{"id":23864,"date":"2025-11-20T19:01:34","date_gmt":"2025-11-20T19:01:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/martinezcaballeroabogados.com\/sem-instruction-3-2025-new-rules-for-long-term-study-stays-in-spain\/"},"modified":"2025-11-27T09:15:13","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T09:15:13","slug":"sem-instruction-3-2025-new-rules-for-long-term-study-stays-in-spain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/martinezcaballeroabogados.com\/en\/sem-instruction-3-2025-new-rules-for-long-term-study-stays-in-spain\/","title":{"rendered":"SEM Instruction 3\/2025: new rules for long-term study stays in Spain."},"content":{"rendered":"\n

SEM Instruction 3\/2025, published by the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, is a fundamental step in the practical application of the new Royal Decree 1155\/2024, which regulates the immigration regime in Spain. <\/a><\/p>\n\n

In this article I analyze its main novelties, what they imply for foreign students and what is my professional assessment.<\/p>\n\n

1. What does this instruction regulate?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

SEM Instruction 3\/2025 clarifies how to process long-term stay authorizations for studies, student mobility, volunteer services or training activities. <\/a><\/p>\n\n

Among other aspects, it specifies the requirements, duration, accreditation of the activity, extensions, incorporation of family members and transitional regime for authorizations granted under the previous regulations. <\/a><\/p>\n\n

2. Highlights and key aspects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

a) Recognition of language courses as higher education studies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

It is considered that certain face-to-face language courses, taught in recognized higher education institutions, can be understood as “higher education” for authorization purposes, provided that the language is neither the mother tongue nor the official language of the applicant’s country.This assumption broadens the access possibilities for many people and provides greater flexibility.<\/p>\n\n

b) Flexibility in the payment of tuition or enrollment fees<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The instruction clarifies that the payment of registration or enrollment fees is considered fulfilled even if it is fractioned, exempted or by agreement, as long as it is accredited. A responsible declaration is also admitted when the deadlines coincide poorly with the administrative procedure. <\/p>\n\n

c) Length of stay<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The option is offered for the authorization to coincide exactly with the actual duration of the studies or training activity, without the obligation to add one month before and fifteen days after. <\/a><\/p>\n\n

d) Extensions and background checks<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

When the initial authorization is less than six months and, with the extension, the total exceeds this period, the absence of a criminal record in the countries of residence for the last five years is required. In addition, the corresponding fee must be paid. <\/a><\/p>\n\n

e) Incorporation of family members<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The instruction allows the student’s family members (when applicable) to process their authorization of stay simultaneously with the holder, both in Spain and via consular visa, provided that the holder obtains his or her authorization. <\/a><\/p>\n\n

f) Transitional regime<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Rules are established for those who had previous authorizations under Royal Decree 557\/2011, including the possibility of adapting their situation to the new regulatory framework, and in certain cases of a one-time extension. <\/a><\/p>\n\n

3. My assessment as an expert in foreigners’ affairs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

I believe that SEM Instruction 3\/2025 represents a significant and welcome advance in the field of foreigners and academic mobility in Spain.<\/p>\n\n

Positive aspects<\/strong><\/p>\n\n