Frequently Asked Questions

You can find detailed information on how to get to Barcelona on our website: Arriving in Barcelona.

The school is located in Calle Diputación 119 on a lively and vibrant street in the Eixample district, just a 15-minute walk from Plaza Cataluña and Las Ramblas, and 15 minutes from Plaza España in the opposite direction.
Eixample is well known for its many shops, restaurants, and bars, offering endless opportunities to enjoy your free time and meet new people. It is a safe neighbourhood with a mix of locals and internationals.

Barcelona enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. Winters are generally pleasant, with temperatures averaging 10–15°C, while summers are hot and dry, with temperatures around 30°C. Spring and autumn are especially comfortable, offering warm days and cooler evenings, making them ideal times to visit and study in the city.

Barcelona is a medium-sized city covering approximately 101 km² (39 sq miles). It has a population of around 1.6 million people, making it the second-largest city in Spain. Despite its size, the city is very walkable, and most main attractions, schools, and neighborhoods are easily accessible by foot or public transport.

Camino Barcelona is located in the Eixample district of central Barcelona. The popular city beaches at Barceloneta are about 2–3 km away from the school. Walking there typically takes around 25–35 minutes, depending on your pace and exact route. You can also reach the beach much faster by metro or bus (about 10 minutes).

We offer an airport transfer service to and from the airport if you prefer a direct and comfortable option. Taxis are also always available and cost approximately 30 € each way.

If you’d rather use public transport, the easiest way is the Aerobus or regular city buses. Our school and on-site accommodation are just 100 meters from the second Aerobus stop (Calle Urgell). It runs 24/7, every 10 minutes and costs approx. 8 € one way. 

You can also watch our instructional video on how to use the Aerobus to get from the airport to Camino Barcelona.

Our accommodation is normally available from the Sunday before the course starts until the Saturday after it finishes. However, it is often possible to arrive a day earlier or leave a day later, depending on availability. Please note that additional nights are subject to an extra charge.

Yes! Our students can reserve an airport pickup service at an additional cost of €108 on arrival and €72 on departurefrom or to Barcelona airport. Good news: current discounts also apply to these services, so the final price may be lower.

If you prefer, it’s also easy to reach the school by public transport.

Students who have booked an airport transfer will be picked up at the airport and taken directly to their accommodation.
Students without airport transfer will make their way to their accommodation using public transport or other private means.

All students receive their accommodation details during the week before their course starts, so you’ll know exactly where to go.

On the first Monday of your arrival, please come to the school at 8:15 am for our welcome speech. Our teachers will explain everything you need to know about your classes, free extras, and activities.

If you haven’t done your level test yet, you can complete it during the welcome session.

We have groups at 20–30 different levels, from A0 (complete beginner) to C1 (advanced), available year-round. You will be placed in the correct group according to your test results.

If you are a complete beginner, come at 8:30 am, as you won’t need to do a level test.

We offer a wide range of modern facilities and student services to make your learning experience comfortable, productive, and fun. These include:

• Classrooms: bright, well-equipped classrooms with modern teaching tools.

• Self-study areas: quiet spaces with books, study materials, and resources.

• Afternoon Club: free extra classes and practice sessions every weekday from 16:30 to 17:30.

• Free Wi-Fi: available throughout the school and in apartments.

• Student terraces: spaces to relax, socialize, and study.

• Activities program: up to 7 teacher-led activities per week, including city tours, cultural experiences, sports, and excursions.

• On-site accommodation: fully furnished apartments with kitchens, shared or private bathrooms, and some with balconies or AC.

• Support services: help with visas, accommodation, airport transfers, and other student needs.

Our goal is to provide everything you need to study Spanish effectively while enjoying your time in Barcelona.

Yes! We offer a wide range of activities, which change every week, so you can fully experience Barcelona’s culture and nightlife. Activities include city tours, Spanish culture workshops, museum visits, paella cooking, flamenco concerts, wine tastings, and salsa classes. On weekends, we often organize larger trips to places like Girona, Sitges, Tossa de Mar, and other nearby destinations.

If you prefer to explore Barcelona on your own or with friends, you will have plenty of free time before or after your Spanish classes, depending on the course you choose. All activities are optional, so you can head out on your own whenever you like.

Our courses are continuous throughout the year and only pause on public holidays. No matter your level, you can start a course on ANY Monday of the year!

You can study for 1 to 52 weeks. Just tell us how long you’d like to attend, and we’ll send you a quotation.
If you don’t need a visa, you can also study for more weeks and pause the course in between—just let us know in advance.

To determine your level, our teachers will contact you for a short oral placement test, which you can do either the week before your course starts or at the school itself. You can also take a written test on our website if you’d like to know your level in advance.

Once we have your results, we will place you in the group that best matches your level. If you find the course too easy or too difficult, you can discuss with your teacher about switching to a different class.

Your schedule depends on the course you booked.

• Intensive group classes run in the mornings from 09:30 to 13:10 (including a break).

• Conversation classes follow from 13:40 to 14:30.

• If you booked a private class, you should have received an additional email from the academic department with your schedule.

Your schedule will be confirmed on the first day of lessons, either right after our Welcome presentation or in your booking email. At 16:30, you can join our free Afternoon Club or other school activities.

Our teachers have developed their own teaching methods, worksheets, and study materials.

• At the lower levels, the book GENTE is occasionally used, but you don’t need to buy it. If you want to study extra, it is available for purchase at the reception. One book is used per level.

• All other study materials and copies are included in the course price.

• At higher levels, the book Vitamina C is used.

We use a communicative language approach. Our classes focus on real-life situations, encouraging students to communicate with each other about meaningful topics from day one. Lessons are fun, immersive, and dynamic, using up-to-date materials. All our teachers are qualified native Spanish speakers, and Camino Barcelona has been accredited by the Instituto Cervantes since 2013.

Yes! All our teachers are native Spanish speakers chosen for their teaching excellence and passion. They all hold a university degree, postgraduate qualifications in teaching Spanish as a foreign language, and have at least 2 years of teaching experience.

We also encourage our teachers to participate in ongoing training to ensure the highest quality of teaching for our students.

Our most popular course is the Intensive course or the combination of Intensive and Conversation classes. We offer 20–30 intensive courses at different levels each week.
For those who prefer evening study, the Evening course is the most popular option.

