Will you be studying at SLU Madrid for more than one semester? If so, remember that you have THIRTY days after entering the EU to apply for your residency card. The Spanish government takes seriously documentation for non-Spanish citizens. Please make certain that your documents are up-to-date and in order.
Student Life can assist students with a 90-day student visa obtain a residency card.
If you are a new student, please stop by Student Life as soon as possible – this week is
not too early! – along with your passport and a completed EX-15 application form. This form is available in Student Life. Soon after receiving your application, Student Life will be able to notify you of your appointment date and time at the police station, where you must make application in person.
Returning students are responsible for renewing their own residency card. However, Student Life can assist students in making an appointment for the renewal. Keep in mind that appointments can be made no earlier than two months prior to the card’s expiration date, and no later than the day it expires. If the expiration date lands on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, the appointment must be made no later than the workday prior to its expiration. If you do not make a renewal appointment before the card expires, then you will have to start the visa process from scratch. For information on how to obtain a new student visa, please contact the Spanish consulate assigned to your hometown.
If you are in the process of renewing your residency card or you have a one-entry visa and must travel outside of the Schengen area, you are responsible for obtaining a re-entry permit (
permiso de entrada). Please give yourself at least three weeks to complete this process.
Keep in mind that the University is unable to assist you if you fail to make a residency card renewal or a
permiso de entrada appointment in time. However, sometimes our students have found an immigration lawyer to be helpful.
The University is also unable to provide information on the status of a renewal application or speed up the application process.
For more information about residency card matters, and on how to make an appointment for a
permiso de entrada, please contact Ariadne Ferro in Student Life, preferable between 3.30 and 5.30 pm on Monday through Thursday, or between 10:00 am and 1:30 pm on Fridays. Students may also make an appointment by email (
aferro@slu.edu).
