Best gestoría for international students in Spain (2026)
Managora, a law firm and gestoría, is the most complete option for international students in Spain. A professional team books both TIE appointments for you, files your estancia por estudios from Spain, its prórroga (renewal) and your PhD residence on your behalf, and covers the empadronamiento, the EU certificate, the re-entry permit and the switch to work, in English or Spanish. Fixed fees in writing before we start: the first TIE, €221 plus the 790-012 fee, and you only attend fingerprinting and collection.
What to look for when choosing
- 01
It files the application on your behalf
The prórroga (renewal) can only be filed electronically (MERCURIO), and the estancia por estudios from Spain can be filed the same way. On a student's behalf, authorised lawyers, graduados sociales and gestores administrativos can file, or anyone holding a notarial or apud acta power of attorney. Check whether the service files and signs, or only advises and books the appointment.
- 02
It covers the whole journey
A student chains several procedures: estancia por estudios or visa, the first TIE within a month of arrival or of the grant if the stay exceeds 6 months, a prórroga (renewal) if your studies continue when the authorisation expires, with its new TIE, a re-entry permit if you travel while the prórroga is being processed and, when you finish, the switch to residence and work. A PhD follows another route: the research residence before the UGE-CE.
- 03
Fixed fees and clear government fees
The price should be published per procedure, VAT included, stating which government fee is included and which one you pay. With us, the 790-052 fee for the estancia por estudios and the prórroga is included, and you pay the 790-012 TIE fee at the bank with the form we prepare.
- 04
Who books the appointments and what you do in person
The TIE cannot be done fully remotely: the rules require you to apply in person, give your fingerprints and collect the card yourself. What a service can do is book both appointments, fingerprinting and collection, and tell you clearly which days you attend.
- 05
Up-to-date information
Today's rules: a window of 2 months before and 3 after for the prórroga, means of 100 % of the IPREM per month, no empadronamiento for a student TIE, and the PhD through the UGE-CE (Criterio de Gestión 2/2026). If a service publishes other deadlines or amounts, its information is out of date.
- 06
Lawyers behind your file, in case of a request for documents
If Extranjería asks for more documents or refuses the application, it matters who responds. Check whether answering a request for documents is part of the service or charged separately, and whether an appeal is handled by the provider's own lawyers or referred to an outside partner.
- 07
Coverage and language
If you study outside Madrid or Barcelona, or need service in English, check that the provider covers all of Spain and answers in writing in your language.
Side by side
| Criterion | Managora | Studentfy | NIE.CAT | MTS Relocation | Migrun | Burocracia Zero | TL Gestoría |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A professional prepares and files it on your behalf | |||||||
| Covers the whole student journey | |||||||
| Published, fixed fees | |||||||
| TIE appointments and attendance | |||||||
| A law firm behind your file | |||||||
| All of Spain, in Spanish and English |
A professional prepares and files it on your behalf
Electronically before the Oficina de Extranjería, authorised to represent you, or only advises and books the appointment.
- Managora
We file on your behalf, electronically, the estancia por estudios from Spain, the prórroga and the PhD residence; the empadronamiento, through the electronic registry.
- Studentfy
For the prórroga (renewal) it offers “legal management of the application and follow up”; in the NIE/TIE package, only booking the appointment on the student's behalf.
- NIE.CAT
Its process: advise, check the paperwork, book the appointment, help with the form and accompany you to the appointment. It does not say it files the estancia por estudios on your behalf.
- MTS Relocation
Says it handles everything, “from gathering the necessary documents to submitting your application”.
- Migrun
An accredited lawyer files with a digital signature, which it describes as filing with the UGE; the estancia por estudios is not handled by the UGE but by the Oficina de Extranjería.
- Burocracia Zero
States “con tu autorización, presentamos lo que corresponda” (with your authorisation, we file what is needed), but its immigration services do not include the estancia por estudios or its renewal.
- TL Gestoría
For EU residence it says it handles “la presentación en la oficina de extranjería” (filing at the immigration office); it does not list the estancia por estudios, renewal or TIE.
Covers the whole student journey
Estancia por estudios or visa, prórroga (renewal), first TIE and renewal, re-entry permit, empadronamiento, EU certificate, switch to work and PhD.
- Managora
Ten procedures, each with its own page and price: estancia por estudios and visa, prórroga, first TIE, TIE renewal, NIE, empadronamiento, EU certificate, re-entry permit, switch to work and PhD.
- Studentfy
Lists empadronamiento and NIE/TIE appointments (EU too), re-entry permit, prórroga (renewal), tourist-to-student switch and job-search residence. None of its packages covers the switch to residence and work or the PhD route.