In the Intensive course and Super-Intensive Course, internal exams are held at the end of each level (except A1) to check your progress. These exams are not official, but you will receive a certificate from our school.

Groups are arranged by level, and each group progresses at the same pace. You will move through levels week by week with your group.
If you feel that your level is too easy or too difficult after starting the course, you can speak with our academic coordinator for advice and be moved to a more suitable class.
 

The level you reach depends on several factors: the course you booked, your starting level, the amount of personal study, and how quickly you assimilate new language concepts.

You can check our study plan to see approximately how long it takes to complete each level.

The price remains the same for weeks with a public holiday. However:

• If there are two holidays in the same week, your course will be cheaper. Remember, you always have the option to join our free afternoon class. 

Public holidays in Barcelona 2026:

• 1 Jan – New Year’s Day

• 6 Jan – Epiphany

• 3 Apr – Good Friday

• 6 Apr – Easter Monday

• 1 May – Labour Day

• 25 May – Monday of Granada Easter (local)

• 24 Jun – Saint John (regional)

• 15 Aug – Assumption of Mary

• 11 Sep – National Day of Catalonia (regional)

• 24 Sep – Mare de Déu de la Mercè (local)

• 12 Oct – National Day of Spain

• 8 Dec – Immaculate Conception

• 25 Dec – Christmas

• 26 Dec – Saint Stephen

No problem! We have courses for complete beginners starting every Monday. These beginner courses are specially designed for students who have never studied Spanish before, and our teachers are trained to teach beginners. Everyone will start at the same level, and we make sure you gain confidence quickly and enjoy the learning process.

Each Spanish level takes a different amount of time depending on your pace and course intensity. According to our course programme based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the approximate duration for each level is:

• A1: 4 weeks

• A2: 5 weeks

• B1: 10 weeks

• B2: 12 weeks

• C1: 20+ weeks at least, depending on your goals and speed of progress. 

You can use our programme as a guide when planning your study time!

All of our courses start on Mondays. If you would like to start mid-week, please note that you will generally be charged for a full week, unless another arrangement has been agreed with our administration.

Since you will have missed the first classes, we recommend attending our Afternoon Club (Monday to Friday, 16:30–17:30), where a teacher will review and practice all the content you missed, so you won’t fall behind in your group.

It depends on whether you want to study in the morning, afternoon, or evening, and if you prefer group classes or private lessons with a teacher. We offer a variety of options, so check out our full course list to find the perfect course for you.

We recommend the Intensive + Conversation course. This course allows you to learn the grammar and structures of Spanish and actively use the language—first in the intensive classes, then in the conversation sessions. You can also add private lessons for extra practice.

By participating in our Afternoon Club, where you can practice Spanish personally with teacher support for free, or joining our daily cultural activities, you are surrounded by native speakers and fellow learners all day. You’ll learn not only Spanish but also about Barcelona and Spanish culture, visiting interesting places with a teacher who also acts as your Spanish guide, helping you actively practice and improve your Spanish throughout the day.

Our Intensive Course is the most popular option at Camino Barcelona. It is intensive enough to help you make rapid progress in Spanish, while still leaving you plenty of free time to explore Barcelona and take part in our cultural activities.

Classes take place Monday to Friday in the mornings, with 4 lessons per day from 9:30 to 13:10, including a short break. You can start any Monday of the year, and the course is available at all levels, from complete beginner to advanced.

The Intensive and Conversation Course combines our popular Intensive Spanish Course (20 lessons per week) with 5 additional Conversation lessons per week. It takes place in the mornings from Monday to Friday, from 9:30 to 14:30, including two breaks.

You will have 4 general Spanish lessons each day, plus 1 conversation lesson. In the conversation lessons, you get lots of extra practice speaking Spanish and actively using what you have learned in class to discuss a wide range of topics.

With a total of 25 lessons per week, this course is ideal if you want to make rapid progress, especially in your spoken Spanish. You can start on any Monday of the year, at all levels from complete beginner to advanced.

The Super-Intensive and Private Lessons Course consists of 25 group lessons per week (including 5 conversation lessons) plus an additional 5 private lessons per week. During the private lessons, you can focus on exactly what matters most to you, such as speaking, writing, professional or job-related vocabulary, or preparation for a specific exam.

This course is ideal if you have limited time and want to learn as much Spanish as possible in a short period, or if you have a specific reason for learning Spanish and need a more personalized approach.

Group classes take place Monday to Friday in the mornings (5 lessons per day), while the private lessons are held in the afternoons (5 lessons per week). You can start the course on any Monday of the year, at any level from complete beginner to advanced.

With our One-to-One Course, you can choose exactly how many private lessons you want – from 1 up to 30 lessons per week. We also offer packages of 10, 20, or 30 private lessons per week.

This course is ideal if you have specific learning needs that are not fully covered in a group course, or if you prefer individual attention to make faster progress.

Private lessons take place Monday to Friday in the afternoons (from 13:40 onwards) at a time agreed with you. You can fully customize the lesson content and focus on the skills or topics that matter most to you.

The course is tailored to your needs, interests, and language level. You can start on any Monday of the year and, if you wish, combine private lessons with our Intensive Spanish Course.

With our Spanish and Salsa Course, you can learn Spanish and dance Salsa at the same time. Each week, you take 10 or 20 Spanish lessons (available at all levels) with experienced native Spanish teachers, plus 2 or 5 Salsa classes taught by professional Salsa instructors.

Dancing Salsa is the perfect way to relax after Spanish class and a great opportunity to get to know your classmates while enjoying Latin culture.

You can find more details about our Spanish & Salsa Course on our website.

The DELE exams (Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera) are the most prestigious and internationally recognized Spanish exams. 

With a 95% success rate, our DELE Preparation Course prepares you optimally for the exam. We will advise you on which DELE level best matches your current Spanish level. Depending on your level and exam goals, it is not always necessary to take an Intensive Course before starting the DELE course.

The schedule of the DELE course depends on the level you choose (A2, B2 or C1). Exact timetables and further details can be found on our website. During the course, our teachers – experienced and qualified DELE examiners – will answer all your questions and offer individual support, so you always feel well prepared.

In addition to our own placement test, you can also take the Cervantes Institute placement test, which immediately shows your level. 

