law change a few years ago, you can also apply for a first-year visa to study with us from Spain itself. This is perfect for someone who has entered Spain on a tourist visa and would like to study with us (this must be done within the first 60 days of being in Spain).  Your dream of studying Spanish in Spain is within reach, and with LAE Madrid, you have a partner every step of the way. Start your journey today, and let us help you make the process as smooth and as stress-free as possible!
Fabienne Léonie Imhof
Fabienne Léonie Imhof
Equipe adorable et sux petits soins. Les profs sont motivés et compétents je prévois de reprendre des cours chez eux! Je recommande vivement!
Tom Gantt
Tom Gantt
The summer of 2023 in Madrid was made that much better by attending LAE and LAE Kids. My ten year old son had a wonderful experience in his children's class and I greatly enjoyed the experience learning spanish with adults. The staff and faculty are amazing and you feel so welcome and like family. Next summer we plan to go back for more!
R Palacio
R Palacio
We miss you all! Natalia said to me just yesterday she missed her teachers! My teenaged girls loved their classes and have been so so proud of the improvements they made this summer! My youngest (14) won’t stop talking in Spanish. Somehow you transformed her from a non-talker who was terrified of making mistakes to someone who is motivated to learn as much as she can regardless of errors. That is a miracle. The second miracle is that my curmudgeon of an American teenager (16) would run to school and return from class happy. She wants to come back two. How you managed to convert to teenager skeptics into motivated learners is truly the stuff of talent. We credit all of you for the love, TLC and amazing instruction!! Sending love from the US to you all in Madrid!!! We can’t wait to see you again next summer!
Ali Parker
Ali Parker
My daughter did their summer camp this past summer and loved it! My husband also did two weeks of class and learned a lot! The staff is fantastic!
Amy Clark
Amy Clark
For two weeks, my daughters attended the kids camp and at the same time I attended the adult intensive course. Everything exceeded our expectations! The communication from the school was fantastic. The instructors were all native speakers and were masterful at making sure all students were being taught at the appropriate level. The kids enjoyed all of the activities, crafts and field trips in the camp. We all learned a lot of Spanish. We highly recommend LAE!
Emily Guckian
Emily Guckian
Solo puedo decir “muchísimas gracias” a todos en LAE. Tomé las clases de B1 con Susana y ella era increíble. Todavía tengo mucho trabajo hacer pero he mejorado mucho porque sus clases. Susana es la mejor tipo de profesora que existe y no puedo decir “gracias” suficiente. Gracias Susana por tu paciencia, tu ánimo, las clases divertidas y por siempre sonreír. Julián también, gracias por todo tu ayuda y por ser siempre una cara amable cuando entro por la puerta. No puedo recomendar LAE suficiente ❤️❤️❤️
Simone G.
Simone G.
I’ve been studying Spanish here for several months and I felt welcomed and taken care of since the very beginning. They assess your level of Spanish before the course and make sure you take the courses that are the most adequate for you to advance best. All the teachers have been really helpful in their own way and all took their time to answer all of my questions with patience, especially Adela, Nacho and Juanje. They also have cultural activities every week which really helps to get to know new people when you’re new in Madrid. The receptionists are always really helpful and available to answer any questions as well! Thank you for this incredible learning experience, LAE!
Heidi Hughes
Heidi Hughes
Great language school, friendly, organised and great teachers
Christopher E
Christopher E
I had a very good experience with LAE. I went from an A1 level class to C1 in about 4.5 months. The classes at the beginning can be quite slow and difficult but once the solid foundation of grammar is built up, the ability to speak and express yourself more fluidly comes very quickly. Overall I was very pleased with the way the classes are structured and generally the size of the class is very good. At the most there were 9 students in a class but that was unusual and was generally only for a few days while they sorted the classes to make sure everyone was in the right spot. Average class I would say was 6 people although it depends on the class and the level (with lower levels having more). Note for anyone planning to study here: while you can make very rapid progress through this school, in my experience the progress really came when I applied what I learned in the class outside. For example, reading Spanish books in topics I was interested in and making friends with native people was indispensable for me.
Chris Buchanan
Chris Buchanan
If you want to study Spanish in Madrid, LAE is your place. I have only good things to say about the teachers and the lovely environment that you will have at this school. Everyone here has made me feel so at home in a city where before l knew pretty much no one. The staff at the front desk have been the main reason behind this - Diego and Jane are some of the nicest people in Madrid. Muchas gracias everyone for a wonderful experience!