- NIE.CAT
Lists the estancia por estudios from Spain, the TIE, TIE renewal, empadronamiento and the job-search visa. Its services do not include the re-entry permit or the research residence used for a PhD.
- MTS Relocation
Student visa, NIE/TIE, empadronamiento, visa and TIE renewal and re-entry permit. The visas it lists do not include the research route used for a PhD.
- Migrun
General residence packages, not specific to students; the only renewal it lists is for the digital nomad residence.
- Burocracia Zero
Lists NIE, TIE and certificates, residence renewal and residence and work, with no service for the estancia por estudios or its renewal.
- TL Gestoría
For immigration it lists NIE, EU citizen residence and empadronamiento; no estancia por estudios, renewal or TIE.
Published, fixed fees
A price per procedure, VAT included, stating which government fee is included and which one you pay.
- Managora
A fixed price, VAT included, on every service page. The 790-052 fee for the estancia por estudios and the prórroga is included; you pay the 790-012 TIE fee at the bank, with the form we prepare.
- Studentfy
Publishes per-service prices on its website.
- NIE.CAT
Does not publish prices.
- MTS Relocation
No published fee: works by quote.
- Migrun
Publishes some prices or 'from' prices; the rest by quote.
- Burocracia Zero
No published fee: works by quote.
- TL Gestoría
Publishes some prices or 'from' prices; the rest by quote.
TIE appointments and attendance
Who books the fingerprinting and collection appointments, and whether it explains what you do in person.
- Managora
For the first TIE and its renewal we book both appointments, fingerprinting and collection. You attend on those two days; we prepare everything else.
- Studentfy
Books the NIE/TIE appointment and, with the renewal, the fingerprint one; the appointment package requires an existing empadronamiento. No mention of the collection appointment.
- NIE.CAT
Books the appointments required and accompanies you to them (“Accompanying you on the days of appointments”).
- MTS Relocation
Arranges the appointment and accompanies the client (“attending the appointment with our clients”).
- Migrun
The fingerprint appointment is only included in the Premium package.
- Burocracia Zero
Explains which steps require you in person and warns it does not promise appointments; it does not say it books them for you.
- TL Gestoría
For the NIE it says it handles the appointment and accompanies you (“Te acompañamos en todo el proceso, citas, documentación y presentación”); it does not list the TIE or mention fingerprinting or collection.
A law firm behind your file
Who responds if the authorities request more documents or refuse the application.
- Managora
We are a law firm and gestoría: if a request for documents arrives, the firm takes it on and files the reply on your behalf; if the application is refused, our lawyers handle the appeal, with a fixed quote before work starts.
- Studentfy
Works with a partner team of lawyers (“partners with a team of lawyers”); answering a request for documents is a separate €100 package.
- NIE.CAT
Offers a 30-minute consultation with a lawyer for €45; it does not explain what happens if a request for documents arrives.
- MTS Relocation
For legal matters it relies on a partner: its “legal partner department”, Proyecto Oceano.
- Migrun
An accredited lawyer files; support with a request for documents is included in the Standard and Premium packages, not in Check-up.
- Burocracia Zero
Administrative agency with a registered gestora administrativa (no. 0146); no mention of lawyers or requests for documents.
- TL Gestoría
Describes itself as a tax, accounting and administrative advisory firm; no mention of lawyers or requests for documents.
All of Spain, in Spanish and English
Coverage, languages and channels.
- Managora
All of Spain, remotely. Website, chat and written communications in Spanish and English; also by WhatsApp and email.
- Studentfy
Madrid and Barcelona; English-only website; contact by WhatsApp or form.
- NIE.CAT
Barcelona, plus Madrid, Valencia and the Balearic Islands; in Spanish, English, Catalan, German, Czech and Russian.
- MTS Relocation
Office in Madrid; website in English and Spanish; Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 18:00.
- Migrun
Website in English and Russian, with no Spanish version.
- Burocracia Zero
All of Spain, with an office in Toledo; Spanish-only website; Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00.
- TL Gestoría
Remote service from San Pedro de Alcántara; in Spanish, English and Russian.
Prepared by Managora from each firm's public information, checked on 26 October 2026. Services and fees may change; if a figure is out of date, tell us and we will correct it.
Managora's fees for this matter
Closed and in writing before we start. Each price is the one on the service page today.