Once your level is clear, we will create a personalized study plan for you. To take the DELE exam in Barcelona, you must register via our school page on the FEDELE website.

The Semi-Intensive Course is perfect if you want to make steady progress in your Spanish while still having plenty of free time to explore Barcelona.

Classes take place Monday to Friday, with 2 lessons per day. You can choose between 14:40 – 16:10 or 16:20 – 17:50.

Camino Barcelona is primarily an adult school, so 16 is usually the minimum age for students. However, we do offer options for younger students, especially during holiday periods, when 15-year-olds can attend.

If you are 14 or younger, you should be accompanied by an adult in Barcelona (who doesn’t need to take Spanish classes) or by a person at least 16 years old. If no adult is present and you are under 18, your parents or legal guardians must sign a form agreeing that the school is not responsible for your safety when you are not in class or in school-organized activities.

Because our regular course materials are designed for adults and students 16 and older, we recommend private lessons for younger students.

Private lessons are tailored to your age and level, with a teacher experienced in teaching younger learners. If you have specific topics you’d like to study, our teachers can prepare them in advance.

At the end of your course, you will receive a CEFR certificate (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) documenting your achievements. This certificate includes the highest level you reached at our school, the duration and type of course, the total number of hours, and your personal information.

If you took an internal final exam, the certificate will also show the grades you achieved in that exam at your highest level.

This certificate can also be used to obtain university credits if needed. Please note that this is not a DELE certificate, but an official certificate from Camino Barcelona.

Yes! At the end of your course at Camino Barcelona, you receive an official school certificate that documents your level, course type, duration, and total hours studied. Some universities may accept this certificate for credit recognition, depending on their rules. However, note that this is not a DELE certificate, so acceptance for university credit depends on your institution.

We offer 20–30 different Intensive course groups per week, including all sub-levels from A1 to C2, so all levels are available and you can start any Monday. If after a few days you feel that your current level is too easy or too difficult, you can speak with the reception or your teachers, and we will find a more suitable group for you!

Here is the approximate duration to reach each Spanish level if you take our Intensive Spanish Course at Camino Barcelona:

• A1: 4 weeks

• A2: 5 weeks

• B1: 10 weeks

• B2: 12 weeks

• C1: 20+ weeks

Most Spanish universities require at least B2 for international students who want to pursue a Master’s degree in Spanish. Some programs may accept B1, depending on the course.

If you are not a complete beginner, your Spanish level will be tested for free, and you will be placed in the group that best matches your current skills. From there, you progress through the levels according to the timeline above.

To reach B2 level, which is considered fluent and independent use of Spanish, you will need approximately 28 weeks of study at Camino Barcelona. It is possible to reach B2 faster if you progress quicker than your group. If recommended by your teacher, you can move to a higher level during your course.

Students of all ages are welcome, from 15 to 99! Most are between 19 and 35, but we have learners from every stage of life. They come from all over the world and include students, professionals, travellers, and lifelong learners. Check out our statistics here.

Camino Barcelona welcomes thousands of students each year from around the world. In recent years, the number of students has grown steadily. Check out our statistics here. 

• 2,842 students in 2022

• 4,568 students in 2023

• 6,720 students in 2024

There is no maximum class size, but generally there are 10–15 students per group, depending on the level. During the summer months, classes may have more students than in the low season.

Unfortunately, we do not offer student cards at Camino Barcelona.

If you are unable to attend class, please let us know by calling +34 93 467 85 85 or sending an email to [email protected], so that we can inform your teacher. To catch up on missed lessons and make sure you stay on track with your group, we recommend joining our Afternoon Club, either online or on-site, where a teacher will help you review the material you missed. The on-site Afternoon Club takes place Monday to Friday from 16:30 to 17:30.

Yes! You can pause your course at any time and make up the unused weeks later, within 6 months. This option is available only for students who are not studying with a visa.

All you need to do is email the school at [email protected] with your requested pause dates. The pause must consist of full course weeks (Monday to Friday). The school will then reschedule your remaining course weeks to start on the Monday you wish to continue at Camino.

No matter how long your break lasts, you can resume your course at exactly the same level you had before the pause. Even if your original group is no longer available, this isn’t a problem: Camino offers at least 20 different language levels throughout the year, so you will always be placed in a group that matches your previous level.

Our school offers a variety of accommodation options:

• Shared student flats – choose between small single rooms, shared rooms, private bathrooms, meal options, and more.

• Carefully selected host families – live with local families for a fully immersive experience.

It depends on the flat:

• On-site flats: usually 3–4 students

• Off-site flats: usually 4–6 students

While the apartments are always shared, you can have a private room with a private bathroom. Click here to see what rooms we offer. 

No, bedding and towels are always provided in all our accommodation options.

Yes! Every accommodation has a washing machine and a drying rack. We don’t provide washing powder, but sometimes there may be some left by previous students.

For host families, they usually agree to wash one load of clothes per week.

If you book a shared room, you will always share with a student of the same gender. We also try to match students of a similar age to ensure the best experience in Barcelona and at Camino Barcelona.

Please note that students over 40 usually prefer single rooms or single rooms with private bathrooms.

Our school is located in Eixample, one of the safest and most popular areas for students, known for its wide streets, good lighting, and excellent public transport.

Other safe and convenient neighbourhoods close to Camino Barcelona include Sant Antoni, Gràcia and Sants. These areas are lively, well connected, and popular with both locals and international students.

As in any big city, we recommend being extra careful with personal belongings in very touristy areas like Las Ramblas or the old town, especially at night.

We highly recommend our student apartments, as they offer many advantages and are the most popular choice among our students.

Most of our students choose to live in shared flats with classmates from different countries, which naturally encourages you to practice Spanish in everyday life. Some apartments are even located in the same building as the school, saving you time when going to and from classes.

All apartments include a fully equipped kitchen, a comfortable living area, and free Wi-Fi. Our on-site apartments also feature rooftop sun terraces, perfect for studying, relaxing, or enjoying the Barcelona sunshine.

After classes, we offer a wide range of teacher-led activities, many of which start directly at the school or take place on the school’s rooftop terrace, especially on Thursdays. Living on-site gives you easy and quick access to all activities, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in Spanish culture through afternoon outings, weekend trips, guided evening walks, and more.

