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Spanish Student Visa for Japanese Students — Visado de Estudios

Q: Why can't I use my Japanese national health insurance (国民健康保険) for the Spanish student visa?

Japan's national health insurance (NHI / 国民健康保険) provides coverage within Japan — it is not valid internationally and does not meet Spain's student visa requirement for comprehensive international coverage with no copayments. You need a private international health insurance policy that explicitly covers Spain, provides at minimum €30,000 medical coverage, and has no copayment or deductible clauses. Plans from Cigna International, Allianz Care, AXA International, or Spanish providers (Sanitas, Adeslas) are commonly accepted.

返回日本学生指南

Japanese students planning to study in Spain for more than 90 days must apply for a Visado de Estudios at the Spanish embassy in Tokyo or the Spanish consulate in Osaka. Japan's Spanish diplomatic presence also covers applicants through the consulate in Nagoya. Apply at least 3 months before your program start date. Processing typically takes 2–6 weeks in Japan.

Identify your consulate: Spanish Embassy in Tokyo (covers most of Japan), Spanish Consulate in Osaka (covers western Japan). Check exteriores.gob.es for jurisdiction.
Book appointment: Online through the embassy portal. Japan-based applicants typically have shorter wait times than many other countries.
Gather documents: Completed visa application form (Solicitud de Visado Nacional), valid Japanese passport (18+ months validity), 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 — 国民健康保険 not accepted), proof of accommodation in Spain, criminal record certificate (犯罪経歴証明書 from National Police Agency or regional police — apostilled), academic credentials (apostilled + sworn Spanish translation).
Criminal record certificate: Request 犯罪経歴証明書 from the National Police Agency (警察庁) or your prefecture's police headquarters. Then apostille from Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Apostille: Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (外務省) — apply at MoFA or designated authorities.
Pay visa fee: ~€60–80 (non-refundable). Check Spanish Embassy Tokyo for current payment instructions.
Attend appointment: Bring originals and certified copies. Fingerprints and photo.
Processing: 2–6 weeks in Japan — typically faster than many other countries.
After arrival: Register at Oficina de Extranjería within 30 days for TIE.

Visa application form	Solicitud de Visado Nacional — from Spanish Embassy Japan website
Japanese passport	Valid 18+ months; full photocopy
Passport photos	2 recent, white background, 3.5 × 4.5 cm
Admission letter	Official enrollment letter from Spanish university
Financial proof	Bank statements showing ~€700/month × study duration; OR JASSO scholarship award letter
Health insurance	International comprehensive — no copay, covers Spain (国民健康保険 / 社会保険 NOT accepted for visa; need private international plan)
Accommodation proof	Rental contract, university housing confirmation, or host letter
Criminal record	犯罪経歴証明書 — apostilled by Japan MoFA (外務省)
Academic credentials	Apostilled + sworn Spanish translation (traducción jurada)
Visa fee	~€60–80 (non-refundable)