Chinese students must obtain a Visado de Estudios at the Spanish embassy or consulate in China before departure. Spain has a full embassy in Beijing and consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. Apply at the office with jurisdiction over your Chinese province of residence. Apply at least 3 months before your program start date — processing typically takes 4–8 weeks.
Visa Application Process for Chinese Students
- Find your consulate: Beijing embassy covers northern provinces; Shanghai consulate covers eastern provinces; Guangzhou covers southern provinces; Chengdu covers western provinces. Check maec.es for exact jurisdiction map.
- Book appointment: Online through the embassy/consulate portal. Book 4–6 weeks in advance. VPN may be needed to access Spanish government websites from China — plan ahead.
- Gather documents: Visa application form (from Spanish embassy website — may need VPN to access), valid Chinese passport (18+ months validity), 2 passport photos (white background, 3.5 × 4.5 cm), university admission letter, financial proof (bank statements showing ~€700/month for study duration — with official bank seal/stamp), health insurance (international comprehensive policy — Chinese PICC domestic plans not accepted), proof of accommodation in Spain, clean criminal record certificate (无犯罪记录证明 — from local Public Security Bureau, apostilled), educational credentials (apostilled + sworn Spanish translation).
- Criminal record (无犯罪记录): Obtain from local Public Security Bureau (公安局). Then apostille at a designated public notary office (公证处).
- Pay visa fee: ~€60–80 (non-refundable). Check current payment methods with Spanish embassy.
- Attend appointment: Bring originals and certified copies. Fingerprints and photo taken.
- Wait: 4–8 weeks processing. Do not book non-refundable flights before approval.
- After arrival: Register at Oficina de Extranjería within 30 days for TIE.
Document Checklist — Chinese Applicants
| Visa application form | Solicitud de Visado Nacional — from Spanish embassy website (VPN may be needed to access from China) |
|---|---|
| Chinese passport | Valid 18+ months; photocopy of all pages |
| Passport photos | 2 recent, white background, 3.5 × 4.5 cm |
| Admission letter | Official enrollment letter from Spanish university |
| Financial proof | Bank statements (with official bank seal/stamp) showing ~€700/month × study duration; SAFE compliance if remitting from China |
| Health insurance | International comprehensive — no copay, covers Spain (Cigna International, Allianz, AXA, BUPA international plans accepted) |
| Accommodation proof | Rental contract, university housing letter, or host invitation |
| Criminal record certificate | 无犯罪记录证明 from Public Security Bureau — apostilled |
| Academic credentials | Apostilled + sworn Spanish translation |
| Visa fee | ~€60–80 (non-refundable) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Some Spanish government and university websites are blocked in China. You may need a VPN to access the Spanish embassy appointment booking system, university portals, and to download application forms. Use a VPN for all Spain-related online applications and research while in China. Once in Spain, all services are accessible without restriction.
Explore the full guide for China students in Spain
Back to the Complete Guide