Our on-site accommodations are also very easy to reach from the airport, as you can conveniently use the Aerobus service.

Both options are located on-site in the same building. The only difference between them is the meal option. The On-Site Residence includes meal vouchers, while students staying in the On-Site Apartments prepare their own meals.

The meal vouchers included in the Residence cover two meals per day: breakfast and either lunch or dinner, depending on the student’s preference. Meals are provided in three nearby cafés and restaurants located just 40 meters from the school. Breakfast is usually light, while lunch or dinner typically includes a first course, a main course, and a drink or dessert, although this may vary slightly depending on the restaurant. The meal plan costs an additional 110 € per week.

Students living in the On-Site Apartments are responsible for their own meals and have access to fully equipped shared kitchens. As the school is located in the city center, there are many supermarkets, cafés, and restaurants nearby, giving students more flexibility when eating out with friends.

Our on-site apartments offer a range of room types to suit different needs and preferences:

• Small Single Room: Private room with a single bed, desk, and wardrobe. Bathroom is shared with 1–2 other students. No balcony, window faces the interior courtyard.

• Double Room: Shared with another student of the same gender (we match students of similar age). Includes a balcony, desk, and wardrobe. Bathroom is shared with your roommate and one student from a Small Single Room.

• Single Room with Double Bed: Large, bright private room with a double bed and balcony. Desk and wardrobe included. Bathroom shared with 1 student from a Small Single Room.

• Single Room with Double Bed and Private Bathroom: Spacious private room with a double bed, private bathroom, and balcony. Includes desk and wardrobe.

• Standard Single Room: Private room with desk and wardrobe, bathroom shared with 2 other students. Some rooms have a balcony, others do not.

All rooms are furnished, comfortable, and designed to give you a welcoming space to study, relax, and enjoy your time in Barcelona.

From June to October, there is a summer surcharge on our on-site apartments. This is because these apartments are extremely popular during the summer months, and demand is higher.

Yes, all on-site apartments have central air conditioning, and students can adjust the apartment temperature using the control panel. Individual rooms in the apartments do not have their own AC, but for student comfort, we provide large fans for every room, which can be requested from one of our school managers.

Some rooms in shared flats located 5–20 minutes from the school do have private air conditioning. If you would like a room with its own AC, please let us know in advance and we will find the best option for you.

Yes! Camino Barcelona is a school for adults, so students are free to come and go as they like. You will receive your own set of keys for the building entrance, the apartment door, and your room.

Our host families live in beautiful and central neighborhoods, most of them very close to the school. Choosing a host family is a fantastic way to fully immerse yourself in the Spanish language and culture.

There are different meal options available with host families. "Half board" includes two meals a day with the family – either breakfast and lunch or breakfast and dinner. "Breakfast" only means you will receive just the morning meal.

All host families provide partial access to the kitchen: you can make tea or coffee and use the microwave to heat food, but longer cooking or use of the stove or oven is not allowed.

To ensure full immersion and avoid students speaking English or other languages, we usually place only one student per host family. If you are traveling with a friend, it is possible to stay together – either in a shared room or in separate rooms within the same family.

Yes! You can spend a free trial day at Camino Barcelona. You can come any weekday from Monday to Friday. Just let us know by email which day you would like to come.

To ensure you are placed in the right level group, we ask that you complete our online written placement test before your trial day. When you arrive for your trial, you will also do a short oral test with one of our native Spanish teachers. This usually starts at 9:10 am and takes about 5–10 minutes. Your lessons then begin at 9:30 am.

If you are a complete beginner, you do not need to take a placement test. You will be placed directly in the A0 groupand can come to the school at 9:20 am for your trial class. We will guide you to your classroom.

Trial day schedule:

• Intensive class: 4 lessons from 9:30 am to 1:10 pm

• Conversation class: 50 minutes from 1:40 pm to 2:30 pm

• From 4:30 pm, optional cultural activities with a Spanish teacher to explore Barcelona, or access to the Afternoon Club 

For a long-term Spanish student visa (Visa D), you need to enroll in a course of at least 20 hours per week. This can be an Intensive course in the morning, afternoon, or evening.
For a long-term visa and to obtain your NIE, your course must be at least 180 days. Other courses, such as Semi-Intensive courses, are not accepted for visa purposes.

To apply for a Spanish Student Visa (Visa D), you must show that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. The minimum requirement is at least €630 per month. You can calculate the total amount proportionally to the number of months you will stay in Spain.

If you do not have these funds yourself, a parent, partner, or other legal representative can act as your guarantor. Your guarantor must:

• Demonstrate a monthly income of at least €630

• Sign a responsibility letter confirming they will cover your tuition and living expenses

You must also be ready to provide official legal documents proving the source of the funds, such as:

• Bank statements

• Income certificates from work

• Tax certificates showing taxes paid on that income

The Spanish consulate may verify the legality and origin of the money, especially for applicants from countries with international agreements like Morocco or Algeria. All financial documents are thoroughly checked.

Visa processing times vary depending on your home country, the consulate, and the time of year, but typically it takes 4–8 weeks from submission to approval. Some consulates may take longer, so it’s best to apply as early as possible.

Planning your course start date:

• Since student visas must usually be obtained before you travel, your course should start after your visa is likely to be approved.

• We recommend adding at least 2–3 weeks after the expected visa approval date to allow for travel arrangements.

• Camino Barcelona can provide a provisional acceptance letter with your course dates, so you can calculate the earliest possible start date for your visa application.

Tip: Always check the processing times with your local Spanish consulate before booking flights or accommodation.

Yes. Camino Barcelona offers comprehensive support to help students apply for a student visa. We guide you through each step of the process and review your documents before submission to help maximise your chances of approval.

Our visa support includes:

• Advice on all visa-related questions.

• A clear checklist of required documents

• Assistance with booking accommodation and obtaining the Empadronamiento (residency registration) in Barcelona for stays of more than six months in our accommodation, which is required for the NIE

• Help choosing suitable Spanish health insurance for your student visa

• Guidance on applying for your NIE after arrival in Spain

• Support with long-term visa or NIE renewals.

• Recommendations on how to appeal or resubmit documents if a visa application is refused

If you need visa support, please contact us at [email protected].

