International studentsPhysical mobility

Students from the European Union (EU)

You do not need to complete any formalities before you arrive at the university. Please, bear in mind that you will need process certain documents once you have arrived at your destination.

Students from Non-European Union countries

If you are a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), you must apply for a student visa at the Spanish consulate or embassy in your country of origin or legal residence.

Depending on the duration of your stay, there are two types of visas:

• One academic semester: You will be granted a short-stay visa (up to 180 days).

IMPORTANT: This visa allows you to live and study in Spain for a maximum of 6 months. It cannot be extended, and you cannot apply for a Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) once in the country.

• Full academic year: You will be granted a long-stay visa (more than 180 days).

IMPORTANT: Upon arrival, it is mandatory to obtain a physical residence card (Foreigner Identity Card - TIE).

→ Very important! Never travel with a tourist visa, as immigration laws do not allow you to change your immigration status to student once you have entered the country under that condition.

For detailed information on all mandatory requirements, necessary documentation (medical insurance, proof of sufficient funds, criminal record check) and application steps, please consult the following document.

Student Visa Information DocumeNT

The EU Citizen Registration Certificate is the official green paper document required for EU students who intend to reside in Spain for more than 90 days.

The most important thing is that, when you apply for this certificate, you are automatically assigned a NIE (Foreigner Identification Number), which is your unique personal code required to:

• Open a Spanish bank account.
• Sign a rental agreement.
• Take out services such as Internet or electricity.
• Register with the healthcare system or get personalised transport cards.

INFORMATION TO APPLY FOR THE EU CITIZEN REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE

1. Foreigner Identity Card (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjera - TIE)

The TIE  is the physical document that certifies the legal residence in Spain of non-EU nationals and with a long-term visa (more than 180 days). Unlike the green certificate issued to EU citizens, this is a plastic card containing your photograph and fingerprints, as well as your NIE (Foreigner Identification Number).

Compliance with these deadlines is vital in order to avoid an irregular situation:

• Entry into Spain: you have 30 calendar days from your arrival (or from the entry into the Schengen area) to request an appointment for the card.
• Validity: normally granted for one year (or the duration of your course).
• Renewal or extension: you must initiate renewal within 60 days before your card expires (or up to 90 days after, maximum). It is a 100% online process.
• Card collection: once fingerprinting is done, it takes about 30-45 days for the card to be ready for collection at the police station.

INFORMATION TO APPLY FOR THE TIE

2. Mobility Notification

This is the mandatory notification required for a non-EU student with a valid study permit from another EU country to legally carry out their mobility program at a Spanish university (maximum 360 days). It must be processed by the University of Deusto; the student cannot submit it on their own. Please, provide the International Welcome Office (iwo.global@deusto.es )with the following required documentation:

• Your passport.
• Valid stay authorization/student card issued by the EU country of origin.
• Proof of mobility: Official exchange agreement (e.g., Erasmus+ or a bilateral agreement signed between both universities).
• Letter of admission or enrollment from our university.

The NIE (Foreigners’ Identity Number) is a unique, personal code assigned by the Spanish authorities to identify any foreign national who has financial, professional or social ties in Spain. Obtaining an NIE is essential for carrying out basic administrative procedures such as opening a bank account, buying a property, signing contracts or working. 

There are two types of NIE:

• White NIE (Provisional): a paper document issued by the National Police. It is intended for non-resident foreign nationals who need the number for a specific procedure (e.g. opening a bank account or taking out a mobile phone contract).
• Green NIE (EU Citizens’ Registration Certificate): for EU citizens planning to live in Spain for more than three months.

→ Important: if you are a student from outside the European Union, your NIE will appear on your visa

INFORMATION TO APPLY FOR THE NIE

If you have any queries about the process, we can help you:

Bilbao campus

• +34 944 13 90 00 Ext: 3607 or 2537
• iwo.global@deusto.es

Donostia-San Sebastian campus

• +34 943 32 66 00 Ext: 5249
• iwo.global@deusto.es