Student visa programs

Do you want to teach English legally in Barcelona?

ITA Barcelona has developed special packages for those looking to obtain a student visa to study and work in Barcelona Spain.

The two packages are distinguished by whether you’ve already completed a TEFL course, or you’re just starting your journey to becoming TEFL certified.

A student visa of more than six months allows English teachers to live and work in Barcelona legally for up to 20 hours per week while they are concurrently enrolled in classes at an approved language school.

The student visa is valid for the time period you choose (from 7 months-12 months) with the option to renew for another 12 months without the need to go back to your home country.

How long in advance do I need to apply for the visa?

You should apply for these options at least 3 months before you want to be in Barcelona. The student visa process can be lengthy, so you want to be sure to give yourself enough time (add an extra month during summer months).

How do I know which option to choose?

Please review the options A and B below to decide which best suits your needs.

OPTION A: Language Study Only

This option is designed for those who have already successfully completed an International TEFL Academy course (either in-person or online), and are interested in obtaining a student visa to live, study and work in Barcelona.

What does Option A include?

 7-12 months of language classes (15-20 hours per week are required):
Language classes will be held at BCN Language Immersion Program Language School (BCNLIP). BCNLIP is accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, which is the highest accreditation a Spanish language school can obtain in Spain.

 Orientation & Induction: 
BCNLIP will provide you with assistance and guidance with apartment hunting, opening a bank account, getting a NIE, form-filling in Spanish, etc.

 Job Guidance: 
ITA Barcelona will provide you with assistance and guidance in finding an English-teaching job in Barcelona.

Class Hour Requirements

 20 of your weekly hours will come from general language classes. You may choose one or a combination of the following languages: Spanish, Catalán.

*The 300€ registration fee is non-refundable. This includes the first book for the language classes, DHL EXPRESS service if consulate requires original documents, preparation of documents, consulting, etc.

Other fees and costs: All housing, travel, textbooks, and Spain Student Visa Fees are extra.

Student Visa Processing: All visa fees must be paid by the student to the Spain consulate directly when applying. Visa fee for Americans is approximately $160.  Students applying for a Spain Student Visa must apply at the consulate in their home country at their assigned regional office.

Start Dates

Start dates are flexible. Students should plan to begin the application process with ITA Barcelona at least three months before the start (Do not wait until the last moment!).

Many Spaniards take their summer holidays throughout the month of August. Teachers should expect work opportunities at private language schools, and even private tutoring, to greatly decrease or even disappear during August. However, this makes it an ideal time for the teachers themselves to also travel and have a holiday.

ITA TEFL Certified AlumniPrice (inc. 300€ Non-Refundable Registration Fee)
7 Month Language Study2150€
8 Month Language Study2385€
9 Month Language Study2625€
10 Month Language Study2825€
11 Month Language Study3015€
12 Month Language Study3200€

OPTION B: Barcelona Certificate in TEFL Course PLUS Language Study Program

Designed for those looking to complete an accredited International TEFL Academy TEFL course in Barcelona and receive a student visa in Barcelona.

Option B includes:

 4-week TEFL Certification Course:
Classes to be held at ITA Barcelona. This is full time, Monday-Friday and you cannot take your language classes during this month.

 7-11 months of language classes (15-20 hours per week):
Language classes will be held at BCN Language Immersion Program Language School (BCNLIP). BCNLIP is accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, which is the highest accreditation a Spanish language school can obtain in Spain.

 Orientation & Induction: 
BCNLIP will provide you with assistance and guidance with apartment hunting, opening a bank account, getting a NIE, form-filling in Spanish, etc.

 Job Search Guidance: 
ITA Barcelona will provide you with assistance and guidance in finding an English-teaching job in Barcelona.

Class Hour Requirements

20 weekly hours will come from general language classes. You may choose among available classes in Spanish, Catalan.

Pricing (Housing & living costs, text books not included)

* The class textbook will have to be purchased before the class begins. The PDF version is $45 and the paperback version is $67.95.

Student Visa LengthPrice for Language Study (inc. 300€ Non-Refundable Registration Fee) + Number of months of language classesPLUS 1 Month Barcelona TEFL CourseTOTAL COST (Language Study + 1 Month Barcelona TEFL Course)
8-month visa2150€
7 months of classes
1400€3550€
9-month visa2385€
8 months of classes
1400€3785€
10-month visa2625€
9 months of classes
1400€4025€
11-month visa2825€
10 months of classes
1400€4225€
12-month visa3015€
11 months of classes
1400€4415€

*The 300€ registration fee is non-refundable. This includes the first book, DHL EXPRESS service if consulate requires original documents, preparation of documents, consulting, etc.

Pricing Breakdown

The language study tuition is paid in full to ITA Barcelona to start the student visa paperwork. This can be paid as soon as you have made the decision to take the language study in Barcelona.

Start Dates for Option B

For a list of the Barcelona TEFL Class start dates, please click here.
** You should plan to begin the application process with ITA Barcelona at least three months before your start date.

Other fees and costs: All housing, travel and additional visa fees are extra.

Student Visa Processing: All visa fees must be paid by the student to the Spain consulate directly when applying. The visa fee for Americans is approximately $160.  Students applying for a Spain Student Visa must apply at the consulate in their home country at their assigned regional office.

**Student Visa Denial

If you Spanish visa is rejected, you will receive a full refund minus the 300€ registration fee.  You will need to provide a letter from the consulate stating that your visa has been denied to receive your refund. Refunds will be transferred within 30 days once this letter is provided to the language schoo