To obtain the NIE/TIE, you must follow the subsequent steps:
1. You have to buy an intensive course of study (20 hours per week) lasting at least 27 weeks or more,
2. Prepare the documents and apply for a student visa at the Spanish consulate.
3. In 2 months you will receive an answer. Once you get your study residence permit approval “Resuelto - Favorable”, you can now apply for your NIE card.
4. You have to come to Spain on a student visa. And get a NIE card in Spain.
Please note: It is important to apply for your NIE/TIE during the first 30 days after entering Spain. Your student visa won’t always be sufficient to validate your stay in Spain.

Here are the steps how to get it:
1. Schedule your appointment*, a “cita”, at the police station located at Rambla de Guipuzcoa 74. Or you can book a "cita" in any available police office.
Please note that you must have a previous appointment before going. You can book your appointment here: https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/proce...
Select: Procedimientos > Extranjería > Cita Previa de Extranjeria >
Barcelona / EXPEDICION DE TARJETA DE IDENTIDAD EXTRANJERO > POLICIA - TOMA DE HUELLAS
Fill in the data, select the time, print the confirmation of the appointed time.

2. Prepare the following documents that must be submitted to the police:
• Application form EX-17 (original and copy)
• Passport and its copy
• 2 passport sized photos
• Confirmation residence permit approval “resuelto-favorable”
• Household registration certificate “Empadronamiento”**
• Receipt of payment for TASA 790 code 012

30-40 days after the submission of your documents to the police, you can pick up your NIE card in the office at Mallorca, 213 (or at the address from Resguardo de solicitud document) no prior appointment needed,
You must have with you:
1. Passport.
2. Resguardo de solicitud document (this document will be given to you at the police office after your fingerprints are taken).


**Steps to obtain the registration of residency (Empadronamiento):

• Request an appointment with the Barcelona City Hall (click here or call the phone number 010). If you wish to make an appointment online, just click “iniciar el trámite” and the complete the subsequent form.
• Prepare your personal documents:
• If you are Spanish: Spanish ID card or passport
• If you are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein: National ID card or passport
• If you are from anywhere else: Passport
• Valid rental contract - if you are staying in Camino's on-site accommodation for at least 5 month then we are able to issue you a document in place of a rental contract
• Proof of most recent rental payment (which should consist of information to identify the rental: leaseholder, landlord, property address, date of pay, etc.) if you have yet to pay rent in your new flat, you can present proof of the deposit payment.

*How to download and fill out the application fee form:

Before you get to your appointment, you have to pay the designated 012 tax fee (model 790), which is 15,60 Euros (April 2018). Download the form here and complete it with your personal data: https://sede.policia.gob.es:38089/Tasa790_012/

Click the section labelled “Certificado de registro de residente comunitario o Tarjeta de residencia de familiar de un ciudadano de la Unión“. Select to pay in cash (“en efectivo“) and leave the IBAN data empty. Finally, press “submit”, a PDF will be generated automatically and you will need to print out all its pages. Go to the nearest bank with the printed pages and pay the fee in cash.

Request an appointment online by clicking here: https://sede.administracionespublicas.gob.es/icppl...

• Under “Provincia Seleccionada“, select “Barcelona“
• Under “Barcelona – Trámites CNP:” click “Expedición de Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero”
• When the drop-down menu appears, select “CNP-Toma de Huellas (Expedición de Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero)”
• Click “Aceptar” (it will bring you to the next page)
• On the new page, download and fill out the EX-17 form
• Scroll down the page and click on “Entrar” (it will bring you to the next page)
• Fill out the required information (passport number, your full name & nationality) and click on “Aceptar“
• Make your appointment (“Solicitar Cita“) and follow the instructions

For a Spanish student visa, you must have private health insurance valid in Spain that meets the following requirements:

• Full coverage in Spain for the entire duration of your stay

• No waiting periods (sin carencia)

• No co-payments (sin copagos)

• Covers medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergencies

Examples of insurance providers:

• People under 35 can get coverage with Sanitas

• Other companies to consider include Adeslas and ASSA

Tip: Some Spanish consulates may require an official certificate from the insurance company confirming that your coverage meets these requirements. Camino Barcelona can advise you on suitable insurance providers to make sure your policy is accepted.

We need to ensure that you have attended at least 80% of your Spanish classes when your course has finished.

Yes! Camino Barcelona understands that many students want to explore Spain while studying. You can take short breaks or holidays during your long-term course, and we always plan for this in your visa invitation.

Here’s how it works:

• We include a holiday period in your visa letter, which you do not need to pay for.

• For this reason, the duration of your visa will be longer than the course itself at our school.

• This gives you time to take weeks off (Always Monday - Friday) to travel around Spain or take a short break for any other reason.

• Holiday weeks are completely free of charge and can be taken all at once or divided into several full-week periods during your stay.

• Simply inform us at least 1 week in advance and tell us your return date, and we will reserve it for you.

Typical combinations for long-term students:

• 24 weeks of course + 3 weeks of holidays → invitation for 27 weeks

• 36 weeks of course + 4 weeks of holidays → invitation for 40 weeks

• 43 weeks of course + 5 weeks of holidays → invitation for 48 weeks

If you want a different combination, email us at [email protected] to see if we can arrange it.

• Attendance note: Make sure your absences still comply with visa rules if your student visa requires regular participation in classes.

This way, you can enjoy traveling around Spain while keeping your course progress on track.

You need Empadronamiento in police when you are fingerprinting for NIE. If you extend the NIE, you need an Empadronamiento every time (remember that the registration paper you receive in Ajutamiento is valid for 3 months).
Steps to obtain the Household registration certificate (Empadronamiento):
You can make an apoointment only online!
https://seuelectronica.ajuntament.barcelona.cat/AP...
Cita prèvia amb les Oficines d'Atenció Ciutadana (OAC) | Tràmits | El web de la ciutat de Barcelona

• Request an appointment with the Barcelona City Hall (click here or call the phone number 010).
• Prepare your personal documents:
  • If you are Spanish: Spanish ID card or passport
  • If you are from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, or Liechtenstein: National ID card or passport
  • If you are from anywhere else: Passport.

In order to qualify for a long-term student visa type D with a study permit TIE (TIE stands for "Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero", it is an official identification card for non-EU citizens living in Spain), you would need to take a course of length 180+ days with 20 hours per week.

