New Law 1155 in Spain

Stay for Studies Everything You Should Know About Your Future Career in Spain If you are reading this, you probably have a clear goal: to boost your career and specialize at one of the best business schools in Barcelona. However, to achieve your objectives smoothly, it is essential to understand the recent changes in Spanish immigration regulations for international students. Below, we outline the key pillars your business school must meet in order to legally support a student stay in Spain.

1. Official Registration of the Institution

The school must be officially registered in one of Spain’s state or regional education registers. Being a training company is not enough; the institution must have formal academic recognition. Key registers include:

• RUCT (Register of Universities, Centers and Degrees) – for official university education
• State Register of Non-University Educational Centers – for vocational training, high school, or similar programs

2. Accredited or “Regulated” Study Program

Spanish law clearly distinguishes between “leisure courses” and regulated education leading to official qualifications. To be eligible for a student visa, the school must offer:

• Programs leading to a professional certification or an official university degree (such as BEBS MBAs accredited by UCAM or UCAV)
• A detailed study plan, which the school must provide so the student can submit it to the Spanish consulate

3. Academic Requirements (Study Load)

The institution must certify that the program meets full-time study requirements:

• Attendance: The program must be on-campus or hybrid (The new law allows more flexibility, but at least 50% on-campus attendance is usually required)
• Intensity: Minimum of 20 academic hours per week
• Duration:
  • Programs longer than 90 days qualify for long-term study stays
  • Programs longer than 6 months are required to obtain the TIE (Foreigner Identity Card)

4. Ability to Issue Official Documentation

The school must provide:

• Firm Letter of Admission: A provisional reservation is not sufficient. This must be an official document confirming acceptance and payment (full or partial) of tuition.
• Health Insurance and Accommodation Certificate (e.g. Barcelona Students)

New Royal Decree 1155/2024 and What It Means for You The update to Royal Decree 1155/2024 has changed the rules for studying in Spain from 2026 onwards. Our goal is to ensure you have all the necessary information to choose the option that best suits your situation. What does this change mean for international students? Under the new regulation, the Spanish government has directly linked student visa approval to the duration of the study program, significantly impacting how you plan your stay:

• If your goal is to live and study in Barcelona: The program must now have a minimum duration of one full academic year to qualify for a student visa.
• That is why we strongly recommend our 1-year MBA programs (60 ECTS).

These programs offer the most secure and reliable pathway to obtain your student stay permit while preparing for the global job market. Recommended MBA Programs at BEBS

• MBA in International Project Management
• MBA in Leadership & Talent Management
• MBA in International Business Management & Innovation

All these programs are officially accredited and supported by prestigious universities such as UCAM or UCAV (depending on the program). By choosing an official MBA, you not only simplify your visa process but also significantly increase your employability. Employers highly value official qualifications, giving you a real competitive advantage, access to higher-responsibility roles, and better salary prospects. What About Postgraduate Programs? If you are looking for a short-term specialization, BEBS postgraduate programs are an excellent option to strengthen your profile in just a few months. However, due to their duration, they no longer qualify for a student visa under the new regulation. Already Living in Spain or an EU Citizen? Our on-campus programs are ideal for you, offering face-to-face learning and valuable networking opportunities in Barcelona. Living Outside Europe? Our online programs are your best option. They allow you to earn the same prestigious BEBS qualification, with full flexibility and no immigration procedures required. How Does This Help You? By choosing an MBA, you not only secure your student stay in Spain, but also obtain a higher-level academic qualification that opens the door to better professional opportunities in Spain and internationally.