Extending a Student Stay in Spain
A study authorisation isn't renewed. It's extended through a prórroga (extension) for the next course. You apply online to the immigration office (oficina de extranjería) of the province that granted it, during the two months before it expires. You show again that you're enrolled, that you have the means and that you're insured. Each extension lasts up to a year.
"Renewal" or "extension"?
People often say they're renewing a student visa. In Spanish law, study stays are not renewed but extended (prórroga). The difference matters because the rules on how many extensions you can have, and what you show, are specific to study stays. Both visa-processing services in our group describe help with extensions, sometimes under the name "renewal".
Who can extend, and how many times
| Type of study | Extensions allowed |
|---|---|
| Higher education | Up to two per authorisation |
| Post-compulsory secondary studies | Up to two per authorisation |
| Volunteering and other training activities, including language courses | One per authorisation (language courses: only after passing the course or obtaining, or registering for, the DELE or SIELE) |
| Secondary mobility programmes | Not extendable |
You can change your specific studies and still extend, provided you stay within the same category. Once the extensions are used up, the only option is a new initial application. The office then assesses it case by case for misuse, and you'll need to explain your reasons.
The window and the filing
- When: during the two months before your authorisation expires.
- How: electronically, by you or a representative, using the official form, addressed to the immigration office of the province that granted your initial authorisation.
- Late filing: an application made within three months after expiry still keeps the authorisation valid until the decision, but a penalty procedure can be opened. File in the window.
- Fee: the extension carries a fee.
What you show again
- enrolment in the next course;
- your passport;
- financial means for the new period (see financial evidence and sponsors);
- health insurance covering the extended stay.
The office can refuse an extension if the stay was used for other purposes, for example if your activity was limited to working.
Keeping your insurance in step
The policy has to cover the new period. If you're switching policy, plan the change so the new cover is in place before the old one ends. See our student visa insurance guide and renewing your visa insurance.
Price
Both services describe help with extending a student stay. Ask each service for current pricing.
My Spanish Student Visa
A guide to extending a student stay for another academic year.
- The prórroga step by step
- A route to request extension help
Opens provider website. No details shared.
Platinum Legal Spain
An extension service with fixed fees agreed up front.
- Funds, enrolment and insurance checked
- Appointment and online filing support
Opens provider website. No details shared.
We don't pass your details to either service. Choosing one opens its website in a new tab, where you start a separate enquiry.
Common mistakes
- Filing early. The window opens two months before expiry, not before.
- Insurance that ends with the old authorisation. The new period needs cover too.
- Assuming any course change is fine. Moving to a different category of study needs a new initial application.
Frequently asked questions
I'm on a language course. Can I extend?
Language courses allow one extension per authorisation, and only if you've passed the course (at an Escuela Oficial de Idiomas) or obtained, or registered for, the DELE or SIELE Spanish diploma. Ask your service how this applies to your course.
How long does each extension last?
The length of the course you're enrolled on, up to a year each time.
Do I have to leave Spain to apply?
No. The extension is filed online to the immigration office in Spain.