To proceed with your visa application, you will need to:

1. Book the long-term course (180+ days) at Camino Barcelona (and accommodation if needed).
2. Pay the fees in full
3. After receiving the full payment, we will send you the visa support documents: the visa invitation letter, confirmation of full payment, and the study plan.
4. Submit the documents from the school along with other required documents (please see the general list of required documents below) to the Spanish authorities in your country.
   
   Please note: we strongly recommend double-checking the full list of required documents at the Spanish consulate in the city where you are going to apply for the visa, as the requirements may vary slightly depending on the country/city.
   Please see the link below for the contact details of Spanish authorities worldwide:
   https://www.exteriores.gob.es/en/EmbajadasConsulados/Paginas/index.aspx
    
5. Let us know once your visa is approved and get ready for your journey to beautiful Barcelona! We look forward to welcoming you to our school!

To make a booking, simply follow this link: https://www.caminobarcelona.com/spanish-courses/long-term-morning-spanish-course/

Please see below the general list of the documents that are required for a student visa type D with a study permit (TIE):

1. Application Form EX-00
2. Current valid passport that doesn’t expire during your entire stay in Spain
3. Color photo
4. Visa invitation letter (we will provide this letter once the course is booked and paid for in full)
5. Confirmation of the payment for your course (we will provide this document once the course is booked and paid for in full)
6. Study plan (we will provide this document once the course is booked and paid for in full)
7. Full coverage Spanish medical insurance with no waiting period and no co-payments (sin carencia y sin copagos).
8. Bank statement with the sufficient amount (at least 630 EUR /month). If you do not have these financial means yourself, you can provide proof that your parents or legal guardians will be your financial sponsors. They must show an income of over 630 euros per month and take responsibility for financing your studies and other living expenses during your stay in Spain. 
   You should also be prepared to provide official proof of the source of your income (for example, a work statement).
   All financial documents are subject to a very thorough check by the Spanish Consulate.
9. Medical certificate confirming that you don’t have any diseases that would require you to be quarantined ("does not suffer from any illness that could have serious implications for public health in Spain, in accordance with the provisions of the International Health Regulations 2005")
10. Criminal record with an apostille certificate issued by the relevant authorities in the countries where you have lived for more than 6 months in the last 5 years.
11. Proof of Accommodation

Please note: All the documents (apart from passport) should be translated into Spanish.

We can have your visa documents ready and emailed to you the same day that we receive your payment. Please note that international transfers can take 1-5 days to be processed

In most cases, you must apply for a Spanish student visa from your home country.
Student visa applications are generally submitted at the Spanish consulate or embassy in the country where you legally reside, before travelling to Spain.

Important update (May 2025):
From May 2025 onwards, it is no longer possible to apply for a Spanish student visa from within Spain if you enter the country as a tourist. This means that students planning to study for more than 90 days must apply for their student visa from abroad in advance.

Applying from your home country is therefore the required and safest option, especially if:

• Your course lasts more than 90 days

• You need a visa to enter Spain

• You want to avoid delays or legal issues after arrival

In some specific cases (such as renewals or certain legal situations), applications may still be processed within Spain, but this does not apply to first-time student visa applications after May 2025.

If you have questions about where or how to apply, please contact us at [email protected].

To apply for a student visa, you generally need the following:

1. National Visa Application Form: Completed and signed

2. Valid Passport + Photos

• Passport valid for the full stay

• At least two blank pages

• Passport-sized photos (check consulate requirements)

3. Camino Barcelona Acceptance Letter: Confirms enrolment in a full-time course (20+ hours/week)

4. Proof of Course Payment

5. Academic Programme & Accreditation

• Course description and schedule

• Camino Barcelona’s Instituto Cervantes accreditation

6. Spanish Health Insurance

• Full coverage in Spain

• No waiting period or co-payments

• Valid for the entire stay

7. Proof of Financial Means

• Enough funds to support your stay (check official requirements)

• Bank statements showing the full amount at the time of application

• If a sponsor is covering your costs:

  • Letter of financial responsibility

  • Proof of sponsor’s income and relationship

  • Bank statements and tax certificates

8. Medical Certificate: Confirms you do not have any diseases that could risk public health

9. Criminal Record Certificate

• Required if over 18

• Issued in the last 5 years

• Apostilled or legalised

10. Proof of Accommodation

• Rental contract, host invitation, or Camino Barcelona housing contract

• We help students with Empadronamiento after arrival, required for NIE

11. Parental Authorization (for minors): Signed by parents or legal guardians if under 18

Note:

• All documents (except passport) must be translated into Spanish and legalised or apostilled

• Requirements may vary slightly depending on your country or consulate

• Make sure funds and documents are official, verifiable, and complete, as consulates check carefully

As of May 2025, first-time student visas must be applied for at a Spanish consulate in your home country or country of legal residence. Applying from Spain is rare and usually only possible in special situations, such as:

• Renewals or extensions of an existing student visa

• Certain legal or administrative cases

If you are eligible to apply from Spain, the required documents are almost the same as for applications from your home country, with only minor differences, such as:

• Proof of legal residence in Spain

• Possibly updated financial documents or empadronamiento for longer stays

Because this is rare, most students should plan to apply from their home country.

Tip: Check the section “Documents required to apply for a student visa from your home country” — in most cases, that’s exactly what you’ll need.

In order to obtain a student stay authorization and get you NIE/TIE card, you need to be enrolled in an Intensive course, this means 20h/week.
Our Intensive courses run from Monday to Friday. We offer different packages of different lengths for students to select whichever suits their needs best. These packages include:

• study weeks,
• some weeks of holidays,
• all books needed,
• the registration fee
• documents for student
• residence permit application.

Please note that if you would like to get a NIE card (also called TIE, Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) you must be enrolled in a course for greater than 180 days.
If this is your case, the 27 weeks package or longer.

To make sure your student visa application goes smoothly, it’s important that all your documents are complete, accurate, and officially certified. Here’s how to check them:

1. Double-check all requirements

   • Review the official consulate checklist for your country.

   • Make sure you have all required documents, including translations and legalization/apostille if needed.

2. Check the details carefully

   • Names, dates, and spellings must match exactly on all documents.

   • Your passport must be valid for the full stay and have enough blank pages.

3. Verify translations and certifications

   • All non-Spanish documents must be translated into Spanish by a certified translator.