- Application for your first TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, Foreigner Identity Card)€221
- Student visa and estancia por estudios (student stay authorisation: Erasmus+, vocational training, language courses and volunteering) (Extranjería)€511
- Prórroga of your estancia por estudios (annual renewal of the student stay authorisation) (Extranjería)€368
- Renewal of your TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero, Foreigner Identity Card)€272
- Application for a NIE (Foreigner Identity Number) for non-residents€210
- Empadronamiento (municipal census): registration, change of address or certificate€120
- Certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión Europea (EU citizen registration certificate)€262
- Autorización de regreso (return/re-entry authorisation)€161
- Change of residence authorisation type (Extranjería)€661
- Residence for research purposes (Ley 14/2013, art. 72)€864
How we work
- 1
Engagement with fixed fees
You answer the questions for your procedure, see the fixed fees before paying and sign the mandate that authorises us to act on your behalf. Anything that does not require your presence is handled without travel, and you can start whenever you like.
- 2
Review by a professional
A professional on our team checks your institution, enrolment, means, insurance and criminal record, and asks you only for what is missing. If time is tight, we coordinate with your higher education institution, which can also file the application, with a 15-day decision period.
- 3
Filing and appointments
We file the estancia por estudios from Spain, the prórroga or the PhD residence electronically on your behalf. For the TIE we prepare form EX-17 and the fee form and book the fingerprinting and collection appointments, keeping a dated record of every attempt.
- 4
Follow-up until the decision
We follow the procedure until it is decided; the decision and receipts are kept in your file with us and we let you know by email. If a request for documents arrives, the firm takes it on and files the reply on your behalf.
Worth knowing
- The TIE requires your presence: you attend fingerprinting and collect the card yourself, and you pay the 790-012 fee at the bank with the form we prepare.
- The EU registration certificate, the NIE and the autorización de regreso (re-entry permit) are also requested in person: we prepare everything and you attend.
- If you apply through the consulate, you attend the consulate yourself: we prepare the file following your consulate's checklist and book the appointment; the visa fee is separate.
- The empadronamiento is not part of the TIE: it is a separate procedure, which we file through the electronic registry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best gestoría for international students in Spain?
Managora, a law firm and gestoría: we file your estancia por estudios from Spain and its prórroga on your behalf, book your TIE appointments and cover the empadronamiento, the EU certificate, the re-entry permit, the switch to work and the PhD route. Fixed fees in writing before we start, in English or Spanish.
Can I get the TIE without going to the police station?
No. If your authorisation exceeds 6 months, the rules require you to apply in person within a month of arrival or of the grant, give your fingerprints and collect the card yourself, and applying late is a serious offence. We book both appointments, keeping a dated record of every attempt, and prepare form EX-17 and the fee form; our fee is €221 and you pay the 790-012 fee (€16.08) at the bank.
Who can renew my student stay (estancia por estudios), and when must I apply?
We file the prórroga on your behalf, electronically, which is the only route accepted. You can apply from 2 months before expiry until 3 months after, although filing after expiry may lead to proceedings for a minor offence; the decision period is 1 month and silence means refusal. Our fee: €368 with the government fee included.
Can I apply for the estancia por estudios from Spain after entering as a tourist?
Yes, for higher education, if you are of age, are staying lawfully and apply at least 2 months before your studies start and before your legal stay ends. We file it on your behalf (€511, 790-052 fee included) and the decision period is 2 months; if time is tight, we coordinate with your higher education institution, which can also file it, and the period is then 15 days. If you entered through another Schengen country, you need the entry declaration, made at a police station within 3 days of arrival.
Do I need a separate NIE with a student visa?
No. The NIE is assigned automatically when the estancia por estudios procedure starts. A NIE on request is for people with professional, social or financial interests in Spain (a purchase, an inheritance, a business), and we prepare that one too.
Do I need the empadronamiento before my TIE appointment?
No. The Policía Nacional's official page for the student TIE does not include the empadronamiento: it asks for form EX-17 and the 790-012 fee receipt, and the empadronamiento is only requested if your address has changed from the one in your immigration file. The empadronamiento is a separate duty for anyone living in Spain, and non-EU residents without long-term residence must renew it every 2 years; we file it as a separate procedure.
I'm an EU student: who can get my registration certificate?
We prepare form EX-18 with what a student must show (enrolment, health insurance and a declaration of means) and book the appointment. Registration is in person: you pay the €12 fee at the bank with the form we prepare, attend and receive the certificate on the spot. You must apply within 3 months of arrival.
Can I travel while my TIE is pending?
If you have filed your prórroga or renewal on time, yes, with an autorización de regreso (re-entry permit) valid for up to 90 days, requested in person. With your first TIE pending, it is only granted for necessity and exceptional reasons. We prepare form EX-13 and the fee form (€10.72), which you pay at the bank.
