Madrid is one of Europe’s great cities, welcoming people from all over the world. Students are certainly no exception, and we all love Madrid for a weekend getaway, a scholarship, or an exchange program.

Madrid is undoubtedly a top choice for Spanish speakers. There are many reasons for this, such as the similarities in many study structures, the vibrant social life, and, of course, the language.

Qualification Recognition Should Be Your First Step

We need to take it step by step, and this is your first step, or even step zero, to begin your adventure in Madrid. You need an equivalency or recognition of your qualifications or studies, and there are two types.

The first is for degrees. If you have completed secondary education in your country, you must obtain validation of your qualifications as equivalent to the Spanish Bachillerato. This is achieved through the Ministry of Education or by processing the UNEDasiss Accreditation if you are going to take the Selectividad or EBAU university entrance exams.

And if you’re going to do a Master’s degree to complete your studies, as a general rule, all you need is for your Bachelor’s degree to have its Hague Apostille, meaning it’s apostilled or, to put it simply, legally valid. This will allow verification that it’s equivalent to another Spanish degree, and you’ll be able to access the Master’s program without any problems.

Requirements in 2026 for a Student Visa

But do I need a visa? Unless you’re a true prodigy and achieve your academic goal in less than 90 days, yes, you need a Student Visa. By the way, even if you could, I don’t recommend it; stay as long as you can and enjoy the experience.
Assuming you’re staying for more than three months, it’s time to get down to business and gather everything you need:

• Confirmation of admission: You need proof that you’ve been accepted to an official educational institution in Spain. It’s usually a letter or email, and the study program must have a minimum of 20 class hours per week.
• Health Insurance: You must have private insurance with a company authorized in Spain. Importantly, it must have no co-payments or waiting periods and cover the entire time you will be here.
• Financial Independence: This is one of the most crucial requirements, as you must demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself independently. The reference indicator is known as the IPREM, and last year it was around €600 per month. So the calculation is simple: multiply that amount by the number of months you will be in Spain, and that’s the minimum amount you must have in your bank account to be eligible for the Student Visa.

 

What’s the difference between the NIE and the TIE?

Be careful because they seem the same, but they’re not, and you need to pay even closer attention here than on your first day of class. The NIE is the Foreigner’s Identity Number, which is your administrative identification. This number is usually printed on your student visa.

On the other hand, the TIE, which is the Foreigner’s Identity Card, is the physical card you must obtain as soon as you arrive in Spain, within thirty days. It’s your identity document, your DNI (Spanish National Identity Document). There’s quite a lot of demand, so as soon as you get off the plane, schedule an appointment; don’t delay.

Registering in Madrid

Registering is basically going to the City Hall to say, “Hello, how are you? I now live here, please keep me in mind.” This procedure is mandatory to obtain the TIE, so the sooner you do it, the better. It also gives you access to benefits such as libraries and emergency public healthcare. I’d say it’s a worthwhile process.

Bank Account in Spain

It’s highly recommended that you have a bank account here, for any future procedures where you might be asked for a Spanish bank account number. Your passport and NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) will be more than enough to open an account.

Is it possible to work while studying in Spain?

Good news! If you’re looking for extra income while studying in Madrid, you can work without any problem. The Immigration Law allows employment contracts of up to 30 hours per week, so you can study, work, and enjoy Madrid all at the same time. Say yes! Musicals, plays, and bars don’t pay for themselves.

Cost of Living in Madrid for an International Student in 2026

Madrid has a lot to offer, a huge range of leisure activities, so you need good financial planning. You should know the cost of living so you don’t waste a single euro. Here’s a general estimate of how much it might cost to live in Madrid for a month.

Concept	Monthly Cost
Accommodation (All included Student Housing)	900 € – 1.650 €
Accommodation* (Room in shared apartment + expenses)	750 € – 950 €
Transport (Abono Joven < 26 years old)	20 €
Food (If you cook for yourself)	300 € – 400 €
Leisure and culture	150 € – 250 €

 

*Keep in mind that utility bills in a shared apartment will always be higher than in a student residence. In a residence, electricity, water, internet, cleaning, and even meals are included. Furthermore, residences are centrally located, so you’ll also save on transportation.

The approximate total would be between €1,250 and €1,650 per month, depending on your choice of accommodation and leisure activities. Here are more details about prices in an international student residence in Madrid.

Why live in a student residence if you’re from a Latin American country?

Actually, it doesn’t matter if you’re from a Latin American country, a European country, or another continent; the advantages are the same. Imagine that after all the hassle of moving abroad and dealing with the bureaucratic procedures, you then have to find a place to rent in the Spanish capital, dealing with intermediaries, bills, and any other problems that might arise.

Living in a student residence like CATS Residence in Madrid offers advantages that no shared apartment can match:
1. Security: When we talk about security, we mean it in every sense; from the legal stability of a contract to a safe place to live even before you leave your country. Plus, you have on-site security with cameras and guards 24/7.

2. Homeside Feel: Forget about arriving somewhere and not knowing a soul. From the very first second, you’ll have roommates with the same circumstances as you and the same desire to meet people and have a good time. They’ll be your new neighbors.

3. Bills: Forget about rising electricity, water, or internet bills—all of that is already paid for. You can relax knowing your expenses are under control from the very beginning.

4. Full board: Cooking is completely optional, only if it’s your hobby. Here at CATS Residence, meals with healthy diets are included. Save yourself all the time you’d spend shopping, cooking, and then cleaning all the pots and pans. All that time is yours to enjoy the city and your new friends.

Are you unsure about booking your room from your country?

Don’t worry. At CATS Residence, we’re used to working with students from all over the world, from places like Colombia, Mexico, Chile, Peru, and any other Latin American country. We’ll help you from the very first minute, and you’ll see how easy it is to have peace of mind when finding a home in Madrid. Talk to us, and we’ll offer you the perfect accommodation.