   • Make sure all legalizations or apostilles are correct and up-to-date.

4. Check financial documents

   • Bank statements or sponsor letters must show the full required amount at the time of application.

   • Be ready to prove the source of the funds if requested.

5. Ask a professional

   • If you are unsure, consult a visa specialist, lawyer, or certified immigration advisor to review your documents before submission.

Tip: Start checking your documents well before your planned course start date to avoid delays.

You can also see the addresses of the Spanish consulates in your country and all documents for visa purpose here: https://www.exteriores.gob.es/es/ServiciosAlCiudad...

The NIE is needed if you want to undertake economic activity in Spain such as open a bank account, rent apartment, get a telephone contract, get employed, buy/sell a car, buy/sell property, pay tax, etc.

Non-EU students: To receive NIE you have to stay in Spain more than 180 days (it means you have an intensive course (20 h/week) with duration minimum 32 weeks).

If you arrive with a student visa type D (to stay longer than 180 days), the NIE number is written on your visa. And you will have to apply for a TIE card during the first 30 days of your stay in Spain. The Tarjeta de Identidad para Extranjeros (TIE) or Foreigner Identity Card is an ID that contains your NIE.

EU students: if you are from a Schengen area country (EU countries + Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein, and Iceland), staying longer than 90 days, you are obliged to register as an EU resident in Spain and get the NIE certificate.Your NIE will be printed on a Certificate of registration as an EU resident (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la UE).

You can pay by credit card or bank transfer:

If you want to pay by Mastercard, Visa, Google Pay, Klarna, American Express, or other online payment methods, you can use our secure payment page.

For security reasons, we strongly advise not to send your credit card details by email, as this is not a secure method and may be accessed by third parties.

If you prefer to pay by bank transfer, you will find our bank details below:

Account name: CAMINOBARCELONA SL.

Account number: 2100 0938 78 0200228284

IBAN: ES05 2100 0938 7802 0022 8284

SWIFT: CAIXESBBXXX

Bank: CaixaBank, Rambla de Catalunya 35, 08007 Barcelona, Spanien

To reserve your spot, it’s always best to book in advance, but you can also pay week by week if you’d like. Once you’re at the school, you can flexibly extend your course. This way, your name stays on the participant list for your level group, and a place is guaranteed so you can continue your Spanish course.

To add extra weeks, you just need to book by Thursday of your last paid week. The easiest way is to come to reception and ask one of our staff to extend your course, or simply send us an email or WhatsApp.

Keep in mind: the more weeks you book in advance, the cheaper the weekly price becomes.

Students who have already received their long-term student visa are not entitled to a refund or course reduction, due to legal regulations related to student visas.

The decision of the embassy or consulate to grant a student visa is largely based on the official documents issued by our school, including:

• the letter of invitation with the program dates,

• the receipt confirming full payment, and

• the study plan showing the duration of each level.

For this reason, our school is legally obliged to fully comply with all conditions stated in those documents. These conditions include offering:

• a long-term course of at least 20 hours per week,

• for the exact duration stated in the invitation letter.

In addition, we must ensure that students holding a visa:

• attend at least 80% of classes, and

• make satisfactory academic progress, completing levels and exams within the appropriate timeframes.

This allows Spanish authorities to ensure that students are legally staying in Spain in accordance with the requirements for stays longer than three months, where the purpose of stay must be study-related, not tourism.

If the course duration were shortened or the price reduced (to a cheaper course that might not have been accepted by the embassy if it had been the original price shown on the receipt), Spanish authorities could consider this a violation of the law and take action against our school.

For these reasons, we cannot legally cancel, shorten, or refund a course once a student visa has been granted. Doing so would mean that the student still holds a valid visa for the original course duration but would be staying illegally in Spain.

If you have not yet received your visa, please contact our team so we can inform you about the current rules and available options.

Yes! If your student visa is denied, you only need to send us the official denial letter by email. In this case, the school will refund all fees paid, minus a 500 Euro administration fee.

If you want to try again to obtain a visa, we can help you file an appeal, which may increase your chances of getting a visa on a second application.

Please send us the denial letter and confirm whether you would like to file an appeal or request a refund.

You can make a €200 deposit to reserve your course and/or accommodation. This deposit secures your place in the course. The remaining balance is due 4 weeks before your course starts.

Please note: If you pay a deposit, any discounts will be lost, and the full fee must be paid. To use a discount, the offer’s end date must be respected.

NON–VISA STUDENTS
Our refund policy complies with current Spanish law regarding refunds in the travel sector. Depending on the reason you are canceling your program the following cancellation policy will apply:

1) In case you are not able to travel to Spain due to an official travel ban between your country and Spain, related to COVID-19, we offer these options:

• Postpone your course to another date without any extra charge. We will gladly postpone your course as many times as you want, you just need to send us an email about it 1 week before the original start date of your course. If you do not know the start date to postpone to, we will give you a voucher to purchase another course for the same price, when you have decided upon the date that you want to start. It will be possible to use this voucher at any future date. The voucher can also be transferred by you to any of your friends or family members if you so wish.
• If you want a cash refund, you will only be able to convert your voucher into a cash refund no earlier than 9 May 2022 - exactly one year since the State of Emergency was lifted here in Spain.

This refund policy is to comply with recent changes in Spanish law regarding such refunds in travel and tourism-related businesses.

2) If you want to cancel the course and accommodation due to personal reasons (not related to Covid-19), the following refund conditions will apply:

• Cancellation up to 28 days before the start of the course: loss of 200 euros deposit only;
• Cancellation 27 to 14 days before the start of the course: loss of the enrolment fee plus 50% of the course fees and 50% of the accommodation fees;
• Cancellation 13 to 7 days before the start of the course: loss of the enrolment fee plus 75% of the course fees and 75% of the accommodation fees;
• Cancellation less than 7 days before the course is due to start: Loss of the enrolment fee plus 100% of the tuition and accommodation fees, and loss of any additional services contracted, such as airport transfers;
• No refund shall be given after the day that the course or accommodation is due to start.

VISA STUDENTS:
Our refund policy complies with current Spanish law regarding refunds in the travel sector. Depending on the reason you are canceling your program the following cancellation policy will apply:

1) If your student visa is rejected, you will only need to send us the official rejection letter by email. In this case, our school will refund you the total fees that you have paid minus 500 euros administrative fee.

