The 5 Most Common Mistakes in Spain Student and Erasmus Visas. Lessons from Real Experiences

1. Confusion Between Visa Validity and Duration of StayProblem: Not reading the dates on your visa correctly when it arrives can lead to serious problems at the border or during your stay in the country. The "Validity Dates" and "Total Duration of Stay" written on the visa sticker are different from each other. For example; your visa may cover a 90-day date range, but it may say only 80 days in the "Duration of Stay" section.

• ⚠️ Risk: If you buy a flight ticket focusing only on the end date without knowing this difference, you will commit a visa violation.

• ✅ Solution: Read the visa sticker carefully the moment you receive your passport. If there is an error or deficiency, start the objection/correction process before leaving the consulate or making a travel plan.

2. How Much Money Should I Show in the Bank Account?Problem: This topic is the area where urban legends circulate the most. The logic of "this much is enough" is wrong. The amount to be shown varies according to the city you go to, the duration of your stay, and your application type (Erasmus, Undergraduate, Language School, etc.). Additionally, consulates calculate based on IPREM (the monthly minimum subsistence index in Spain).

• ⚠️ Risk: Outdated account statements or sudden money entries of unknown origin arouse suspicion.

• ✅ Solution: You should obtain your account statement immediately before the application date (usually within the last 1 week). Create a financial plan specific to your application and check the document list according to the current rules (on the day of application).

3. Can I Apply Before the Erasmus Grant is Deposited?Problem: Most students worry, "I have my grant letter, but my money hasn't been deposited; will it be a problem?" Answer: Yes, you can apply, but correct documentation is essential. Your grant letter is a "commitment of income," but if you do not have cash in your pocket (account) at that moment, the consulate may question how you will meet your initial expenses.

• ⚠️ Risk: Relying solely on the grant letter and applying with an empty bank account is risky.

• ✅ Solution: The grant letter, the sponsor petition to be received from the family (if any), and the personal bank balance should be presented as a whole. Applications made before the grant arrives must be prepared with professional mathematics.

4. Is There a Work Permit with a Language School Visa?Problem: Many students think they will go to a language school in Spain and cover their expenses by working there.Short and clear answer: Most of the time, no. Standard language school visas (especially short-term) do not provide you with a work permit. Part-time work rights provided by University (Master Oficial, etc.) programs should not be confused with language school visas.

• ✅ Solution: The choice of education type must be made correctly from the start. If you have a goal to work, you should turn to academic programs or special visa types that allow this.

5. Leaving Apostille and Documents to the Last DayProblem: The misconception that "collecting documents takes 1-2 days." Documents such as criminal record, population registry sample, and health report have a certain validity period (usually 3 months). However, the translation of these documents and the Apostille approval to be obtained from the Governorship/District Governorate can take time.

• ⚠️ Risk: Going to the appointment with missing or non-apostilled documents on the appointment day will cause the process to be blocked and the application not to be accepted.

• ✅ Solution: Create a "Document Calendar." Proceed by calculating where each document will be obtained from and how many days the approval process takes.

Conclusion: Beware of Information Pollution WhatsApp groups are great for mutual aid and morale, but they are not a legal guide on their own. Spanish visa processes are now subject to much more technical scrutiny and do not forgive small mistakes. For a successful visa process:

• Current Information: Follow the latest announcements from the consulate.

• Personalized Plan: Someone else's document list may not be valid for you.

• Formality: Base all your steps on official legislation.

  
  

Are you one of those whose head is confused in this process? If you want to move forward with the right information, without losing time and money, instead of asking the same questions over and over again in the visa process, do not hesitate to get professional support. Remember,