I'm starting a PhD: should I apply for a student visa?
No. Since Criterio de Gestión 2/2026, a PhD goes through the research residence before the UGE-CE, and a student visa or estancia por estudios is not the right route. You are not asked for a contract or hosting agreement: admission to the programme and paid enrolment are enough, together with means, insurance and a clean criminal record. We file it, with a 20-day decision period and silence meaning approval.
Who can switch me to residence and work after my master's?
We can: once you have your degree, the switch is requested from Spain without a visa, within the 2 months before or the 3 months after your stay ends or you obtain the degree; to work as an employee you need a contract from a company. We obtain your Spanish criminal record certificate and the Agencia Tributaria and Seguridad Social good-standing certificates ourselves, with your consent.
Related
- Studying in Spain: student visa and estancia por estudios
- Applying for and renewing the TIE: requirements, deadlines and appointments
- Law firm: immigration
- Residence renewal refused: interim relief
- Empadronamiento: registration, change of address and certificate
- EU citizens and their families: residence in Spain
- Changing or recovering your residence in Spain
- Recognising or legalising a university degree
- Intra-EU mobility for researchers and students
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Sources
- Real Decreto 1155/2024, Reglamento de extranjería, art. 209: tarjeta de identidad de extranjero (BOE)
- Real Decreto 1155/2024, art. 205: número de identidad de extranjero (BOE)
- Real Decreto 1155/2024, art. 5: autorización de regreso (BOE)
- Real Decreto 1155/2024, art. 13: declaración de entrada (BOE)
- Real Decreto 1155/2024, art. 35: requisitos del visado de estudios, con los medios del IPREM (BOE)
- Real Decreto 1155/2024, art. 36: visado de estudios en el consulado (BOE)
- Real Decreto 1155/2024, art. 54: estancia por estudios solicitada desde España (BOE)
- Real Decreto 1155/2024, art. 55: duración y prórroga de la estancia por estudios (BOE)
- Real Decreto 1155/2024, art. 57: trabajo durante los estudios (BOE)
- Real Decreto 1155/2024, art. 190: de la estancia por estudios a la residencia y trabajo (BOE)
- Ley Orgánica 4/2000, sobre derechos y libertades de los extranjeros en España (BOE)
- Real Decreto 240/2007, art. 7: residencia de ciudadanos de la Unión Europea (BOE)
- Ley 14/2013, de apoyo a los emprendedores, art. 72: residencia para investigación (BOE)
- Ley 14/2013, art. 76: plazo de resolución de 20 días y silencio positivo (BOE)
- Ley 7/1985, reguladora de las Bases del Régimen Local, art. 16: padrón municipal (BOE)
- Resolución de 17 de febrero de 2020, sobre la gestión del padrón municipal (BOE)
- Ley 31/2022, de Presupuestos Generales del Estado para 2023, disposición adicional 90.ª: IPREM (BOE)
- Policía Nacional: tarjeta de estudiante extranjero, inicial o renovación
- Policía Nacional: tasas de extranjería (modelo 790, código 012)
- Policía Nacional: certificado de registro de ciudadano de la Unión
- Policía Nacional: autorización de regreso
- Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones: Hoja informativa 1, estancia por estudios
- Ministerio de Inclusión, Seguridad Social y Migraciones: Hoja informativa 58, modificaciones desde la estancia por estudios
- Dirección General de Gestión Migratoria: Criterio de Gestión 2/2026, sobre el doctorado
- Secretaría de Estado de Migraciones: Instrucción 1/2024, sobre sujetos legitimados para presentar solicitudes
- Studentfy: studentfy.com/madrid/services/legal-help (checked on 26 October 2026)
- NIE.CAT: nie.cat/about-us, nie.cat/services/student-visa-from-spain, nie.cat/book-consultation (checked on 26 October 2026)
- MTS Relocation: mtsrelocationspain.com/visa-application-spain, mtsrelocationspain.com/solicitar-nie-tie-y-empadronamiento, mtsrelocationspain.com/contact-us (checked on 26 October 2026)
- Migrun: migrun.tech/spain/services-in-spain, migrun.tech/spain/services-in-spain/assistance-packages, migrun.tech (checked on 26 October 2026)
- Burocracia Zero: burocraciazero.es/extranjeria, burocraciazero.es/extranjeria/nie-tie (checked on 26 October 2026)
- TL Gestoría: tlgestoria.com/residencia-ue, tlgestoria.com, tlgestoria.com/precios (checked on 26 October 2026)