• If you would like to make another attempt to get a visa, we can help you submit an appeal which may help you get a visa after the second application.
• If your visa is rejected please send us the rejection letter and confirm if you want to make an appeal or request a refund. Please note that the refund will take approximately 1 year after the visa rejection.

2) If you receive your visa successfully but need to cancel the course and accommodation due to a serious personal reason (illness or accident), our school will only ask you to cancel your visa by contacting the Spanish consulate in your country. After the visa is canceled, the following refund conditions will apply:

• Cancellation up to 28 days before the start of the course: loss of 500 euros deposit;
• Cancellation 27 to 14 days before the start of the course: loss of the enrolment fee plus 50% of the course fees and 50% of the accommodation fees;
• Cancellation 13 to 7 days before the start of the course: loss of the enrolment fee plus 75% of the course fees and 75% of the accommodation fees;
• Cancellation less than 7 days before the course is due to start: Loss of the enrolment fee plus 100% of the tuition and accommodation fees, and loss of any additional services contracted, such as airport transfers;
• No refund shall be given after the day that the course or accommodation is due to start.

3) In case you are not able to travel to Spain due to an official travel ban between your country and Spain, related to COVID-19, we offer these options:

• Postpone your course to another date without any extra charge. We will gladly postpone your course as many times as you want, you just need to send us an email about it 1 week before the original start date of your course. If you do not know the start date to postpone to, we will give you a voucher to purchase another course for the same price, when you have decided upon the date that you want to start. It will be possible to use this voucher at any future date. The voucher can also be transferred by you to any of your friends or family members if you so wish.
• If you want a cash refund, you will be able to convert your voucher into a cash refund within a year after the cancellation.

Your opinion and satisfaction are very important to us! At the end of each week, students receive a questionnaire to evaluate their experience. We encourage all students to share their feedback, as we are always looking to improve our school and services. At Camino Barcelona, every comment is taken seriously.

If you feel unwell, you can go to the nearest pharmacy (opposite the school at Calle Diputación 157). If the pharmacist recommends seeing a doctor:

• EU students: bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC/TSE/111).

• Non-EU students: you must have private health insurance.

To see a doctor, you can make an appointment at a Primary Care Center (C.A.P.) and bring your insurance documents. You can also try going directly to the emergency room.

The closest health center to the school is:
Centre d’Atenció Primària Manso
Calle Manso 17–19, 08015 Barcelona
Tel: (+34) 93 325 28 00

In emergencies, you can call the school at +34 69 626 4150. It is the accommodation phone number and someone should always be available. 

Yes! We can provide all the necessary information and support for your assessor about our school and your learning program so that your Spanish course can count toward The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

At Camino Barcelona, we focus on high-quality programs that allow you to make fast progress in Spanish. While some schools may offer cheaper weekly rates, you may ultimately spend more because it could take longer to complete each level. At Camino, you can move through the levels more efficiently, saving both time and money.

Camino is more than just a Spanish course – it’s a complete experience. Our students benefit from:

• Afternoon Club: Extra Spanish practice for 5 hours per week at no additional cost, including listening, speaking, writing, reading, grammar support, films, homework help, and access to the school library.

• Activities: Up to 7 teacher-led activities per week, such as guided city tours, salsa evenings, paella cooking on the school terraces, bike trips, linguistic exchanges, boat trips, wine tastings, and weekend excursions.

All our teachers are native Spanish speakers with university degrees, official teaching certificates (CAP), postgraduate qualifications in teaching Spanish as a foreign language, and at least 2 years of teaching experience. They also regularly attend training courses to ensure top-quality teaching.

Our teaching method is communicative and immersive, meaning you use Spanish actively in every class – speaking, writing, listening, and reading – in real-life contexts. Lessons are entirely in Spanish, which is proven to be the most effective way to learn the language practically and confidently.

With Camino Barcelona, you’ll not only learn Spanish quickly but also fully immerse yourself in the language and culture, gaining skills you can use in real-life situations from day one.

If you like, you can borrow or buy Spanish books at the school. Borrowing a course book and workbook costs 5 € per week.

To borrow the books, simply leave a 30 € deposit at the reception. Please do not write in the books, so other students can use them later.

Each week, 5 € is deducted from your deposit while you keep the books. For example, if you borrow the books for 2 weeks and then return them, you will get 20 € back.

Our teachers have developed special materials and content for the first week of the beginner course to ensure you learn everything you need to navigate everyday life in Spanish. This includes asking for directions, shopping, ordering food, handling numbers, times, and prices, giving and asking for simple personal information, getting around, meeting new people, expressing likes and dislikes, and much more.

As in all our Spanish courses, the teaching approach is highly practical. You learn Spanish through active use and practice in class, not just theory, so you are well-prepared to use Spanish outside the classroom according to your needs and interests while living and studying in Barcelona.

Our team of experienced native Spanish teachers knows exactly how to make learning practical, effective, and fun.

Becoming fluent in Spanish depends on your course, study intensity, and personal effort. At Camino Barcelona, we offer structured programs to help you make rapid progress. This is the programme for the Intensive course: 

• A1 (Beginner): ~4 weeks to understand and use everyday expressions and basic sentences.

• A2: ~5 weeks to handle simple communication in daily situations.

• B1: ~10 weeks to discuss familiar topics, describe experiences, and express opinions.

• B2: ~12 weeks to communicate effectively with native speakers and understand complex ideas.

• C1: 20+ weeks to express yourself fluently and spontaneously in most situations.

A fluent speaker for everyday life, work, or university usually reaches B2 level, which allows you to comfortably use Spanish in daily interactions. Achieving C1 or C2 is needed only for advanced professional or academic mastery.

Check our detailed study plan for all levels, weekly content, and progress expectations.

The average living costs in Barcelona are around €1,800 per month, including all expenses.

Of course, this amount can be significantly lower or higher depending on your personal lifestyle – for example, depending on the type and location of accommodation, whether you eat out often or cook at home, and your other expenses for shopping, leisure, or entertainment.

We recommend checking prices for various products and services in Barcelona to get a better idea of the standard of living you can afford. You can use online price comparison or information sites for this purpose.

The low season runs from November to February.