Support for international students
The International Relations Office offers guidance and support to international students on matters related to legal stay and immigration procedures. Please review the information below and select your campus to view the relevant immigration requirements
BEFORE YOUR ARRIVAL TO SPAIN
The International Relations Offi ce is here to support you, but it is YOUR responsibility to manage your immigration status at all times. To stay compliant, you must:
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Track the expiration date of your visa and/or TIE.
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Memorize your NIE (Foreigner Identifi cation Number).
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Provide a copy of your TIE to the Offi ce of the Registrar when requested.
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Renew your TIE within the legal timeframe (from 60 days before to 90 days after expiry). Start the process as early as possible.
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Keep a scanned copy of all immigration documents
For any questions, contact us at visa@unav.es.
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NIE (Foreigner Identifi cation Number) : A unique number assigned to non-Spanish residents for identifi cation in Spain.
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TIE (Foreigner Identity Card): A physical card that proves your legal status in Spain. It includes your NIE.
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Student Visa: document required to enter Spain as an international student.
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90-day visa: for full-degree students, allowing time to apply for a TIE.
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180-day visa: typically for semester exchange students; you don´t need a TIE.
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National Identity Card: ID card for Spanish citizens..
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EU Citizen Registration Certificate : A physical document issued to EU/EEA students; contains the NIE.
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Tax (Tasa): A mandatory government fee required to process offi cial administrative procedures.
Immigration Offi ces, known as Ofi cinas de Extranjería, are run by the Spanish government and handle most immigration-related procedures. The term Extranjería is often used informally to refer to the local immigration police offi ce in your city or autonomous community.
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Pamplona: Av. Guipúzcoa, 40.
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San Sebastian: Pio XII.aren place, 6, 20010 Donostia, Gipuzkoa
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Madrid and Barcelona: Multiple offi ces are available. Procedures and appointment systems (cita previa) may vary by location.
To complete any procedure at an Immigration Offi ce, you must request a prior appointment (cita previa), which you can do here.
Students with passports from outside the European Union (EU), Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland must obtain a student visa to enter Spain.
Types of Student Visas
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180-day visa: For semester programsexchange or IFP).
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90-day visa: For programs longer than 6 months. Upon arrival, students must apply for the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card).
Important: Visa requirements may vary by consulate.
Contact your local Spanish consulate for specifi c instructions. Find your consulate here
FAQs My visa is delayed. How can I check its status? You can track it online here. I have a 180-day visa. Can I continue studying in Spain afterward? Yes, you can apply for an extension of your stay. If the extension exceeds 6 months, you may apply for a TIE. enquiry more details here. Can I enter Spain on a tourist visa and switch to a student visa? Only in limited cases. If you haven’t applied for a visa in your home country and are starting a program in Spain, you may apply from within Spain. However, if your application is denied, you must return home. We strongly recommend applying for a student visa through your local consulate before traveling. If you meet these requirements, write to visa@unav.es. I’m an EU student. Do I need a visa? No. But if your stay is longer than one semester, you must obtain the EU Citizen Registration Certifi cate.. What if I’m from the UK? Since Brexit (Dec. 31, 2020), UK nationals must apply for a student visa through the Spanish Consulate. |
For any more doubts or concerns, you may visit the International Relations Office in the Central Building, Pamplona Campus or write to us at
PAMPLONA AND SAN SEBASTIÁN:
visa@unav.es
MADRID:
visamadrid@unav.es
ONCE YOU ARRIVE
The TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) is required for students from outside the European Union staying in Spain for more than 90 days—including full academic year exchange students.
Only students with a 90-day visa can apply for a TIE. If you have a 180-day visa, you cannot apply for a TIE.
You must apply for your TIE within the fi rst 30 days after arriving in Spain.According to the new law, the TIE is valid until your studies end.
TIE Documentation Collection
Each September, the International Relations Offi ce (Pamplona campus) organizes a TIE documentation collection service. This helps simplify the process for new international students.
This certifi cate is for students from the European Union, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland (or those holding an EU passport) who are studying in Spain
- It is recommended to apply within the fi rst month of your arrival.
- The certifi cate does not need to be renewed annually
- Once you receive it, please scan and send a copy to the Offi ce of the Registrar at the University of Navarra
The National Identity Card (DNI) is the offi cial identifi cation card for Spanish citizens.
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Spanish citizens residing abroad must apply for the National Identity Card upon arrival in Spain.
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No additional procedures or annual renewals are required. The card is valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on age and issuance.
