Brazilian students must apply for a Visado de Estudios at a Spanish consulate in Brazil before departure. Spain has consulates in São Paulo (largest, serves most applicants), Rio de Janeiro, Recife, and Porto Alegre. Apply at least 3 months before your program start date — Brazilian applicants typically receive a decision within 4–8 weeks of their consulate appointment.
Visa Application Process for Brazilian Students
- Choose your consulate: São Paulo (consuladoespanha.org.br), Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Porto Alegre — apply at the consulate with jurisdiction over your Brazilian state of residence.
- Book appointment online: Through the consulate portal. Book 4–6 weeks in advance of your intended appointment.
- Gather documents: Completed visa application form (Solicitud de Visado Nacional), Brazilian passport (valid 18+ months), 2 passport photos (white background), university admission letter, financial proof (bank statements showing ~€700/month for study duration), comprehensive health insurance covering Spain (no copay — private plan required), proof of accommodation in Spain, criminal background certificate (certidão de antecedentes criminais from Polícia Federal — apostilled), educational credentials (apostilled + sworn Spanish translation).
- Certidão de Antecedentes: Request from the Polícia Federal (policiafederal.gov.br) online — apostilled at a cartório. Allow 2–4 weeks.
- Apostille and tradução juramentada: Have diplomas/transcripts apostilled at a cartório, then translated by a sworn translator (tradutora juramentada) certified by the Junta Comercial.
- Attend appointment: Bring originals and certified copies. Pay visa fee (~€60–80, non-refundable). Fingerprints and photo.
- Wait for processing: 4–8 weeks. Do not book non-refundable flights before approval.
- After arrival: Register at Oficina de Extranjería within 30 days for TIE.
Document Checklist — Brazilian Applicants
| Visa application form | Solicitud de Visado Nacional — from Spanish consulate website |
|---|---|
| Brazilian passport | Valid 18+ months; photocopy of all pages |
| Passport photos | 2 recent, white background, 3.5 × 4.5 cm |
| Admission letter | Official letter from Spanish university |
| Financial proof | Bank statements 3–6 months showing ~€700/month × study duration; OR scholarship award letter |
| Health insurance | Private comprehensive — no copay, covers Spain (Cigna, Allianz International, Sanitas, Adeslas) |
| Accommodation proof | Rental contract, university housing letter, or host invitation |
| Criminal background certificate | Certidão de Antecedentes — Polícia Federal — apostilled; issued within 3 months |
| Academic credentials | Apostilled + tradução juramentada (sworn Portuguese-to-Spanish translation) |
| Visa fee | ~€60–80 (non-refundable) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Brazil joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2016. Apostilles are issued by cartórios de notas (notary offices) designated by the state court system (Tribunal de Justiça). Go to any designated cartório with your original document; they will attach the apostille. Cost is typically R$50–100 per document. For federal documents (Polícia Federal criminal check), the apostille may be issued directly by the issuing body.
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