More info
DURING YOUR STAY
If your TIE expires soon and you would like to continue your studies at the University of Navarra, you must renew your TIE (residence card).
You can renew:
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From 60 days before it expires or
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Up to 90 days after it expires.
We recommend starting as early as possible to avoid problems or delays..
It´s a tricky and long process that can take up to at least 3 months to resolve..
IMPORTANT: TIE renewals must be completed in the same region where your current TIE was originally issued. If you are moving to another city in Spain, you would need to select online the region where you obtained the card.
Steps to Renew Your TIE
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Step 1: Get a Digital Certifi cate . You need a digital certifi cate to be able to do the renewal online. It lasts 4 years. Make sure you create a backup copy. PDF
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Step 2: Gather the Required Documents. Collect and scan all required documents in PDF format. PDF
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Step 3: Upload Documents to Mercurio. Submit the documents online through the Mercurio platform. PDF
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Step 4: Check for Notifications. Extranjería will notify you by email. Download the notifi cation as soon as possible. PDF
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Step 5: Book Fingerprinting Appointment. If your application is approved, make an appointment at the Extranjería Offi ce to obtain your new card. Make sure you bring the required documents. PDF
-
Step 6: Pick up your new TIE. After one month, you can pick up your card with a previous quotation with the Extranjería.
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If you’ve applied for your fi rst TIE or are in renewal and haven’t received the physical card yet, you must request a Return Authorization before leaving the EU.
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This document allows you to re-enter Spain within 90 days.
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Apply in advance, especially during busy periods like Christmas, as appointments at Extranjería can be diffi cult to get.
More info
If you have lost your TIE, you must file a police report and apply for a new card. Find the steps and process here.
If you are moving to Spain, it is important to register you. This allows the City Hall and the Servicio de Extranjería to locate you and keep your information up to date. You do not need a volante de empadronamiento to apply for your first TIE. However, you must be empadronado to renew it. We strongly recommend that you register as soon as you arrive, as it is essential for access to health care, vaccinations, scholarships, public programs, proof of roots and much more.
IQL, a Navarre-based business specializing in immigration law, offers legal assistance to University of Navarra students facing complex situations. Contact for service details and rates:
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Website: Immigration Lawyer in Pamplona (IQL)
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Email: consultasunav@iql4.com
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Phone: 613 078 781
You can also contact the Official College of Administrative Managers in Navarra.
ONCE YOU ARRIVE
The TIE (Foreigner's Identitycard ) is required for students from outside the European Union staying in Spain for more than 90 days, including full academic year exchange students.
Only students with a 90-day visa can apply for a TIE. If you have a 180-day visa, you cannot apply for a TIE.
You must apply for the TIE within 30 days after your arrival in Spain. According to the new law, the TIE is valid until the end of your programs of study
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Foreigners Office: Urumea Pasealekua, 17, 20014 Donostia, Gipuzkoa.
This certificate is aimed at students from the European Union, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland (or EU passport holders) studying in Spain.
studying in Spain.
- It is recommended to apply within the fi rst month of your arrival.
- The certifi cate does not need to be renewed annually
- Once received, scan it and send a copy to the administrative office of the University of Navarra.
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Office: Calle Jose María Salaverría, 19
The National Identity Card (DNI) is the offi cial identifi cation card for Spanish citizens.
-
Spanish citizens residing abroad must apply for the National Identity Card upon arrival in Spain.
-
No additional procedures or annual renewals are required. The card is valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on age and issuance.
More info
DURING YOUR STAY
If your TIE expires soon and you would like to continue your studies at the University of Navarra, you must renew your TIE (residence card).
You can renew:
-
From 60 days before it expires or
-
Up to 90 days after it expires.
We recommend starting as early as possible to avoid problems or delays..
It´s a tricky and long process that can take up to at least 3 months to resolve..
IMPORTANT: TIE renewals must be completed in the same region where your current TIE was originally issued. If you are moving to another city in Spain, you would need to select online the region where you obtained the card.
Steps to Renew Your TIE
-
Step 1: Get a Digital Certifi cate . You need a digital certifi cate to be able to do the renewal online. It lasts 4 years. Make sure you create a backup copy. PDF
-
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents. Collect and scan all required documents in PDF format. PDF
-
Step 3: Upload Documents to Mercurio. Submit the documents online through the Mercurio platform. PDF
-
Step 4: Check for Notifications. Extranjería will notify you by email. Download the notifi cation as soon as possible. PDF
-
Step 5: Book Fingerprinting Appointment. If your application is approved, make an appointment at the Extranjería Offi ce to obtain your new card. Make sure you bring the required documents. PDF
-
Step 6: Pick up your new TIE. After one month, you can pick up your card with a previous quotation with the Extranjería.
-
If you’ve applied for your fi rst TIE or are in renewal and haven’t received the physical card yet, you must request a Return Authorization before leaving the EU.
-
This document allows you to re-enter Spain within 90 days.
-
Apply in advance, especially during busy periods like Christmas, as appointments at Extranjería can be diffi cult to get.
More info
If you have lost your TIE, you must file a police report and apply for a new card. Find the steps and process here.
The padrón is the offi cial list of residents in a Spanish city or province. If you move to Spain, it’s important to register right away. This allows the Town Hall and Extranjería to fi nd you and keep your information up to date.
You do not need a volante de empadronamiento to apply for your fi rst TIE. However, you must be registered to renew it. We strongly recommend registering as soon as you arrive, as it’s essential for accessing healthcare, vaccinations, scholarships, public programs, proving arraigo, and more.
More info
You may contact the Official College of Administrative Managers in San Sebastián. for any doubts and concerns regarding legal processes on immigration.
ONCE YOU ARRIVE
The TIE (Foreigner Identity Card) is required for students from outside the European Union staying in Spain for more than 90 days—including full academic year exchange students.
Only students with a 90-day visa can apply for a TIE. If you have a 180-day visa, you cannot apply for a TIE.
You must apply for your TIE within the fi rst 30 days after arriving in Spain.According to the new law, the TIE is valid until your studies end.
This certifi cate is for students from the European Union, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland (or those holding an EU passport) who are studying in Spain
- It is recommended to apply within the fi rst month of your arrival.
- The certifi cate does not need to be renewed annually
- Once you receive it, please scan and send a copy to the Offi ce of the Registrar at the University of Navarra
-
Immigraiton Office: Av. del Padre Piquer, 18
The National Identity Card (DNI) is the offi cial identifi cation card for Spanish citizens.
-
Spanish citizens residing abroad must apply for the DNI upon arrival in Spain.
-
No additional procedures or annual renewals are required. The card is valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on age and issuance.
More info
DURING YOUR STAY
If your TIE expires soon and you would like to continue your studies at the University of Navarra, you must renew your TIE (residence card).
You can renew:
-
From 60 days before it expires or
-
Up to 90 days after it expires.
We recommend starting as early as possible to avoid problems or delays..
It´s a tricky and long process that can take up to at least 3 months to resolve..
IMPORTANT: TIE renewals must be completed in the same region where your current TIE was originally issued. If you are moving to another city in Spain, you would need to select online the region where you obtained the card.
Steps to Renew Your TIE
-
Step 1: Get a Digital Certifi cate . You need a digital certifi cate to be able to do the renewal online. It lasts 4 years. Make sure you create a backup copy. PDF
-
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents. Collect and scan all required documents in PDF format. PDF
-
Step 3: Upload Documents to Mercurio. Submit the documents online through the Mercurio platform. PDF
-
Step 4: Check for Notifications. Extranjería will notify you by email. Download the notifi cation as soon as possible. PDF
-
Step 5: Book Fingerprinting Appointment. If your application is approved, make an appointment at the Extranjería Offi ce to obtain your new card. Make sure you bring the required documents. PDF
-
Step 6: Pick up your new TIE. After one month, you can pick up your card with a previous quotation with the Extranjería.
-
If you’ve applied for your fi rst TIE or are in renewal and haven’t received the physical card yet, you must request a Return Authorization before leaving the EU.
-
This document allows you to re-enter Spain within 90 days.
-
Apply in advance, especially at busy times such as Christmas, as it can be difficult to get a quotation at Extranjería.
More info
If you have lost your TIE, you must file a police report and apply for a new card. Find the steps and process here.
The padrón is the official list of residents in a Spanish city or province. If you move to Spain, it is important to register immediately. This allows the Ayuntamiento and Extranjería to locate you and keep your information up to date.
You do not need a volante de empadronamiento to apply for your first TIE. However, you must be empadronado to renew it. We strongly recommend that you register as soon as you arrive, as it is essential for access to health care, vaccinations, scholarships, public programs, proof of residency and more.
More info
You may contact the Official College of Administrative Managers in Madrid for any doubts and concerns regarding legal processes on immigration.